\id MAT - The English New Testament According to Family 35 
\h Matthew 
\toc3 Mat. 
\toc2 Matthew 
\toc1 The Gospel According to Matthew 
\mt2 The Gospel According to  
\mt1 MATTHEW  
\c 1  
\ms1 Abraham to Christ—1997 \sc bc\sc*→5 \sc bc\sc*  
\m
\v 1 \w A|strong="G5547"\w* \w genealogy|strong="G1078"\w*\f + \fr 1:1 \ft There is no definite article.\f* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*, \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* Abraham:   
\q1
\v 2 Abraham begot \w Isaac|strong="G2464"\w*, \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Isaac|strong="G2464"\w* begot \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w*, \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w* begot \w Judah|strong="G2455"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* brothers;   
\q2
\v 3 \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judah|strong="G2455"\w* begot \w Perez|strong="G5329"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Zerah|strong="G2196"\w* \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w Tamar|strong="G2283"\w*, \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Perez|strong="G5329"\w* begot \w Hezron|strong="G2074"\w*, \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Hezron|strong="G2074"\w* begot Ram;   
\q2
\v 4 \w then|strong="G1161"\w* Ram begot Amminadab, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* Amminadab begot \w Nahshon|strong="G3476"\w*, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Nahshon|strong="G3476"\w* begot \w Salmon|strong="G4533"\w*;   
\q2
\v 5 \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Salmon|strong="G4533"\w* begot \w Boaz|strong="G1003"\w* \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w Rahab|strong="G4477"\w*, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Boaz|strong="G1003"\w* begot \w Obed|strong="G5601"\w* \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w Ruth|strong="G4503"\w*, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Obed|strong="G5601"\w* begot \w Jesse|strong="G2421"\w*,   
\q2
\v 6 \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesse|strong="G2421"\w* begot \w David|strong="G1138"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w*. \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w King|strong="G3588"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* begot \w Solomon|strong="G4672"\w* \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w* \it who was\it* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Uriah|strong="G3774"\w*,\f + \fr 1:6 \ft Sins may be forgiven, but your curriculum remains—3,000 years later we still read about David's sin (Bathsheba is not named, she was Uriah's wife). The only women included in the genealogy (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth [Deuteronomy 23:13], Bathsheba) represent some violation—perhaps to emphasize the grace of God.\f*   
\q1
\v 7 \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Solomon|strong="G4672"\w* begot \w Rehoboam|strong="G4497"\w*, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Rehoboam|strong="G4497"\w* begot Abijah, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* Abijah begot Asa;   
\q2
\v 8 \w then|strong="G1161"\w* Asa begot \w Jehoshaphat|strong="G2498"\w*, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jehoshaphat|strong="G2498"\w* begot \w Joram|strong="G2496"\w*, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Joram|strong="G2496"\w* begot \w Uzziah|strong="G3604"\w*;   
\q2
\v 9 \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Uzziah|strong="G3604"\w* begot \w Jotham|strong="G2488"\w*, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jotham|strong="G2488"\w* begot Ahaz, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* Ahaz begot \w Hezekiah|strong="G1478"\w*;   
\q2
\v 10 \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Hezekiah|strong="G1478"\w* begot \w Manasseh|strong="G3128"\w*, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Manasseh|strong="G3128"\w* begot Amon, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* Amon begot \w Josiah|strong="G2502"\w*;   
\q2
\v 11 \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Josiah|strong="G2502"\w* begot \w Jeconiah|strong="G2423"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* brothers \w about|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w time|strong="G1909"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Babylonian captivity.   
\q1
\v 12 \w After|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* Babylonian captivity \w Jeconiah|strong="G2423"\w* begot \w Shealtiel|strong="G4528"\w*, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Shealtiel|strong="G4528"\w* begot \w Zerubbabel|strong="G2216"\w*;   
\q2
\v 13 \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Zerubbabel|strong="G2216"\w* begot Abiud, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* Abiud begot \w Eliakim|strong="G1662"\w*, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Eliakim|strong="G1662"\w* begot Azor;   
\q2
\v 14 \w then|strong="G1161"\w* Azor begot \w Zadok|strong="G4524"\w*, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Zadok|strong="G4524"\w* begot Achim, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* Achim begot \w Eliud|strong="G1664"\w*;   
\q2
\v 15 \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Eliud|strong="G1664"\w* begot \w Eleazar|strong="G1648"\w*, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Eleazar|strong="G1648"\w* begot \w Matthan|strong="G3157"\w*, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Matthan|strong="G3157"\w* begot \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w*;   
\q2
\v 16 \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w* begot \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* husband \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w*, \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w begotten|strong="G1080"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.\f + \fr 1:16 \ft Here the formula changes, because Jesus could not be the son of Joseph—see Jeremiah 22:30.\f*   
\p
\v 17 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w generations|strong="G1074"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* Abraham \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w fourteen|strong="G1180"\w* \w generations|strong="G1074"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Babylonian captivity \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w fourteen|strong="G1180"\w* \w generations|strong="G1074"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Babylonian captivity \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w fourteen|strong="G1180"\w* \w generations|strong="G1074"\w*.\f + \fr 1:17 \ft This is really Joseph's genealogy. As foster father he confers the legal right to the throne of David on Jesus. Since the throne of David has to do with the covenant people, this genealogy only goes back to Abraham. In contrast, Mary's genealogy (Luke 3:23-38) goes back to Adam and God—Jesus was literally son of both Adam and God. It has been observed that from David to the captivity there were seventeen kings, but Ahaziah reigned only one year, Amon only two and Abijah only three, so they would not count as generations—Matthew is correct in saying there were fourteen ‘generations’. For further discussion of perceived difficulties in this genealogy, please see the Appendix: Some related anomalies in Matthew's genealogy of the Christ.\f*   
\ms1 Conception of Jesus—5 \sc bc\sc*  
\p
\v 18 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w birth|strong="G1078"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G3779"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w*: \w After|strong="G1161"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w betrothed|strong="G3423"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w*, \w before|strong="G4250"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* joined \w together|strong="G4905"\w*, \w she|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w pregnant|strong="G1064"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.\f + \fr 1:18 \ft For more detail on this, see Luke 1:26-38.\f*  
\v 19 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* husband,\f + \fr 1:19 \ft The betrothal was legally binding, so the man was then called ‘husband’, even before the physical union.\f* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w just|strong="G1342"\w* \w man|strong="G1342"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w wanting|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* humiliate \w her|strong="G1438"\w* publicly, decided \w to|strong="G2532"\w* repudiate \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w secretly|strong="G2977"\w*.  
\v 20 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* pondered \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*, wow, \w an|strong="G1722"\w* angel \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w appeared|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w dream|strong="G3677"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w*, \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*, \w do|strong="G3004"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w receive|strong="G3880"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2962"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w conceived|strong="G1080"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w her|strong="G3708"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.  
\v 21 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G5088"\w* \w birth|strong="G5088"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G2564"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w call|strong="G2564"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \nd \+w He|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*\f + \fr 1:21 \ft To whom does “His people” refer? To actually receive the salvation one must believe into Jesus, so the reference would appear to be to those who have identified with Him as their Savior.\f* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* sins.”  
\v 22 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w*, namely:  
\v 23 “\w Behold|strong="G2400"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w virgin|strong="G3933"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w become|strong="G1510"\w* \w pregnant|strong="G1064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w bear|strong="G5088"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w call|strong="G2564"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w Emmanuel|strong="G1694"\w*”,\f + \fr 1:23 \ft The quote is from Isaiah 7:14. Matthew uses the Greek παρθενος, which unambiguously means ‘virgin’, to translate the Hebrew ‘\ft \+it alma\+it*’, which is ambiguous—it refers to a young woman who may be a virgin, but not necessarily. Isaiah did not use \+it bethulah\+it*, which refers unambiguously to a virgin, because, I suppose, the context demands an immediate fulfillment, which was supplied by Isaiah's wife, as the next chapter makes clear. It follows that translations of Isaiah 7:14 that render ‘young woman’ are not doing violence to the Hebrew Text.\f* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w translated|strong="G3177"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*, ‘\w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*’.\f + \fr 1:23 \ft ‘God with us’ is stronger than ‘God is with us’; Jesus was literally God living among us.\f*  
\v 24 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w*, \w being|strong="G2532"\w* aroused \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w sleep|strong="G5258"\w*, \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* angel \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w commanded|strong="G4367"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G3880"\w* \w his|strong="G4160"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*,\f + \fr 1:24 \ft Apparently there was some urgency involved; it sounds like he did it that same night (Mary was at least three months pregnant)—at night there would not be any onlookers.\f*  
\v 25 \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w*\f + \fr 1:25 \ft The use of this conjunction implies that they had normal relations after Jesus' birth, and in fact they had at least six children together. In the Bible the verb ‘to know’ is used to refer to sexual intercourse. Matthew is said to have ‘published’ his Gospel in about 39 AD. By then Mary would be past the age when she could have children, even if she was still alive. So for Matthew to write ‘firstborn’ means there were others later; if Mary had had only one child Matthew would have written ‘only born’.\f* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w given|strong="G2564"\w* \w birth|strong="G5088"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* firstborn.\f + \fr 1:25 \ft Only 0.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “her” and “the firstborn” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). That is eight manuscripts against 1,454 that have been collated, but there are probably over 300 others yet to be collated that will swell the number against the eight. Why do so-called ‘evangelical’ scholars insist on damaging the Text based on such ridiculously inferior and inadequate ‘evidence’?\f* \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w JESUS|strong="G2424"\w*.   
\c 2  
\ms1 Jesus is born—4 \sc bc\sc*  
\s1 The ‘wise men’  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w born|strong="G1080"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Bethlehem \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w*, \w behold|strong="G2400"\w*, \w wise|strong="G3854"\w* \w men|strong="G3097"\w* [\it magi\it*] \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* East \w came|strong="G3854"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*,  
\v 2 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Where|strong="G4226"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G3708"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w born|strong="G5088"\w* \w King|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*? \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w we|strong="G1063"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* star \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* East \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w worship|strong="G4352"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.”  
\v 3 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* heard \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w became|strong="G3588"\w* agitated, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 4 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w gathering|strong="G4863"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w inquired|strong="G4441"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w where|strong="G4226"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w born|strong="G1080"\w*.\f + \fr 2:4 \ft The magi said, “King of the Jews”; Herod said, “Messiah”. Evidently he knew something about OT prophecy.\f*  
\v 5 \w So|strong="G3779"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w In|strong="G1722"\w* Bethlehem \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w thus|strong="G3779"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* stands \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*:   
\q1
\v 6 ‘\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, Bethlehem, \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Judah|strong="G2455"\w*,  
\q2 \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G1510"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w least|strong="G1646"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w rulers|strong="G2232"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Judah|strong="G2455"\w*,  
\q1 \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w come|strong="G1831"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Ruler|strong="G2233"\w*  
\q2 \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w shepherd|strong="G4165"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 2:6 \ft See Micah 5:2.\f*   
\m
\v 7 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*, \w calling|strong="G2564"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* wise \w men|strong="G3097"\w* \w secretly|strong="G2977"\w*, determined \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w* \w when|strong="G5119"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* star \w appeared|strong="G5316"\w*.  
\v 8 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* directing \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Bethlehem \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w get|strong="G2147"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w*, \w search|strong="G1833"\w* carefully \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* young \w child|strong="G3813"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w bring|strong="G3004"\w* \w back|strong="G1519"\w* \w word|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w worship|strong="G4352"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.”\f + \fr 2:8 \ft Presumably Herod was a good actor, so if they hadn't been warned in a dream, they would probably have reported back.\f*   
\s1 The Star!  
\p
\v 9 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w departed|strong="G4198"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* star \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* East! \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w before|strong="G4254"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w arrived|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w stopped|strong="G2476"\w* \w above|strong="G1883"\w* \w where|strong="G3757"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w young|strong="G3739"\w* \w Child|strong="G3813"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w*.  
\v 10 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* star \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w rejoiced|strong="G5463"\w* \w with|strong="G3588"\w* \w exceedingly|strong="G4970"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w*!\f + \fr 2:10 \ft It reappeared after two years. They had undertaken an expensive and dangerous journey in the dark, as it were. Now God confirms that they are on the right track. They are beside themselves with joy! It guided them to the very house.\f*  
\v 11 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*\f + \fr 2:11 \ft Joseph probably used the stable (Luke 2:7) for only one night; the next day he would look for more adequate quarters. That Jesus was born at night is clear from Luke 2:8-12. The angels appeared at night (verse 8) and said “this day” (verse 11)—the shepherds were Jews, and the Jewish day began at 6:00 p.m. Since the shepherds broadcasted the message delivered by the angel, any people in the town who loved God would want to help Joseph. The Text says ‘young child’, not ‘baby’—the visit to Jerusalem (Luke 2:22-38) is now well behind them.\f* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w young|strong="G4374"\w* \w Child|strong="G3813"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*,\f + \fr 2:11 \ft They may have arrived at night. All the events recorded in verses 1-8 presumably happened the same day. It is only some ten miles from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, but it may have been already dark when they started out. The Text says that they saw Jesus and Mary; Joseph is not mentioned. Perhaps he was sleeping in another room. If the magi took off immediately, as I suppose, then the angel roused Joseph as soon as they were out the door.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w falling|strong="G4098"\w* \w down|strong="G4098"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w worshiped|strong="G4352"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* opening \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w treasures|strong="G2344"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w presented|strong="G4374"\w* \w gifts|strong="G1435"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*: \w gold|strong="G5557"\w*, \w frankincense|strong="G3030"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w myrrh|strong="G4666"\w*.\f + \fr 2:11 \ft Because the gifts were three, some have assumed that the magi were three, but nowhere does the Text specify the number. Now, as then, those who are wise still seek Him. The gifts were providential to meet their financial needs in Egypt and beyond, quite apart from any symbolism.\f*  
\v 12 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w warned|strong="G5537"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w dream|strong="G3677"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* return \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* departed \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \it own\it* \w country|strong="G5561"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* different \w road|strong="G3598"\w*.   
\s1 The flight to Egypt  
\p
\v 13 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* departed, \w again|strong="G1453"\w*, \w an|strong="G2532"\w* angel \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w appeared|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w dream|strong="G3677"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*, \w take|strong="G3880"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* young \w Child|strong="G3813"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*, \w flee|strong="G5343"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Egypt \w and|strong="G2532"\w* stay \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*; \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w seek|strong="G2212"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* young \w Child|strong="G3813"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* destroy \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*!”  
\v 14 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G3880"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* young \w Child|strong="G3813"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w*\f + \fr 2:14 \ft That same night, immediately. A suspicious man like Herod doubtless sent a spy to keep an eye on the magi. When they took off in the opposite direction Herod would have been informed within a few hours. If Joseph had waited until morning it would probably have been too late.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* departed \w for|strong="G1519"\w* Egypt.  
\v 15 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w death|strong="G5054"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w*, namely: “\w Out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* Egypt \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*.”\f + \fr 2:15 \ft The time spent in Egypt was possibly only a month or two. The quote is from Hosea 11:1, which in that context refers to Israel, but Jesus was/is literally God's Son—OT prophecies often have a dual reference/application.\f*   
\s1 The massacre  
\p
\v 16 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*, \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* deceived \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* wise \w men|strong="G3956"\w*, \w became|strong="G3588"\w* \w very|strong="G3029"\w* angry, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* killed \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* boys \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Bethlehem \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w its|strong="G3956"\w* districts, \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w two|strong="G1332"\w* \w years|strong="G1332"\w* \w old|strong="G1332"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w*, \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* determined \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* wise \w men|strong="G3956"\w*.\f + \fr 2:16 \ft Obviously it had been his intention to kill Jesus.\f*  
\v 17 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w Jeremiah|strong="G2408"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w*, namely:   
\q1
\v 18 “\w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* heard \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Ramah|strong="G4471"\w*,  
\q2 lamentation, \w weeping|strong="G2799"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* \w mourning|strong="G3602"\w*;  
\q1 \w Rachel|strong="G4478"\w* \w weeping|strong="G2799"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w her|strong="G3754"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w wanting|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w comforted|strong="G3870"\w*,  
\q2 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w more|strong="G4183"\w*.”\f + \fr 2:18 \ft Ramah was a district of Bethlehem. The quote is from Jeremiah 31:15. The birth of the Savior resulted in the massacre of many infants; being the fulfillment of prophecy means it was part of the Plan. God's ways seem strange to us at times, but He is under no obligation to explain His actions. (However, based on Jeremiah 31:16 I wonder if God did not compensate the parents somehow.)\f*   
\s1 The return to Natsareth  
\p
\v 19 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* having \w died|strong="G5053"\w*, \w there|strong="G1161"\w*, \w an|strong="G1722"\w* angel \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w appeared|strong="G3708"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w dream|strong="G3677"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Egypt  
\v 20 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*, \w take|strong="G3880"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* young \w Child|strong="G3813"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w*\f + \fr 2:20 \ft The Text is plainly plural here, so who else besides Herod had died? That massacre would not be a nice thing to have on the record, and it may be that Herod had ordered the execution of others who were involved.\f* \w seeking|strong="G2212"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* young \w Child|strong="G3813"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w died|strong="G2348"\w*.”  
\v 21 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G3880"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* young \w Child|strong="G3813"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*.  
\v 22 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* hearing \w that|strong="G3754"\w* Archelaus \w was|strong="G3588"\w* reigning \w over|strong="G2596"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w instead|strong="G1161"\w* \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1519"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*. \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w being|strong="G2264"\w* \w warned|strong="G5537"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w dream|strong="G3677"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* proceeded \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* region \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*.  
\v 23 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w arriving|strong="G2064"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w settled|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* Natsareth [Branch-town],\f + \fr 2:23 \ft We know from Luke that Natsareth was Joseph's home—his house and business were waiting for him (although he had been gone for quite a while). The name of the town in Hebrew is based on the consonants נצר (\+it resh, tsadde, nun\+it*), but since Hebrew is read from right to left, for us the order is reversed = n, ts, r. This word root means ‘branch’. Greek has the equivalent for ‘ps’ and ‘ks’, but not for ‘ts’, so the transliteration used a ζ (\+it zeta\+it*) ‘dz’, which is the voiced counterpart of ‘ts’. But when the Greek was transliterated into English it came out as ‘z’! But Hebrew has a ‘z’, ז (\+it zayin\+it*), so in transliterating back into Hebrew people assumed the consonants נזר, replacing the correct \+it tsadde\+it* with \+it zayin\+it*. This technical information is necessary as background for the next footnote.\f* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* Natsorean [Branch-man].\f + \fr 2:23 \ft Neither ‘Nazareth’ nor ‘Nazarene’, spelled with a \+it zayin\+it*, is to be found in the Old Testament, but there is a prophetic reference to Messiah as the Branch, \+it netser\+it*—Isaiah 11:1—and several to the related word, \+it tsemach\+it*—Isaiah 4:2; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15; Zechariah 3:8; 6:12. So Matthew is quite right—the prophets (plural, being at least three) referred to Christ as the Branch. Since Jesus was a man, He would be the ‘Branch-man’, from ‘Branch-town’. Which brings us to the word ‘Natsorean’. The familiar ‘Nazarene’ (Ναζαρηνος) [Natsarene] occurs in Mark 1:24; 14:67; 16:6 and Luke 4:34, but here in Matthew 2:23 and in fourteen other places, including Acts 22:8 where the glorified Jesus calls \+nd Himself\+nd* that, the word is ‘Natsorean’ (Ναζωραιος), which is quite different. (Actually, in Acts 22:8 Jesus introduced Himself to Saul as ‘\+nd the\+nd* Natsorean’, which Saul would understand as a reference to the Messiah.) To my surprise, Pilate put “the Natsorean” in the accusation above the cross—John 19:19. I have been given to understand that the Nazareth of Jesus' day had been founded some 100 years before by a Branch family who called it Branch town; they were very much aware of the prophecies about the Branch and fully expected the Messiah to be born from among them—they called themselves Branch-people (Natsoreans). Of course everyone else thought it was a big joke and tended to look down on them. “Can anything good…?”\f*   
\c 3  
\ms1 Ministry of John the Baptizer—26 AD  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Baptizer \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w preaching|strong="G2784"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w*  
\v 2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Repent|strong="G3340"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w has|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2532"\w* \w near|strong="G1448"\w*!”  
\v 3 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w he|strong="G3778"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w referred|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w Isaiah|strong="G2268"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\q1 “\w A|strong="G1722"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* crying-out,  
\q2 ‘\w Prepare|strong="G2090"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc*,  
\q2 \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w paths|strong="G5147"\w* \w straight|strong="G2117"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 3:3 \ft The reference is to Isaiah 40:3. Hebrew poetry, and prose, makes heavy use of parallel or synonymous statements. From the context in Isaiah it seems clear that “in the wilderness” goes with the verb ‘make straight’, not ‘call out’. But why a straight road in the wilderness? Any road facilitates the movement of people and goods, but a straight road through accidented terrain is a major asset. (Actually, Isaiah 40:3-4 describes the construction of a modern superhighway.) John was the voice, but it was the people who had to make the road. So how about us? Are we supposed to be making such a road, and if so, how? At the very least we should be proclaiming biblical values to the world by every available means.\f*   
\p
\v 4 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w actually|strong="G2532"\w* used \w clothes|strong="G1742"\w* \it made\it* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w camel|strong="G2574"\w*'\w s|strong="G2192"\w* \w hair|strong="G2359"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w leather|strong="G1193"\w* \w belt|strong="G2223"\w* \w around|strong="G4012"\w* \w his|strong="G4012"\w* \w waist|strong="G3751"\w*; \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w his|strong="G4012"\w* \w food|strong="G5160"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* locusts \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wild|strong="G2532"\w* \w honey|strong="G3192"\w*.  
\v 5 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*, \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w region|strong="G4066"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jordan|strong="G2446"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1607"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 6 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* baptized \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jordan|strong="G2446"\w*, \w confessing|strong="G1843"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* sins.   
\s1 A bunch of snakes  
\p
\v 7 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sadducees|strong="G4523"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* baptism, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Brood|strong="G1081"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w vipers|strong="G2191"\w*! \w Who|strong="G5101"\w* tipped \w you|strong="G5210"\w* off \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w flee|strong="G5343"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w wrath|strong="G3709"\w*?  
\v 8 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w produce|strong="G4160"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w* worthy \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w repentance|strong="G3341"\w*,  
\v 9 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \it even\it* \w think|strong="G1380"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w within|strong="G1722"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w*, ‘\w We|strong="G3754"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* Abraham \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*,’\f + \fr 3:9 \ft They had notions of spiritual privilege based on birth, but as someone has said, God has no grandchildren. Later on Jesus will make clear that they did in fact reject John's message—they were not baptized.\f* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w raise|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* Abraham \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w stones|strong="G3037"\w*.  
\v 10 \w Indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, \w already|strong="G2235"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* ax \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w laid|strong="G2749"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w root|strong="G4491"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w trees|strong="G1186"\w*.\f + \fr 3:10 \ft The Messiah was already present, and He would condemn the Pharisees and Sadducees.\f* \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w tree|strong="G1186"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w producing|strong="G4160"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w cut|strong="G1581"\w* \w down|strong="G1581"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* thrown \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w*.   
\p
\v 11 “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* baptize \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w* \w unto|strong="G1519"\w* \w repentance|strong="G3341"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w One|strong="G3739"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w after|strong="G3694"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w mightier|strong="G2478"\w* \w than|strong="G2478"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w*, \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w sandals|strong="G5266"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w worthy|strong="G2425"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* carry. \nd \+w He|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* baptize \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.\f + \fr 3:11 \ft There is no article with ‘Holy Spirit’, so I take the phrase as a proper name. The ‘and fire’ we are used to is read by only 20% of the Greek manuscripts. The 80% includes the best line of transmission. However, Luke 3:16 has the ‘and fire’.\f*  
\v 12 \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w winnowing|strong="G4425"\w* shovel \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w thoroughly|strong="G1245"\w* clean \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* threshing floor \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gather|strong="G4863"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w wheat|strong="G4621"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* barn; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w burn|strong="G2618"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* chaff \w with|strong="G1722"\w* unquenchable \w fire|strong="G4442"\w*.”\f + \fr 3:12 \ft Can you have wheat without chaff? Isn't the chaff part of the wheat plant? What might the implications of this analogy be for the Church? What percentage of the plant is edible wheat? Wherever Christianity is the state or majority religion, or part of the prevailing culture, a large majority of the ‘Christians’ will be chaff. Where Christians are persecuted a high percentage will be wheat. Since Judaism was part of the prevailing culture, presumably most of John's hearers were chaff. The ‘unquenchable’ fire is presumably a reference to the Lake.\f*   
\ms1 Baptism of Jesus  
\p
\v 13 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w came|strong="G3854"\w* \w from|strong="G5259"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w Jordan|strong="G2446"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* baptized \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 14 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* tried \w to|strong="G4314"\w* dissuade \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* baptized \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w You|strong="G4771"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*?”\f + \fr 3:14 \ft John knew that Jesus was the Messiah.\f*  
\v 15 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G3956"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “Permit \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w thus|strong="G3779"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* appropriate \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w fulfill|strong="G4137"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w*.”\f + \fr 3:15 \ft Our Lord's statement here seems difficult to us. Since Mark 1:4 and Luke 3:3 state that it was “a baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins” but Jesus had no sins to repent of, in what sense was He “fulfilling all righteousness”? Perhaps as Messiah and Great High Priest He needed to identify Himself with those of His people who were truly repentant.\f* \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* permitted \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 16 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* baptized \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w up|strong="G2064"\w* directly \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w*, \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \nd wow\nd*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* opened \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w like|strong="G5616"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w dove|strong="G4058"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* alighting \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 3:16 \ft The episode is presented from John's perspective, while in Mark 1:11 and Luke 3:22 it is presented from Jesus' perspective. Just as at Pentecost the Holy Spirit translated into the ears of the foreigners, I take it that here Jesus heard one thing and John another.\f*  
\v 17 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* wow, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* beloved, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \it always\it* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w pleased|strong="G2106"\w*!”\f + \fr 3:17 \ft The Trinity is clearly manifested: voice = Father, Jesus = Son, dove = Holy Spirit. This was an important confirmation for Jesus.\f*   
\c 4  
\ms1 Jesus tested by Satan  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w led|strong="G2424"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1519"\w* \w tested|strong="G3985"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w*.  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w fasted|strong="G3522"\w* \w forty|strong="G5062"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w forty|strong="G5062"\w* \w nights|strong="G3571"\w*, \w afterward|strong="G5305"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G2532"\w* \w hungry|strong="G3983"\w*.\f + \fr 4:2 \ft This episode was ordained by the Holy Spirit. Jesus had to confront Satan when He was physically the weakest He would ever be (40 days without food!). When Satan failed to defeat this weakened Jesus he was probably filled with despair—he now knew that he could never defeat Him. (But he would still try to kill Him.)\f*  
\v 3 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tempter|strong="G3985"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Since|strong="G1096"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w command|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w stones|strong="G3037"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* loaves \w of|strong="G5207"\w* bread.”\f + \fr 4:3 \ft Satan was not so foolish as to question Jesus' identity, “if”; he was more subtle, “since”.\f*  
\v 4 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* answer \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w It|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*: ‘\w Man|strong="G3956"\w* \w shall|strong="G2316"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w live|strong="G2198"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* bread \w alone|strong="G3441"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w word|strong="G4487"\w* \w coming|strong="G2316"\w* \w out|strong="G1607"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 4:4 \ft See Deuteronomy 8:3.\f*  
\v 5 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w* \w takes|strong="G3880"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w holy|strong="G2413"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*\f + \fr 4:5 \ft ‘The holy city’ was evidently Jerusalem. One is tempted to ask, what was ‘holy’ about it?\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* sets \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w pinnacle|strong="G4419"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*,\f + \fr 4:5 \ft This is literal; Satan has the power to transport things. Matthew has the correct sequence, whereas Luke inverts the order of tests 2 and 3 (Matthew uses adverbs of sequence, but Luke does not).\f*  
\v 6 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Since|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, throw \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w* \w down|strong="G2736"\w*; \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w give|strong="G3004"\w* \w orders|strong="G1781"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w His|strong="G4012"\w* angels \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* lift \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w up|strong="G1909"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w*,  
\q1 \w lest|strong="G3379"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w strike|strong="G4350"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w foot|strong="G4228"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 4:6 \ft See Psalm 91:11-12. Satan knows the Bible, and how to twist it.\f*   
\p
\v 7 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w* \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w It|strong="G3825"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \nd \+w also|strong="G2316"\+w*\nd* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*: ‘\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w shall|strong="G2316"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w test|strong="G1598"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!’ ”\f + \fr 4:7 \ft See Deuteronomy 6:16. The point is to not put God to the test, to not deliberately do something irresponsible with the intention of obliging God to work a miracle to save you.\f*  
\v 8 \w Again|strong="G3825"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w* \w takes|strong="G3880"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w very|strong="G3029"\+w*\nd* \w high|strong="G5308"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w shows|strong="G1166"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* kingdoms \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*.\f + \fr 4:8 \ft This also is literal and obviously supernatural (since the world is a sphere, even from a satellite one can only see half of it). We have here a master stroke of Satan—Jehovah the Son took on human form in order to recover what the first Adam had lost, and Satan offers it to Him on a silver platter, with just one ‘small’ condition…\f*  
\v 9 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G1325"\w*, “\w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w fall|strong="G4098"\w* \w down|strong="G4098"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w worship|strong="G4352"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w*.”  
\v 10 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Get|strong="G5217"\w* behind \w me|strong="G3004"\w*, \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w*!\f + \fr 4:10 \ft 88% of the Greek manuscripts have “Get behind me…”; in Luke 4:8 at least 97% have “Get behind me…”.\f* \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*: ‘\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w worship|strong="G4352"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w only|strong="G3441"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w serve|strong="G3000"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 4:10 \ft See Deuteronomy 6:13. Note that Jesus did not deny his right to make the offer.\f*  
\v 11 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w* leaves \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w then|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd*, angels \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G5119"\w* \w ministering|strong="G1247"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 4:11 \ft The impression one gets is that the angels were not allowed to help Jesus during His direct confrontation with Satan.\f*   
\ms1 Jesus chooses Capernaum as His base of operations—27 AD  
\p
\v 12 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* hearing \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* been \w put|strong="G3860"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w prison|strong="G3860"\w*, Jesus departed \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*.\f + \fr 4:12 \ft The early Judean ministry, as recorded in John 1, 2 and 3, ends here.\f*  
\v 13 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w leaving|strong="G2641"\w* Natsareth \w behind|strong="G2641"\w*,\f + \fr 4:13 \ft See Luke 4:16-30. Presumably Jesus moved His belongings out of Natsareth at this time.\f* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* residence \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Capernaum|strong="G2584"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sea|strong="G3864"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* regions \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Zebulun|strong="G2194"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Naphtali|strong="G3508"\w*;  
\v 14 \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Isaiah|strong="G2268"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G2443"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w*, namely:   
\q1
\v 15 “\w Land|strong="G1093"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Zebulun|strong="G2194"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Naphtali|strong="G3508"\w*,  
\q2 \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*, \w beyond|strong="G4008"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jordan|strong="G2446"\w*, \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*!   
\q1
\v 16 \w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w place|strong="G1722"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w shadow|strong="G4639"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*  
\q2 \w light|strong="G5457"\w* \w has|strong="G3708"\w* dawned.”\f + \fr 4:16 \ft See Isaiah 9:1-2.\f*   
\s1 Jesus calls four fishermen  
\p
\v 17 \w From|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G2424"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w began|strong="G5119"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w preach|strong="G2784"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Repent|strong="G3340"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w has|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2532"\w* \w near|strong="G1448"\w*.”\f + \fr 4:17 \ft Right! The King was walking among them. “Kingdom of the heavens” and “kingdom of God” are synonyms, as can be seen by comparing parallel passages in Mark and Luke. Jesus continues with John's message, since the herald is now out of action.\f*  
\v 18 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w walking|strong="G4043"\w* \w by|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sea|strong="G2281"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* brothers, \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* (\w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*) \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Andrew \w his|strong="G1519"\w* brother, casting \w a|strong="G2532"\w* circular net \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w* (\w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* fishermen).  
\v 19 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G4160"\w*, “\w Follow|strong="G1205"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* fishers \w of|strong="G2532"\w* men.”  
\v 20 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w leaving|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w nets|strong="G1350"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 4:20 \ft They had employees who could take care of the equipment.\f*  
\v 21 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w other|strong="G1438"\w* brothers, \w James|strong="G2385"\w* (\w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G1438"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Zebedee|strong="G2199"\w*) \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* brother, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Zebedee|strong="G2199"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w mending|strong="G2675"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w nets|strong="G1350"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 22 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w leaving|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 4:22 \ft All four of these men had spent time with Jesus already, so this was not ‘out of the blue’.\f*   
\s1 A tour of Galilee  
\p
\v 23 \w Jesus|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaiming|strong="G2784"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w healing|strong="G2323"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w disease|strong="G3554"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* illness \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*.  
\v 24 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* fame \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w throughout|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w Syria|strong="G4947"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G4374"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w sick|strong="G2560"\w*—\w suffering|strong="G4912"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w various|strong="G4164"\w* \w diseases|strong="G3554"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* torments, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* demonized \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* moonstruck, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w paralytics|strong="G3885"\w*—\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 25 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*—\w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Decapolis|strong="G1179"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w beyond|strong="G4008"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jordan|strong="G2446"\w*.\f + \fr 4:25 \ft Luke 5:1 says that this same crowd was hungry to hear the Word of God, and they did indeed hear the Sermon on the Mount, but Jesus used healing and deliverance to attract the crowd.\f*   
\c 5  
\ms1 The Sermon on the Mount  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G4334"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2523"\w* \w down|strong="G2523"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s1 The Beatitudes  
\p
\v 2 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* opening \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w*\f + \fr 5:2 \ft This appears to be a Hebrew idiom indicating a formal or serious pronouncement.\f* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* started \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*:   
\q1
\v 3 “\w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w poor|strong="G4434"\w* \w in|strong="G3588"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*,  
\q2 \w for|strong="G3754"\w* theirs \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.   
\q1
\v 4 \w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w mourn|strong="G3996"\w*,  
\q2 \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G3748"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* \w comforted|strong="G3870"\w*.   
\q1
\v 5 \w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w meek|strong="G4239"\w*,\f + \fr 5:5 \ft ‘Meek’ is not ‘weak’, it is power under control. It was said of Moses that he was the meekest man in his time, precisely because he was also the most powerful. Jesus said of Himself that He was ‘meek’, and He was also powerful.\f*  
\q2 \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G3748"\w* \w inherit|strong="G2816"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*.   
\q1
\v 6 \w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* hungering \w and|strong="G2532"\w* thirsting \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w*,  
\q2 \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w filled|strong="G5526"\w*.   
\q1
\v 7 \w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w merciful|strong="G1655"\w*,  
\q2 \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G3748"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* \w shown|strong="G1653"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w*.\f + \fr 5:7 \ft In James 2:12-13 we read: “Speak and act as being those who are about to be judged by a law of liberty (the judgment will be without mercy to the one not showing mercy). \+it That law\+it* exalts mercy over judgment.” This accords with the description that Jehovah gave of Himself to Moses, on that rarest of occasions: “Jehovah, God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth; keeping mercy unto the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin; and that will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children unto the third and the fourth generation” (Exodus 34:6-7). He keeps mercy to the 1000\+sup th\+sup* generation, He punishes to the 4\+sup th\+sup*; the proportion is 250:1. That is why it is important that we show mercy.\f*   
\q1
\v 8 \w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w pure|strong="G2513"\w* \w in|strong="G2316"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*,  
\q2 \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.   
\q1
\v 9 \w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w peacemakers|strong="G1518"\w*,  
\q2 \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G2316"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.   
\q1
\v 10 \w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G3748"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w persecuted|strong="G1377"\w* \w on|strong="G1377"\w* account \w of|strong="G1343"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w*,  
\q2 \w for|strong="G3754"\w* theirs \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G1343"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.\f + \fr 5:10 \ft These ‘beatitudes’ are in the third person and so presumably of general application. From verse 11 on Jesus uses the second person and so the specific application is presumably to His disciples. The first and last of these ‘beatitudes’ say, “theirs is the kingdom of the heavens”. In Matthew 18:3 the Lord will say we have to become like little children to enter the Kingdom—that is being ‘poor in spirit’. To face persecution, you must be committed.\f*   
\s1 For disciples  
\p
\v 11 “\w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* revile \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w persecute|strong="G1377"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G3004"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w kinds|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w evil|strong="G4190"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w lying|strong="G5574"\w*, \w because|strong="G1752"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 12 \w Rejoice|strong="G5463"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* exult, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w reward|strong="G3408"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w persecuted|strong="G1377"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.  
\v 13 \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* salt \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* salt becomes insipid \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* salted? \w It|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w good|strong="G2480"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* thrown \w out|strong="G1854"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w trampled|strong="G2662"\w* down \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G1510"\w*.\f + \fr 5:13 \ft ‘Christians’ who have caved in to the world's values and life style are like insipid salt—good for nothing except to be thrown out. (Insipid salt was thrown on the road, where it helped to keep down the dust.) The implications of this have become increasingly serious in today's world.\f*  
\v 14 \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w* \w of|strong="G4172"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w*. \w A|strong="G1510"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w located|strong="G2928"\w* \w upon|strong="G1883"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w hill|strong="G3735"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w hidden|strong="G2928"\w*.  
\v 15 \w Nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w light|strong="G3088"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w lamp|strong="G3088"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w place|strong="G5087"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* hamper, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w lampstand|strong="G3087"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w shines|strong="G2989"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*.  
\v 16 \w So|strong="G3779"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w let|strong="G2989"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w* \w shine|strong="G2989"\w* \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w*, \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w works|strong="G2041"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w glorify|strong="G1392"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.\f + \fr 5:16 \ft Nowadays if you stand up for Biblical values you will probably be persecuted, not praised; but the darker the night, the farther a light can be seen.\f*   
\s1 Jesus interprets the Law  
\p
\v 17 “\w Do|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w suppose|strong="G3543"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2064"\w* \w destroy|strong="G2647"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Prophets|strong="G4396"\w*; \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w did|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2064"\w* \w destroy|strong="G2647"\w* \w but|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G2064"\w* \w fulfill|strong="G4137"\w*.  
\v 18 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* assuredly \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w pass|strong="G1096"\w* \w away|strong="G3928"\w*, \nd \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w* \+w one|strong="G1520"\+w*\nd* iota \w nor|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w tittle|strong="G2762"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w pass|strong="G1096"\w* \w away|strong="G3928"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w happens|strong="G1096"\w*.\f + \fr 5:18 \ft The Lord here makes an impressively strong statement about the preservation through time of the precise form of the Sacred Text. Since our only access to the meaning is through the form, any alteration in the form will alter the meaning. One of the most effective ways of annulling a commandment is to corrupt the Text—something Satan understands quite well.\f*  
\v 19 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w annuls|strong="G3089"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w least|strong="G1646"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w commandments|strong="G1785"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w teaches|strong="G1321"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G3778"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w least|strong="G1646"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w does|strong="G4160"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w teaches|strong="G1321"\w* \it them\it*, \nd \+w he|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.  
\v 20 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w unless|strong="G1437"\w* \w your|strong="G1437"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w* exceeds \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* absolutely \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*!\f + \fr 5:20 \ft Did you get that? If you are like the scribes and Pharisees what are your chances?\f*   
\s2 About respecting others, especially ‘brothers’  
\p
\v 21 “\w You|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G3748"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w said|strong="G2046"\w* \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* ancients, ‘\w You|strong="G3739"\w* \w shall|strong="G3739"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w murder|strong="G5407"\w*, \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w murders|strong="G5407"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w liable|strong="G1777"\w* \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w judgment|strong="G2920"\w*.’\f + \fr 5:21 \ft The scribes had diluted the Text—the Law demands the death penalty (Exodus 21:12).\f*  
\v 22 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* gets \w angry|strong="G3710"\w* \w with|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* brother \w without|strong="G3588"\w* \w cause|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w liable|strong="G1777"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w judgment|strong="G2920"\w*.\f + \fr 5:22 \ft God hates injustice and will judge it. Less than 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit “without cause” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). NIV, NASB and LB favor us with a footnote informing us that “some manuscripts” add ‘without cause’—by “some” they mean 98% of them!! More serious, the shorter text has the effect of forbidding anger, which would contradict other Scriptures (Ephesians 4:26, Psalm 4:4) and the Lord's own example (Mark 3:5).\f* \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* brother, ‘Numbskull!’ \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w liable|strong="G1777"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w council|strong="G4892"\w*.\f + \fr 5:22 \ft The Greek text has a transliteration of the Aramaic term, \+it raka\+it*. The idea seems to be that this was an offensive epithet that could lead to a court case, for defamation of character (or whatever).\f* \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w You|strong="G5210"\w* absolute idiot!’ \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w liable|strong="G1777"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w hell|strong="G1067"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w*.\f + \fr 5:22 \ft This presumably involves an offense against God, denigrating His image, disparaging His work. \+bd However\+bd*, note that the Lord is talking about saying this to a \+nd brother\+nd*. He Himself applied this term to the scribes and Pharisees in chapter 23. Verses 22-24 deal with how we treat ‘brothers’. Consider James 4:11-12: “Brothers, do not speak evil of one another. Because the one speaking against a brother and judging his brother speaks against a law and judges a law. So if you judge a law you are not a law-doer but a judge. The Lawgiver and Judge is One, the One who is able to save and to destroy. So who are \+nd you\+nd* (sg) to be judging someone who is different?” I was surprised to find the Greek ετερος here, which usually refers to a different kind. I personally do not enjoy dealing with ‘brothers’ who are too different; I would rather question whether they are really ‘brothers’ at all! But James tells me not to do that. Each person is different (background, experiences, personality, training) and we must recognize that God can and will deal differently with different people. He uses one ‘law’ with me, another ‘law’ with you, and so on. A law is a set of rules or demands, so when I judge a brother I am questioning the way (‘law’) that God is working on him. As He is both Lawgiver and Judge, I will have to answer to Him for how I judged my ‘brothers’. (For ‘different one’ the eclectic text currently in vogue has ‘neighbor’, following some 12% of the Greek manuscripts [as in NIV, TEV, LB, NASB, etc.].)\f*  
\v 23 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w bring|strong="G4374"\w* \w your|strong="G1437"\w* \w gift|strong="G1435"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w altar|strong="G2379"\w* \w and|strong="G3767"\w* \w there|strong="G2546"\w* \w remember|strong="G3403"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w your|strong="G1437"\w* brother \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w something|strong="G5100"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*,\f + \fr 5:23 \ft Verse 23 is linked to 22; insult or injury is involved—an overt action, an unpleasant scene that will presumably be alive in your memory.\f*  
\v 24 leave \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w gift|strong="G1435"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w altar|strong="G2379"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G5217"\w*; \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w reconciled|strong="G1259"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* brother \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w returning|strong="G2064"\w*, \w offer|strong="G4374"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w gift|strong="G1435"\w*.\f + \fr 5:24 \ft Verses 23-24 refer to moral debt, through abusive language.\f*  
\v 25 \w Be|strong="G1510"\w* agreeable \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* adversary \w quickly|strong="G5035"\w*, \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w lest|strong="G3379"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* adversary \w hand|strong="G3860"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w judge|strong="G2923"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w judge|strong="G2923"\w* \w hand|strong="G3860"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w officer|strong="G5257"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* thrown \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w*.  
\v 26 Assuredly \w I|strong="G2193"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G3004"\w* \w by|strong="G3004"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w means|strong="G3004"\w* \w get|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w there|strong="G1564"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G3588"\w* paid \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w* \w penny|strong="G2835"\w*.\f + \fr 5:26 \ft Verses 25-26 refer to financial debt, through property damage, a loan, etc. There is no doubt about the fact of the debt, and the time limit has expired; and you are on the way to court—at that point the only way out is to humble yourself and throw yourself on the mercy of the creditor.\f*   
\s2 About sexual sin  
\p
\v 27 “\w You|strong="G3754"\w* \w have|strong="G3748"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w was|strong="G3748"\w* \w said|strong="G2046"\w*,\f + \fr 5:27 \ft Perhaps 10% of the Greek manuscripts add ‘to those of old’ (as in AV and NKJV).\f* ‘\w You|strong="G3754"\w* \w shall|strong="G3748"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w commit|strong="G3431"\w* \w adultery|strong="G3431"\w*.’  
\v 28 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3748"\w* looks \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w lust|strong="G1937"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w has|strong="G3748"\w* \w already|strong="G2235"\w* \w committed|strong="G3431"\w* \w adultery|strong="G3431"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*.\f + \fr 5:28 \ft If he had the courage and the opportunity, he would do it.\f*  
\v 29 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* causing \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w fall|strong="G4624"\w*, \w tear|strong="G1807"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* throw \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w away|strong="G4624"\w*; \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w better|strong="G4851"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w members|strong="G3196"\w* perish \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* thrown \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w hell|strong="G1067"\w*.\f + \fr 5:29 \ft This is literal, but mostly theoretical, since by the time people realize they are in trouble it is usually too late; they are already trapped. Perhaps this is why Hebrews 3:13 tells us to “exhort one another daily… lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin”. Sometimes others see that we are in trouble before we do.\f*  
\v 30 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* causing \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w fall|strong="G4624"\w*, \w cut|strong="G1581"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w off|strong="G1581"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* throw \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w away|strong="G4624"\w*; \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w better|strong="G4851"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w members|strong="G3196"\w* perish \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* thrown \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w hell|strong="G1067"\w*.  
\v 31 \w It|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G2046"\w*, ‘\w Whoever|strong="G3739"\w* divorces \w his|strong="G1325"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*, \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w her|strong="G1325"\w* \w a|strong="G1325"\w* certificate \w of|strong="G3588"\w* divorce.’  
\v 32 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* divorces \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*, \w except|strong="G1437"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w case|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w fornication|strong="G4202"\w*,\f + \fr 5:32 \ft Presumably a reference to premarital sex, where a groom discovers that his bride is no longer a virgin (like the situation that Joseph faced in 1:18-19). See Matthew 19:3-12.\f* \w causes|strong="G4160"\w* \w her|strong="G1437"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w commit|strong="G3431"\w* \w adultery|strong="G3431"\w*,\f + \fr 5:32 \ft In that culture such a woman would look for another man as a matter of physical survival.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w marries|strong="G1060"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* divorced \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w commits|strong="G3429"\w* \w adultery|strong="G3431"\w*.   
\s2 About swearing  
\p
\v 33 “\w Again|strong="G3825"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G3748"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G2046"\w* \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* ancients: ‘\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w shall|strong="G2962"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* swear falsely, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w shall|strong="G2962"\w* perform \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w oaths|strong="G3727"\w* \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.’  
\v 34 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w swear|strong="G3660"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G1722"\w*: \w neither|strong="G3383"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w throne|strong="G2362"\w*;  
\v 35 \w nor|strong="G3383"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w stool|strong="G5286"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*; \w nor|strong="G3383"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w of|strong="G1093"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w King|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 36 \w Nor|strong="G3383"\w* \w shall|strong="G3748"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w swear|strong="G3660"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G4160"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w hair|strong="G2359"\w* \w white|strong="G3022"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w black|strong="G3189"\w*.  
\v 37 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* ‘\w yes|strong="G3483"\w* \w yes|strong="G3483"\w*’, ‘\w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w*’;\f + \fr 5:37 \ft Presumably this precludes any and all exaggeration, putting a ‘spin’ on things, etc.\f* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* whatever \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w more|strong="G4053"\w* \w than|strong="G4053"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 5:37 \ft Do we really believe this? If not, we had better go back to the drawing board.\f* [!!]   
\s2 About retaliation  
\p
\v 38 “\w You|strong="G3754"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G2046"\w*: ‘\w An|strong="G2532"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w tooth|strong="G3599"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w tooth|strong="G3599"\w*.’\f + \fr 5:38 \ft The reference is to Exodus 21:24, but verse 22 makes clear that it is “as the judges determine”—we are not to take the law into our own hands.\f*  
\v 39 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* resist \w the|strong="G2532"\w* evildoer; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3748"\w* \w slaps|strong="G4474"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w cheek|strong="G4600"\w*, \w turn|strong="G4762"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 5:39 \ft Do not use physical violence to respond to physical violence—but we can use our spiritual authority. Animals must resort to force, but Adam was given dominion over the animals, which presumably was not exercised with physical force—we should not lower ourselves to the animal level; but Satan tries to trick us into doing so. If someone lashes out in anger, turning the other cheek should shame him.\f*   
\p
\v 40 “\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G2532"\w* someone \w wants|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w sue|strong="G2919"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2983"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w tunic|strong="G5509"\w*, \w let|strong="G2919"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cloak|strong="G2440"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 5:40 \ft Do not use legal action to respond to legal action—but we can use our spiritual authority. If they are resorting to legal action they presumably do not want to talk it over, they are trying to impose something on us; so turning the other cheek could shame them.\f*  
\v 41 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3748"\w* compels \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G5217"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w mile|strong="G3400"\w*, \w go|strong="G5217"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w*.\f + \fr 5:41 \ft A Roman imposition on subjugated peoples—any Roman soldier could compel a local non-Roman citizen to carry his pack one mile. A cheerful response to this humiliating situation could at least deprive the soldier of sadistic satisfaction, and maybe even shame him into carrying his own pack.\f*  
\v 42 \w Give|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* asks \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* turn away \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w wants|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w borrow|strong="G1155"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.\f + \fr 5:42 \ft Presumably this does not refer to professional beggars (2 Thessalonians 3:10), but to someone overtaken by adversity who needs temporary help, someone you know who is part of the community.\f*   
\s2 How to treat enemies  
\p
\v 43 “\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G2046"\w*: ‘\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* love \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w neighbor|strong="G4139"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w hate|strong="G3404"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w enemy|strong="G2190"\w*.’\f + \fr 5:43 \ft Leviticus 19:18 says to “love your neighbor”, but not “hate your enemy”. The scribes had added an unwarranted inference.\f*  
\v 44 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*: love \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w enemies|strong="G2190"\w*, bless \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* curse \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* hate \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w* \w for|strong="G5228"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* mistreat \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w persecute|strong="G1377"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*,\f + \fr 5:44 \ft Less than 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, offer a truncated form of this verse (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 45 \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w prove|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*; \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* makes \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w sun|strong="G2246"\w* rise \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w evil|strong="G4190"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w sends|strong="G1026"\w* \w rain|strong="G1026"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w just|strong="G1342"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* unjust.  
\v 46 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* love \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* love \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w reward|strong="G3408"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*? \w Do|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3780"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collectors|strong="G5057"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G2532"\w*?  
\v 47 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* greet \w only|strong="G3440"\w* \w your|strong="G1437"\w* friends,\f + \fr 5:47 \ft Perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘brothers’, as in many versions.\f* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* extra? \w Do|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3780"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* tax collectors \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w*?\f + \fr 5:47 \ft The reference to “reward” and “extra” suggests that the procedures previously enjoined are demonstrations of practical righteousness—we are to be examples, rise above the level of the surrounding society. Tax collectors were Jews, part of the community, but despised as traitors.\f*  
\v 48 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w perfect|strong="G5046"\w* \w just|strong="G5613"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w in|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* heavens \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w perfect|strong="G5046"\w*.\f + \fr 5:48 \ft “Perfect”—the Father is our point of reference; we are to be like He is. A standard is a standard; it is not invalidated just because we may feel that it is unattainable. Comparing this passage with texts like Deuteronomy 7:10, “He repays those who hate Him to their face”, and Psalm 5:5-6, “You hate all workers of iniquity”, I take it that we must distinguish between personal enemies (those who oppose us for personal reasons) and enemies of God and His truth. To be like the Father we also must hate workers of iniquity (because of the consequences to others).\f*   
\c 6  
\s1 Jesus warns against religious ostentation  
\m
\v 1 “\w Be|strong="G3756"\w* \w careful|strong="G4337"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* charitable \w giving|strong="G4337"\w* \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w* \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* \w seen|strong="G2300"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*. \w Otherwise|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w reward|strong="G3408"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.\f + \fr 6:1 \ft Note that the reward has more to do with the person's motive than the charitable act itself.\f*  
\v 2 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* charitable \w giving|strong="G1654"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w sound|strong="G4537"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w trumpet|strong="G4537"\w* \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w as|strong="G5618"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hypocrites|strong="G5273"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w streets|strong="G4505"\w*, \w so|strong="G3767"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w praised|strong="G1392"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w*. Assuredly \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \it already\it* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w reward|strong="G3408"\w*.  
\v 3 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* charitable \w giving|strong="G1654"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w your|strong="G4160"\w* left \w hand|strong="G1188"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w your|strong="G4160"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w hand|strong="G1188"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w*,\f + \fr 6:3 \ft Since hands do not think (so far as I know), I suppose that not even the recipient should know where the gift came from, although there may be times when the recipient needs to know.\f*  
\v 4 \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* charitable \w giving|strong="G1654"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w secret|strong="G2927"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* sees \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w secret|strong="G2927"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \nd Himself\nd* repay \w you|strong="G4771"\w* openly.\f + \fr 6:4 \ft This is amazing; the Father \+bd Himself\+bd* will repay = a good investment! (“Himself” is omitted by 24% of the Greek manuscripts; “openly” is omitted by 6%.)\f*  
\v 5 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hypocrites|strong="G5273"\w*; \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w love|strong="G5368"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w street|strong="G4116"\w* \w corners|strong="G1137"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w seen|strong="G5316"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G1510"\w*. Assuredly \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \it already\it* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w reward|strong="G3408"\w*.  
\v 6 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w*, \w go|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w room|strong="G5009"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w shut|strong="G2808"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w door|strong="G2374"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w secret|strong="G2927"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* sees \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w secret|strong="G2927"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* repay \w you|strong="G4771"\w* openly.\f + \fr 6:6 \ft About 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit “openly”.\f*   
\s2 How to pray  
\p
\v 7 “\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w* \w do|strong="G1380"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* babble \w like|strong="G5618"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* heathen; \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w think|strong="G1380"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G3748"\w* \w be|strong="G3361"\w* \w heard|strong="G1522"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w their|strong="G1722"\w* \w many|strong="G1722"\w* \w words|strong="G4180"\w*.  
\v 8 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G3361"\w* \w like|strong="G3666"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w knows|strong="G1492"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w* \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* ask \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 6:8 \ft We do need to ask, but we should do it simply, and without undue repetition (God is not deaf). Further, we should ask with confidence.\f*  
\v 9 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \nd \+w you|strong="G5210"\+w*\nd* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w* \w like|strong="G3779"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w Our|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*,  
\q2 \w let|strong="G3767"\w* \w Your|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* reverenced;   
\q1
\v 10 \w let|strong="G1096"\w* \w Your|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w come|strong="G2064"\w*,  
\q2 \w let|strong="G1096"\w* \w Your|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w*, \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w just|strong="G5613"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*.   
\q1
\v 11 \w Give|strong="G1325"\w* \w us|strong="G1325"\w* \w today|strong="G4594"\w* our \w daily|strong="G1967"\w* bread;   
\q1
\v 12 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* forgive \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w debts|strong="G3783"\w*,  
\q2 \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* forgive \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w debtors|strong="G3781"\w*.   
\q1
\v 13 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w bring|strong="G1533"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w testing|strong="G3986"\w*,  
\q2 \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w rescue|strong="G4506"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w evil|strong="G4190"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w*;\f + \fr 6:13 \ft The Father can rescue us from the evil one because He is far greater.\f*  
\q1 \w because|strong="G2532"\w* \nd Yours\nd* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* power \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* glory \w forever|strong="G1519"\w*. Amen.’\f + \fr 6:13 \ft About 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit the last clause (as in NIV, [NASB], LB, TEV, etc.).\f*   
\m
\v 14 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* forgive \w people|strong="G3588"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w trespasses|strong="G3900"\w*, \w your|strong="G1437"\w* \w heavenly|strong="G3770"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* forgive \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.  
\v 15 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w do|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* forgive \w people|strong="G3588"\w* \w their|strong="G3588"\w* \w trespasses|strong="G3900"\w*, \w neither|strong="G3761"\w* \w will|strong="G3962"\w* \w your|strong="G1437"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* forgive \w your|strong="G1437"\w* \w trespasses|strong="G3900"\w*.\f + \fr 6:15 \ft Forgiveness is a \+nd very\+nd* serious matter!\f*   
\s2 How to fast  
\p
\v 16 “\w Also|strong="G1161"\w*, \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w fast|strong="G3522"\w* \w do|strong="G1096"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w gloomy|strong="G4659"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w hypocrites|strong="G5273"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* disfigure \w their|strong="G3588"\w* \w faces|strong="G4383"\w* \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w people|strong="G4383"\w* \w will|strong="G1096"\w* notice \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w fasting|strong="G3522"\w*. Assuredly \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \it already\it* \w have|strong="G1096"\w* \w their|strong="G3588"\w* \w reward|strong="G3408"\w*.  
\v 17 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \nd \+w you|strong="G4771"\+w*\nd* \w fast|strong="G3522"\w* anoint \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wash|strong="G3538"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w*,  
\v 18 \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w appear|strong="G5316"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w fasting|strong="G3522"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w secret|strong="G2927"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* sees \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w secret|strong="G2927"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* repay \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.\f + \fr 6:18 \ft Some 10% of the Greek manuscripts add ‘openly’ (as in AV and NKJV).\f*   
\s1 The right attitude toward material supply  
\p
\v 19 “\w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w lay|strong="G2343"\w* \w up|strong="G2343"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G4771"\w* \w treasures|strong="G2344"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*, \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w moth|strong="G4597"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rust|strong="G1035"\w* ruin \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w thieves|strong="G2812"\w* \w break|strong="G1358"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w steal|strong="G2813"\w*;  
\v 20 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w lay|strong="G2343"\w* \w up|strong="G2343"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G4771"\w* \w treasures|strong="G2344"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w neither|strong="G3777"\w* \w moth|strong="G4597"\w* \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w rust|strong="G1035"\w* ruins \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w thieves|strong="G2812"\w* \w neither|strong="G3777"\w* \w break|strong="G1358"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w steal|strong="G2813"\w*;  
\v 21 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w treasure|strong="G2344"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 6:21 \ft That is the crucial question: where is your heart? It should be obvious that the best place to have your savings account is in the Bank of Heaven. So how does one make deposits up there? You do it by investing in the Kingdom.\f*   
\s2 About worldview  
\p
\v 22 “\w The|strong="G3588"\w* \w lamp|strong="G3088"\w* \w of|strong="G4983"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w*. \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* sound, \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w full|strong="G5460"\w* \w of|strong="G4983"\w* \w light|strong="G5460"\w*.\f + \fr 6:22 \ft Of course we have two eyes, but the Text has “eye” in the singular. I take it that the reference is to the way we interpret what we see (which is our real ‘eye’)—two people, one pure and one vile, observing the same scene will give very different interpretations to it.\f*  
\v 23 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w evil|strong="G4190"\w*, \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w full|strong="G4652"\w* \w of|strong="G4983"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w*.\f + \fr 6:23 \ft “Evil” here has the idea of malignant—aggressively evil. Someone with a malignant mind will give an evil interpretation to \+nd everything\+nd* he sees, and in consequence his being will be filled with unrelenting darkness. Compare Titus 1:15.\f* \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w*, \w how|strong="G4214"\w* \w great|strong="G4214"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w*!   
\s2 “You cannot serve God and money”  
\p
\v 24 “\w No|strong="G3756"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w serve|strong="G1398"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w masters|strong="G2962"\w*; \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w either|strong="G2228"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w hate|strong="G3404"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* love \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* loyal \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w despise|strong="G2706"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w*. \w You|strong="G2532"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w serve|strong="G1398"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w money|strong="G3126"\w*.\f + \fr 6:24 \ft The Text has “mammon”, which presumably includes more than just money; anyone who has materialistic values is serving mammon. But I fear that comparatively few speakers of English today know the word, so I put ‘money’.\f*  
\v 25 \w Therefore|strong="G1223"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w worry|strong="G3309"\w* \w about|strong="G3588"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w drink|strong="G2532"\w*; \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w about|strong="G3588"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w put|strong="G1746"\w* \w on|strong="G1746"\w*. \w Is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w more|strong="G4119"\w* \w than|strong="G4183"\w* \w food|strong="G5160"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w more|strong="G4119"\w* \w than|strong="G4183"\w* \w clothing|strong="G1742"\w*?  
\v 26 \w Look|strong="G1689"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w birds|strong="G4071"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w air|strong="G3772"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w neither|strong="G3761"\w* \w sow|strong="G4687"\w* \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w reap|strong="G2325"\w* \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w gather|strong="G4863"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* barns; \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavenly|strong="G3770"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w feeds|strong="G5142"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*. \w Are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* superior \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*?  
\v 27 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w add|strong="G4369"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w cubit|strong="G4083"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w stature|strong="G2244"\w* \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w worrying|strong="G3309"\w*?  
\v 28 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G4459"\w* \w worry|strong="G3309"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w clothes|strong="G1742"\w*? \w Consider|strong="G2648"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w lilies|strong="G2918"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* field, \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* grow; \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w neither|strong="G3761"\w* \w labor|strong="G2872"\w* \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w spin|strong="G3514"\w*,  
\v 29 \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w yet|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w not|strong="G3761"\w* \w even|strong="G3761"\w* \w Solomon|strong="G4672"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* splendor \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w arrayed|strong="G4016"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1391"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w*.  
\v 30 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w* clothes \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w grass|strong="G5528"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* field, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* exists \w today|strong="G4594"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* tomorrow \w is|strong="G1510"\w* thrown \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* oven, \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w much|strong="G4183"\w* \w more|strong="G3123"\w* clothe \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* little-faiths?  
\v 31 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w worry|strong="G3309"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w shall|strong="G5101"\w* \w we|strong="G3767"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*?’ \w or|strong="G2228"\w* ‘\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w shall|strong="G5101"\w* \w we|strong="G3767"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w*?’ \w or|strong="G2228"\w* ‘\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w shall|strong="G5101"\w* \w we|strong="G3767"\w* \w wear|strong="G4016"\w*?’  
\v 32 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w pagans|strong="G1484"\w* \w seek|strong="G1934"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*, \w and|strong="G3962"\w* \w your|strong="G3956"\w* \w heavenly|strong="G3770"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w knows|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w need|strong="G5535"\w* each \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*.  
\v 33 \w Rather|strong="G1161"\w*, \w seek|strong="G2212"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w added|strong="G4369"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.\f + \fr 6:33 \ft “These things” refers to food, drink and clothes—the basics. Jesus does not promise luxury. Just how seeking first the Kingdom works out in practice will differ from person to person. It should be obvious that we are not being told to sit around doing nothing.\f*  
\v 34 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w do|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w worry|strong="G3309"\w* \w about|strong="G1519"\w* tomorrow, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* tomorrow \w will|strong="G2250"\w* \w worry|strong="G3309"\w* \w about|strong="G1519"\w* its \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w affairs|strong="G3588"\w*. \w Each|strong="G1438"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w has|strong="G2250"\w* enough \w trouble|strong="G2549"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* its \w own|strong="G1438"\w*.\f + \fr 6:34 \ft The implication would appear to be that each day will present us with some challenges.\f*   
\c 7  
\s1 The right attitude toward others  
\m
\v 1 “\w Do|strong="G2919"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w judge|strong="G2919"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w judged|strong="G2919"\w*.\f + \fr 7:1 \ft By whom? Perhaps both God and man.\f*  
\v 2 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w judgment|strong="G2917"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w judge|strong="G2919"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w judged|strong="G2919"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w measure|strong="G3358"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* use, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w measured|strong="G3354"\w* back \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.\f + \fr 7:2 \ft The use of the future tense probably points toward God. If we call for judgment, not mercy, on others, by so much we are calling for judgment, not mercy, on ourselves.\f*  
\v 3 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w look|strong="G2657"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w speck|strong="G2595"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G4674"\w* brother's \w eye|strong="G3788"\w* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w consider|strong="G2657"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* plank \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G4674"\w* \w own|strong="G4674"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w*?  
\v 4 \w Or|strong="G2228"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* brother, ‘\w Let|strong="G2228"\w* \w me|strong="G3004"\w* \w remove|strong="G1544"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w speck|strong="G2595"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w*,’ \w when|strong="G2532"\w* hey, \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* plank \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w yours|strong="G4771"\w*?  
\v 5 \w Hypocrite|strong="G5273"\w*! \w First|strong="G4413"\w* \w remove|strong="G1544"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* plank \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w own|strong="G3788"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G1227"\w* \w clearly|strong="G1227"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w remove|strong="G1544"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w speck|strong="G2595"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* brother's \w eye|strong="G3788"\w*.\f + \fr 7:5 \ft Can you have a ‘plank’ in your eye without knowing it? (The tiniest bit of grit is an unbearable irritant.) When a person does not want to admit or correct his own failures, it is standard defensive procedure to call attention to the failures of others.\f*   
\s2 Analyze your audience  
\p
\v 6 “\sup \+w A|strong="G2532"\+w*\sup* \w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* holy \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w dogs|strong="G2965"\w*, \sup B\sup* \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w cast|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w pearls|strong="G3135"\w* \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w pigs|strong="G5519"\w*; \sup B\sup* \w lest|strong="G3361"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w trample|strong="G2662"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \sup \+w A|strong="G2532"\+w*\sup* \w turning|strong="G4762"\w* around \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w tear|strong="G4486"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w pieces|strong="G4486"\w*.\f + \fr 7:6 \ft This verse may be a chiasmus, AB,BA. But just who are ‘the dogs’ and ‘the pigs’? A pig will sniff the pearl and perhaps think it a stone—it not being edible the pig will ignore it and it will get trampled into the mud. So a ‘pig’ is someone who is incapable of recognizing or appreciating the ‘pearl’—the reaction will be one of total indifference. So do not waste your time. In contrast a ‘dog’ reacts in an aggressively hostile manner against what is ‘holy’. So a ‘dog’ is presumably someone who is committed to evil and will therefore attack what is holy. In general our media today are controlled by ‘dogs’. So do not innocently offer what is holy to a ‘dog’—you will get chewed up! We need to try to convert the ‘dogs’, but you need to understand what you are about. Anyone who has sold out to Satan will almost certainly have a resident demon, and we have the authority to bind such.\f*   
\s2 Be persistent, yet considerate  
\p
\v 7 “Keep \w asking|strong="G2212"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*; keep \w seeking|strong="G2212"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w*; keep \w knocking|strong="G2925"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* opened \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.  
\v 8 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* each \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w asking|strong="G2212"\w*, \w receives|strong="G2983"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w seeking|strong="G2212"\w*, \w finds|strong="G2147"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w knocking|strong="G2925"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* opened.  
\v 9 \w Or|strong="G2228"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w man|strong="G3361"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w*, if \w his|strong="G3739"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* asks \w for|strong="G1537"\w* bread \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w give|strong="G1929"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w*?  
\v 10 \w Or|strong="G2228"\w* \w if|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* asks \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w fish|strong="G2486"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1929"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w snake|strong="G3789"\w*?  
\v 11 \w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w evil|strong="G4190"\w*, \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w gifts|strong="G1390"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G1487"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*, \w how|strong="G4214"\w* \w much|strong="G4214"\w* \w more|strong="G3123"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w your|strong="G1487"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* ask \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*!\f + \fr 7:11 \ft I take it that we are authorized to ask!\f*  
\v 12 \w So|strong="G3779"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w people|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Prophets|strong="G4396"\w*.\f + \fr 7:12 \ft This is the so-called ‘golden rule’—if everyone did this the world would be a better place.\f*   
\s1 Eternal destiny  
\p
\v 13 “\w Go|strong="G1525"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w narrow|strong="G4728"\w* \w gate|strong="G4439"\w*; \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w wide|strong="G4116"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w gate|strong="G4439"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w broad|strong="G2149"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w leads|strong="G1519"\w* away \w into|strong="G1519"\w* perdition, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w*.  
\v 14 \w How|strong="G3754"\w* \w narrow|strong="G4728"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w gate|strong="G4439"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* confined \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w leads|strong="G1519"\w* away \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w life|strong="G2222"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w finding|strong="G2147"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w few|strong="G3641"\w*!\f + \fr 7:14 \ft Observe that the Lord Jesus Christ affirms that “\+nd few\+nd*” find the way of life. He Himself makes clear that to travel the way of life requires commitment to the Owner of that ‘way’. Perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts have the weaker “Because narrow…”, as in KJV and NKJV.\f*   
\s2 A tree is known by its fruit  
\p
\v 15 “\w Beware|strong="G4337"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w false|strong="G5578"\w* \w prophets|strong="G5578"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w sheep|strong="G4263"\w*'s \w clothing|strong="G1742"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w inwardly|strong="G2081"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* ravenous \w wolves|strong="G3074"\w*.\f + \fr 7:15 \ft Probably demonized; demonic prophecies are always destructive.\f*  
\v 16 \w You|strong="G1438"\w* \w will|strong="G3385"\w* \w know|strong="G1921"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G2228"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w fruits|strong="G2590"\w*. \w Do|strong="G2228"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w* \w gather|strong="G4816"\w* \w grapes|strong="G4718"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* thorn bushes, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w figs|strong="G4810"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w thistles|strong="G5146"\w*?  
\v 17 \w Just|strong="G3779"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w*, \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w tree|strong="G1186"\w* \w produces|strong="G4160"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w fruits|strong="G2590"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* rotten \w tree|strong="G1186"\w* \w produces|strong="G4160"\w* \w evil|strong="G4190"\w* \w fruits|strong="G2590"\w*.\f + \fr 7:17 \ft The Lord uses ‘rotten’ and ‘evil’ (or ‘malignant’) because He is really talking about people, not trees.\f*  
\v 18 \w A|strong="G4160"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w tree|strong="G1186"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w produce|strong="G4160"\w* \w evil|strong="G4190"\w* \w fruits|strong="G2590"\w*, \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w a|strong="G4160"\w* rotten \w tree|strong="G1186"\w* \w produce|strong="G4160"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w fruits|strong="G2590"\w*.  
\v 19 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w tree|strong="G1186"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w producing|strong="G4160"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w* \w is|strong="G3956"\w* \w cut|strong="G1581"\w* \w down|strong="G1581"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* thrown \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w*.\f + \fr 7:19 \ft The Lord is very clear about the eternal destiny of people who do not produce good fruit. Remember Ephesians 2:8-10—we are not saved \+nd by\+nd* good works, but we are indeed saved \+nd for\+nd* good works; if we do not produce, we are not saved.\f*  
\v 20 Therefore, \w you|strong="G1438"\w* will \w know|strong="G1921"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1438"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w fruits|strong="G2590"\w*.   
\s2 We have to \nd do\nd* the Father's will  
\p
\v 21 “\w Not|strong="G3756"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, ‘\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*,’ \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w go|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*, \w but|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w does|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.\f + \fr 7:21 \ft If we do not \+bd \+nd do\+nd*\+bd* the will of the Father, we will not enter the Kingdom.\f*  
\v 22 \w Many|strong="G4183"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, ‘\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w prophesy|strong="G4395"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Your|strong="G4674"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Your|strong="G4674"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w perform|strong="G4160"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w mighty|strong="G1411"\w* \w works|strong="G1411"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Your|strong="G4674"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*?’  
\v 23 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w declare|strong="G3670"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w never|strong="G3763"\w* \w knew|strong="G1097"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*; depart \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* practitioners \w of|strong="G2532"\w* lawlessness!’\f + \fr 7:23 \ft Evidently they did indeed cast out demons and perform mighty works—so if it was not by God's power, by whose power was it? Could it be that Satan works with those who think they are serving the Lord but are really ‘lawless’, to confirm them in their error? When we do not do things God's way we are being ‘lawless’.\f*   
\s2 All face adversity—foundation determines outcome  
\p
\v 24 “\w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3748"\w* hears \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w mine|strong="G1473"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w does|strong="G4160"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w compare|strong="G3666"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w prudent|strong="G5429"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w built|strong="G3618"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w bedrock|strong="G4073"\w*;  
\v 25 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rain|strong="G1028"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rivers|strong="G4215"\w* \w rose|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* winds \w blew|strong="G4154"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* attacked \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w fall|strong="G4098"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w founded|strong="G2311"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w bedrock|strong="G4073"\w*.  
\v 26 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* hears \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w mine|strong="G1473"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w does|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w compared|strong="G3666"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w foolish|strong="G3474"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w built|strong="G3618"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* sand;  
\v 27 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rain|strong="G1028"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rivers|strong="G4215"\w* \w rose|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* winds \w blew|strong="G4154"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w beat|strong="G4154"\w* \w on|strong="G2597"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* its \w fall|strong="G4098"\w*!”\f + \fr 7:27 \ft Here again, we have to \+nd do\+nd* the words. Note that both houses had to face the same circumstances, but the verbs are different. Everyone faces adversity in this life—your foundation determines the outcome. Why do the adverse circumstances ‘attack’ one house, but only ‘beat on’ the other? The verb ‘attack’ implies an intelligence ordering the circumstances.\f*   
\s2 Editorial comment  
\p
\v 28 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w*, \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w ended|strong="G1096"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w astonished|strong="G1605"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1322"\w*,  
\v 29 \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w one|strong="G1438"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w*.\f + \fr 7:29 \ft The scribes would not dare to say, “\+bd \+nd I\+nd*\+bd* tell you”; they would quote a variety of scholars and leave the question up in the air.\f*   
\c 8  
\ms1 The Messiah demonstrates His power  
\s1 Jesus heals a leper  
\m
\v 1 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w came|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w from|strong="G2597"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w leper|strong="G3015"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w worshiped|strong="G4352"\w* \w Him|strong="G3708"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w You|strong="G1437"\w* \w are|strong="G2532"\w* \w willing|strong="G2309"\w*, \w You|strong="G1437"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w make|strong="G2511"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w clean|strong="G2511"\w*.”  
\v 3 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* reaching \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* touched\f + \fr 8:3 \ft To \+nd touch\+nd* a leper was unheard of, because of the contamination; this was a powerful demonstration of authority.\f* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G2532"\w* \w willing|strong="G2309"\w*; \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w cleansed|strong="G2511"\w*!”\f + \fr 8:3 \ft Beautiful!\f* \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w leprosy|strong="G3014"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w cleansed|strong="G2511"\w*.  
\v 4 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w See|strong="G3708"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w*; \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G5217"\w*, \w show|strong="G1166"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w priest|strong="G2409"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w offer|strong="G4374"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w gift|strong="G1435"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w commanded|strong="G4367"\w*, \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \bd proof\bd* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.”\f + \fr 8:4 \ft A proof that the Messiah had arrived—who else could cure leprosy?\f*   
\s1 Jesus heals at a distance\f + \fr 8:5 \ft It has often been assumed that this account is parallel to that in Luke 7:1-10, but I believe they were different occasions. For a detailed discussion, please see the Appendix: Did the centurion leave his house?\f*  
\p
\v 5 \w As|strong="G1519"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w Capernaum|strong="G2584"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w centurion|strong="G1543"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3870"\w*, \w pleading|strong="G3870"\w* \w with|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3870"\w*  
\v 6 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w servant|strong="G3816"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* lying \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w home|strong="G3614"\w* \w paralyzed|strong="G3885"\w*, \w being|strong="G2532"\w* terribly tormented.”  
\v 7 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w*, “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w heal|strong="G2323"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w*.”  
\v 8 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1525"\w* \w answer|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w centurion|strong="G1543"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w worthy|strong="G2425"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w come|strong="G1525"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w my|strong="G1525"\w* \w roof|strong="G4721"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w only|strong="G3440"\w* \w speak|strong="G3004"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1525"\w* \w servant|strong="G3816"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w healed|strong="G2390"\w*.  
\v 9 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w*, \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4757"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w Go|strong="G4198"\w*,’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w goes|strong="G4198"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w another|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w Come|strong="G2064"\w*,’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w*, ‘\w Do|strong="G4160"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*,’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w does|strong="G4160"\w*.”  
\v 10 \w Upon|strong="G1722"\w* hearing \it him\it* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w marveled|strong="G2296"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w following|strong="G1722"\w*: “Assuredly \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w not|strong="G3761"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w such|strong="G5118"\w* \w great|strong="G5118"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*!  
\v 11 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2240"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* east \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w west|strong="G1424"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* sit down \w with|strong="G3326"\w* Abraham, \w Isaac|strong="G2464"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*;  
\v 12 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w thrown|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w* farthest \w away|strong="G1831"\w*. \nd \+w There|strong="G1563"\+w*\nd*, \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w weeping|strong="G2805"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gnashing|strong="G1030"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w teeth|strong="G3599"\w*.”\f + \fr 8:12 \ft “Sons of the kingdom”—those who knew the truth and rejected it will have the severest judgment, “farthest away”. (Dante's view of hell is perhaps not entirely mistaken.)\f*  
\v 13 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w centurion|strong="G1543"\w*, “\w Go|strong="G5217"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w let|strong="G1096"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w just|strong="G5613"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w*.” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w servant|strong="G3816"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w healed|strong="G2390"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*.\f + \fr 8:13 \ft Jesus healed a serious case at a distance.\f*   
\s1 Peter's mother-in-law\f + \fr 8:14 \ft It has often been assumed that Matthew's account here is parallel to those in Mark 1:29-31 and Luke 4:38-39, but close attention to the contexts has convinced me that Matthew's account took place some time after that in Mark and Luke. In that event, Jesus healed the woman twice, which means that just because God heals you one time, it does not mean that you will never get sick again.\f*  
\p
\v 14 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*'s \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w mother-in-law|strong="G3994"\w* \w laid|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* burning \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w fever|strong="G4445"\w*.  
\v 15 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* touched \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fever|strong="G4446"\w* left \w her|strong="G1438"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w serve|strong="G1247"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 8:15 \ft Jesus healed the consequences as well—normally a high fever leaves you weak.\f*  
\v 16 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w evening|strong="G3798"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G4374"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* demonized. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w sick|strong="G2560"\w*,\f + \fr 8:16 \ft Jesus did not touch the demonized, nor did He argue with them; He expelled the demons with a word.\f*  
\v 17 \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Isaiah|strong="G2268"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w*, namely:  
\q1 “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* Himself \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w infirmities|strong="G3554"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* bore \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w diseases|strong="G3554"\w*.”\f + \fr 8:17 \ft See Isaiah 53:4. If the main fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy took place on the cross, this would be an application.\f*   
\p
\v 18 \w Seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w around|strong="G4012"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w gave|strong="G2753"\w* \w an|strong="G1519"\w* \w order|strong="G2753"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* depart \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* opposite shore.  
\v 19 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G1520"\w* \w scribe|strong="G1122"\w* \w approaching|strong="G4334"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*, “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* follow \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w wherever|strong="G3699"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4334"\w*.”  
\v 20 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* foxes \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w dens|strong="G5454"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w birds|strong="G4071"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w air|strong="G3772"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w nests|strong="G2682"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w does|strong="G2192"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w where|strong="G4226"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w lay|strong="G2827"\w* \w His|strong="G2192"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w*.”\f + \fr 8:20 \ft That is what the Text says, “the Son of the Man”, which appears to be a phrase coined by the Lord Jesus to refer to Himself; the phrase doesn't make very good sense in English, at first glance, but if “\+nd the\+nd* man” refers to pristine Adam and “\+nd the\+nd* son” to an only pristine descendant, it makes great sense. It seems to indicate a perfect human prototype, like Adam was before the fall—the human side of the God-man.\f*  
\v 21 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w different|strong="G2087"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w permit|strong="G2010"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G2010"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w bury|strong="G2290"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*.”  
\v 22 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Follow|strong="G1161"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* leave \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w bury|strong="G2290"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*.”\f + \fr 8:22 \ft When it comes to discipleship, Jesus is very demanding—ordinary physical comfort and normal human relationships must be held in abeyance. Since a physically dead person can't do anything, it is the spiritually dead who are to do the burying. To wait for a father to die before doing God's will could mean never doing it.\f*   
\s1 Jesus controls wind and wave  
\p
\v 23 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1684"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w*, \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 24 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*—\w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w tempest|strong="G4578"\w*\f + \fr 8:24 \ft The word rendered ‘tempest’ usually means ‘earthquake’; one could render, “there was a big earthquake in the sea”—which would produce sudden, unexpected waves. Maybe that is what happened (that lake is right on a major fault line).\f* \w arose|strong="G1096"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w covered|strong="G2572"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w waves|strong="G2949"\w*. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w sleeping|strong="G2518"\w*.  
\v 25 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* disciples \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* awakened \w Him|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*! \w We|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G2532"\w* perishing!”  
\v 26 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w cowardly|strong="G1169"\w*, \w you|strong="G3004"\w* little-faiths?” \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w rising|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w rebuked|strong="G2008"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* winds \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w calm|strong="G1055"\w*.\f + \fr 8:26 \ft The implication is that \+nd they\+nd* should have solved the problem. Again Jesus undoes the consequences, as well as the cause.\f*  
\v 27 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w marveled|strong="G2296"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w What|strong="G3588"\w* \w sort|strong="G4217"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* winds \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w* \w obey|strong="G5219"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*?”\f + \fr 8:27 \ft Well, what were the options? Jesus obviously had supernatural power.\f*   
\s1 Jesus controls any number of demons  
\p
\v 28 \w Upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G4008"\w* \w side|strong="G4008"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w region|strong="G5561"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Gergesenes,\f + \fr 8:28 \ft Some 98% of the Greek manuscripts read ‘Gergesenes’, rather than ‘Gadarenes’. Gadara was the Roman capital of the province of Perara, located some six miles from the Sea of Galilee. For the swineherds to run six miles to the city to report the incident and then walk back with the people would take quite a while. It seems more likely that there was a village named ‘Gergesa’ nearby, whose people came and asked Jesus to leave. For a more detailed discussion, please see the Appendix: The ‘Legion’ and the pigs; where was it?\f* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* demonized \w men|strong="G5100"\w*\f + \fr 8:28 \ft As a tax collector, numerical precision was important to Matthew. Where other Gospels may select an individual as sufficient for the narrative, Matthew specifies that there were actually two (also blind men and donkeys).\f* \w met|strong="G5221"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tombs|strong="G3419"\w*, \bd \+w very|strong="G3029"\+w*\bd* dangerous, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w could|strong="G2480"\w* \w pass|strong="G3928"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w*.  
\v 29 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*—\w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w cried|strong="G2896"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w*, \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*? \w Have|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* torment \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w*?”\f + \fr 8:29 \ft The demons knew who Jesus really was, and also about their own destiny. The parallel accounts in Mark 5 and Luke 8 give added detail—their name was ‘Legion’, and there were about 2,000 pigs. In Luke 8:31 they kept imploring Him not to send them to \+nd the\+nd* Abyss—they were really worried; they knew something we do not.\f*  
\v 30 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w good|strong="G1510"\w* \w way|strong="G3112"\w* \w off|strong="G3112"\w* \w from|strong="G1510"\w* \w them|strong="G4183"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* herd \w of|strong="G4183"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w pigs|strong="G5519"\w* \w feeding|strong="G1006"\w*.  
\v 31 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w demons|strong="G1142"\w* kept \w imploring|strong="G3870"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Since|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* going \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w*, permit \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* herd \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w pigs|strong="G5519"\w*.”  
\v 32 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Go|strong="G5217"\w*!” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w off|strong="G2596"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* herd \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w pigs|strong="G5519"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*—\w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* herd \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w pigs|strong="G5519"\w* \w rushed|strong="G3729"\w* \w down|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w steep|strong="G2911"\w* \w bank|strong="G2911"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w died|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w*!\f + \fr 8:32 \ft I really doubt that the demons did it—why would they want to destroy their new ‘house’? Perhaps the pigs preferred death to demons (animals often show more common sense than people do). It is also possible that Jesus commanded the action.\f*  
\v 33 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* swineherds \w ran|strong="G5343"\w* \w away|strong="G5343"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* told \w everything|strong="G3956"\w*, \w including|strong="G2532"\w* \w about|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* demonized \w men|strong="G3956"\w*.  
\v 34 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w meet|strong="G5222"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w begged|strong="G3870"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w depart|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w borders|strong="G3725"\w*.\f + \fr 8:34 \ft Apparently Jesus never went back there; they did not want Him and that was that (I doubt that the inhabitants were Jews). The dead pigs represented a big economic loss; the pigs were more important to them than the two men—what Jesus represented threatened their way of life.\f*   
\c 9  
\s1 Jesus forgives sins  
\m
\v 1 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w getting|strong="G1684"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w crossed|strong="G1276"\w* \w over|strong="G1276"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*.  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* carrying \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w paralytic|strong="G3885"\w* lying \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* pallet. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w paralytic|strong="G3885"\w*, “\w Courage|strong="G2293"\w*, \w son|strong="G5043"\w*; \w your|strong="G2532"\w* sins \w are|strong="G3588"\w* forgiven \w you|strong="G4771"\w*!”  
\v 3 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w within|strong="G1722"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* blasphemes!”  
\v 4 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, knowing \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w thoughts|strong="G1761"\w*,\f + \fr 9:4 \ft Jesus could read people's minds.\f* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Why|strong="G2444"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w think|strong="G1760"\w* \w evil|strong="G4190"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w*?  
\v 5 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w easier|strong="G2123"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* ‘\w Your|strong="G2532"\w* sins \w are|strong="G1510"\w* forgiven’, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* ‘\w Get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w*’?\f + \fr 9:5 \ft Obviously it is easier to \+nd say\+nd* “your sins are forgiven” because no one can see if it happened or not; but “get up and walk”—if he doesn't, you look silly!\f*  
\v 6 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* forgive sins”—\w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w paralytic|strong="G3885"\w*, “\w On|strong="G1909"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* feet, pick \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* pallet \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G5217"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*!”  
\v 7 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* off \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*.  
\v 8 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* marveled \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w glorified|strong="G1392"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G5108"\w* \w giving|strong="G1325"\w* \w such|strong="G5108"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G3793"\w*.\f + \fr 9:8 \ft This way of putting it intrigues me. The people were getting the benefit from just one person who was using God's authority. How many people do you know who use God's authority on a regular basis? What would happen if a few appeared on the scene?\f*   
\s1 Matthew called  
\p
\v 9 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* man \w named|strong="G3004"\w* \w Matthew|strong="G3156"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tax|strong="G5058"\w* office, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “Follow \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* getting \w up|strong="G1909"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 10 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w reclining|strong="G4873"\w* \it at the table\it* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*,\f + \fr 9:10 \ft Matthew's; see Luke 5:27-29. Matthew prepared a special meal and invited all his colleagues. He would have to turn his responsibilities as tax collector over to them.\f* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collectors|strong="G5057"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* sinners \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w reclining|strong="G4873"\w* \it at the table\it* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*!  
\v 11 \w Upon|strong="G3326"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w does|strong="G2068"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w teacher|strong="G1320"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drink|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 9:11 \ft I follow the best line of transmission that has ‘and drink’, although 70% of the Greek manuscripts omit the words.\f* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collectors|strong="G5057"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* sinners?”  
\v 12 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* heard \w it|strong="G1161"\w*, \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w strong|strong="G2480"\w* \w do|strong="G2192"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w physician|strong="G2395"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w sick|strong="G2560"\w*.  
\v 13 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w learn|strong="G3129"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w this|strong="G5101"\w* \w means|strong="G1510"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w desire|strong="G2309"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1656"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="G2378"\w*.’ \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w call|strong="G2564"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* sinners \w to|strong="G2532"\w* repentance.”\f + \fr 9:13 \ft Perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts omit “to repentance” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*   
\s2 Fasting  
\p
\v 14 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w come|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w fast|strong="G3522"\w* \it about\it* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w fast|strong="G3522"\w*?”  
\v 15 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Can|strong="G1410"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* friends \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w bridegroom|strong="G3566"\w* \w mourn|strong="G3996"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w long|strong="G2250"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w bridegroom|strong="G3566"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*? \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w bridegroom|strong="G3566"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* taken \w away|strong="G3326"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w fast|strong="G3522"\w*.   
\s2 Old wineskins  
\p
\v 16 “\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w puts|strong="G1911"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w patch|strong="G1915"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* unshrunk \w cloth|strong="G4470"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w old|strong="G3820"\w* \w garment|strong="G2440"\w*; \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w patch|strong="G1915"\w* pulls away \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w garment|strong="G2440"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tear|strong="G4978"\w* \w becomes|strong="G1096"\w* \w worse|strong="G5501"\w*.  
\v 17 \w Nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w wine|strong="G3631"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w old|strong="G3820"\w* wineskins; \w otherwise|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* wineskins \w burst|strong="G4486"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wine|strong="G3631"\w* spills \w out|strong="G1632"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* wineskins \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* ruined. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w wine|strong="G3631"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* wineskins, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w preserved|strong="G4933"\w*.”\f + \fr 9:17 \ft What are the implications here for established ecclesiastical structures? How many churches have been split by ‘new wine’? But, so, how should we go about trying to renew a dead church? Or should we just pull out and ‘leave the dead to bury their dead’?\f*   
\s1 Jesus raises the dead  
\p
\v 18 \w While|strong="G2980"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w*; \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G1520"\w* ruler \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w worshiped|strong="G4352"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w My|strong="G3708"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w* \w has|strong="G3778"\w* \w just|strong="G2532"\w* \w died|strong="G5053"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lay|strong="G2007"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w live|strong="G2198"\w*.”  
\v 19 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w got|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* followed \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*.  
\v 20 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*—\w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* hemorrhaging \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w behind|strong="G3693"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* touched \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hem|strong="G2899"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G3708"\w* \w garment|strong="G2440"\w*.  
\v 21 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w she|strong="G1437"\w* kept \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w herself|strong="G1438"\w*, “\w If|strong="G1437"\w* \w only|strong="G3440"\w* \w I|strong="G1063"\w* \w may|strong="G3004"\w* touch \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w garment|strong="G2440"\w* \w I|strong="G1063"\w* \w will|strong="G3004"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* \w healed|strong="G4982"\w*.”\f + \fr 9:21 \ft It is clear from Mark 5:27-30 that the woman was healed before Jesus turned around. At other times contact with the shadow or a handkerchief brought healing. There is a principle at work here that we no longer understand, but satanists use all the time.\f*  
\v 22 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w turning|strong="G4762"\w* around \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*, \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Take|strong="G2293"\w* \w courage|strong="G2293"\w*, \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w*; \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w has|strong="G4102"\w* \w made|strong="G4982"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w well|strong="G4982"\w*.” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w healed|strong="G4982"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \it very\it* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*.  
\v 23 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* ruler's \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* flutists \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w making|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w commotion|strong="G2350"\w*,  
\v 24 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Go|strong="G2532"\w* away, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w girl|strong="G2877"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* dead, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w sleeping|strong="G2518"\w*.” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* ridicule \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 9:24 \ft They knew that the girl was dead.\f*  
\v 25 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G1544"\w* \w outside|strong="G1544"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1525"\w* \w in|strong="G1525"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* grasped \w her|strong="G3588"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w girl|strong="G2877"\w* \w got|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*.  
\v 26 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* report \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w*.   
\s1 Jesus restores sight and speech  
\p
\v 27 \w As|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w went|strong="G2424"\w* \w on|strong="G1653"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w men|strong="G5185"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w crying|strong="G2896"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Have|strong="G2532"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w* \w on|strong="G1653"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*, \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*!”  
\v 28 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w arriving|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Do|strong="G4160"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G2532"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*?” \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Yes|strong="G3483"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.”  
\v 29 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w touched|strong="G5119"\w* \w their|strong="G2596"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w According|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w let|strong="G1096"\w* \w it|strong="G5119"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.”  
\v 30 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* opened. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w sternly|strong="G1690"\w* \w warned|strong="G1690"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w See|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w* \w knows|strong="G1097"\w*!”  
\v 31 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w going|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w spread|strong="G1831"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w news|strong="G1310"\w* \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w country|strong="G1093"\w*.   
\p
\v 32 \w As|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G1161"\w* \w going|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w*, well, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w brought|strong="G4374"\w* \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w Him|strong="G3708"\w* \w a|strong="G3708"\w* \w mute|strong="G2974"\w* \w man|strong="G2974"\w*, demonized.  
\v 33 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w demon|strong="G1140"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mute|strong="G2974"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w marveled|strong="G2296"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Never|strong="G3763"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w seen|strong="G5316"\w* \w like|strong="G3779"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*!”\f + \fr 9:33 \ft I take it that the events recorded in verses 10-33 happened one right after the other, probably within two or three hours—the Lord had very little time to Himself; someone was clamoring for attention constantly. To be alone with the Father He had to slip away at night.\f*  
\v 34 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w casts|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ruler \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w*.”\f + \fr 9:34 \ft At this point the Pharisees committed the unpardonable sin; see Mark 3:29-30.\f*   
\s2 The harvest needs workers  
\p
\v 35 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w went|strong="G2424"\w* \w around|strong="G4013"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w cities|strong="G4172"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w villages|strong="G2968"\w*, \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w preaching|strong="G2784"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w healing|strong="G2323"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w disease|strong="G3554"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* illness \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G3956"\w*.  
\v 36 \w Seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w moved|strong="G4697"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w compassion|strong="G4697"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* harassed \w and|strong="G2532"\w* prostrated, \w like|strong="G5616"\w* \w sheep|strong="G4263"\w* \w without|strong="G3361"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w shepherd|strong="G4166"\w*.\f + \fr 9:36 \ft Who or what did the harassing? Sheep without a shepherd have no protection.\f*  
\v 37 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w His|strong="G3588"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*: “\w The|strong="G1161"\w* \w harvest|strong="G2326"\w* \w truly|strong="G3303"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w plentiful|strong="G4183"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w workers|strong="G2040"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w few|strong="G3641"\w*.  
\v 38 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w pray|strong="G1189"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w harvest|strong="G2326"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w may|strong="G3704"\w* \w send|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w workers|strong="G2040"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w harvest|strong="G2326"\w*.”\f + \fr 9:38 \ft Not everyone is supposed to go, and not everyone can give, but we can all pray—or can we? To pray that prayer honestly, we have to be prepared to be one of the workers He will send!\f*   
\c 10  
\ms1 Jesus commissions and orients the twelve disciples—28 AD  
\m
\v 1 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w summoning|strong="G4341"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w over|strong="G1849"\w* unclean \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w heal|strong="G2323"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w disease|strong="G3554"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* illness.  
\v 2 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w names|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* apostles \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w*: \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* (\w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*) \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Andrew \w his|strong="G2532"\w* brother, \w James|strong="G2385"\w* (\w the|strong="G2532"\w* son \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Zebedee|strong="G2199"\w*) \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* brother,  
\v 3 \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Bartholomew, \w Thomas|strong="G2381"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Matthew|strong="G3156"\w* (\w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collector|strong="G5057"\w*),\f + \fr 10:3 \ft Matthew insists on recording the fact that he was a tax collector—perhaps to underscore God's grace in choosing someone from a despised occupation.\f* \w James|strong="G2385"\w* (\w the|strong="G2532"\w* son \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Alphaeus) \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lebbaeus|strong="G3002"\w* (\w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* surnamed\f + \fr 10:3 \ft Less than half of one percent of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “Lebbaeus who was surnamed” (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* Thaddeus),  
\v 4 \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* (\w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Canaanite|strong="G2581"\w*) \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w* \w Iscariot|strong="G2469"\w* (\w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w betrayed|strong="G3860"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*).   
\s1 Orientation with immediate effect  
\p
\v 5 \w These|strong="G3778"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w sent|strong="G2424"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w*,\f + \fr 10:5 \ft The Lord gives the example; He sends out the twelve (9:38).\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w commanded|strong="G3853"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w go|strong="G1525"\w* off \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Samaritans|strong="G4541"\w*.  
\v 6 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w rather|strong="G3123"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* lost \w sheep|strong="G4263"\w* \w of|strong="G3624"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w of|strong="G3624"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*.\f + \fr 10:6 \ft See Matthew 15:24; the emphasis of the Lord's earthly ministry was upon “the house of Israel”.\f*  
\v 7 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w*, \w preach|strong="G2784"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w The|strong="G1161"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w has|strong="G3748"\w* \w come|strong="G1448"\w* \w near|strong="G1448"\w*.’  
\v 8 \w Heal|strong="G2323"\w* \w the|strong="G2983"\w* sick, \w cleanse|strong="G2511"\w* \w the|strong="G2983"\w* \w lepers|strong="G3015"\w*, \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w*.\f + \fr 10:8 \ft Some 94% of the Greek manuscripts do \+nd not\+nd* have “raise the dead”. KJV, NKJV, NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc. (most versions in English) follow 6%.\f* \w You|strong="G1325"\w* \w have|strong="G2983"\w* \w received|strong="G2983"\w* free \w of|strong="G2983"\w* charge, \w give|strong="G1325"\w* free \w of|strong="G2983"\w* charge.\f + \fr 10:8 \ft What would happen if the Church started following this instruction?\f*  
\v 9 \w Do|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w provide|strong="G2932"\w* \w gold|strong="G5557"\w* \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* silver \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w copper|strong="G5475"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w money|strong="G5475"\w* \w belts|strong="G2223"\w*,  
\v 10 \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* knapsack \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*, \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w tunics|strong="G5509"\w*, \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w sandals|strong="G5266"\w*, \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* staffs;\f + \fr 10:10 \ft They were to travel ‘light’—a spare staff would just be extra weight (they went everywhere on foot); with no knapsack a spare tunic and pair of sandals would just get in the way. However, this was a temporary instruction for a specific occasion. Later, in the upper room, He revoked this instruction (Luke 22:35-36). Perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘neither a staff’ (singular), that sets up a contradiction with Mark 6:8, to be duly followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.\f* \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w worker|strong="G2040"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* worthy \w of|strong="G3598"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w food|strong="G5160"\w*.   
\p
\v 11 “\w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w village|strong="G2968"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w may|strong="G1161"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w*, \w inquire|strong="G1833"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* worthy, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w stay|strong="G3306"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w go|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w*.  
\v 12 \w Upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w entering|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, greet \w it|strong="G1161"\w*;  
\v 13 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* worthy, \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w your|strong="G1437"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* worthy, \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w your|strong="G1437"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w return|strong="G1994"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.  
\v 14 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w receive|strong="G1209"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* hear \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*, \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w go|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w shake|strong="G1621"\w* \w off|strong="G1621"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dust|strong="G2868"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*.\f + \fr 10:14 \ft This is an instruction, an order. Paul did it at least once—Acts 13:51 (as have I). Jesus Himself declares this judgment upon Capernaum (Matthew 11:23-24), thereby setting the example.\f*  
\v 15 Assuredly \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* tolerable \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Sodom|strong="G4670"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gomorrah|strong="G1116"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Day|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w judgment|strong="G2920"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*!   
\s1 Orientation with prophetic effect  
\p
\v 16 “\w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* sending \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w sheep|strong="G4263"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w midst|strong="G3319"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w wolves|strong="G3074"\w*. \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w prudent|strong="G5429"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w snakes|strong="G3789"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* innocent \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w doves|strong="G4058"\w*.  
\v 17 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w beware|strong="G4337"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G3860"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w councils|strong="G4892"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w flog|strong="G3146"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w*.  
\v 18 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G1519"\w* \w before|strong="G1909"\w* \w governors|strong="G2232"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w kings|strong="G3588"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w sake|strong="G1752"\w*, \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w testimony|strong="G3142"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*.  
\v 19 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w hand|strong="G3860"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w*, \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w worry|strong="G3309"\w* \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w be|strong="G3361"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w*;\f + \fr 10:19 \ft As one of my seminary professors once said, this instruction is for martyrs, not preachers. But would it not it be nice if more preachers got their messages from the Holy Spirit?\f*  
\v 20 \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G1063"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w*, \w but|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w speaks|strong="G2980"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.\f + \fr 10:20 \ft God still speaks in and to the world today, using our mouths.\f*   
\s2 Like master, like slave  
\p
\v 21 “\w Furthermore|strong="G2532"\w*, brother \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G3860"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* brother \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w child|strong="G5043"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w rise|strong="G1881"\w* \w up|strong="G3860"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w parents|strong="G1118"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2289"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*.  
\v 22 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1510"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w hated|strong="G3404"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*'s \w sake|strong="G1223"\w*;\f + \fr 10:22 \ft This is already happening in North America and elsewhere. Anyone who stands up for Biblical values—speaks out against homosexualism, for instance—is ridiculed, and more physical forms of persecution have already started.\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* enduring \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w end|strong="G5056"\w*, \nd \+w he|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* delivered.  
\v 23 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w persecute|strong="G1377"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*, \w flee|strong="G5343"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w another|strong="G2087"\w*.\f + \fr 10:23 \ft This sounds like the life of a refugee.\f* \w For|strong="G1063"\w* assuredly \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G3778"\w* \w certainly|strong="G1063"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w go|strong="G2064"\w* \w through|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w cities|strong="G4172"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w* \w before|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G3778"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w*.\f + \fr 10:23 \ft Beginning with verse 18, but especially in verses 21-23, Jesus is probably referring to the end times, more than to their immediate future.\f*  
\v 24 \w A|strong="G1510"\w* \w disciple|strong="G3101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w above|strong="G5228"\w* \w his|strong="G5228"\w* \w teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* \w above|strong="G5228"\w* \w his|strong="G5228"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w*.  
\v 25 \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* enough \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w disciple|strong="G3101"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w*.\f + \fr 10:25 \ft This should be our goal: be like Jesus, do like Jesus.\f* \w Since|strong="G5613"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* stigmatized\f + \fr 10:25 \ft I here follow the best line of transmission, with 30% of the Greek manuscripts. ‘To stigmatize’ is the appropriate verb here, rather than ‘to call’.\f* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3617"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* Beelzebul,\f + \fr 10:25 \ft All Greek manuscripts have ‘Beelzebul’, rather than the familiar ‘Beelzebub’, that is a carryover from the Latin.\f* \w how|strong="G5613"\w* \w much|strong="G4214"\w* \w more|strong="G3123"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w household|strong="G3615"\w*!  
\v 26 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w fear|strong="G5399"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w*; \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w concealed|strong="G2572"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* revealed, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w secret|strong="G2927"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w known|strong="G1097"\w*.   
\s2 “Do not be afraid”  
\p
\v 27 “\w What|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w dark|strong="G4653"\w*, \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* hear \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w ear|strong="G3775"\w*, \w proclaim|strong="G2784"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w housetops|strong="G1430"\w*.\f + \fr 10:27 \ft This one bothers me; to do this is like painting a target on your back. But He goes on to say that it is better to fear God more than man, and that nothing can happen to you apart from the Father's will. But how many of us really trust God that much? How many of us can say with Job, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15)?\f*  
\v 28 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* kill \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* kill \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w soul|strong="G5590"\w*. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w rather|strong="G3123"\w* \w fear|strong="G5399"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w One|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* destroy \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w soul|strong="G5590"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Hell|strong="G1067"\w*.\f + \fr 10:28 \ft The Greek Text has ‘Gehenna’, a euphemism for the Lake of Fire.\f*  
\v 29 \w Are|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w sparrows|strong="G4765"\w* \w sold|strong="G4453"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* copper coin? \w Yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w fall|strong="G4098"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w* apart \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*'s \it will.\it*  
\v 30 Why \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hairs|strong="G2359"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* numbered!  
\v 31 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w do|strong="G5399"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G3361"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*; \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G4183"\w* \w worth|strong="G1308"\w* \w more|strong="G4183"\w* \w than|strong="G4183"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w sparrows|strong="G4765"\w*.   
\s1 Jesus demands total commitment  
\p
\v 32 “\w Now|strong="G3767"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w confess|strong="G3670"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G3956"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w also|strong="G2504"\w* \w confess|strong="G3670"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.  
\v 33 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3748"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w deny|strong="G3588"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w also|strong="G1161"\w* \w deny|strong="G3588"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.\f + \fr 10:33 \ft If Jesus denies us in front of the Father, what are our chances? Maybe this is why the Text says that a coward does not enter the Kingdom (Revelation 21:8).\f*   
\p
\v 34 “\w Do|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w suppose|strong="G3543"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* bring \w peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*. \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w did|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* bring \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*, \w but|strong="G3361"\w* \w a|strong="G1909"\w* \w sword|strong="G3162"\w*.  
\v 35 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w set|strong="G1369"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* man \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w her|strong="G2596"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w daughter-in-law|strong="G3565"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w her|strong="G2596"\w* \w mother-in-law|strong="G3994"\w*;  
\v 36 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* man's \w enemies|strong="G2190"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \it own\it* \w household|strong="G3615"\w*.   
\p
\v 37 “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w more|strong="G5228"\w* devoted \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* worthy \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w more|strong="G5228"\w* devoted \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* worthy \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*;  
\v 38 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w does|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w take|strong="G2983"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2983"\w* \w cross|strong="G4716"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w follow|strong="G3694"\w* \w after|strong="G3694"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* worthy \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.\f + \fr 10:38 \ft Notice that it is Jesus who sets the parameters, not we. Rather than people ‘accepting’ Jesus, the question is whether He will accept us.\f*  
\v 39 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1438"\w* ‘\w finding|strong="G2147"\w*’ \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* lose \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1438"\w* ‘losing’ \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w for|strong="G1752"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w sake|strong="G1752"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 10:39 \ft I take it that the reference is to the potential that your life represents, potential in the interests of God's Kingdom. To the extent that your life revolves around God's will and Kingdom you will both find and save it—of course from the world's perspective you will be throwing it away.\f*   
\p
\v 40 “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* receiving \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w receives|strong="G1209"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* receiving \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w receives|strong="G1209"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w One|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 41 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w receiving|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*'s \w reward|strong="G3408"\w*,\f + \fr 10:41 \ft I assume that the point here is identification: you are identifying with the prophet whose name you invoke; and if that prophet is in prison, you are taking a risk.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w receiving|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w man|strong="G1342"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w man|strong="G1342"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w man|strong="G1342"\w*'s \w reward|strong="G3408"\w*.  
\v 42 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w give|strong="G4222"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* much \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w cup|strong="G4221"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w cold|strong="G5593"\w* \it water\it* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w little|strong="G3398"\w* \w ones|strong="G3398"\w*, \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciple|strong="G3101"\w*, assuredly \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w certainly|strong="G3756"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* lose \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w reward|strong="G3408"\w*.”\f + \fr 10:42 \ft Presumably the rewards mentioned here are received in this life, since the good deeds mentioned could be performed by an unbeliever. I suggest that God blesses anyone who takes sides with what is right, good, decent, honorable, just—but if that person does not belong to Christ the blessing is limited to this life.\f*   
\c 11  
\ms1 The Pharisees reject Jesus as Messiah  
\m
\v 1 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w*, \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w finished|strong="G5055"\w* directing \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* moved \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w preach|strong="G2784"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w towns|strong="G4172"\w*.   
\s1 John needs reassuring  
\p
\v 2 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*, hearing \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w prison|strong="G1201"\w* \it about\it* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w works|strong="G2041"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w*, \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* two \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w his|strong="G1223"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*  
\v 3 \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w One|strong="G3588"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w do|strong="G3004"\w* \w we|strong="G1510"\w* \w look|strong="G4328"\w* \w for|strong="G4328"\w* \w another|strong="G2087"\w*?”\f + \fr 11:3 \ft John was in prison, which was contrary to his expectations; like all the others he expected Jesus to set up the Kingdom right then. In answer the Lord says, in effect, that the Kingdom is not based on our expectations.\f*  
\v 4 \w By|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G4198"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Go|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* report \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* hear \w and|strong="G2532"\w* see:  
\v 5 \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* regain sight \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lame|strong="G5560"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w*, \w lepers|strong="G3015"\w* \w are|strong="G2532"\w* \w cleansed|strong="G2511"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w deaf|strong="G2974"\w* hear, \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w are|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w poor|strong="G4434"\w* \w are|strong="G2532"\w* evangelized.  
\v 6 \w And|strong="G2532"\w*, \w blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w offended|strong="G4624"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \nd \+w Me|strong="G1473"\+w*\nd*!”\f + \fr 11:6 \ft Verse 6 was directed specifically at John. When Jesus went to John to be baptized, John knew perfectly well that he was looking at the Messiah, but now, because of his circumstances, he is in doubt. In effect, Jesus is saying, “Whatever you do, do not rebel!” And He is still saying so to us: when your circumstances are painful and unexplained, do not rebel!\f*   
\s1 Jesus commends John the Baptizer  
\p
\v 7 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w departed|strong="G1831"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*: “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w did|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w see|strong="G2300"\w*, \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w reed|strong="G2563"\w* \w shaken|strong="G4531"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* wind?  
\v 8 \w But|strong="G3588"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w did|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w go|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w*, \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w man|strong="G5101"\w* clothed \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w soft|strong="G3120"\w* garments? Actually, \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w wear|strong="G5409"\w* \w soft|strong="G3120"\w* material \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w kings|strong="G3588"\w*' \w houses|strong="G3624"\w*.  
\v 9 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \it really\it*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w go|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*? \w Yes|strong="G3483"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* far \w more|strong="G2532"\w* \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*.  
\v 10 \w For|strong="G4012"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w he|strong="G3739"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w it|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w Behold|strong="G2400"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* send \w my|strong="G3708"\w* messenger \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w your|strong="G3708"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w*,  
\q2 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w prepare|strong="G2680"\w* \w your|strong="G3708"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w ahead|strong="G1715"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.’\f + \fr 11:10 \ft See Malachi 3:1.\f*   
\m
\v 11 Assuredly \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w born|strong="G1084"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w has|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w arisen|strong="G1453"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w greater|strong="G3173"\w* \w than|strong="G3173"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Baptizer; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w least|strong="G3398"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w greater|strong="G3173"\w* \w than|strong="G3173"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w*.\f + \fr 11:11 \ft Evidently, as forerunner of the Kingdom John was not part of it—the Kingdom was rejected at that time; both forerunner and King were killed—those who participate in the actual future Kingdom will be more privileged. “Born of women” excludes Adam. Men like Noah, Abraham, Moses, Daniel would be of equal standing, just not “greater”. But those who live during the Messianic Kingdom (Millennium) will be more privileged than all except Adam, because the earth will return to conditions similar to Eden.\f*  
\v 12 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Baptizer \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* aggressive \w and|strong="G2532"\w* aggressive \w people|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* seizing \w upon|strong="G3772"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 11:12 \ft Note that Jesus is referring to a period of about two years. With the King physically present and giving a living demonstration of the Kingdom, the Kingdom was being more aggressive in this world than it had been since the time of Moses. In the present tense of a Greek verb a single form serves for both the middle and passive voices—the verb βιαζεται has usually been translated as passive in our versions, ‘suffers violence’, but I think it makes much better sense to translate it as middle, as I have done. Given the hostility of the religious leaders, it would take someone with plenty of backbone to openly side with Jesus.\f*  
\v 13 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w* \w prophesied|strong="G4395"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*,  
\v 14 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w willing|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w receive|strong="G1209"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w*.\f + \fr 11:14 \ft Jesus declares that the real Elijah is still going to come. John fulfilled the role for Messiah's first advent that Elijah will fill for the second.\f*  
\v 15 \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w* \w to|strong="G2192"\w* hear, \w let|strong="G2192"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* hear!   
\p
\v 16 “\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w shall|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w compare|strong="G3666"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*? \w It|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G3664"\w* \w children|strong="G3813"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* marketplace \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w calling|strong="G4377"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G1722"\w* friends  
\v 17 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*,  
\q1 ‘\w We|strong="G2532"\w* played \w the|strong="G2532"\w* flute \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w dance|strong="G3738"\w*;  
\q2 \w we|strong="G2532"\w* mourned \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w lament|strong="G2354"\w*.’   
\m
\v 18 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w neither|strong="G3383"\w* \w eating|strong="G2068"\w* \w nor|strong="G3383"\w* \w drinking|strong="G4095"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w demon|strong="G1140"\w*’;  
\v 19 \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w eating|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drinking|strong="G4095"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Just|strong="G2532"\w* \w look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* glutton \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w drunkard|strong="G3630"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w friend|strong="G5384"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collectors|strong="G5057"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* sinners!’ \w Indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w vindicated|strong="G1344"\w* \w by|strong="G1344"\w* \w her|strong="G3708"\w* \w children|strong="G5207"\w*.”\f + \fr 11:19 \ft Instead of “her children”, just 0.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality (objectively so), have “her works” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*   
\s1 Jesus denounces three cities  
\p
\v 20 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w began|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w reproach|strong="G3679"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w cities|strong="G4172"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w most|strong="G4183"\w* \w of|strong="G1411"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w mighty|strong="G1411"\w* \w works|strong="G1411"\w* \w had|strong="G3739"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w did|strong="G1096"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w repent|strong="G3340"\w*.  
\v 21 “\w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w Chorazin|strong="G5523"\w*! \w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, Bethsaida! \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mighty|strong="G1411"\w* \w works|strong="G1411"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Tyre|strong="G5184"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sidon|strong="G4605"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G1096"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w repented|strong="G3340"\w* \w long|strong="G3819"\w* \w ago|strong="G3819"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w sackcloth|strong="G4526"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ashes|strong="G4700"\w*.  
\v 22 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* tolerable \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w Tyre|strong="G5184"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sidon|strong="G4605"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Day|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w judgment|strong="G2920"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*!  
\v 23 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w Capernaum|strong="G2584"\w*, ‘\w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* \w exalted|strong="G5312"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*’, \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w brought|strong="G1096"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* Hades! \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mighty|strong="G1411"\w* \w works|strong="G1411"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sodom|strong="G4670"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G1096"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w remained|strong="G3306"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w day|strong="G4594"\w*.  
\v 24 \w So|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* more tolerable \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Sodom|strong="G4670"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Day|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w judgment|strong="G2920"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.”\f + \fr 11:24 \ft Evidently there are degrees of judgment, based on the amount of ‘light’ received. To be worse off than Sodom—help! (See Matthew 10:14-15.)\f*   
\s2 “I praise You, Father”  
\p
\v 25 \w At|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* reacted \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “ ‘\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w praise|strong="G1843"\w* \w You|strong="G4771"\w*, \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w hidden|strong="G2928"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wise|strong="G4680"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w intelligent|strong="G4908"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* revealed \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w babes|strong="G3516"\w*’.  
\v 26 \w Yes|strong="G3483"\w*, \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w thus|strong="G3779"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w good|strong="G2107"\w* \w to|strong="G1096"\w* \w You|strong="G4771"\w*.’\f + \fr 11:26 \ft I take it that this was said out loud, so those around could hear.\f*   
\p
\v 27 “\w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w delivered|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* really \w knows|strong="G1921"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*; \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w does|strong="G3761"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* really \w know|strong="G1921"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* reveal \it Him\it*.  
\v 28 \w Come|strong="G1205"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* laboring \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* loaded \w down|strong="G5412"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1473"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* rest.  
\v 29 \w Take|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w yoke|strong="G2218"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w learn|strong="G3129"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w gentle|strong="G4239"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lowly|strong="G5011"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w rest|strong="G1510"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w souls|strong="G5590"\w*;  
\v 30 \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w yoke|strong="G2218"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w easy|strong="G5543"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w burden|strong="G5413"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w light|strong="G1645"\w*.”\f + \fr 11:30 \ft To be without a yoke is not an option in this world. It is either Jesus' yoke or Satan's—if you refuse Jesus' yoke you remain under Satan's yoke, which is always heavy. Being born with an inclination to sin, we are soon under Satan's yoke—Jesus offers us a way out.\f*   
\c 12  
\s1 Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath  
\m
\v 1 \w At|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w grain|strong="G4719"\w* \w fields|strong="G4702"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*.\f + \fr 12:1 \ft The Text actually has ‘\+nd the\+nd* Sabbaths’; the parallel passage in Luke 6:1 has ‘a second-first Sabbath’. This was evidently a special day, but we have lost the relevant cultural information.\f* \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w became|strong="G3101"\w* \w hungry|strong="G3983"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w pluck|strong="G5089"\w* \w heads|strong="G4719"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w grain|strong="G4719"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*.  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G1722"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w*\f + \fr 12:2 \ft Most probably the Pharisees had ‘observers’ tagging along everywhere Jesus went.\f* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “Hey, \w your|strong="G3708"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w lawful|strong="G1832"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*!”  
\v 3 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Have|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* read \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w became|strong="G3588"\w* \w hungry|strong="G3983"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 4 \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ate|strong="G2068"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* loaves \w of|strong="G2316"\w* presentation, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w lawful|strong="G1832"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*, \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w only|strong="G3441"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w priests|strong="G2409"\w*?  
\v 5 \w Or|strong="G2228"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* read \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sabbaths|strong="G4521"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w priests|strong="G2409"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w* \w profane|strong="G2228"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* guiltless?  
\v 6 \w Yet|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w greater|strong="G3173"\w* \w than|strong="G3173"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w*.  
\v 7 \w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w known|strong="G1097"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w means|strong="G1510"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w desire|strong="G2309"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1656"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="G2378"\w*,’\f + \fr 12:7 \ft The quote is from Hosea 6:6.\f* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w would|strong="G2309"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w condemned|strong="G2613"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* innocent.  
\v 8 \w Furthermore|strong="G1063"\w*, \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*!”\f + \fr 12:8 \ft Who but the Messiah, or God Himself, could be Lord of the Sabbath? Jesus was hitting the Pharisees where they lived (they used the Sabbath as an instrument of domination). He had also just said that He was greater than the temple.\f*   
\s2 Jesus heals on the Sabbath  
\p
\v 9 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w moving|strong="G3327"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w*.  
\v 10 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w there|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* man \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w withered|strong="G3584"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*! \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Is|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w lawful|strong="G1832"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w heal|strong="G2323"\w* \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*?”—\w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w accuse|strong="G2723"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 11 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w among|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w sheep|strong="G4263"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \it one\it* \w fall|strong="G1706"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* ditch \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*, \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3780"\w* lay \w hold|strong="G2902"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lift|strong="G1453"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w*?  
\v 12 \w Of|strong="G3588"\w* \w how|strong="G4214"\w* \w much|strong="G4214"\w* \w more|strong="G1308"\w* value \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G4160"\w* \w man|strong="G4160"\w* \w than|strong="G1308"\w* \w a|strong="G4160"\w* \w sheep|strong="G4263"\w*! \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w it|strong="G4160"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w lawful|strong="G1832"\w* \w to|strong="G1832"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w good|strong="G2573"\w* \w on|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*.”  
\v 13 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* man, “\w Stretch|strong="G1614"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*!” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w stretched|strong="G1614"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w restored|strong="G5199"\w* \w whole|strong="G5199"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 14 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w going|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w plotted|strong="G4824"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w how|strong="G3704"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* might destroy \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 12:14 \ft They could not answer Him, but did not want to submit to Him either; He threatened all that they held dear.\f*   
\s2 A tactical withdrawal  
\p
\v 15 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w aware|strong="G1097"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w withdrew|strong="G2424"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowds|strong="G4183"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*.\f + \fr 12:15 \ft He did not go looking for sick people to cure, but He healed all who came to Him.\f*  
\v 16 \w Yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w warned|strong="G2008"\w* \w them|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w Him|strong="G4160"\w* \w known|strong="G5318"\w*,  
\v 17 \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Isaiah|strong="G2268"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* might \w be|strong="G2443"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w*, namely:   
\q1
\v 18 “\w Behold|strong="G2400"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w Servant|strong="G3816"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* chose,  
\q2 \w my|strong="G3708"\w* Beloved \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w soul|strong="G5590"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w pleased|strong="G2106"\w*!  
\q1 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G5087"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* declare \w justice|strong="G2920"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*.   
\q1
\v 19 \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G5100"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w quarrel|strong="G2051"\w* \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* cry-out,  
\q2 \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w will|strong="G5100"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w hear|strong="G5456"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w streets|strong="G4116"\w*.   
\q1
\v 20 \w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w bruised|strong="G4937"\w* \w reed|strong="G2563"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w break|strong="G2608"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w smoldering|strong="G5188"\w* \w wick|strong="G3043"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w quench|strong="G4570"\w*,  
\q1 \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* sends \w justice|strong="G2920"\w* \w forth|strong="G1544"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w victory|strong="G3534"\w*.\f + \fr 12:20 \ft The quote in verses 18-21 (see Isaiah 42:1-4) is tied to verse 16. Since after His resurrection the Lord commanded them to go to the whole world and preach the Gospel to every person, I take it that the “\+nd until\+nd* He sends justice forth to victory” was fulfilled at His death and resurrection. So the description in verses 19-20 is limited to His earthly ministry and is not an example for us to follow now—see Matthew 10:27, etc.\f*   
\q2
\v 21 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w trust|strong="G1679"\w*.”   
\s1 The Pharisees blaspheme the Holy Spirit  
\p
\v 22 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* demonized \w man|strong="G5185"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w brought|strong="G4374"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w mute|strong="G2974"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \sup \+w A|strong="G2532"\+w*\sup* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \sup B\sup* \w mute|strong="G2974"\w* \sup B\sup* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \sup \+w A|strong="G2532"\+w*\sup* saw.\f + \fr 12:22 \ft A chiasmus—AB,BA\f*  
\v 23 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w amazed|strong="G1839"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Might|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w not|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Christ,\f + \fr 12:23 \ft I follow the best line of transmission [20%] in reading ‘the Christ’, although it is alone against the rest.\f* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*?”  
\v 24 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G1722"\w* hearing \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \it fellow\it* \w does|strong="G3004"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* Beelzebul, ruler \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w*.”  
\v 25 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w knowing|strong="G1492"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w thoughts|strong="G1761"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Every|strong="G3956"\w* kingdom \w divided|strong="G3307"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w itself|strong="G1438"\w* becomes \w desolate|strong="G2049"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w divided|strong="G3307"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w itself|strong="G1438"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w stand|strong="G2476"\w*.  
\v 26 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w* \w casts|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w divided|strong="G3307"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w*. \w How|strong="G4459"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* kingdom \w stand|strong="G2476"\w*?  
\v 27 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* Beelzebul, \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w whom|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w*? \w Therefore|strong="G1223"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w judges|strong="G2923"\w*.\f + \fr 12:27 \ft Jesus seems to be affirming that their sons did indeed cast out demons; the implication is that they were doing so by Satan's power. Further, if they did not protest when their sons did it, why did they protest when He did it?\f*  
\v 28 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* surely \w the|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w come|strong="G5348"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.  
\v 29 \w Or|strong="G2228"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w go|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w strong|strong="G2478"\w* \it man\it* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w plunder|strong="G1283"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w goods|strong="G4632"\w*, \w unless|strong="G1437"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w binds|strong="G1210"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w strong|strong="G2478"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w*? \nd \+w Then|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w plunder|strong="G1283"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*.\f + \fr 12:29 \ft The use of the definite article with “strong man” (its first occurrence) means that the entity has already been introduced in the previous context—the reference is to Satan. Here is biblical basis for binding him.\f*   
\s2 The unforgivable sin  
\p
\v 30 “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w does|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w gather|strong="G4863"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w scatters|strong="G4650"\w*.\f + \fr 12:30 \ft There is no ‘neutrality’; you are either for or against. There are only two teams, two sides, two kingdoms in this world. Either God or Satan, light or darkness, truth or falsehood. Whose side are you on? Really.\f*  
\v 31 \w Therefore|strong="G1223"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w every|strong="G3956"\w* sin \w and|strong="G2532"\w* blasphemy \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* forgiven \w people|strong="G3956"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* blasphemy \w against|strong="G3756"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* forgiven \w people|strong="G3956"\w*.  
\v 32 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w speaks|strong="G3004"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G3778"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G3195"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* forgiven \w him|strong="G3588"\w*;\f + \fr 12:32 \ft Statements like this need to be interpreted against the background of all other Scriptures that bear on the subject. Forgiveness depends on confession (1 John 1:9).\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w speaks|strong="G3004"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G3195"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* forgiven \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w neither|strong="G3777"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w present|strong="G3778"\w* age \w nor|strong="G3777"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* next.\f + \fr 12:32 \ft Mark 3:30 makes clear that “the blasphemy against the Spirit” is to ascribe His working to Satan.\f*   
\s1 Jesus denounces the Pharisees  
\p
\v 33 “\w Either|strong="G2228"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tree|strong="G1186"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w its|strong="G1537"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tree|strong="G1186"\w* rotten \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w its|strong="G1537"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w* rotten; \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tree|strong="G1186"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w known|strong="G1097"\w* \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w*.  
\v 34 \w Brood|strong="G1081"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w vipers|strong="G2191"\w*!\f + \fr 12:34 \ft At no time did the Lord make any effort to conciliate the Pharisees. They are ‘serpents’ because their father is a serpent (Revelation 12:10).\f* \w How|strong="G4459"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w you|strong="G1510"\w*, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w*, \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*?\f + \fr 12:34 \ft Jesus appears to be saying that a malignant person is incapable of speaking good.\f* \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w abundance|strong="G4051"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w speaks|strong="G2980"\w*.  
\v 35 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w man|strong="G4190"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* reservoir \w brings|strong="G1544"\w* \w forth|strong="G1544"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w man|strong="G4190"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* reservoir \w brings|strong="G1544"\w* \w forth|strong="G1544"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 36 \w Furthermore|strong="G1161"\w*, \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* useless \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w people|strong="G3956"\w* \w may|strong="G3956"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w give|strong="G3004"\w* \w account|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Day|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w judgment|strong="G2920"\w*.  
\v 37 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w justified|strong="G1344"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w condemned|strong="G2613"\w*.”\f + \fr 12:37 \ft “Every useless word whatever”—do we really believe that? This may be why certain orders of monks took an oath of silence (but how can you be ‘justified’ by your words if you never say anything?).\f*   
\s2 The sign of the prophet Jonah  
\p
\v 38 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* reacted \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.”\f + \fr 12:38 \ft Jesus had already performed hundreds of signs, and doubtless they had seen some of them. Their request was not honest.\f*  
\v 39 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w adulterous|strong="G3428"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w* \w seeks|strong="G1934"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w Jonah|strong="G2495"\w*.  
\v 40 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w just|strong="G5618"\w* \w as|strong="G5618"\w* \w Jonah|strong="G2495"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w nights|strong="G3571"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w stomach|strong="G2836"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sea|strong="G2785"\w* \w monster|strong="G2785"\w*, \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w nights|strong="G3571"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*.\f + \fr 12:40 \ft “In the heart of the earth”—here we seem to have instruction from the Lord on the location of Hades—it is inside the earth, somehow. Compare 1 Samuel 28:13 where Samuel (literally), returning from Hades/Sheol, comes up from inside the earth.\f*  
\v 41 Ninevite \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* arise \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w judgment|strong="G2920"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w condemn|strong="G2632"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w repented|strong="G3340"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w preaching|strong="G2782"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jonah|strong="G2495"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* really, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w greater|strong="G4183"\w* \w than|strong="G4183"\w* \w Jonah|strong="G2495"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w*.  
\v 42 \w The|strong="G1722"\w* queen \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w South|strong="G3558"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w judgment|strong="G2920"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w condemn|strong="G2632"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w ends|strong="G4009"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Solomon|strong="G4672"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* really, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w greater|strong="G4183"\w* \w than|strong="G4183"\w* \w Solomon|strong="G4672"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w*.\f + \fr 12:42 \ft Jonah, and the sea monster, are just as historical as Solomon, the queen of Sheba, Nineveh—we have it on the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.\f*   
\s2 An empty ‘house’ is bad  
\p
\v 43 “\w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* unclean \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* [demon] \w goes|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3756"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w goes|strong="G1831"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* arid \w places|strong="G5117"\w* \w looking|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* rest, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w finds|strong="G2147"\w* \w none|strong="G3756"\w*.  
\v 44 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w return|strong="G1994"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w where|strong="G3606"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w*.’ \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w finds|strong="G2147"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w unoccupied|strong="G4980"\w*, \w swept|strong="G4563"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2885"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w order|strong="G2885"\w*.  
\v 45 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w goes|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w takes|strong="G3880"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w itself|strong="G1438"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* \w different|strong="G2087"\w* \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w*, \w more|strong="G4190"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w itself|strong="G1438"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w in|strong="G1525"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w dwells|strong="G2730"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w* \it state\it* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w becomes|strong="G1096"\w* \w worse|strong="G5501"\w* \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*. \w Just|strong="G2532"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*.”\f + \fr 12:45 \ft Jesus does not say why the demon left, but obviously a vacuum is dangerous. Jesus seems to be implying that the Pharisees are already demonized, but will become worse! Actually, in verse 34 He said they were malignant, poisonous snakes; to be malignant is to be aggressively evil, the term is regularly used of Satan. In fact, later on Jesus says they are sons of Satan.\f*   
\s1 New relationships  
\p
\v 46 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w while|strong="G2980"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w*, \w His|strong="G3708"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w outside|strong="G1854"\w*, \w seeking|strong="G2212"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 47 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w outside|strong="G1854"\w*, \w seeking|strong="G2212"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.”  
\v 48 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* brothers?”  
\v 49 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w stretching|strong="G1614"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w toward|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\nd \+w Here|strong="G2400"\+w*\nd* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* brothers!  
\v 50 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3748"\w* \w does|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*, \nd \+w he|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* brother \w and|strong="G2532"\w* sister \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*.”\f + \fr 12:50 \ft Notice again that the key is \+nd doing\+nd* the Father's will.\f*   
\c 13  
\ms1 Parables of the Kingdom  
\m
\v 1 \w On|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w same|strong="G1565"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w and|strong="G2250"\w* \w sat|strong="G2521"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*.  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4863"\w* \w together|strong="G4863"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1684"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w sit|strong="G2521"\w* \w down|strong="G2521"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* shore.   
\s1 Parable of the soils  
\p
\v 3 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w parables|strong="G3850"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Listen|strong="G2400"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sower|strong="G4687"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w sow|strong="G4687"\w*.  
\v 4 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sowed|strong="G4687"\w*, \w some|strong="G3739"\w* \it seeds\it* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* alongside \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w birds|strong="G4071"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w devoured|strong="G2719"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 5 \w Others|strong="G3588"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* stony places, \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w much|strong="G4183"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*; \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* sprouted \w quickly|strong="G2112"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* depth \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*.  
\v 6 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sun|strong="G2246"\w* \w came|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G3583"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w scorched|strong="G2739"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w root|strong="G4491"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w withered|strong="G3583"\w* \w away|strong="G3583"\w*.  
\v 7 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w among|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* thorns, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* thorns grew \w up|strong="G1909"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* smothered \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 8 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w yielded|strong="G1325"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w crop|strong="G2590"\w*: \w some|strong="G3739"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w hundredfold|strong="G1540"\w*, \w some|strong="G3739"\w* \w sixty|strong="G1835"\w*, \w some|strong="G3739"\w* \w thirty|strong="G5144"\w*.  
\v 9 \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w* \w to|strong="G2192"\w* hear, \w let|strong="G2192"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* hear!”   
\s1 The reason for parables  
\p
\v 10 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w parables|strong="G3850"\w*?”\f + \fr 13:10 \ft From Mark 4:10 it appears that this occurred later, probably after verse 33. Mark has two parables that Matthew does not—Mark 4:21-29.\f*  
\v 11 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G3004"\w* answer \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w To|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w has|strong="G3748"\w* \w been|strong="G3756"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w mysteries|strong="G3466"\w* \w of|strong="G3466"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G3466"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w has|strong="G3748"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w been|strong="G3756"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w*.  
\v 12 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G1325"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w abundance|strong="G4052"\w*;\f + \fr 13:12 \ft But he will have to give an accounting for it all.\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w does|strong="G2192"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* taken away \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G1325"\w*.\f + \fr 13:12 \ft Spiritual growth is like going up an incline on a bicycle without brakes; if you stop pedaling you go backwards. We must keep learning and growing; if we stop, we start losing.\f*  
\v 13 \w Therefore|strong="G1223"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G1722"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w parables|strong="G3850"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w seeing|strong="G1223"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* see \w and|strong="G2532"\w* hearing \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* hear \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w understand|strong="G4920"\w*.\f + \fr 13:13 \ft This is in response to \+nd their\+nd* choice, as verses 14-15 make clear. But Jesus only started using parables after the Pharisees blasphemed the Holy Spirit—they formally rejected Jesus as Messiah. Notice that the declared purpose of the parables is that the people \+nd not\+nd* understand. It follows that doctrine should never be based on a parable, unless Jesus interprets it—the interpretation may be used, but not the parable itself.\f*  
\v 14 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophecy|strong="G4394"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Isaiah|strong="G2268"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* fulfilled, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w By|strong="G2532"\w* hearing \w you|strong="G3708"\w* (\w ye|strong="G2532"\w*) \w will|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w*\nd* \w understand|strong="G4920"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w you|strong="G3708"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w*\nd* \w perceive|strong="G3708"\w*.   
\q1
\v 15 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \sup \+w A|strong="G2532"\+w*\sup* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* grown \w dull|strong="G3975"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \sup B\sup* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w* hard \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearing|strong="G3775"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \sup C\sup* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w closed|strong="G2576"\w*;  
\q1 \w lest|strong="G3379"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \sup C\sup* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w*  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \sup B\sup* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w*  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w understand|strong="G4920"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \sup \+w A|strong="G2532"\+w*\sup* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w*,  
\q1 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w turn|strong="G1994"\w* \w around|strong="G1994"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w heal|strong="G2390"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.’\f + \fr 13:15 \ft A triple chiasmus—ABC,CBA. The Text is clear to the effect that if they turn around He will heal.\f*   
\m
\v 16 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* see, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* hear;  
\v 17 \w for|strong="G1063"\w* assuredly \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w ones|strong="G3748"\w* \w desired|strong="G1937"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* hear \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* hear \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.   
\s1 Parable of the soils explained  
\p
\v 18 “\w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* hear \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w sower|strong="G4687"\w*:  
\v 19 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w anyone|strong="G3956"\w* hears \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w does|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w understand|strong="G4920"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* snatches away \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w sown|strong="G4687"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*—\w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* seed \w sown|strong="G4687"\w* alongside \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*.\f + \fr 13:19 \ft In sowing, the seed is scattered on top of the soil, not planted, and is therefore vulnerable—maybe that is why the great commission is to \+nd disciple\+nd*. Observe that Jesus is teaching that the devil can invade a person's mind.\f*  
\v 20 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* seed \w sown|strong="G4687"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* stony places—\w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* hears \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* directly \w receives|strong="G2983"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w*,  
\v 21 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w root|strong="G4491"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* short-lived; \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* trial \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w persecution|strong="G1375"\w* \w comes|strong="G1096"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w*, \w directly|strong="G1722"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w offended|strong="G4624"\w*.\f + \fr 13:21 \ft This is typical of the ‘prosperity gospel’.\f*  
\v 22 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* seed \w sown|strong="G4687"\w* \w among|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* thorns—\w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* hears \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w care|strong="G3308"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* age \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* deceitfulness \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w riches|strong="G4149"\w* \w choke|strong="G4846"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w becomes|strong="G1096"\w* fruitless.\f + \fr 13:22 \ft Both the seed on stony places and among thorns sprouted—there was life.\f*  
\v 23 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* seed \w sown|strong="G4687"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w*—\w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* hears \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w understands|strong="G4920"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w bears|strong="G4160"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2592"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w produces|strong="G2592"\w*: \w some|strong="G3739"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w hundredfold|strong="G1540"\w*, \w some|strong="G3739"\w* \w sixty|strong="G1835"\w*, \w some|strong="G3739"\w* \w thirty|strong="G5144"\w*.”\f + \fr 13:23 \ft Not all saved persons serve the Lord at the same level of intensity; some are more committed, others less.\f*   
\s1 Wheat and tares  
\p
\v 24 \w He|strong="G3588"\w* put \w another|strong="G3588"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w The|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w like|strong="G3666"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* man \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w sowed|strong="G4687"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w seed|strong="G4690"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* field;  
\v 25 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w sleeping|strong="G2518"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w enemy|strong="G2190"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sowed|strong="G4687"\w* \w tares|strong="G2215"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wheat|strong="G4621"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* away.  
\v 26 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* stalk sprouted \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w produced|strong="G4160"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w*, \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tares|strong="G2215"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w appeared|strong="G5316"\w*.\f + \fr 13:26 \ft It is only when the ‘fruit’ appears that you can tell the difference. “By their fruits you shall know them.”\f*  
\v 27 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w servants|strong="G1401"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w owner|strong="G2962"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w Sir|strong="G2962"\w*, \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w not|strong="G3780"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w seed|strong="G4690"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w sowed|strong="G4687"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G4674"\w* field? \w How|strong="G4159"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w does|strong="G2192"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w tares|strong="G2215"\w*?’  
\v 28 \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w An|strong="G4160"\w* \w enemy|strong="G2190"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w*.’ \w The|strong="G1161"\w* \w servants|strong="G1401"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w go|strong="G2309"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w gather|strong="G4816"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G4816"\w*?’  
\v 29 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*: ‘\w No|strong="G3756"\w*, \w lest|strong="G3379"\w* \w gathering|strong="G4816"\w* \w up|strong="G4816"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w tares|strong="G2215"\w* you \w also|strong="G1161"\w* \w uproot|strong="G1610"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w wheat|strong="G4621"\w* \w with|strong="G3756"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 30 \w Let|strong="G1161"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w grow|strong="G4885"\w* \w together|strong="G4863"\w* \w until|strong="G3360"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w harvest|strong="G2326"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w harvest|strong="G2326"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w reapers|strong="G2327"\w*, “\w First|strong="G4413"\w* \w gather|strong="G4863"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tares|strong="G2215"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w bind|strong="G1210"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w bundles|strong="G1197"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w burn|strong="G2618"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w gather|strong="G4863"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wheat|strong="G4621"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* barn.” ’ ”   
\s1 Mustard seed  
\p
\v 31 \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w put|strong="G2983"\w* \w another|strong="G3739"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w The|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G3664"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w mustard|strong="G4615"\w* \w seed|strong="G2848"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w man|strong="G3739"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w and|strong="G3772"\w* \w sowed|strong="G4687"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* field;  
\v 32 \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w smaller|strong="G3398"\w* \w than|strong="G3173"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w seeds|strong="G4690"\w*,\f + \fr 13:32 \ft That is, seeds normally planted in gardens.\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w grown|strong="G3173"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w greater|strong="G3173"\w* \w than|strong="G3173"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w vegetables|strong="G3001"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w becomes|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w tree|strong="G1186"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w birds|strong="G4071"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w air|strong="G3772"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rest|strong="G2681"\w*\f + \fr 13:32 \ft The verb I have rendered ‘to rest’ is a compound form. The noun root refers to a temporary shelter, like a tent or a hut. The verbal form means to make use of such a shelter. Here the preposition κατα is prefixed to the verb, emphasizing, as I suppose, the temporariness. In Mark 4:32 the Text says that the birds can use the \+nd shade\+nd*, not the branches. But shade moves with the sun, and with the wind—how can you build a nest in something that keeps moving around (the Text actually says ‘under its shade’)?\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w its|strong="G3956"\w* \w branches|strong="G2798"\w*.”   
\s1 Yeast  
\p
\v 33 \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w another|strong="G3739"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w The|strong="G1519"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G3664"\w* \w yeast|strong="G2219"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w and|strong="G3772"\w* \w hid|strong="G1470"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w measures|strong="G4568"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* meal \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w it|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w leavened|strong="G2220"\w*.”   
\p
\v 34 \w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w parables|strong="G3850"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w without|strong="G5565"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3762"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 35 \w so|strong="G3704"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w*, \w namely|strong="G1722"\w*:  
\q1 “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* open \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w parables|strong="G3850"\w*;  
\q2 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w utter|strong="G2044"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* kept \w secret|strong="G2928"\w*  
\q2 \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w foundation|strong="G2602"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* world.”\f + \fr 13:35 \ft The quote is from Psalm 72:2—Matthew calls Asaph a prophet.\f*   
\s1 “Wheat and tares” explained  
\p
\v 36 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* dismissed \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Explain|strong="G1285"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tares|strong="G2215"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* field.”  
\v 37 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w sows|strong="G4687"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w seed|strong="G4690"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w*.  
\v 38 \w The|strong="G1161"\w* field \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w*; \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w seed|strong="G4690"\w*, \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* kingdom, \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w tares|strong="G2215"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 39 \w The|strong="G1161"\w* \w enemy|strong="G2190"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w sowed|strong="G4687"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w*; \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w harvest|strong="G2326"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w end|strong="G4930"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* age, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w reapers|strong="G2327"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* angels.  
\v 40 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w just|strong="G5618"\w* \w as|strong="G5618"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tares|strong="G2215"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4816"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w burned|strong="G2618"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w*, \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w end|strong="G4930"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* age.  
\v 41 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G3956"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* send \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* angels,\f + \fr 13:41 \ft The angels are going to be busy.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w collect|strong="G4816"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* kingdom \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* offensive, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* perpetrate lawlessness;\f + \fr 13:41 \ft I take it that the “kingdom” here is physical (not merely ‘spiritual’) and includes the whole planet, because it contains “offensive” things and “lawless” people.\f*  
\v 42 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* throw \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w furnace|strong="G2575"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w*. \nd \+w There|strong="G1563"\+w*\nd* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w weeping|strong="G2805"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gnashing|strong="G1030"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w teeth|strong="G3599"\w*.  
\v 43 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w will|strong="G3962"\w* \w shine|strong="G1584"\w* \w forth|strong="G1584"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sun|strong="G2246"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w their|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*. \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* hear, \w let|strong="G2192"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* hear.   
\s1 Treasure and pearl  
\p
\v 44 “\w Again|strong="G2532"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G3664"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w treasure|strong="G2344"\w* \w hidden|strong="G2928"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* field,\f + \fr 13:44 \ft Although 70% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘the’ field, the best line of transmission has ‘a’ field, which is correct.\f* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w man|strong="G3956"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* re-hid, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w goes|strong="G5217"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sells|strong="G4453"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* buys \w that|strong="G3739"\w* field.   
\p
\v 45 “\w Again|strong="G3825"\w*, \w the|strong="G3588"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G3664"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* man, \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w merchant|strong="G1713"\w*, \w seeking|strong="G2212"\w* \w beautiful|strong="G2570"\w* \w pearls|strong="G3135"\w*,  
\v 46 \w who|strong="G3956"\w* \w upon|strong="G1161"\w* \w finding|strong="G2147"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* valuable \w pearl|strong="G3135"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sold|strong="G4097"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* bought \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 13:46 \ft Both of these parables are to the same point, and in Philippians 3:7-9 Paul illustrates that point.\f*   
\s1 A seine  
\p
\v 47 “\w Again|strong="G3825"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G3664"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* seine \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w cast|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4863"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w kind|strong="G3956"\w*,  
\v 48 \w which|strong="G3739"\w*, \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w full|strong="G4137"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* pulled \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* shore; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2523"\w* \w down|strong="G2523"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* collected \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* vessels, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* threw \w out|strong="G1854"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w bad|strong="G4550"\w*.  
\v 49 \w So|strong="G3779"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w end|strong="G4930"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* age. \w The|strong="G1722"\w* angels \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w come|strong="G1831"\w* \w forth|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* separate \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w*,  
\v 50 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* throw \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w furnace|strong="G2575"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w*. \nd \+w There|strong="G1563"\+w*\nd* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w weeping|strong="G2805"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gnashing|strong="G1030"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w teeth|strong="G3599"\w*.”   
\p
\v 51 \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Did|strong="G4920"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w understand|strong="G4920"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*?” \w They|strong="G3004"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* Him, “\w Yes|strong="G3483"\w*, Lord.”\f + \fr 13:51 \ft Perhaps 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit ‘Lord’, to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.\f*  
\v 52 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Therefore|strong="G1223"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w scribe|strong="G1122"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G3778"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* discipled \w into|strong="G1544"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G3664"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w householder|strong="G3617"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w brings|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* reservoir \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w old|strong="G3820"\w*.”\f + \fr 13:52 \ft A ‘scribe’ was instructed in the Law and the prevailing interpretations of it (the ‘old’), but if he had also been discipled into the Kingdom, his thinking would be reoriented about many things (the ‘new’).\f*   
\s1 A visit to Natsareth  
\p
\v 53 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w finished|strong="G5055"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w parables|strong="G3850"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w departed|strong="G3332"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 54 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w hometown|strong="G3968"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w astonished|strong="G1605"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Where|strong="G4159"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mighty|strong="G1411"\w* \w works|strong="G1411"\w*?  
\v 55 \w Is|strong="G1510"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w carpenter|strong="G5045"\w*'s \w son|strong="G5207"\w*? \w Is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w James|strong="G2385"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Joses \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jude|strong="G2455"\w*?\f + \fr 13:55 \ft Here we have the names of Jesus' four half-brothers, and the plural ‘sisters’ means there were at least two of them (the use of ‘all’ probably indicates more than two). Joseph and Mary had a normal family.\f*  
\v 56 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* sisters, \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3780"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*? \w Where|strong="G4159"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*?”  
\v 57 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w offended|strong="G4624"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w without|strong="G3361"\w* honor \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w hometown|strong="G3968"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*.”  
\v 58 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w mighty|strong="G1411"\w* \w works|strong="G1411"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* unbelief.   
\c 14  
\ms1 The death of John the Baptizer  
\m
\v 1 \w At|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tetrarch|strong="G5076"\w* heard \w the|strong="G1722"\w* report \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*  
\v 2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1223"\w* \w servants|strong="G3816"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Baptizer; \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G3778"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w therefore|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w powers|strong="G1411"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w work|strong="G1754"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.”  
\v 3 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w laid|strong="G2532"\w* \w hold|strong="G2902"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w bound|strong="G1210"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w Herodias|strong="G2266"\w*, \w his|strong="G1223"\w* brother \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w*'s \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*.  
\v 4 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w would|strong="G1438"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w It|strong="G1063"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w lawful|strong="G1832"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*.”\f + \fr 14:4 \ft The impression one gets is that John took Herod to task several times—a coward he was not.\f*  
\v 5 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w although|strong="G3748"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w wanted|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* kill \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w feared|strong="G5399"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w counted|strong="G2192"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*.  
\v 6 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*'s \w birthday|strong="G1077"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w being|strong="G1096"\w* celebrated, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Herodias|strong="G2266"\w* \w danced|strong="G3738"\w* \w before|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* pleased \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*.  
\v 7 \w So|strong="G3606"\w* \w he|strong="G3739"\w* \w promised|strong="G3670"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w an|strong="G1325"\w* \w oath|strong="G3727"\w* \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w her|strong="G1325"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w she|strong="G1437"\w* might ask.  
\v 8 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w she|strong="G1161"\w*, having \w been|strong="G1325"\w* \w prompted|strong="G4264"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w her|strong="G1325"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*, \w she|strong="G1161"\w* \w says|strong="G5346"\w*, “\w Give|strong="G1325"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G1909"\w* \w platter|strong="G4094"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* Baptizer!”  
\v 9 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w sorry|strong="G3076"\w*; \w nevertheless|strong="G2532"\w*, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w oaths|strong="G3727"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w reclining|strong="G4873"\w* \it at the table\it* \w with|strong="G1223"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w commanded|strong="G2753"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w*.  
\v 10 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* beheaded \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w*.  
\v 11 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w brought|strong="G5342"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w platter|strong="G4094"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w girl|strong="G2877"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G5342"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G1325"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*.\f + \fr 14:11 \ft What would seeing that head do to your appetite?\f*  
\v 12 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w forward|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w body|strong="G4430"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w buried|strong="G2290"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*,\f + \fr 14:12 \ft The body was buried without the head—one wonders what became of it.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* told \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.   
\s1 Food for 15,000  
\p
\v 13 \w Upon|strong="G1519"\w* hearing \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* departed \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w deserted|strong="G2048"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w privately|strong="G2398"\w*.\f + \fr 14:13 \ft From Mark we learn that Jesus and the disciples were under heavy pressure from the crowds—no time even to eat. So when He hears of John's death, and under such ignominious circumstances, Jesus wants to get away so He can grieve and assimilate the news.\f* \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* heard \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w foot|strong="G3979"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w towns|strong="G4172"\w*.  
\v 14 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G1831"\w* disembarked \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w compassion|strong="G4697"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* sick.\f + \fr 14:14 \ft In Mark it is even clearer that the people ran along the shore and got to the destination first, before the boat (please see the note at Mark 6:34). Naturally the faster runners were there first, but others kept arriving so that in the end there were thousands of people. In the town there was not space for everybody to get to Jesus, but out in the open—so when the news got around people came from all over.\f*   
\p
\v 15 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w evening|strong="G3798"\w* \w coming|strong="G4334"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* uninhabited \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w already|strong="G2235"\w* \w late|strong="G3928"\w*. Dismiss \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4334"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w villages|strong="G2968"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* buy \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w food|strong="G1033"\w*.”  
\v 16 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w They|strong="G1161"\w* \w do|strong="G2192"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w go|strong="G2192"\w* away. \nd \+w You|strong="G5210"\+w*\nd* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*.”\f + \fr 14:16 \ft Really now, with what? Although Jesus had to take the initiative, the disciples did participate in the miracle.\f*  
\v 17 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w We|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3756"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* loaves \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w fish|strong="G2486"\w*.”  
\v 18 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Bring|strong="G5342"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.”  
\v 19 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w commanded|strong="G2753"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* recline \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w grass|strong="G5528"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w taking|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* loaves \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w fish|strong="G2486"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w looking|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w blessed|strong="G2127"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w breaking|strong="G2806"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* loaves \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w*.  
\v 20 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w ate|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w filled|strong="G5526"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fragments|strong="G2801"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w remained|strong="G4052"\w*, \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w baskets|strong="G2894"\w* \w full|strong="G4134"\w*.  
\v 21 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w ate|strong="G2068"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G5616"\w* \w five|strong="G4000"\w* \w thousand|strong="G4000"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*, \w besides|strong="G5565"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G3813"\w*.\f + \fr 14:21 \ft Since any large crowd is likely to have more women and children than men, there were probably at least 15,000 people there. “They were filled”—how much food does it take to ‘fill’ 15,000 hungry people? Notice the care not to waste anything—the fragments were collected.\f*   
\s1 Peter walks on water  
\p
\v 22 \w Immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G4254"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w get|strong="G1684"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4254"\w* \w ahead|strong="G4254"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G4008"\w* \w side|strong="G4008"\w*, \w while|strong="G2193"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* dismissed \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w*.  
\v 23 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* dismissed \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w* \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w Himself|strong="G2398"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w*. \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* night \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w alone|strong="G3441"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*.\f + \fr 14:23 \ft Finally, Jesus manages to be alone, to think and pray.\f*  
\v 24 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w already|strong="G2235"\w* \w in|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w middle|strong="G3319"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*,\f + \fr 14:24 \ft Perhaps 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, read “many furlongs away from the land” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* harassed \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w waves|strong="G2949"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* wind \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w contrary|strong="G1727"\w*.  
\v 25 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w fourth|strong="G5067"\w* \w watch|strong="G5438"\w* \w of|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w*\f + \fr 14:25 \ft The fourth watch, using Roman time, was from 3 to 6 a.m.—the disciples had had a rough night!\f* \w Jesus|strong="G4043"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w walking|strong="G4043"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*.  
\v 26 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w walking|strong="G4043"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w became|strong="G3101"\w* agitated \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w It|strong="G2532"\w*'s \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w ghost|strong="G5326"\w*!” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w cried|strong="G2896"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w fear|strong="G5401"\w*.  
\v 27 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Courage|strong="G2293"\w*! \w It|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w*; don't \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*!”  
\v 28 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* answer \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w since|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w command|strong="G3004"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w*.”  
\v 29 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Come|strong="G2064"\w*!” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* stepping \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w walked|strong="G4043"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w go|strong="G2597"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.  
\v 30 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* seeing \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w strong|strong="G2478"\w* wind \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w became|strong="G3588"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* beginning \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w sink|strong="G2670"\w*\f + \fr 14:30 \ft Peter knew how to swim (John 21:7), but he was walking on top of the water (a totally new experience) and then he was wading; and the storm was scary.\f* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w cried|strong="G2896"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!”  
\v 31 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w reached|strong="G1519"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w caught|strong="G1949"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w You|strong="G3004"\w* little-faith! \w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w doubt|strong="G1365"\w*?”  
\v 32 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* got \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* wind \w ceased|strong="G2869"\w*.\f + \fr 14:32 \ft Why did the wind cease? Was it a supernatural wind? If so, who caused it?\f*  
\v 33 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w came|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w worshiped|strong="G4352"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Truly|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!”\f + \fr 14:33 \ft They took a lot of convincing, but are we not the same way?\f*   
\s2 At Genesaret  
\p
\v 34 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w crossed|strong="G1276"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Genesaret.\f + \fr 14:34 \ft The best line of transmission, along with the Targum, spells the place with one ‘n’; 70% of the Greek manuscripts follow the LXX in using two.\f*  
\v 35 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w recognized|strong="G1921"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \it messengers\it* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w surrounding|strong="G4066"\w* \w region|strong="G4066"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G4374"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w sick|strong="G2560"\w*.  
\v 36 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w beg|strong="G3870"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w if|strong="G2532"\w* \w only|strong="G3440"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w at|strong="G3588"\w* least touch \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hem|strong="G2899"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w garment|strong="G2440"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w many|strong="G3745"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* touched \w were|strong="G3588"\w* completely healed.   
\c 15  
\ms1 Jesus antagonizes the Pharisees—29 AD  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\v 2 “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w transgress|strong="G3845"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w tradition|strong="G3862"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w*? \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w wash|strong="G3538"\w* \w their|strong="G2068"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* bread.”  
\v 3 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w transgress|strong="G3845"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w commandment|strong="G1785"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w tradition|strong="G3862"\w*?  
\v 4 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w commanded|strong="G1781"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*,\f + \fr 15:4 \ft Instead of “commanded saying”, perhaps 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, have ‘said’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* ‘\w Honor|strong="G5091"\w* \w your|strong="G5091"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G5091"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*,’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* curses \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*, \w let|strong="G1063"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G5053"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*.’  
\v 5 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w Whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w his|strong="G3739"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*, “\w Whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w might|strong="G5210"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* \w profited|strong="G5623"\w* \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1437"\w* \w gift|strong="G1435"\w* \it to God\it*”—  
\v 6 \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w honor|strong="G5091"\w* \w his|strong="G1223"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w or|strong="G2532"\w* mother.’\f + \fr 15:6 \ft Perhaps 0.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “or mother” (as in NIV, LB, TEV, etc.). NASB informs us that “many” manuscripts omit “or his mother”—by ‘many’ they mean three, against some 1700! That is a dishonest use of language.\f* \w Thus|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* nullified \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w commandment|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w tradition|strong="G3862"\w*.  
\v 7 \w Hypocrites|strong="G5273"\w*! \w Well|strong="G2573"\w* \w did|strong="G2573"\w* \w Isaiah|strong="G2268"\w* \w prophesy|strong="G4395"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*:   
\q1
\v 8 ‘\w These|strong="G3778"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* draw near \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w Me|strong="G1473"\w* \w with|strong="G2588"\w* \w their|strong="G3588"\w* mouth  
\q2 \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w honor|strong="G5091"\w* \w Me|strong="G1473"\w* \w with|strong="G2588"\w* \w their|strong="G3588"\w* \w lips|strong="G5491"\w*,\f + \fr 15:8 \ft Perhaps 2% of the Greek manuscripts omit “draw near to me with their mouth and” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\q2 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w their|strong="G3588"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w far|strong="G4206"\w* \w away|strong="G4206"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w Me|strong="G1473"\w*.   
\q1
\v 9 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1161"\w* \w vain|strong="G3155"\w* do \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w worship|strong="G4576"\w* \w Me|strong="G1473"\w*,  
\q2 \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w doctrines|strong="G1319"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w commandments|strong="G1778"\w* \w of|strong="G1319"\w* men.’ ”\f + \fr 15:9 \ft See Isaiah 29:13. Are there no such ‘doctrines’ in our churches? The Lord Jesus declares that such worship is \ft \+bd in vain\+bd*—if it does you no good, you are wasting your time (and it may be doing you harm).\f*   
\s1 That which defiles  
\p
\v 10 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w summoning|strong="G4341"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “Hear \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w understand|strong="G4920"\w*.  
\v 11 \w Not|strong="G3756"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* goes \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w defiles|strong="G2840"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w*, \w but|strong="G3588"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w comes|strong="G1525"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w*—\w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w defiles|strong="G2840"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w*.”  
\v 12 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w His|strong="G3754"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G4334"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Do|strong="G1492"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w upon|strong="G3588"\w* hearing \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w offended|strong="G4624"\w*?”  
\v 13 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G3956"\w* answer \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Every|strong="G3956"\w* \w plant|strong="G5451"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w heavenly|strong="G3770"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w did|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w plant|strong="G5451"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* \w uprooted|strong="G1610"\w*.  
\v 14 Leave \w them|strong="G1438"\w* \w alone|strong="G1438"\w*.\f + \fr 15:14 \ft Jesus makes no effort to conciliate or to convert the Pharisees. For all that, some did convert.\f* \w They|strong="G1161"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w guides|strong="G3595"\w* \w of|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w guides|strong="G3595"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w*, \w both|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w fall|strong="G4098"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* ditch.”   
\p
\v 15 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Explain|strong="G5419"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*.”  
\v 16 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* still \w without|strong="G2532"\w* understanding?  
\v 17 \w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w understand|strong="G3539"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3956"\w* \w enters|strong="G1531"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w goes|strong="G1531"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w stomach|strong="G2836"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w expelled|strong="G1544"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* sewer?  
\v 18 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \it actually\it* \w come|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*; \nd \+w those|strong="G3588"\+w*\nd* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w defile|strong="G2840"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w man|strong="G2588"\w*.  
\v 19 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w proceed|strong="G1831"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w thoughts|strong="G1261"\w*, \w murders|strong="G5408"\w*, \w adulteries|strong="G3430"\w*, \w fornications|strong="G4202"\w*,\f + \fr 15:19 \ft This is one of a number of places where ‘adultery’ and ‘fornication’ both occur in a list of sins—it is clear that they are distinct in meaning, and so ‘fornication’ does not include ‘adultery’; and so to render ‘fornication’ as ‘sexual sin/immorality’ is misleading.\f* \w thefts|strong="G2829"\w*, \w false|strong="G5577"\w* \w witness|strong="G5577"\w*, blasphemies.  
\v 20 \w These|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w defile|strong="G2840"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w with|strong="G5495"\w* unwashed \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w does|strong="G2068"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w defile|strong="G2840"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w*.”   
\s1 A crumb for a little dog  
\p
\v 21 \w Going|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w withdrew|strong="G2424"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* region \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Tyre|strong="G5184"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sidon|strong="G4605"\w*.  
\v 22 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Canaanite|strong="G5478"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w coming|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* parts \w cried|strong="G2896"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Have|strong="G2532"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w* \w on|strong="G1653"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*! \w My|strong="G3708"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* severely demonized.”  
\v 23 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w*.\f + \fr 15:23 \ft “Son of David”—as a Canaanite she appealed to the Jewish Messiah, upon whom she had no claim. But how did she know that? I suspect there is more to this story than meets the eye.\f* \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* urged \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “Send \w her|strong="G1438"\w* away, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w crying|strong="G2896"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w* \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*.”  
\v 24 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* answer \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* sent \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* lost \w sheep|strong="G4263"\w* \w of|strong="G3624"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w of|strong="G3624"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*.”\f + \fr 15:24 \ft Although His ultimate mission included the whole world (see the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20), His earthly ministry was directed to the “house of Israel”.\f*  
\v 25 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w she|strong="G1161"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w worshiped|strong="G4352"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, help \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!”\f + \fr 15:25 \ft Here she drops the appeal to the Messiah—evidently the Lord spoke loudly enough for her to hear.\f*  
\v 26 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*'s bread \w and|strong="G2532"\w* throw \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* little \w dogs|strong="G2952"\w*.”  
\v 27 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Yes|strong="G3483"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* little \w dogs|strong="G2952"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crumbs|strong="G5589"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w fall|strong="G4098"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w masters|strong="G2962"\w*' \w table|strong="G5132"\w*.”\f + \fr 15:27 \ft We may feel that Jesus was harsh with her, but in this way He put into bold relief her faith and humility—and she got her crumb!\f*  
\v 28 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w O|strong="G5599"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w*, \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*! \w Let|strong="G1096"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w desire|strong="G2309"\w*.” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w healed|strong="G2390"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \it very\it* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*.   
\s1 Food for 4,000 men  
\p
\v 29 \w Moving|strong="G3327"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* alongside \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sea|strong="G2281"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w sat|strong="G2521"\w* \w down|strong="G2521"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*.  
\v 30 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w lame|strong="G5560"\w*, \w blind|strong="G5185"\w*, \w mute|strong="G2974"\w*, \w maimed|strong="G2948"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w others|strong="G2087"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* placed \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G3844"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2532"\w*' \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 31 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w marveled|strong="G2296"\w*—seeing mutes \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w*, \w maimed|strong="G2948"\w* \w made|strong="G2316"\w* \w whole|strong="G5199"\w*, \w lame|strong="G5560"\w* \w walking|strong="G4043"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* seeing—\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w glorifying|strong="G1392"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*.   
\p
\v 32 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w summoned|strong="G4341"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w compassion|strong="G4697"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w already|strong="G2235"\w* \w remained|strong="G4357"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* send \w them|strong="G3588"\w* away \w hungry|strong="G3523"\w*, \w lest|strong="G3379"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w faint|strong="G1590"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w*.”  
\v 33 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Where|strong="G4159"\w* \w could|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* uninhabited \w place|strong="G2047"\w*, enough bread \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w satisfy|strong="G5526"\w* \w such|strong="G5118"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G5118"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*?”  
\v 34 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w How|strong="G4214"\w* \w many|strong="G4214"\w* loaves \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w*?” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Seven|strong="G2033"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w few|strong="G3641"\w* \w small|strong="G3641"\w* \w fish|strong="G2485"\w*.”  
\v 35 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w commanded|strong="G3853"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* recline \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w*.  
\v 36 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w taking|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* loaves \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fish|strong="G2486"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w thanks|strong="G2168"\w*, \w broke|strong="G2806"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2983"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*.  
\v 37 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w ate|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w filled|strong="G5526"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* hampers \w full|strong="G4134"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fragments|strong="G2801"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w remained|strong="G4052"\w*.\f + \fr 15:37 \ft Where did the “hampers” come from? Probably from fishing boats that stopped by.\f*  
\v 38 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w ate|strong="G2068"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w four|strong="G5070"\w* \w thousand|strong="G5070"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*, \w besides|strong="G5565"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G3813"\w*.\f + \fr 15:38 \ft Again, the crowd was much larger than just the 4,000 men; probably at least 10,000 people.\f*  
\v 39 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* dismissed \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1684"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w region|strong="G3725"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Magdala|strong="G3093"\w*.\f + \fr 15:39 \ft Magdala was Mary Magdalene's hometown; perhaps this was when Jesus delivered her from the demons (Mark 16:9). Less than 0.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, read “Magadan” instead of Magdala (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). The parallel passage in Mark 8:10 has ‘the region of Dalmanutha’—I assume that Magdala was in that region.\f*   
\c 16  
\s1 The sign of the prophet Jonah  
\m
\v 1 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sadducees|strong="G4523"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w testing|strong="G3985"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w show|strong="G1925"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*.\f + \fr 16:1 \ft Pharisees and Sadducees were theological enemies, but they join forces against Jesus.\f*  
\v 2 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1096"\w* answer \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w evening|strong="G3798"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Fair|strong="G2105"\w* \w weather|strong="G2105"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w red|strong="G4449"\w*’;  
\v 3 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w morning|strong="G4404"\w*, ‘\w Today|strong="G4594"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* stormy, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w red|strong="G4449"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* overcast.’ Hypocrites! \w You|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w how|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w discern|strong="G1252"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \it discern\it* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w signs|strong="G4592"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w times|strong="G2540"\w*.  
\v 4 \w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w adulterous|strong="G3428"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w* \w seeks|strong="G1934"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* prophet \w Jonah|strong="G2495"\w*.” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w leaving|strong="G2641"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w behind|strong="G2641"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* away.\f + \fr 16:4 \ft He left by boat—He did not want to waste time with them. Jesus calls them “malignant”—they are aggressively evil.\f*   
\s1 “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees”  
\p
\v 5 \w Upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w arriving|strong="G2064"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G4008"\w* \w side|strong="G4008"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w forgotten|strong="G1950"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w take|strong="G2983"\w* bread.  
\v 6 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Watch|strong="G3708"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w beware|strong="G4337"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w leaven|strong="G2219"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sadducees|strong="G4523"\w*.”  
\v 7 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w reasoned|strong="G1260"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w It|strong="G3754"\w*'s \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w we|strong="G3754"\w* didn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w bring|strong="G2983"\w* \w any|strong="G3756"\w* bread.”  
\v 8 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w being|strong="G1722"\w* \w aware|strong="G1097"\w*, \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w You|strong="G3754"\w* little-faiths! \w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w reasoning|strong="G1260"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* didn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w bring|strong="G2983"\w* \w any|strong="G3756"\w* bread?  
\v 9 \w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3761"\w* \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w perceive|strong="G3539"\w* \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w remember|strong="G3421"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* loaves \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w thousand|strong="G4000"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w how|strong="G4214"\w* \w many|strong="G4214"\w* \w baskets|strong="G2894"\w* \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w*?  
\v 10 \w Nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* loaves \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w four|strong="G5070"\w* \w thousand|strong="G5070"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w how|strong="G4214"\w* \w many|strong="G4214"\w* hampers \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w*?  
\v 11 \w How|strong="G4459"\w* \w come|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w perceive|strong="G3539"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* wasn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* bread \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w beware|strong="G4337"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w leaven|strong="G2219"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sadducees|strong="G4523"\w*?”  
\v 12 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w understood|strong="G4920"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w beware|strong="G4337"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w leaven|strong="G2219"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* bread, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w doctrine|strong="G1322"\+w*\nd* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sadducees|strong="G4523"\w*.   
\ms1 Jesus openly declares His death and ministers on that basis  
\p
\v 13 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* region \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Caesarea|strong="G2542"\w* \w Philippi|strong="G5376"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w questioned|strong="G2065"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w people|strong="G1510"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1161"\w*, \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w*, \w am|strong="G1510"\w*?”\f + \fr 16:13 \ft Instead of “I, the Son of the Man, am”, perhaps 0.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have ‘the Son of the Man is’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). The change is significant.\f*  
\v 14 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Some|strong="G3588"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* Baptizer, \w others|strong="G2087"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* still \w others|strong="G2087"\w* \w Jeremiah|strong="G2408"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1520"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*.”  
\v 15 \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \nd \+w you|strong="G5210"\+w*\nd* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3004"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w*?”  
\v 16 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G2316"\w* answer \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Living|strong="G2198"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!”  
\v 17 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* son \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Jonah, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* blood \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* reveal \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.  
\v 18 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w further|strong="G1909"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w stone|strong="G4074"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w bedrock|strong="G4073"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w build|strong="G3618"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w church|strong="G1577"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w gates|strong="G4439"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Hades \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* withstand \w her|strong="G3754"\w*.\f + \fr 16:18 \ft There is a play on words here, πετρος VS πετρα—the bedrock was obviously not Peter. The bedrock presumably has to do with the fact that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. ‘Gates’ do not attack, but are the last line of defense—it is the Church that is attacking Hades. Hades is not hell. Hell is the Lake of fire, the second death; Hades is the halfway ‘house’ where departed spirits await the judgment.\f*  
\v 19 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* (sg) \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w keys|strong="G2807"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w bind|strong="G1210"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w bound|strong="G1210"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w loose|strong="G3089"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w loosed|strong="G3089"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.”\f + \fr 16:19 \ft Please see the note at Matthew 18:18.\f*  
\v 20 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w He|strong="G3754"\w* \w ordered|strong="G1291"\w* \w His|strong="G3754"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w not|strong="G3367"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w anyone|strong="G3367"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G3754"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w*.\f + \fr 16:20 \ft As is clear from Luke 9:20-22, verses 21-23 here form part of the same conversation. At this point Jesus changes the game plan—He declares that He is going to die and orders the disciples to stop presenting Him as the Messiah. Some 65% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘Jesus, the Messiah’ (as in AV and NKJV); I follow the best line of transmission.\f*  
\v 21 \w From|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w began|strong="G5119"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w show|strong="G1166"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* killed, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*.  
\v 22 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w taking|strong="G4355"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w aside|strong="G4355"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w rebuke|strong="G2008"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “Mercy \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*! \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w*\nd* \w happen|strong="G1510"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*!”  
\v 23 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w turning|strong="G4762"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*: “\w Get|strong="G5217"\w* \w behind|strong="G3694"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w*! \w You|strong="G3754"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w stumbling|strong="G4625"\w* \w block|strong="G4625"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* mindful \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s values, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*'s values.”\f + \fr 16:23 \ft Satan put those words in Peter's mouth, but he agreed with them. Note that within 3-5 minutes Peter spoke twice, under inspiration; the first time inspired by God (verses 16-17) and the second by Satan (verses 22-23). It is God the Son who tells us what really happened. Since Sovereign Jesus said it was Satan, it was Satan, and if he could do it to Peter, he can do it to us. The almost total ignorance on the subject of biblical spiritual warfare that prevails in North America is having serious consequences.\f*   
\s1 How to save your life  
\p
\v 24 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*: “\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w desires|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w after|strong="G3694"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w let|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* really \w deny|strong="G3588"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2064"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w cross|strong="G4716"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w follow|strong="G3694"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 25 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w desires|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2309"\w* \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w will|strong="G2309"\w* waste \w it|strong="G1161"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* ‘wastes’ \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* account \w will|strong="G2309"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w*.\f + \fr 16:25 \ft What is in view here is the \+nd potential\+nd* your life represents.\f*  
\v 26 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1437"\w* \w man|strong="G5101"\w* \w profited|strong="G5623"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w gains|strong="G2770"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w forfeits|strong="G2210"\w* \w his|strong="G1325"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w*? \w Or|strong="G2228"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w a|strong="G1437"\w* \w man|strong="G5101"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w in|strong="G1161"\w* exchange \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w his|strong="G1325"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w*?  
\v 27 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G1538"\w* \w will|strong="G3195"\w* \w certainly|strong="G3195"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* angels, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G3195"\w* recompense \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* performance.\f + \fr 16:27 \ft We will be judged on the basis of what we did with our potential.\f*  
\v 28 Assuredly \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w there|strong="G3754"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \nd \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w*\nd* \w taste|strong="G1089"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G5100"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom.”\f + \fr 16:28 \ft Presumably this was fulfilled at the transfiguration—a manifestation, in miniature, of the Kingdom (Jesus the King, Moses and Elijah representing glorified saints [who will participate in the administration] and the three disciples representing the normal inhabitants of the earth at that time).\f*   
\c 17  
\s1 Jesus meets with Moses and Elijah  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w six|strong="G1803"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w takes|strong="G3880"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, \w James|strong="G2385"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* brother \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w leads|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G5308"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w*, \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w private|strong="G2596"\w*.  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w transfigured|strong="G3339"\w* \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w shone|strong="G2989"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sun|strong="G2246"\w*, \w while|strong="G5613"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w white|strong="G3022"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w*.  
\v 3 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* wow, \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w* \w appeared|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3708"\w*, conversing \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Him|strong="G3708"\w*.  
\v 4 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* reacted \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w*; \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w wish|strong="G2309"\w*, \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*\f + \fr 17:4 \ft Instead of “let us”, perhaps 0.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have “I will” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* booths: \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w*.”\f + \fr 17:4 \ft So how did Peter know who they were? Photography had not yet been invented. Luke 9:37 makes clear that they spent the night on the mountain. Evidently what has been recorded here (and in Mark and Luke) gives but a thumbnail sketch of all that took place.\f*  
\v 5 \w While|strong="G1722"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* brilliant \w cloud|strong="G3507"\w* \w overshadowed|strong="G1982"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \bd \+w Voice|strong="G5456"\+w*\bd*\f + \fr 17:5 \ft Peter never forgot that \ft \+bd Voice\+bd* (2 Peter 1:17)! He even coined the phrase, Magnificent Glory, to describe the source. Evidently what happened on that mountain was totally overwhelming.\f* \w came|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w cloud|strong="G3507"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* beloved \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \it always\it* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w pleased|strong="G2106"\w*. \w Hear|strong="G5456"\w* \nd \+w Him|strong="G3588"\+w*\nd*!”  
\v 6 \w As|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* heard \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w faces|strong="G4383"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w greatly|strong="G4970"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*.  
\v 7 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* touched \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*, don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*.”  
\v 8 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w lifting|strong="G1869"\w* \w up|strong="G1869"\w* \w their|strong="G3708"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w only|strong="G3440"\w*.   
\s1 Elijah and ‘Elijah’  
\p
\v 9 \w As|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w commanded|strong="G1781"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w vision|strong="G3705"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G3367"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w risen|strong="G1453"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*.”  
\v 10 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w questioned|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*?”  
\v 11 \w In|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w first|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* restore \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*.  
\v 12 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* ‘\w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w*’ \w has|strong="G3748"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w already|strong="G2235"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w recognize|strong="G1921"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w wished|strong="G2309"\w*. \w Thus|strong="G3779"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5259"\w*.”  
\v 13 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w understood|strong="G4920"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G3754"\w* \w spoke|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* Baptizer.\f + \fr 17:13 \ft At this point John is already dead, but in verse 11 the Lord declares that Elijah is still going to come—John performed the function for Christ's first advent that Elijah (literally) will perform for the second advent.\f*   
\s1 A tough kind of demon  
\p
\v 14 \w As|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* man \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kneeling|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G2532"\w*:  
\v 15 “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* moonstruck \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w suffers|strong="G3958"\w* badly! \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w often|strong="G4178"\w* \w falls|strong="G4098"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w often|strong="G4178"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w*.  
\v 16 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G4374"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G1410"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w cure|strong="G2323"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.”  
\v 17 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w O|strong="G5599"\w* faithless \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w perverse|strong="G1294"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*,\f + \fr 17:17 \ft Why “perverse”? To reject the truth and the evidence is to be perverse. This word was presumably directed to the disciples, who should have known better by now. So how about us—are we living on the basis of the truth and the evidence? Really?\f* \w how|strong="G2193"\w* \w long|strong="G2193"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*? \w How|strong="G2193"\w* \w long|strong="G2193"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*? \w Bring|strong="G5342"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.”  
\v 18 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w rebuked|strong="G2008"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w demon|strong="G1140"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boy|strong="G3816"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \it very\it* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*.   
\p
\v 19 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w privately|strong="G2398"\w* \w and|strong="G4334"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w it|strong="G5119"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w*?”  
\v 20 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* unbelief; \w for|strong="G1063"\w* assuredly \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w mustard|strong="G4615"\w* \w seed|strong="G2848"\w* \it has\it*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* (\w ye|strong="G5210"\w*) \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w*, ‘\w Move|strong="G3327"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w here|strong="G1759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*,’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w move|strong="G3327"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* impossible \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.\f + \fr 17:20 \ft What kind of ‘faith’ might a mustard seed have? Albeit so small, it reacts without question to the climactic circumstances, and grows to remarkable proportions. If we reacted similarly, without question, to the Holy Spirit's promptings, our spiritual ‘climactic circumstances’, we should indeed move mountains, literally. Or to put it another way, a seed has the faith to die, like the Lord said in John 12:24: “unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone”. In 1 Corinthians 15:31 Paul said that he died daily. How so? Obviously he did not die physically; he died to himself, his own ideas and ambitions, so as to embrace God's will. Dying to self is a prerequisite for moving mountains.\f*  
\v 21 However, this class does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”\f + \fr 17:21 \ft Less than 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit this whole verse (as in NIV, [NASB], LB, [TEV], etc.). I take it that this was true up until the Lord's victory on the cross and the resurrection. Now we are in Christ at the Father's right hand, far above \+nd all\+nd* principality and power, etc., which includes Satan and all classes below him in rank—Ephesians 1:19-21, 2:6. (There is nothing wrong with Christ's victory and authority, but our spiritual condition does not always permit us to make full use of that victory.)\f*   
\p
\v 22 \w While|strong="G1722"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* staying\f + \fr 17:22 \ft Instead of “staying”, perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have ‘gathering together’ (as in NIV, NASB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G3195"\w* \w betrayed|strong="G3860"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 23 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* kill \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w*.” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* seriously \w grieved|strong="G3076"\w*.   
\s1 Money from a fish  
\p
\v 24 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G2064"\w* \w Capernaum|strong="G2584"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w collected|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* temple tax \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Does|strong="G2064"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w pay|strong="G5055"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* temple tax?”  
\v 25 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Yes|strong="G3483"\w*.” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* anticipated \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w think|strong="G1380"\w*? \w From|strong="G2064"\w* \w whom|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w kings|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w take|strong="G2983"\w* \w customs|strong="G5056"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* poll tax, \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* strangers?”  
\v 26 Peter \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w From|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* strangers.” \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Well|strong="G1065"\w* \w then|strong="G1161"\w*, \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w free|strong="G1658"\w*.  
\v 27 \w But|strong="G1161"\w*, \w lest|strong="G3361"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w offend|strong="G4624"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*, \w cast|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* hook, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fish|strong="G2486"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w comes|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* opening \w its|strong="G1325"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* ‘stater’ [\w a|strong="G2532"\w* coin]; \w take|strong="G2983"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.”\f + \fr 17:27 \ft The \ft \+it stater\+it* was the exact amount for two people. Presumably somebody had lost the coin in the water.\f*   
\c 18  
\s1 How to be ‘big’ in the Kingdom  
\m
\v 1 \w At|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w time|strong="G5610"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w then|strong="G2424"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w greater|strong="G3173"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*?”  
\v 2 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G4341"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* little \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G2476"\w*, \w set|strong="G2476"\w* \w him|strong="G2476"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w midst|strong="G3319"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G1722"\w*,  
\v 3 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “Assuredly \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w unless|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* change \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* little \w children|strong="G3813"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w*\nd* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.  
\v 4 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3748"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w humble|strong="G5013"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* little \w child|strong="G3813"\w*, \nd \+w he|strong="G3778"\+w*\nd* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w greater|strong="G3173"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.   
\s1 About offenses  
\p
\v 5 “\w Whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w receives|strong="G1209"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* little \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w like|strong="G5108"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*, \w receives|strong="G1209"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*;  
\v 6 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w cause|strong="G4624"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w little|strong="G3398"\w* \w ones|strong="G3398"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*\f + \fr 18:6 \ft ‘Into’ not ‘in’. The Lord Jesus always said “believe \+nd into\+nd* [Greek εις] Me”, never “believe \+nd in\+nd* [Greek εν] Me”. (In John 3:15 a very few Greek manuscripts of inferior quality have “in”, against 99.5% that have “into”.) People believe in Santa Claus, the Easter bunny, the goodness of man, or whatever, but it does not change their lives. Similarly there are many who say they believe in Jesus, but it makes no difference in their lives. You have to believe \ft \+bd into\+bd* Him—commitment and identification are involved—it is a move from being outside to being inside.\f* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w fall|strong="G4624"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w better|strong="G4851"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w if|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* large \w millstone|strong="G3458"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w hung|strong="G2910"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w neck|strong="G5137"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w drowned|strong="G2670"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w depth|strong="G3989"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*!\f + \fr 18:6 \ft It is preferable to suffer an ignominious physical death than to destroy the faith of a child who believes into Jesus. What is worse than an ignominious physical death? Spiritual death—in verses 8-9 Jesus refers overtly to hell fire. If you send a child to hell, you go too! What about all the teachers who have dedicated themselves to destroying the faith of their students?\f*  
\v 7 \w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2064"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* offenses! \w Now|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G1063"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* necessary \w that|strong="G3739"\w* offenses \w come|strong="G2064"\w*, \w but|strong="G4133"\w* \w woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2064"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w person|strong="G3739"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w offense|strong="G4625"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w*!   
\p
\v 8 “\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* \w foot|strong="G4228"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* causing \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w fall|strong="G4624"\w*, \w cut|strong="G1581"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w off|strong="G1581"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* throw \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w away|strong="G4624"\w*! \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w better|strong="G2570"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w life|strong="G2222"\w* \w lame|strong="G5560"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w maimed|strong="G2948"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* thrown \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* everlasting \w fire|strong="G4442"\w*, \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*.  
\v 9 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* causing \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w fall|strong="G4624"\w*, \w tear|strong="G1807"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* throw \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w away|strong="G4624"\w*! \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w better|strong="G2570"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w life|strong="G2222"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* eyed \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* thrown \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fiery|strong="G4442"\w* \w Hell|strong="G1067"\w*, \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w*.\f + \fr 18:9 \ft I believe this is literal, but largely hypothetical—by the time someone realizes what is happening, it is usually too late. Maybe that is why we are supposed to exhort one another daily (Hebrews 3:13).\f*   
\s1 God loves children  
\p
\v 10 “\w See|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w do|strong="G3004"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w despise|strong="G2706"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w little|strong="G3398"\w* \w ones|strong="G3398"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w their|strong="G1722"\w* angels \w always|strong="G3956"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.\f + \fr 18:10 \ft “These little ones” refers to the literal children who were in the room. In verse 2 Jesus called one over, so it was obviously in the room, but the playmates would naturally stop to see what was going to happen, so there were several in the room. This verse suggests the existence of guardian angels.\f*  
\v 11 For the Son of the Man came to save the lost.\f + \fr 18:11 \ft Just 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit verse 11 (as in NIV, [NASB], LB, [TEV], etc.).\f*  
\v 12 \w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w think|strong="G1380"\w*? \w If|strong="G1437"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w has|strong="G5101"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w hundred|strong="G1540"\w* \w sheep|strong="G4263"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w goes|strong="G4198"\w* \w astray|strong="G4105"\w*, \w does|strong="G5101"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3780"\w* \w leave|strong="G4198"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ninety-nine|strong="G1768"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mountains|strong="G3735"\w*\f + \fr 18:12 \ft “In the mountains”—note that the 99 were not left in a safe fold somewhere; they were left unprotected. The shepherd takes a calculated risk.\f* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w search|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* stray?  
\v 13 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w happens|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, assuredly \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w rejoices|strong="G5463"\w* \w more|strong="G3123"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ninety-nine|strong="G1768"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w go|strong="G4105"\w* \w astray|strong="G4105"\w*.  
\v 14 \w Likewise|strong="G3779"\w* \w it|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w desire|strong="G2307"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* view \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w little|strong="G3398"\w* \w ones|strong="G3398"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* wasted.\f + \fr 18:14 \ft The Lord's statement here is round about, not direct—I tried to reflect that ‘round-aboutness’.\f*   
\s1 Handling a recalcitrant brother  
\p
\v 15 “\w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w your|strong="G1437"\w* brother sins \w against|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w go|strong="G5217"\w*, confront \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w between|strong="G3342"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w alone|strong="G3441"\w*. \w If|strong="G1437"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* hears \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w won|strong="G2770"\w* \w your|strong="G1437"\w* brother.  
\v 16 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w should|strong="G2443"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* hear, \w take|strong="G3880"\w* \w along|strong="G3880"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w more|strong="G2089"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w word|strong="G4487"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G3361"\w* \w established|strong="G2476"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w of|strong="G1909"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G3144"\w*.  
\v 17 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* refuse \w to|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w congregation|strong="G1577"\w*. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* refuse \w to|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w congregation|strong="G1577"\w*, \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w just|strong="G5618"\w* \w like|strong="G5618"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* heathen \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collector|strong="G5057"\w*.\f + \fr 18:17 \ft In other words, such a person is to be excommunicated, ostracized.\f*   
\s1 Agreeing in prayer  
\p
\v 18 “Assuredly \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* (pl.) \w you|strong="G5210"\w* (pl.) \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w bind|strong="G1210"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w bound|strong="G1210"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w loose|strong="G3089"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w loosed|strong="G3089"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*.\f + \fr 18:18 \ft The tense of the Greek verb phrase here is a periphrastic future perfect, passive voice (so also in 16:18). Thus, “will have been bound/loosed” not “will be bound/loosed”. We are not telling God what to do; we are to apply down here that which He has already done in heaven. What had been just for Peter is now given to all the disciples. For more discussion, please see the Appendix: Do we command God? Matthew 18:18.\f*  
\v 19 Assuredly \w again|strong="G3825"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w agree|strong="G4856"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w any|strong="G3956"\w* subject \w whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w may|strong="G3956"\w* \w ask|strong="G3004"\w*, \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*.\f + \fr 18:19 \ft If you are like I am, you have probably tried this, and it didn't work! Why not? I suppose because verses 19 and 20 must be taken together. The ‘because’ that begins verse 20 gives the clue—if Jesus is part of the group that is asking, then His will limits the asking.\f*  
\v 20 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w where|strong="G3757"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4863"\w* \w together|strong="G4863"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G1699"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*, \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w I|strong="G1063"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G1722"\w* \w midst|strong="G3319"\w*!”\f + \fr 18:20 \ft The Greek text has “\+nd into\+nd* my name”, not “in”—commitment is involved.\f*   
\s1 About forgiveness  
\p
\v 21 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w how|strong="G2193"\w* \w often|strong="G4212"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* brother sin \w against|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* forgive \w him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w seven|strong="G2034"\w* \w times|strong="G2034"\w*?”  
\v 22 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Not|strong="G3756"\w*, \w I|strong="G2193"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, up \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w*, \w but|strong="G3588"\w* up \w to|strong="G3004"\w* seventy-seven \w times|strong="G2034"\w*!\f + \fr 18:22 \ft Why 77 and not 490? Well, actually the Greek phrase is ambiguous—it could be either. In either case Jesus is saying that forgiveness should not be limited by number.\f*   
\p
\v 23 “\w Therefore|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w like|strong="G3666"\w* \w a|strong="G3739"\w* certain \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w wanted|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2309"\w* \w settle|strong="G4868"\w* \w accounts|strong="G3056"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w his|strong="G1223"\w* \w servants|strong="G1401"\w*.  
\v 24 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w settle|strong="G4868"\w* \w up|strong="G4374"\w*, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w debtor|strong="G3781"\w* \w of|strong="G1520"\w* \w ten|strong="G3463"\w* \w thousand|strong="G3463"\w* \w talents|strong="G5007"\w* \w was|strong="G1161"\w* \w brought|strong="G4374"\w* \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G4374"\w*.  
\v 25 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w since|strong="G2192"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3361"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w repay|strong="G2192"\w*, \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w commanded|strong="G2753"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w sold|strong="G4097"\w*, \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* repaid.  
\v 26 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w servant|strong="G1401"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w down|strong="G4098"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* obeisance \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Lord|strong="G3588"\w*, \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w patient|strong="G3114"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* repay \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*.’  
\v 27 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w servant|strong="G1401"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w compassion|strong="G4697"\w*, released \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* forgave \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* loan.   
\p
\v 28 “\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w servant|strong="G1401"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w fellow|strong="G4889"\w* \w servants|strong="G1401"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w owed|strong="G3784"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w hundred|strong="G1540"\w* \w denarii|strong="G1220"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* grabbing \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* started choking \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘Pay \w me|strong="G3004"\w* \w back|strong="G2902"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w owe|strong="G3784"\w*!’  
\v 29 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w fellow|strong="G4889"\w* \w servant|strong="G4889"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w down|strong="G4098"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* feet \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w begging|strong="G3870"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Be|strong="G2532"\w* \w patient|strong="G3114"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* pay \w you|strong="G4771"\w* back.’\f + \fr 18:29 \ft The picture is that he kept begging all the way to the prison.\f*  
\v 30 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w would|strong="G2309"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w*; \w instead|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* threw \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w should|strong="G3784"\w* pay \w back|strong="G1519"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w owed|strong="G3784"\w*.  
\v 31 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w fellow|strong="G4889"\w* \w servants|strong="G4889"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* really \w grieved|strong="G3076"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w reported|strong="G1285"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*.  
\v 32 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w summoning|strong="G4341"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: ‘\w Malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w servant|strong="G1401"\w*! \w I|strong="G1473"\w* forgave \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w debt|strong="G3782"\w* \w because|strong="G1893"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w begged|strong="G3870"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 33 \w Were|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* obligated\f + \fr 18:33 \ft Notice the verb ‘obligated’; verse 35 makes clear that this is the way God looks at it—His having forgiven me \+nd obligates\+nd* me to forgive others. Observe that the king reversed his pardon—what might the implications of \+nd that\+nd* be? “My heavenly Father will handle you just like that!”\f* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w* \w on|strong="G1653"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w fellow|strong="G4889"\w* \w servant|strong="G4889"\w*, \w just|strong="G5613"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w* \w on|strong="G1653"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*?’  
\v 34 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w anger|strong="G3710"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w handed|strong="G3860"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* torturers \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3784"\w* repay \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w owed|strong="G3784"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\p
\v 35 “\w My|strong="G1473"\w* \w heavenly|strong="G3770"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* handle \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w just|strong="G2532"\w* \w like|strong="G3779"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w*, \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w does|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* forgive \w his|strong="G4160"\w* brother \w his|strong="G4160"\w* trespasses, \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*.”\f + \fr 18:35 \ft This is a very strong statement! Perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “his trespasses” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). Note the ‘fellow servant’ and ‘his brother’—presumably declared enemies of Sovereign Jesus are not in view.\f*   
\c 19  
\ms1 Jesus ministers in Perea—29/30 AD  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w finished|strong="G5055"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w departed|strong="G3332"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w borders|strong="G3725"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w beyond|strong="G4008"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jordan|strong="G2446"\w*.  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w*.   
\s1 Jesus denies divorce  
\p
\v 3 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w test|strong="G3985"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Is|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w permissible|strong="G1832"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* divorce \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \it just\it* \w any|strong="G3956"\w* \w cause|strong="G2596"\w*?”  
\v 4 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Have|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w never|strong="G3756"\w* read \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Creator|strong="G2936"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* beginning \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* male \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w female|strong="G2338"\w*?  
\v 5 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w For|strong="G1519"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w reason|strong="G1752"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w leave|strong="G2641"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w joined|strong="G2853"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* turned \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*.’\f + \fr 19:5 \ft “Two”—not three, four, five, etc. “The two” refers to one man and one woman—not two men, a man and an animal, a woman and a demon, or whatever. The ‘one flesh’ is not just poetic language, it refers to a chemical reality.\f*  
\v 6 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w longer|strong="G3765"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w*, \w but|strong="G3361"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*. \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w joined|strong="G4801"\w* \w together|strong="G4801"\w* \w let|strong="G5563"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w man|strong="G1520"\w* \w separate|strong="G5563"\w*!”  
\v 7 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G1325"\w*, “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w command|strong="G1781"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* certificate \w of|strong="G2532"\w* divorce \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* dismiss \w her|strong="G1325"\w*?”\f + \fr 19:7 \ft They distorted the Text: Moses did not command divorce. The Lord corrects their distortion.\f*  
\v 8 \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* hard-heartedness \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \nd \+w permitted|strong="G2010"\+w*\nd* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* divorce \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w wives|strong="G1135"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* beginning \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w has|strong="G1096"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w*.  
\v 9 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \bd \+nd \+w I|strong="G3739"\+w*\+nd*\bd* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* divorces \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*, \w except|strong="G3361"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w fornication|strong="G4202"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w marries|strong="G1060"\w* \w another|strong="G3739"\w* \w commits|strong="G3429"\w* \w adultery|strong="G3429"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w marries|strong="G1060"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* divorcee \w commits|strong="G3429"\w* \w adultery|strong="G3429"\w*.”\f + \fr 19:9 \ft “Fornication” is distinct from “adultery” and does not include it. Here, it is presumably a reference to premarital sex, where a groom discovers that his bride is no longer a virgin (like the situation that Joseph faced in Matthew 1:18-19). Perhaps 0.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit the last clause of verse 9 (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 10 \w His|strong="G3326"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w*'s \w the|strong="G3588"\w* situation \w of|strong="G3101"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w man|strong="G3756"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w his|strong="G3326"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*, \w it|strong="G1487"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w better|strong="G4851"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w marry|strong="G1060"\w*!”\f + \fr 19:10 \ft Why the strong reaction from the disciples? Obviously Jesus did \+nd not\+nd* give the expected answer, namely that infidelity justifies divorce.\f*  
\v 11 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Not|strong="G3756"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \it can\it* assimilate \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* \w been|strong="G3756"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w*.\f + \fr 19:11 \ft The demonstrative pronoun ‘this’ is probably cataphoric, referring forward to the content of verse 12.\f*  
\v 12 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w eunuchs|strong="G2135"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w born|strong="G1080"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w way|strong="G3779"\w*, \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*'s \w womb|strong="G2836"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w eunuchs|strong="G2135"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* castrated \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w eunuchs|strong="G2135"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* castrated \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sake|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*. \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* assimilate \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w let|strong="G1510"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* assimilate.”\f + \fr 19:12 \ft What in the world do ‘eunuchs’ have to do with divorce and remarriage? Well, do eunuchs have sexual relations? A eunuch castrated by others was a victim of the actions of others. We also may be victimized by others, and be obliged to take the consequences.\f*   
\s1 Jesus blesses children  
\p
\v 13 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* little \w children|strong="G3813"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w brought|strong="G4374"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w lay|strong="G2007"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w rebuked|strong="G2008"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 14 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Let|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* little \w children|strong="G3813"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w forbid|strong="G2967"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w such|strong="G5108"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.”  
\v 15 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w after|strong="G2532"\w* \w laying|strong="G2007"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* moved \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w*.   
\s1 It is difficult for a rich person to enter the Kingdom  
\p
\v 16 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w certain|strong="G1520"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Him|strong="G3708"\w*, “\w Good|strong="G5101"\w* \w teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w good|strong="G5101"\w* \w thing|strong="G1520"\w* \w must|strong="G4160"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* eternal \w life|strong="G2222"\w*?”  
\v 17 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w call|strong="G3004"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w*? \w No|strong="G1487"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \nd \+w good|strong="G3588"\+w*\nd* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w One|strong="G1520"\w*, \w God|strong="G3004"\w*.\f + \fr 19:17 \ft Jesus is not denying that He is good. He is challenging the man's opinion about Himself. The man was not recognizing Jesus to be God—if he had, Jesus would not have objected. Perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “Good” before “teacher” in verse 16 and have Jesus saying, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is One who is good” here in verse 17 (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). The minority reading makes Matthew contradict Mark 10:18 and Luke 18:9; it probably originated in Egypt, that was dominated by Gnosticism.\f* \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w life|strong="G2222"\w*, \w keep|strong="G5083"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w commandments|strong="G1785"\w*.”  
\v 18 \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Which|strong="G3588"\w* \w ones|strong="G4169"\w*?”\f + \fr 19:18 \ft Did he think that some were not necessary?\f* \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “ ‘\w You|strong="G3004"\w* \w shall|strong="G3756"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w murder|strong="G5407"\w*,’ ‘\w You|strong="G3004"\w* \w shall|strong="G3756"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w commit|strong="G3431"\w* \w adultery|strong="G3431"\w*,’ ‘\w You|strong="G3004"\w* \w shall|strong="G3756"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w steal|strong="G2813"\w*,’ ‘\w You|strong="G3004"\w* \w shall|strong="G3756"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w give|strong="G3004"\w* \w false|strong="G5576"\w* \w witness|strong="G5576"\w*,’  
\v 19 ‘\w Honor|strong="G5091"\w* \w your|strong="G5091"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G5091"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*,’ \nd \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* ‘\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* love \w your|strong="G5091"\w* \w neighbor|strong="G4139"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w*.’ ”  
\v 20 \w The|strong="G3956"\w* \w young|strong="G3495"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w I|strong="G3778"\w* \w have|strong="G3956"\w* \w kept|strong="G5442"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* since \w my|strong="G3956"\w* youth.\f + \fr 19:20 \ft “Since my youth” is omitted by 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w I|strong="G3778"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w lack|strong="G5302"\w*?”  
\v 21 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w perfect|strong="G5046"\w*, \w go|strong="G5217"\w* \w sell|strong="G4453"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* \w possessions|strong="G5225"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w poor|strong="G4434"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2309"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w treasure|strong="G2344"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1204"\w* follow \w me|strong="G1325"\w*.”  
\v 22 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G1510"\w* hearing \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w young|strong="G3495"\w* \w man|strong="G3495"\w* \w went|strong="G3588"\w* away \w sorrowful|strong="G3076"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* \w possessions|strong="G2933"\w*.\f + \fr 19:22 \ft Jesus emphasized the commandment about loving one's neighbor because that was precisely the one that the young man was not keeping. He went away sorrowful because Jesus made him see that he was not keeping it, and worse yet, was not prepared to keep it.\f*   
\p
\v 23 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*: “Assuredly \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \it only\it* \w with|strong="G1519"\w* difficulty \w will|strong="G3748"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w rich|strong="G4145"\w* person \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G2424"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.  
\v 24 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w easier|strong="G2123"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w camel|strong="G2574"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* pass \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* eye \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w needle|strong="G4476"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w rich|strong="G4145"\w* person \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.”\f + \fr 19:24 \ft This seemingly difficult statement has given rise to several attempts to avoid the literal meaning. However, since in verse 26 Jesus says it is “impossible” we may stay with the literal meaning. Jesus had already said that one cannot serve God and money, so someone who “trusts in riches” (Mark 10:24, as in 99.5% of the Greek manuscripts) simply cannot be saved (unless he abandons that trust).\f*  
\v 25 \w Upon|strong="G1161"\w* hearing \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w His|strong="G4982"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* really flabbergasted \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w be|strong="G1410"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*?”  
\v 26 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w looking|strong="G1689"\w* \w at|strong="G3844"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w With|strong="G3844"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* impossible, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w possible|strong="G1415"\w*.”   
\s1 It pays to serve Jesus  
\p
\v 27 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w See|strong="G3708"\w*, \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* left \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* followed \w you|strong="G4771"\w*. \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \nd \+w we|strong="G2249"\+w*\nd* \w have|strong="G2532"\w*?”  
\v 28 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “Assuredly \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Regeneration|strong="G3824"\w*,\f + \fr 19:28 \ft I take it that Jesus is referring to His millennial reign, the Messianic Kingdom, when the earth will be ‘regenerated’, being restored to conditions reminiscent of Eden. For instance, if He does not regenerate the magnetic field that surrounds it pretty soon, life on this planet will become less and less viable.\f* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w sits|strong="G2521"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w throne|strong="G2362"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* followed \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w sit|strong="G2521"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w thrones|strong="G2362"\w*, \w judging|strong="G2919"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w tribes|strong="G5443"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*.\f + \fr 19:28 \ft I wonder who will occupy the Iscariot's throne? I see no reason to doubt that the Lord is being literal here.\f*  
\v 29 \w And|strong="G2532"\w*, \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* left \w houses|strong="G3614"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* brothers \w or|strong="G2228"\w* sisters \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*\f + \fr 19:29 \ft Perhaps 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit “or wife” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.)—the idea of having 100 wives was no doubt objectionable. Actually, the ‘hundredfold’ should presumably not be taken in a strictly literal sense. I take it that the Lord is saying that we will be abundantly recompensed, if not down here, certainly in heaven. In my own experience, in the absence of my real mother, whenever I needed one God provided one. If you only have one brother, that is all you can leave, obviously, so the plural nouns are also contingent on the facts in the case. ‘Eternal’ life is a quality of life, and it begins down here.\f* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* fields \w for|strong="G1752"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*'s \w sake|strong="G1752"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* hundredfold, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w inherit|strong="G2816"\w* \w life|strong="G2222"\w* eternal.  
\v 30 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* ‘\w first|strong="G4413"\w*’ \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w last|strong="G2078"\w*’ \w first|strong="G4413"\w*.   
\c 20  
\s1 The desperate landowner  
\m
\v 1 “\w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G3664"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* certain \w landowner|strong="G3617"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w early|strong="G4404"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w morning|strong="G4404"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w hire|strong="G3409"\w* \w workers|strong="G2040"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* vineyard.  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* agreeing \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w workers|strong="G2040"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w denarius|strong="G1220"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* sent \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* vineyard.  
\v 3 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* [9 \w a|strong="G2532"\w*.m.] \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* idle \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* marketplace.  
\v 4 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G5217"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* vineyard \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w right|strong="G1342"\w*.’ \w So|strong="G2532"\w* off \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G5217"\w*.  
\v 5 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sixth|strong="G1623"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ninth|strong="G1766"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G5615"\w*.  
\v 6 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w eleventh|strong="G1734"\+w*\nd* hour \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* idle, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w* idle \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*?’\f + \fr 20:6 \ft How did he know they had been there all day? He had seen them, and had himself refused to hire them until the end. As his desperation level increased, he became less and less choosy about the quality of the workers [I take it that for some reason the grapes had to be collected \+nd that\+nd* day; any that were left until later would be lost]. As the Church is in its eleventh hour, or later, it seems to me that we see God doing just like the landowner—He is using some rather ‘unusual’ workers.\f*  
\v 7 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w hired|strong="G3409"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*.’ \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G5217"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* vineyard, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* receive \w whatever|strong="G3748"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w right|strong="G1519"\w*.’\f + \fr 20:7 \ft Perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit the last clause (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 8 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w evening|strong="G3798"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w owner|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* vineyard \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w foreman|strong="G2012"\w*, ‘\w Call|strong="G2564"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w workers|strong="G2040"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w pay|strong="G3408"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w wage|strong="G3408"\w*, \w beginning|strong="G4413"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*.’\f + \fr 20:8 \ft Presumably the usual procedure would be to pay the first ones first, so they could head for home; by inverting the order the owner provoked the confrontation. What about our own notions of ‘fairness’? People who trust in Christ at the end of a misspent life get to go to Heaven, just like those who have served God all their lives. Of course there is the matter of rewards, but they scarcely compare with the fact of spending eternity in Heaven, rather than Hell.\f*  
\v 9 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w eleventh|strong="G1734"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* ones \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* each \w received|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w denarius|strong="G1220"\w*.  
\v 10 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w ones|strong="G3748"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w supposed|strong="G3543"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w more|strong="G4119"\w*; \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* each \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w denarius|strong="G1220"\w*.  
\v 11 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w received|strong="G2983"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w grumbling|strong="G1111"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w landowner|strong="G3617"\w*  
\v 12 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w These|strong="G3778"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w* \w worked|strong="G4160"\w* \it only\it* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w equal|strong="G2470"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w bore|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* burden \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heat|strong="G2742"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*!’  
\v 13 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G3004"\w* answer \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1520"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: ‘\w Friend|strong="G2083"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* wronging \w you|strong="G4771"\w*. \w Did|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w agree|strong="G4856"\w* \w with|strong="G3756"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w denarius|strong="G1220"\w*?  
\v 14 \w Take|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w yours|strong="G4771"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G5217"\w*. \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w wish|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w just|strong="G5613"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.  
\v 15 \w Or|strong="G2228"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w permissible|strong="G1832"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G2309"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w mine|strong="G1699"\w*? \w Is|strong="G1510"\w* \w your|strong="G4160"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w* \w evil|strong="G4190"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w*?’  
\v 16 \w Just|strong="G2532"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w*. \w For|strong="G2532"\w* many \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w called|strong="G3588"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* few \w are|strong="G1510"\w* chosen.”\f + \fr 20:16 \ft Just 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit the last sentence (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*   
\s1 Jesus alerts the disciples, again  
\p
\v 17 \w As|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G3880"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w aside|strong="G3880"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w privately|strong="G2398"\w*:  
\v 18 “\w Listen|strong="G2400"\w*! \w We|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w betrayed|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w condemn|strong="G2632"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*,  
\v 19 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G3860"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w mock|strong="G1702"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w scourge|strong="G3146"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w crucify|strong="G4717"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w rise|strong="G1453"\w*!”   
\s1 Selfish ambition rebuked  
\p
\v 20 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Zebedee|strong="G2199"\w*'s \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kneeling|strong="G2532"\w* \w down|strong="G4352"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* asked \w something|strong="G5100"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 21 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w wish|strong="G2309"\w*?” \w She|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “State \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w sit|strong="G2523"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w Your|strong="G2532"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w Your|strong="G2532"\w* \w left|strong="G2176"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Your|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom.”  
\v 22 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G3004"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w You|strong="G3739"\w* (pl.) \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w asking|strong="G3004"\w*.\f + \fr 20:22 \ft Jesus sees that the sons had put their mother up to it and answers them, not her.\f* \w Are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w cup|strong="G4221"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w*, \w or|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* baptized \w with|strong="G3756"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* baptism \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w being|strong="G2424"\w* baptized \w with|strong="G3756"\w*?”\f + \fr 20:22 \ft Perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “or be baptized with the baptism that I am being baptized with” and also the corresponding clause in verse 23 (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w They|strong="G1161"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w We|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w*.”  
\v 23 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w You|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w my|strong="G1699"\w* \w cup|strong="G4221"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* baptized \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* baptism \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* baptized \w with|strong="G1537"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w sit|strong="G2523"\w* \w on|strong="G1537"\w* \w my|strong="G1699"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1537"\w* \w my|strong="G1699"\w* \w left|strong="G2176"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w mine|strong="G1699"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w*; \w rather|strong="G3756"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G3962"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w prepared|strong="G2090"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w my|strong="G1699"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*.”\f + \fr 20:23 \ft We may well be surprised at the Father's choices.\f*   
\p
\v 24 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ten|strong="G1176"\w* heard \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* indignant \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* brothers.\f + \fr 20:24 \ft Why were they indignant, unless they had similar ideas?\f*  
\v 25 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w summoning|strong="G4341"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w You|strong="G3754"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* rulers \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w* \w lord|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w over|strong="G2634"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w exercise|strong="G2715"\w* \w authority|strong="G2715"\w* \w over|strong="G2634"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*;  
\v 26 \w but|strong="G1437"\w* \w it|strong="G1437"\w* \w must|strong="G1096"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. \w Rather|strong="G3756"\w*, \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w wants|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2309"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w must|strong="G1096"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w your|strong="G1437"\w* \w servant|strong="G1249"\w*,  
\v 27 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w wants|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w must|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w*;  
\v 28 \w just|strong="G5618"\w* \w like|strong="G5618"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w*—\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w served|strong="G1247"\w* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w serve|strong="G1247"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w as|strong="G5618"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w ransom|strong="G3083"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w*.”   
\s1 Two blind men\f + \fr 20:29 \ft Comparing this account with the parallels in Mark and Luke, there appear to be several discrepancies. For a detailed discussion, please see the Appendix: Entering or leaving Jericho?\f*  
\p
\v 29 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jericho|strong="G2410"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 30 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w men|strong="G5185"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* alongside \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* hearing, “\w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w passing|strong="G3855"\w* \w by|strong="G3844"\w*!” \w cried|strong="G2896"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Have|strong="G2532"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w* \w on|strong="G1653"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*!”  
\v 31 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* threatened \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G2443"\w* \w quiet|strong="G4623"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w cried|strong="G2896"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w* \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w more|strong="G3173"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Have|strong="G1653"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w* \w on|strong="G1653"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*!!”  
\v 32 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w stopped|strong="G2476"\w*, \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w me|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*?”\f + \fr 20:32 \ft The question may seem unnecessary, but Jesus obliged them to state plainly what they wanted.\f*  
\v 33 \w They|strong="G3588"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w our|strong="G2962"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G2443"\w* opened!”  
\v 34 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w compassion|strong="G4697"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* touched \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3659"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3659"\w* received \w sight|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\c 21  
\ms1 The last week  
\s1 The triumphal entry—Sunday, 03/31/30AD  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w drew|strong="G2532"\w* \w near|strong="G1448"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Bethphage, opposite \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Mount|strong="G3735"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Olives|strong="G1636"\w*, \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w sent|strong="G2424"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*,  
\v 2 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Go|strong="G4198"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w village|strong="G2968"\w* \w opposite|strong="G2713"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w donkey|strong="G3688"\w* \w tied|strong="G1210"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w colt|strong="G4454"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w her|strong="G1519"\w*. \w Loose|strong="G3089"\w* \it her\it* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w bring|strong="G3004"\w* \it them\it* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 3 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w anything|strong="G5100"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \it just\it* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w needs|strong="G5532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* send \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.”  
\v 4 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w*, namely:   
\q1
\v 5 “\w Say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Zion|strong="G4622"\w*,  
\q2 ‘\w Look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w King|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*,  
\q2 humble \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w mounted|strong="G1910"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w donkey|strong="G3688"\w*,  
\q1 \w in|strong="G1909"\w* fact, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* young \w donkey|strong="G3688"\w*,  
\q2 \w foal|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w beast|strong="G5268"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w burden|strong="G5268"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 21:5 \ft The quote is from Zechariah 9:9. Unfortunately the KJV (corrected by the NKJV) mistranslates both the Hebrew and the Greek, making it appear that Jesus rode both animals, which was not the case; He rode only the colt. For a more complete discussion, please see the Appendix: How many animals?\f*   
\m
\v 6 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w commanded|strong="G4367"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 7 \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3588"\w* \w brought|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \it female\it* \w donkey|strong="G3688"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* young \w donkey|strong="G3688"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w placed|strong="G2007"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w sat|strong="G2532"\w* down \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* [\w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w*].\f + \fr 21:7 \ft It must have been a curious sight—no one had ever seen anything like it. Mark 11:2 and Luke 19:30 make clear that no one had ever ridden the colt. It was so young it was still staying close to ‘mother’, so if she was tied he was too. Jesus was going to expose the colt to a frightening experience—be ridden for the first time, by a stranger, someone perhaps heavier than the colt, and in the middle of a noisy crowd! So He has them bring the mother along as moral support. The disciples put clothes on both animals (the clothes would be very strange to the young donkey, but seeing his mother take it patiently would help his peace of mind), but Jesus rode only the colt—maybe He had to lift His feet so they didn't drag! It was probably comical, a strange way for a King to present Himself.\f*  
\v 8 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w spread|strong="G4766"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*, \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w cutting|strong="G2875"\w* \w branches|strong="G2798"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w trees|strong="G1186"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w spreading|strong="G4766"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*.  
\v 9 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w front|strong="G4254"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* followed \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w crying|strong="G2896"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\q1 “\w Hosanna|strong="G5614"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*!  
\q2 \w Blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc*!\f + \fr 21:9 \ft See Psalm 118:26.\f*  
\q1 \w Hosanna|strong="G5614"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w highest|strong="G5310"\w* \it heaven\it*!”   
\m
\v 10 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w stirred|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*?”\f + \fr 21:10 \ft Really and truly: can't you just see the hubbub! The crowd with Jesus was not from Jerusalem (John 12:12), so the locals were taken by surprise.\f*  
\v 11 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w kept|strong="G2424"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* Natsareth \w of|strong="G2424"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*.”   
\s1 The second cleansing of the temple\f + \fr 21:12 \ft Mark and Luke have the correct sequence of events for that Sunday, Monday and Tuesday—Matthew rearranges the material for stylistic reasons (presumably). For the correct sequence of events, read Matthew 21:1-11, 18-19, 12-17, 20-22, 23-46. Chapters 22-26 are in sequence.\f*  
\p
\v 12 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w went|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drove|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w selling|strong="G4453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* buying \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w overturned|strong="G2690"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tables|strong="G5132"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w money|strong="G2855"\w* \w changers|strong="G2855"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w seats|strong="G2515"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w sold|strong="G4453"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w doves|strong="G4058"\w*.  
\v 13 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*, ‘\w My|strong="G1473"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w*,’ \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w cave|strong="G4693"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* bandits’.”\f + \fr 21:13 \ft See Isaiah 56:7 (Jeremiah 7:11).\f*  
\v 14 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w lame|strong="G5560"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\p
\v 15 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* wonders \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w children|strong="G5207"\w* \w calling|strong="G3004"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Hosanna|strong="G5614"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*!” \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w became|strong="G3588"\w* indignant  
\v 16 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w hear|strong="G5101"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*?” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Yes|strong="G3483"\w*. \w Have|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w never|strong="G3763"\w* read \w that|strong="G3754"\w*  
\q1 ‘\w Out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w babies|strong="G2337"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w nursing|strong="G2337"\w* \w infants|strong="G3516"\w*  
\q2 \w You|strong="G3754"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w prepared|strong="G2675"\w* praise \it for Yourself\it*’?”\f + \fr 21:16 \ft See Psalm 8:2.\f*   
\m
\v 17 \w Leaving|strong="G2641"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w behind|strong="G2641"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Bethany \w and|strong="G2532"\w* lodged \w there|strong="G1563"\w*.   
\s1 “If you have faith”—Monday, 04/01/30 AD  
\p
\v 18 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w early|strong="G4404"\w* \w morning|strong="G4404"\w*, \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w returned|strong="G1877"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*, \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w hungry|strong="G3983"\w*.  
\v 19 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w lone|strong="G1520"\w* \w fig|strong="G4808"\w* \w tree|strong="G4808"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w just|strong="G2532"\w* \w leaves|strong="G5444"\w*.\f + \fr 21:19 \ft As Mark points out (Mark 11:13), it was not fig season, but a tree with leaves might have some dried figs. Since dried figs are very good eating, any visible figs would have been eaten long since (the tree was near the road).\f* \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, “\w May|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w never|strong="G3756"\w* \w again|strong="G3371"\w* \w produce|strong="G2590"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w*!” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w forthwith|strong="G3916"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w fig|strong="G4808"\w* \w tree|strong="G4808"\w* \w started|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w wither|strong="G3583"\w*.\f + \fr 21:19 \ft The Text has ‘the sap was cut off’; the result would not be visible immediately.\f*  
\v 20 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w marveled|strong="G2296"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w How|strong="G4459"\w* quickly \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fig|strong="G4808"\w* \w tree|strong="G4808"\w* \w became|strong="G3101"\w* \w withered|strong="G3583"\w*!”\f + \fr 21:20 \ft According to Mark this was 24 hours later.\f*  
\v 21 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “Assuredly \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* (pl.) \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w doubt|strong="G1252"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w only|strong="G3440"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fig|strong="G4808"\w* \w tree|strong="G4808"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w*, ‘\w Be|strong="G1096"\w* \w taken|strong="G1096"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* thrown \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*,’ \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w happen|strong="G1096"\w*.  
\v 22 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w anything|strong="G3956"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* ask \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w believing|strong="G4100"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w*, \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w*.”   
\s1 About John's baptism—Tuesday, 04/02/30 AD  
\p
\v 23 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w By|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w kind|strong="G4169"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \it things\it*?” \w and|strong="G2532"\w* “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w*?”  
\v 24 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w answer|strong="G3056"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w also|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w ask|strong="G2065"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w question|strong="G2065"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w also|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \it things\it*:  
\v 25 \w The|strong="G1722"\w* baptism \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*—\w where|strong="G4159"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w*; \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*?” \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w reasoned|strong="G1260"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w If|strong="G1437"\w* \w we|strong="G1437"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w From|strong="G1537"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*,’ \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w did|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G1437"\w* \w not|strong="G1510"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*?’  
\v 26 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w From|strong="G1537"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w*,’ \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w fear|strong="G5399"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w consider|strong="G2192"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*.”  
\v 27 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* answer \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w We|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w*.” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Neither|strong="G3761"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G4169"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \it things\it*.   
\s1 Two parables against the Pharisees  
\p
\v 28 “\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w think|strong="G1380"\w*? \w A|strong="G2192"\w* certain \w man|strong="G4413"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w sons|strong="G5043"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w going|strong="G5217"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Son|strong="G5043"\w*, \w go|strong="G5217"\w* \w work|strong="G2038"\w* \w today|strong="G4594"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* vineyard.’  
\v 29 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G3004"\w* answer \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G1161"\w* don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w*’ (\w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w later|strong="G5305"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* changed \w his|strong="G3588"\w* \w mind|strong="G3338"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G3588"\w*).  
\v 30 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w likewise|strong="G5615"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \it go\it*, \w Sir|strong="G2962"\w*’; \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w go|strong="G4334"\w*.  
\v 31 \w Which|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*?” \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*.” \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “Assuredly \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collectors|strong="G5057"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prostitutes|strong="G4204"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w go|strong="G4254"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w before|strong="G4254"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*.\f + \fr 21:31 \ft The Lord's words were definitely not designed to make them happy! In effect, He goes on to show that their refusal to answer His question was duplicitous. They knew good and well that John's baptism was from heaven.\f*  
\v 32 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collectors|strong="G5057"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prostitutes|strong="G4204"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w afterward|strong="G5305"\w* \w repent|strong="G3338"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\p
\v 33 “Hear \w another|strong="G1722"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w*: \w There|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G2532"\w* \w landowner|strong="G3617"\w* \w who|strong="G3748"\w* \w planted|strong="G5452"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* vineyard \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w set|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* hedge \w around|strong="G4060"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w dug|strong="G3736"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w winepress|strong="G3025"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w built|strong="G3618"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w tower|strong="G4444"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w leased|strong="G1554"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* farmers \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* journey.  
\v 34 \w When|strong="G3753"\w* vintage-time \w drew|strong="G1161"\w* \w near|strong="G1448"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* sent \w his|strong="G2983"\w* \w servants|strong="G1401"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* farmers \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w his|strong="G2983"\w* \w fruits|strong="G2590"\w*.  
\v 35 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* farmers \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w his|strong="G2983"\w* \w servants|strong="G1401"\w*—\w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w beat|strong="G1194"\w*, \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* killed, \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w stoned|strong="G3036"\w*.  
\v 36 \w Again|strong="G3825"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G4183"\w* \w servants|strong="G1401"\w*, \w more|strong="G4119"\w* \w than|strong="G4183"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w likewise|strong="G5615"\w*.  
\v 37 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w finally|strong="G5305"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* sent \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w They|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w respect|strong="G1788"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*.’  
\v 38 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* farmers \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w*: ‘\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heir|strong="G2818"\w*. \w Come|strong="G1205"\w*, \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* kill \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2192"\w* possession \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w inheritance|strong="G2817"\w*.’  
\v 39 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w taking|strong="G2983"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w threw|strong="G1544"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* vineyard \w and|strong="G2532"\w* killed \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 40 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w owner|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* vineyard \w comes|strong="G2064"\w*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G2064"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* farmers?”  
\v 41 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w miserably|strong="G2560"\w* destroy \w those|strong="G3588"\w* miserable \w men|strong="G2556"\w*! \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* lease \w the|strong="G1722"\w* vineyard \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G1438"\w* farmers \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* render \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w fruits|strong="G2590"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w seasons|strong="G2540"\w*.”  
\v 42 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Did|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w never|strong="G3763"\w* read \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Scriptures|strong="G1124"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w A|strong="G1096"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w builders|strong="G3618"\w* rejected,  
\q2 \nd \+w this|strong="G3778"\+w*\nd* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w cornerstone|strong="G2776"\w*.  
\q1 \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w doing|strong="G3844"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w marvelous|strong="G2298"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w our|strong="G2424"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w*’?\f + \fr 21:42 \ft See Psalm 118:22-23.\f*   
\m
\v 43 \w Therefore|strong="G1223"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* taken away \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w nation|strong="G1484"\w* \w producing|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fruits|strong="G2590"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 21:43 \ft That is what the Text says, ‘a nation’, which makes me wonder which ‘nation’ that might be. Since at any given time a nation is made up of the people alive at the moment, an Israel in the distant future would be a different ‘nation’. However, in 1 Peter 2:9 the Church is called “a holy nation”, so perhaps the reference is to the Church.\f*  
\v 44 \w Also|strong="G2532"\w*, whoever falls \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w this|strong="G2532"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* broken \w to|strong="G2532"\w* pieces; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* whomever \w it|strong="G2532"\w* falls, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* grind \w him|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* powder.”\f + \fr 21:44 \ft Two Greek manuscripts (of inferior quality: D and 33—Codex D is possibly the worst copy in existence), against some 1700, omit verse 44. In consequence the so-called ‘critical’ text, UBS\+sup 4\+sup*/N-A\+sup 27\+sup* (which reproduces the text of UBS\+sup 3\+sup*/N-A\+sup 26\+sup*), places the verse within brackets, thereby affirming that in their opinion the verse is not genuine. NIV informs us that “Some manuscripts do not have verse 44.” By “some” they mean two against 1700—is that not a dishonest use of the English language? To join Jesus means you have to be broken (so you can be remade), but to reject Him…\f*   
\p
\v 45 \w As|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w heard|strong="G1097"\w* \w His|strong="G4012"\w* \w parables|strong="G3850"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w knew|strong="G1097"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w speaking|strong="G3004"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 21:45 \ft They understood, so they were warned; but they did not pay attention to the warning. They went to hell with their eyes open. They would rather go to hell than acknowledge Jesus as Messiah. Today it is the same way—many would rather go to hell than acknowledge Jesus as Creator and Savior.\f*  
\v 46 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w although|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w wanted|strong="G2212"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w seize|strong="G2902"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w*, \w because|strong="G1893"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w considered|strong="G2192"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*.   
\c 22  
\s1 Parable of the wedding feast  
\m
\v 1 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoke|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w parables|strong="G3850"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\v 2 “\w The|strong="G3588"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w like|strong="G3666"\w* \w a|strong="G4160"\w* certain \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* prepared \w a|strong="G4160"\w* \w wedding|strong="G1062"\w* \w feast|strong="G1062"\w* \w for|strong="G4160"\w* \w his|strong="G4160"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*.  
\v 3 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w servants|strong="G1401"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w call|strong="G2564"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w invited|strong="G2564"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wedding|strong="G1062"\w* \w feast|strong="G1062"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w*.  
\v 4 \w Again|strong="G3825"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G3825"\w* \w servants|strong="G1401"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w Say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w invited|strong="G2564"\w*: “\w See|strong="G3708"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w prepared|strong="G2090"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* dinner; \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w oxen|strong="G5022"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* fatted cattle \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w butchered|strong="G2380"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w ready|strong="G2092"\w*. \w Come|strong="G1205"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wedding|strong="G1062"\w* \w feast|strong="G1062"\w*!” ’  
\v 5 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* indifferent ones \it just\it* \w took|strong="G1161"\w* off—\w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* field, \w another|strong="G3739"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w business|strong="G2398"\w*.  
\v 6 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rest|strong="G3062"\w*, seizing \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w servants|strong="G1401"\w* \w mistreated|strong="G5195"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* killed \w them|strong="G3588"\w*!  
\v 7 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* heard \it about it\it* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* furious; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sending|strong="G3992"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w troops|strong="G4753"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* destroyed \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w murderers|strong="G5406"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* burned \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*.\f + \fr 22:7 \ft There is a contrast between the indifferent (verse 5) and the malignant (verse 6)—the indifferent missed out on the feast, but the malignant were destroyed. In the kingdom of the heavens there is only one wedding feast for the King's Son, so far as I know, called “the marriage supper of the Lamb” in Revelation 19:9. So who might the ‘indifferent’ be?\f*   
\p
\v 8 “\w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w his|strong="G2564"\w* \w servants|strong="G1401"\w*: ‘\w The|strong="G1161"\w* \w wedding|strong="G1062"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \nd \+w ready|strong="G2092"\+w*\nd*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w invited|strong="G2564"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* worthy.  
\v 9 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w roads|strong="G3598"\w* \w leading|strong="G1519"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \it of town\it*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w many|strong="G3745"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w you|strong="G1437"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w invite|strong="G2564"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wedding|strong="G1062"\w* \w feast|strong="G1062"\w*.’  
\v 10 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w roads|strong="G3598"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w servants|strong="G1401"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4863"\w* \w together|strong="G4863"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w evil|strong="G4190"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G3956"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wedding|strong="G1062"\w* \it hall\it* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w filled|strong="G4130"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* guests.  
\v 11 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w came|strong="G1525"\w* \w in|strong="G1525"\w* \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w look|strong="G3708"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* guests, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w a|strong="G3708"\w* \w man|strong="G3756"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w been|strong="G3756"\w* \w clothed|strong="G1746"\w* \w with|strong="G3756"\w* \w a|strong="G3708"\w* \w wedding|strong="G1062"\w* \w garment|strong="G1742"\w*.\f + \fr 22:11 \ft Obviously people grabbed off the street would not have appropriate attire—the wedding garment must have been issued to each one as he went in.\f*  
\v 12 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w Friend|strong="G2083"\w*, \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w get|strong="G2192"\w* \w in|strong="G1525"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w without|strong="G3361"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w wedding|strong="G1062"\w* \w garment|strong="G1742"\w*?’ \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w speechless|strong="G5392"\w*.  
\v 13 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w servants|strong="G1249"\w*, ‘\w Tie|strong="G1210"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w foot|strong="G4228"\w*, \w take|strong="G1544"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w away|strong="G1544"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w throw|strong="G1544"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w* farthest \w away|strong="G1544"\w*.’\f + \fr 22:13 \ft Someone tried to ‘crash the party’ and had even taken a place at a table, but it did not work. I suppose there may be those who think they can crash “the marriage supper of the Lamb”, but if you are not dressed in the righteousness of the Bridegroom you will not make it.\f* \nd \+w There|strong="G1563"\+w*\nd* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w weeping|strong="G2805"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gnashing|strong="G1030"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w teeth|strong="G3599"\w*.  
\v 14 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w called|strong="G2822"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w few|strong="G3641"\w* \w chosen|strong="G1588"\w*.”   
\s1 Jesus bests the Herodians  
\p
\v 15 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G4198"\w* \w plotted|strong="G4824"\w* \w how|strong="G3704"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* might \w trap|strong="G3802"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \it some\it* \w word|strong="G3056"\w*.  
\v 16 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* send \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Herodians|strong="G2265"\w*,\f + \fr 22:16 \ft The Pharisees and the Herodians were political enemies, but in their desperation they joined forces against Jesus.\f* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* truthful \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* truth; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* impressed \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w anyone|strong="G3762"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w look|strong="G1492"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G4383"\w*'s \w faces|strong="G4383"\w*.\f + \fr 22:16 \ft They really tried to butter Him up.\f*  
\v 17 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w us|strong="G1325"\w*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w think|strong="G1380"\w*: \w is|strong="G5101"\w* \w it|strong="G5101"\w* \w lawful|strong="G1832"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w pay|strong="G1325"\w* tax \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w*?”  
\v 18 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w perceiving|strong="G1097"\w* \w their|strong="G3588"\w* malignancy \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Hypocrites|strong="G5273"\w*! \w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w test|strong="G3985"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*?  
\v 19 \w Show|strong="G1925"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* tax \w coin|strong="G3546"\w*.” \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w brought|strong="G4374"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w denarius|strong="G1220"\w*.  
\v 20 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Whose|strong="G5101"\w* \w image|strong="G1504"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w inscription|strong="G1923"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*?”  
\v 21 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*'s.” \w Then|strong="G3767"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “Render \w therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*'s, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w God|strong="G2316"\+w*\nd* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \nd \+w God|strong="G2316"\+w*'s\nd*!”  
\v 22 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* hearing \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w marveled|strong="G2296"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* leaving \w Him|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* away.   
\s1 Jesus bests the Sadducees  
\p
\v 23 \w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w same|strong="G1565"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sadducees|strong="G4523"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* resurrection, \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*  
\v 24 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* dies \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w his|strong="G2192"\w* brother \w must|strong="G1135"\w* \w marry|strong="G1918"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* widow \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w raise|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* offspring \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2192"\w* brother.  
\v 25 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* brothers \w among|strong="G3844"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*. \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w married|strong="G1060"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w died|strong="G5053"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* offspring \w he|strong="G2532"\w* left \w his|strong="G2192"\w* widow \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2192"\w* brother.  
\v 26 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w second|strong="G1208"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w*, \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w seventh|strong="G2033"\w*.  
\v 27 \w Last|strong="G5305"\w* \w of|strong="G3956"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w died|strong="G3588"\w* too.  
\v 28 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* resurrection \w whose|strong="G5101"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*, \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w*, \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w she|strong="G1063"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w*? \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*.”\f + \fr 22:28 \ft To dream up hypothetical situations is typical of those who really do not want to acknowledge or obey the truth. No doubt they thought they were being clever.\f*  
\v 29 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G2316"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w You|strong="G3004"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w deceived|strong="G4105"\w*,\f + \fr 22:29 \ft I started out putting ‘self-deceived’, but the verb is passive Indicative and not inherently reflexive—it could be Satan deceiving them.\f* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w knowing|strong="G1492"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Scriptures|strong="G1124"\w* \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!\f + \fr 22:29 \ft Alas! Is this not true of large segments of so-called evangelical Christianity? The Lord puts His finger on the Sadducees' real problem—they were spiritually bankrupt.\f*  
\v 30 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* resurrection \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w neither|strong="G3777"\w* \w marry|strong="G1060"\w* \w nor|strong="G3777"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w given|strong="G1061"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w marriage|strong="G1061"\w*, \w but|strong="G1063"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* angels \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*.\f + \fr 22:30 \ft Jesus does not say that angels do not have sex/gender. Evidently no baby angels (good or fallen) are born, but if angels are of only one gender they cannot reproduce in kind. Whenever an angel takes on human form in the Bible, it is always the form of a man. Perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit “of God” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 31 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* resurrection \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*, \w have|strong="G5210"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* read \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*,  
\v 32 ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \nd \+w am|strong="G1510"\+w*\nd* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* Abraham, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Isaac|strong="G2464"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w*’?\f + \fr 22:32 \ft See Exodus 3:6,15,16—Jesus attributes this text to God!\f* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \it people\it* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w living|strong="G2198"\w*.”\f + \fr 22:32 \ft Jesus argues on the basis of the present tense of the verb—if Abraham was simply eradicated it would have to be “was”. Jesus implies that they should have figured it out for themselves.\f*  
\v 33 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* heard \it Him\it* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w astonished|strong="G1605"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1322"\w*.   
\s1 Jesus bests the Pharisees  
\p
\v 34 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w silenced|strong="G5392"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Sadducees|strong="G4523"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* got \w together|strong="G4863"\w*.  
\v 35 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G1905"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w lawyer|strong="G3544"\w*, \w testing|strong="G3985"\w* \w Him|strong="G1905"\w*, \w questioned|strong="G1905"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G2532"\w*,  
\v 36 “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w commandment|strong="G1785"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w*?”  
\v 37 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*:\f + \fr 22:37 \ft Evidently Jesus answered without hesitation; this one was easy!\f* “ ‘\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* love \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w soul|strong="G5590"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w mind|strong="G1271"\w*.’\f + \fr 22:37 \ft See Deuteronomy 6:5, 10:12.\f*  
\v 38 \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w commandment|strong="G1785"\w*.  
\v 39 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w second|strong="G1208"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w*, ‘\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* love \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w neighbor|strong="G4139"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w*.’\f + \fr 22:39 \ft See Leviticus 19:18. Jesus gave him more than he asked for.\f*  
\v 40 \w On|strong="G1722"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w commandments|strong="G1785"\w* \w hang|strong="G2910"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Prophets|strong="G4396"\w*.”   
\s1 David's Son and Lord  
\p
\v 41 \w While|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w assembled|strong="G4863"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*  
\v 42 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w think|strong="G1380"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*; \w whose|strong="G5101"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w He|strong="G3588"\w*?” \w They|strong="G3588"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w David|strong="G1138"\w*'s.”  
\v 43 \w He|strong="G3004"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G1722"\w*: “\w How|strong="G4459"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w does|strong="G3004"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \it the\it* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w call|strong="G2564"\w* \w Him|strong="G2564"\w* ‘\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*’ \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*,   
\q1
\v 44 ‘\w The|strong="G1537"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w my|strong="G5087"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*,  
\q2 “\w Sit|strong="G2521"\w* \w at|strong="G1537"\w* \w my|strong="G5087"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w place|strong="G5087"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w enemies|strong="G2190"\w*  
\q2 \w as|strong="G2193"\w* \w a|strong="G5087"\w* footstool \w for|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*” ’?\f + \fr 22:44 \ft See Psalm 110:1—note that Jesus affirms that David was inspired.\f*   
\m
\v 45 Really \w now|strong="G3767"\w*, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* \w calls|strong="G2564"\w* \w Him|strong="G2564"\w* ‘\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*’, \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w can|strong="G4459"\w* \w He|strong="G1487"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w his|strong="G2564"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*?”  
\v 46 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w answer|strong="G3056"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w*, \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w on|strong="G5100"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w dare|strong="G5111"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w question|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w anymore|strong="G3765"\w*.   
\c 23  
\s1 Jesus excoriates the scribes and Pharisees  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*  
\v 2 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w seated|strong="G2523"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w*' \w chair|strong="G2515"\w*;  
\v 3 \w so|strong="G3767"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w observe|strong="G5083"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w observe|strong="G5083"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w deeds|strong="G2041"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*.  
\v 4 \w For|strong="G1909"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* package loads \it that are\it* heavy \w and|strong="G2532"\w* hard \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w bear|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lay|strong="G2007"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w shoulders|strong="G5606"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \it themselves\it* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w move|strong="G2795"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w fingers|strong="G1147"\w*.   
\p
\v 5 “\w Rather|strong="G1161"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w works|strong="G2041"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w order|strong="G4314"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w seen|strong="G2300"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G3956"\w*. \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w phylacteries|strong="G5440"\w* broad \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tassels|strong="G2899"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* garments large;\f + \fr 23:5 \ft They were big on ostentation.\f*  
\v 6 \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w love|strong="G5368"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w place|strong="G4411"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w honor|strong="G4411"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* dinners \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w first|strong="G3588"\w* \w seats|strong="G4410"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w*,  
\v 7 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* greetings \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* marketplaces, \w namely|strong="G1722"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* ‘\w Rabbi|strong="G4461"\w*, \w Rabbi|strong="G4461"\w*’ \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s2 We have only one Teacher and one Father  
\p
\v 8 “\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* (pl.), \w do|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* ‘\w Rabbi|strong="G4461"\w*’; \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w your|strong="G3956"\w* \w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \nd \+w one|strong="G1520"\+w*\nd*, \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w Christ|strong="G1520"\w*,\f + \fr 23:8 \ft Perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts omit “the Christ” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* brothers.  
\v 9 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w call|strong="G2564"\w* anyone \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w father|strong="G3962"\w*’; \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \nd \+w one|strong="G1520"\+w*\nd*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* heavens.\f + \fr 23:9 \ft Since the second person here is plural, the Lord is evidently referring to calling someone your spiritual father; He is not saying not to acknowledge your physical father. “Your (pl.) Father is \+nd one\+nd*”—obviously they did not all have the same physical father.\f*  
\v 10 \w Neither|strong="G3366"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w leaders|strong="G3754"\w*/guides; \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w Leader|strong="G2519"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \nd \+w one|strong="G1520"\+w*\nd*, \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.\f + \fr 23:10 \ft This may be why we have no record in Scripture of a Christian calling someone his disciple; even in 1 Corinthians 3:4 Paul evidently avoids using the term. I take it that our Lord is forbidding any effort by one Christian to control the spiritual life of another. He had already told the Samaritan woman that the Father must be worshiped “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). Therefore, that worship may not be forced or imposed, or controlled by someone else.\f*  
\v 11 \w On|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* contrary, \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w greatest|strong="G3173"\w* \w among|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w servant|strong="G1249"\w*.  
\v 12 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3748"\w* \w exalts|strong="G5312"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w humbled|strong="G5013"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3748"\w* \w humbles|strong="G5013"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w exalted|strong="G5312"\w*.   
\ms1 A series of ‘Woes’  
\p
\v 13 “\w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w*, \w hypocrites|strong="G5273"\w*! \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* devour \w the|strong="G2532"\w* houses \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* widows,\f + \fr 23:13 \ft How did that work? I suppose that if the widow was in debt, they would just foreclose and put her out on the street.\f* \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w making|strong="G2532"\w* \w long|strong="G3756"\w* prayers \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* pretense. \w Therefore|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* receive \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w greater|strong="G4771"\w* condemnation.\f + \fr 23:13 \ft They are already condemned, but are making it worse. Perhaps 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit this verse (as in NIV, [NASB], LB, [TEV], etc.). A very small minority, perhaps another 1%, reverse the order of verses 13 and 14 (as in KJV and NKJV).\f*  
\v 14 Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!! Because you bar \it the entrance to\it* the kingdom of the heavens in the face of the people; for you neither go in \it yourselves\it* nor do you allow those who are trying to enter to go in.\f + \fr 23:14 \ft Those guys were really perverse! If you don't want to go in yourself, that's your problem; but to try to keep others from going in is satanic, really and truly satanic.\f*  
\v 15 \w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w*, \w hypocrites|strong="G5273"\w*!!! \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w travel|strong="G4013"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w over|strong="G1096"\w*, \w land|strong="G3584"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w convert|strong="G4339"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* joins \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w twice|strong="G1362"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w much|strong="G1362"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Hell|strong="G1067"\w*\f + \fr 23:15 \ft Where do you suppose a ‘son of hell’ is going to spend eternity?\f* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G4771"\w*.   
\p
\v 16 “\w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w guides|strong="G3595"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w swears|strong="G3660"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G3485"\w*, \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w swears|strong="G3660"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w gold|strong="G5557"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G3485"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w obligated|strong="G3784"\w*.’  
\v 17 Stupid \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w*! \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w greater|strong="G3173"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w gold|strong="G5557"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G3485"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* sanctifies \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w gold|strong="G5557"\w*?  
\v 18 \w And|strong="G2532"\w*, ‘\w Whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w swears|strong="G3660"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w altar|strong="G2379"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w swears|strong="G3660"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w gift|strong="G1435"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w obligated|strong="G3784"\w*.’  
\v 19 Stupid \w and|strong="G3173"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w*!! \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w greater|strong="G3173"\w*, \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w gift|strong="G1435"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w altar|strong="G2379"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* sanctifies \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w gift|strong="G1435"\w*?\f + \fr 23:19 \ft Wow, they really were stupid and blind! which raises the obvious question: How did they get that way? According to Ephesians 2:2, ‘sons of the disobedience’ suffer direct satanic influence.\f*  
\v 20 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w swears|strong="G3660"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w altar|strong="G2379"\w* \w swears|strong="G3660"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 21 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w swears|strong="G3660"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G3485"\w* \w swears|strong="G3660"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* used \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w dwell|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 23:21 \ft Some 10% of the Greek manuscripts have “dwell” in the present tense (as in most versions), rather than the past. I take it that Jesus was telling them that God had left their temple (see verse 38). Thus verse 22 is in contrast with verse 21, with reference to God's presence.\f*  
\v 22 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w swears|strong="G3660"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w swears|strong="G3660"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w throne|strong="G2362"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w sits|strong="G2521"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.   
\p
\v 23 “\w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w*, \w hypocrites|strong="G5273"\w*! \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* pay \w a|strong="G2532"\w* tithe \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w mint|strong="G2238"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* dill \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w cummin|strong="G2951"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* neglected \w the|strong="G2532"\w* weightier items \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w*: \w justice|strong="G2920"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1656"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*. \nd \+w These|strong="G3778"\+w*\nd* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* obligatory \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*, \w while|strong="G3754"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* neglecting \w those|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 24 \w Blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w guides|strong="G3595"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w strain|strong="G1368"\w* out \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w gnat|strong="G2971"\w* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* gulp down \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w camel|strong="G2574"\w*!   
\p
\v 25 “\w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w*, \w hypocrites|strong="G5273"\w*!! \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w cleanse|strong="G2511"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w outside|strong="G1855"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cup|strong="G4221"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dish|strong="G3953"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w inside|strong="G2081"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w full|strong="G1073"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* plunder \w and|strong="G2532"\w* injustice.\f + \fr 23:25 \ft Instead of “injustice”, perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘self-indulgence’ (as in most versions).\f*  
\v 26 \w Blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w Pharisee|strong="G5330"\w*! \w First|strong="G4413"\w* \w cleanse|strong="G2511"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w inside|strong="G1787"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cup|strong="G4221"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dish|strong="G3953"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w outside|strong="G1622"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w clean|strong="G2513"\w*.   
\p
\v 27 “\w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w*, \w hypocrites|strong="G5273"\w*!!! \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* resemble \w whitewashed|strong="G2867"\w* \w tombs|strong="G5028"\w*, \w which|strong="G3748"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w appear|strong="G5316"\w* \w beautiful|strong="G5611"\w* \w outwardly|strong="G1855"\w* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w inside|strong="G2081"\w* \w are|strong="G3956"\w* \w full|strong="G1073"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w bones|strong="G3747"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* uncleanness.  
\v 28 \w Just|strong="G1342"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w outwardly|strong="G1855"\w* \w appear|strong="G5316"\w* \it to be\it* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G1510"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w inside|strong="G2081"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w full|strong="G3324"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w hypocrisy|strong="G5272"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* lawlessness.   
\p
\v 29 “\w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w*, \w hypocrites|strong="G5273"\w*!!!! \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w build|strong="G3618"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tombs|strong="G3419"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w adorn|strong="G2885"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w monuments|strong="G3419"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w*;  
\v 30 \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w lived|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*, \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w partakers|strong="G2844"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* blood \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*.’  
\v 31 \w Therefore|strong="G5620"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w testify|strong="G3140"\w* \w against|strong="G3140"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w murdered|strong="G5407"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*.  
\v 32 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w fill|strong="G4137"\w* \w up|strong="G4137"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w measure|strong="G3358"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*' \it guilt\it*!   
\s2 Snakes!  
\p
\v 33 “\w Snakes|strong="G3789"\w*! \w Brood|strong="G1081"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w vipers|strong="G2191"\w*! \w How|strong="G4459"\w* \w can|strong="G4459"\w* \w you|strong="G4459"\w* \w escape|strong="G5343"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w condemnation|strong="G2920"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Hell|strong="G1067"\w*?\f + \fr 23:33 \ft Would you say that Jesus is trying real hard not to hurt their poor little feelings? So are we supposed to avoid hurting people's feelings? When and why?\f*  
\v 34 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* note: \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* send \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wise|strong="G4680"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Biblical scholars;\f + \fr 23:34 \ft Jesus makes this statement knowing that He will die within a few days. Obviously He also knows that He will rise from the dead and return to the Father's right hand—it is from that position that He will do the sending.\f* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* kill, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w crucify|strong="G4717"\w*; \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w flog|strong="G3146"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w persecute|strong="G1377"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*  
\v 35 —\w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* blood \w shed|strong="G1632"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*, \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* blood \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* Abel \w up|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* blood \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Zechariah|strong="G2197"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* Berechiah,\f + \fr 23:35 \ft The only ‘Zechariah son of Berechiah’ recorded in the OT was the author of the book of prophecy that bears his name. The temple was rebuilt during his time, so it would be possible for him to have been killed there, but his death is not recorded. The Lord may have known something we do not, or He may have been referring to someone else.\f* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w murdered|strong="G5407"\w* \w between|strong="G3342"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G3485"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w altar|strong="G2379"\w*.\f + \fr 23:35 \ft A terrible statement! But Jesus is addressing persons who will condemn the Messiah to death with total premeditated malice.\f*  
\v 36 Assuredly \w I|strong="G3778"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w will|strong="G3778"\w* \w come|strong="G2240"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*.   
\s1 Jesus laments over Jerusalem  
\p
\v 37 “\w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* kills \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w stones|strong="G3036"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*! \w How|strong="G4212"\w* \w often|strong="G4212"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w wanted|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w gather|strong="G1996"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*, \w just|strong="G2532"\w* \w like|strong="G2309"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w hen|strong="G3733"\w* \w gathers|strong="G1996"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w chicks|strong="G3556"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w wings|strong="G4420"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w*.  
\v 38 \w Look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w your|strong="G3708"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* left \w to|strong="G3624"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* abandoned!  
\v 39 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2962"\w* \nd \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w*\nd* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w again|strong="G2193"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G3686"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc*’!”\f + \fr 23:39 \ft See Psalm 118:26. Apparently He did not return to the temple anymore; He had declared judgment upon it: “your house is left to you abandoned”.\f*   
\c 24  
\ms1 The Olivet Discourse  
\m
\v 1 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w*, \w departing|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*, \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w up|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w show|strong="G1925"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w buildings|strong="G3619"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*.  
\v 2 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Do|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* see \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*? Assuredly \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, absolutely \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w a|strong="G1909"\w* single \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* left \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w another|strong="G3037"\w*, \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* thrown \w down|strong="G2647"\w*.”\f + \fr 24:2 \ft This was literally fulfilled in 70 AD. The Jews used the temple buildings as their last bastion of defense. They themselves set fire to some buildings and the Roman soldiers finished the job. Apparently the gold on the dome melted and ran down the cracks between the stones. So the looters literally tore stone from stone to make sure they got all the gold.\f*   
\s1 “A beginning of birth pains”  
\p
\v 3 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Mount|strong="G3735"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Olives|strong="G1636"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w privately|strong="G2398"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*, \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w*? \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Your|strong="G4674"\w* \w coming|strong="G3952"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* completion \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* age?”\f + \fr 24:3 \ft There are two questions: “When these things?” and “What the sign?” The answer to the first is given in Luke 21:20-24. The answer to the second begins here in verse 5.\f*  
\v 4 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “Watch \w out|strong="G2532"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w deceives|strong="G4105"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.  
\v 5 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*,’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w deceive|strong="G4105"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w*.  
\v 6 \w You|strong="G3708"\w* \w will|strong="G3195"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* concerned \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G3708"\w* hear\f + \fr 24:6 \ft I follow the best line of transmission, with 25% of the Greek manuscripts, in reading “You will be concerned when you hear”, instead of ‘you will be about to hear’ (more or less followed by most versions).\f* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w wars|strong="G4171"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* rumors \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w wars|strong="G4171"\w*; \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3708"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w get|strong="G1096"\w* worked \w up|strong="G1210"\w*; \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w happen|strong="G1096"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w end|strong="G5056"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w yet|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 7 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w nation|strong="G1484"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w nation|strong="G1484"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w against|strong="G2596"\w* kingdom, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w famines|strong="G3042"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* pestilences \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w earthquakes|strong="G4578"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w various|strong="G2596"\w* \w places|strong="G5117"\w*;  
\v 8 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w are|strong="G3956"\w* \it only\it* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* beginning \w of|strong="G3956"\w* \w birth|strong="G5604"\w* \w pains|strong="G5604"\w*.\f + \fr 24:8 \ft The Text has ‘birth pains’, so what is the ‘baby’? I suppose the ‘baby’ is the Messianic Kingdom.\f*   
\s1 The increase of lawlessness  
\p
\v 9 “\w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w hand|strong="G3860"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* oppression \w and|strong="G2532"\w* kill \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w hated|strong="G3404"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*'s \w sake|strong="G1223"\w*.  
\v 10 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w offended|strong="G4624"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w betray|strong="G3860"\w* \w one|strong="G2532"\w* another \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w hate|strong="G3404"\w* \w one|strong="G2532"\w* another.  
\v 11 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w false|strong="G5578"\w* \w prophets|strong="G5578"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w deceive|strong="G4105"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w*.\f + \fr 24:11 \ft The verb is in the passive voice, ‘will be raised up’: the obvious question is, by whom? Here we have a clear hint of supernatural activity behind the scenes.\f*  
\v 12 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w increase|strong="G4129"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* lawlessness \w the|strong="G2532"\w* love \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w majority|strong="G4183"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w grow|strong="G5594"\w* \w cold|strong="G5594"\w*.  
\v 13 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w perseveres|strong="G5278"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w end|strong="G5056"\w*, \nd \+w he|strong="G1161"\+w*\nd* \w will|strong="G3778"\w* \w be|strong="G1519"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*.\f + \fr 24:13 \ft The Greek text is emphatic here—it is the one who perseveres who will be saved.\f*  
\v 14 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w good|strong="G3956"\w* \w news|strong="G2098"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaimed|strong="G2784"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w inhabited|strong="G3625"\w* \w earth|strong="G3625"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w witness|strong="G3142"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ethnic \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w end|strong="G5056"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2240"\w*.\f + \fr 24:14 \ft The ‘end’ of what? There are at least four possible relevant ends here—of the world, of the Millennium, of the Great Tribulation, of the Church Age. Just as this day, this week, this month, this year, etc. all have ends, but those ends are rarely coincidental, so the four ends above are not coincidental. So which ‘end’ is it? The immediately following context points to the Great Tribulation. In that event, any unreached ethnic nations in our day cannot impede the Rapture, since the angel in Revelation 14:6 will finish the job.\f*   
\s1 The Great Tribulation  
\p
\v 15 “\w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G3752"\w* (\w ye|strong="G3588"\w*) \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ‘abomination \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w desolation|strong="G2050"\w*’, \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w Daniel|strong="G1158"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*, \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* holy \w place|strong="G5117"\w*”\f + \fr 24:15 \ft “Standing”—presumably a person, therefore. See Daniel 11:31 and 12:11.\f* (\w let|strong="G3767"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* reader \w understand|strong="G3539"\w*),  
\v 16 “\w then|strong="G5119"\w* let \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w flee|strong="G5343"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mountains|strong="G3735"\w*.  
\v 17 Anyone \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w housetop|strong="G1430"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w go|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* take \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*,  
\v 18 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* anyone \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* field \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w go|strong="G2532"\w* \w back|strong="G3694"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w cloak|strong="G2440"\w*.\f + \fr 24:18 \ft Wait a minute! If you are on the housetop or in the field, how can you “see” the ‘abomination’ so you know it's time to run? Well, how about wrist TVs, hand held computers, cell phones with Internet access, etc.? So how did Jesus know about these gadgets 2,000 years ago? If you are still around when that happens, and if you do not want the ‘mark’, you had better disappear in a hurry.\f*  
\v 19 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w pregnant|strong="G1064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w nursing|strong="G2337"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* baby \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*!  
\v 20 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w flight|strong="G5437"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w happen|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1096"\w* \w winter|strong="G5494"\w* \w or|strong="G3366"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*.\f + \fr 24:20 \ft Well now, any such praying needs to be done before the fact to do any good. Do you know anyone who is praying like this?\f*  
\v 21 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w then|strong="G5119"\w* \w there|strong="G1063"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \nd \+w great|strong="G3173"\+w*\nd* \w tribulation|strong="G2347"\w*, \w such|strong="G3634"\w* \w as|strong="G3634"\w* \w has|strong="G1096"\w* \w never|strong="G3756"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w since|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* beginning \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w*, \w and|strong="G3173"\w* \w never|strong="G3756"\w* \w again|strong="G2193"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w*.\f + \fr 24:21 \ft There has always been tribulation and distress in the world, and continues to be, but nothing to compare with the Great Tribulation, which has not yet happened.\f*  
\v 22 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w unless|strong="G1487"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w cut|strong="G2532"\w* \w short|strong="G2856"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*;\f + \fr 24:22 \ft Adding up the percentages of destruction in Revelation, it appears that only one sixth of those who are alive at the beginning of the Great Tribulation will still be alive at its end. If six billion go in, only one billion will come out. So much for the overpopulation problem!\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sake|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elect|strong="G1588"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w cut|strong="G2532"\w* \w short|strong="G2856"\w*.\f + \fr 24:22 \ft Just who are the “elect” here (and in verse 31), if the Rapture has already taken place? I believe there will be many millions of conversions immediately after the Rapture—unsaved church members who are left behind. And if the Rapture is partial (Matthew 25:1-13), all the lukewarm Christians will all of a sudden get serious.\f*  
\v 23 \nd \+w Then|strong="G5119"\+w*\nd* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, ‘\w Look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w*!’ \w or|strong="G2228"\w* ‘\w there|strong="G3004"\w*!’ \w do|strong="G4100"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 24 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w false|strong="G5578"\w* \w christs|strong="G5580"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w false|strong="G5578"\w* \w prophets|strong="G5578"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*,\f + \fr 24:24 \ft Here is the passive voice again, ‘will be raised up’. In this context it seems clear that they are Satan's servants.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w signs|strong="G4592"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wonders|strong="G5059"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w deceive|strong="G4105"\w*, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w possible|strong="G1415"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elect|strong="G1588"\w*.  
\v 25 \w See|strong="G3708"\w*, \w I|strong="G3708"\w* \w have|strong="G5210"\w* \w told|strong="G4302"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* beforehand.  
\v 26 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, ‘\w Look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w*!’ \w do|strong="G4100"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w go|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w*; ‘\w Look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* secret \w rooms|strong="G5009"\w*!’ \w do|strong="G4100"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w it|strong="G1437"\w*.  
\v 27 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w just|strong="G5618"\w* \w as|strong="G5618"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* lightning \w comes|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* east \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w shines|strong="G5316"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w west|strong="G1424"\w*, \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G3952"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w*;  
\v 28 \w for|strong="G4430"\w* \w wherever|strong="G3699"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* carcass may \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w gathering|strong="G4863"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* vultures.\f + \fr 24:28 \ft The point of verses 26-28 seems to be that the Lord's return will be very obvious, like the lightning or the circle of buzzards above a carcass—so if someone says He has returned secretly, don't believe it (see verse 30). The word “then” in verse 23 makes clear that what is being described here is the Lord's return to the earth after the Great Tribulation, to set up the Millennial Kingdom.\f*   
\s1 The King's return to earth  
\p
\v 29 “\w Immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tribulation|strong="G2347"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sun|strong="G2246"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w darkened|strong="G4654"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w moon|strong="G4582"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w its|strong="G1325"\w* \w light|strong="G5338"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* stars \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w fall|strong="G4098"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w powers|strong="G1411"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w shaken|strong="G4531"\w*.\f + \fr 24:29 \ft ‘Stars’ often refer to angels, in the Scriptures, and “the powers of the heavens” most probably refers to high ranking fallen angels. It is at this time that Satan will be confined in the Abyss (Revelation 20:1-3). (Just one literal star hitting the earth would reduce it to dust, so the reference cannot be to them.)\f*  
\v 30 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G3956"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w appear|strong="G5316"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tribes|strong="G5443"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w mourn|strong="G2875"\w*\f + \fr 24:30 \ft Literally, ‘beat the breast’—in Semitic cultures this action expresses strong emotion, involving some combination of grief, fear and despair. This will be the attitude of everyone who is wearing the ‘mark’.\f*—\w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G3956"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w clouds|strong="G3507"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*.  
\v 31 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* send \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* angels \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* sound \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w trumpet|strong="G4536"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* collect \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w elect|strong="G1588"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w four|strong="G5064"\w* winds, \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* extreme \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s2 Learn from the fig tree  
\p
\v 32 “\w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w learn|strong="G3129"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fig|strong="G4808"\w* \w tree|strong="G4808"\w*: \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w its|strong="G3752"\w* \w branch|strong="G2798"\w* \w has|strong="G1096"\w* \w already|strong="G2235"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* tender \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w puts|strong="G1631"\w* \w forth|strong="G1631"\w* \w leaves|strong="G5444"\w*, \w you|strong="G3752"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w summer|strong="G2330"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w near|strong="G1451"\w*.  
\v 33 \w So|strong="G3779"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*, \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*, \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w near|strong="G1451"\w*, \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w doors|strong="G2374"\w*!  
\v 34 Assuredly \w I|strong="G3778"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w* \w will|strong="G3778"\w* \nd \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w*\nd* \w pass|strong="G1096"\w* \w away|strong="G3928"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w happen|strong="G1096"\w*.\f + \fr 24:34 \ft “This generation” could refer to the Jewish race (render ‘this race’), but I think it more probable that it refers to the generation that “sees all these things”. To be more precise, I think that those who were alive on the planet in 1967 (when the city of Jerusalem returned to the political control of the nation Israel) are the generation in question.\f*  
\v 35 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w pass|strong="G3928"\w* \w away|strong="G3928"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w never|strong="G3756"\w* \w pass|strong="G3928"\w* \w away|strong="G3928"\w*.\f + \fr 24:35 \ft The Lord Jesus declares the eternal authority of His own word.\f*   
\s1 The Rapture  
\p
\v 36 “\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w knows|strong="G1492"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*,\f + \fr 24:36 \ft It is typical of Hebrew prose (Jesus is a Jew) to retell a sequence of events from different perspectives. He is still answering “What is the sign?” but here He starts over and comments upon something that will happen before the ‘abomination’ (see the second footnote after this one).\f* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* angels \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*, \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w my|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w alone|strong="G3441"\w*.\f + \fr 24:36 \ft While walking this earth as Jesus, the Son was not omniscient.\f*  
\v 37 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w just|strong="G5618"\w* \w as|strong="G5618"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Noah|strong="G3575"\w*, \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w also|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w coming|strong="G3952"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w*.  
\v 38 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w just|strong="G5613"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w eating|strong="G5176"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drinking|strong="G4095"\w*, \w marrying|strong="G1060"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w giving|strong="G1061"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w marriage|strong="G1061"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w flood|strong="G2627"\w* \w until|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w Noah|strong="G3575"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w ark|strong="G2787"\w*,  
\v 39 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w aware|strong="G1097"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w flood|strong="G2627"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* away, \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w*.  
\v 40 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w men|strong="G1417"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* field; \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w taken|strong="G3880"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w other|strong="G1520"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* left.  
\v 41 \w Two|strong="G1417"\w* \w women|strong="G1417"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* grinding \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mill|strong="G3458"\w*; \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w taken|strong="G3880"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w other|strong="G1520"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* left.  
\v 42 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* \w watchful|strong="G1127"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* (pl) \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w in|strong="G3756"\w* \w what|strong="G4169"\w* hour\f + \fr 24:42 \ft Instead of “hour”, perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘day’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w*.  
\v 43 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* master \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w known|strong="G1097"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G4169"\w* \w watch|strong="G1127"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w thief|strong="G2812"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* stayed \w awake|strong="G1127"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w allowed|strong="G1439"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w broken|strong="G1358"\w* \w into|strong="G2064"\w*.  
\v 44 \w Therefore|strong="G1223"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w ready|strong="G2092"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w at|strong="G3756"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w do|strong="G1096"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w suppose|strong="G1380"\w*.\f + \fr 24:44 \ft I take it that for there to be the element of surprise the Rapture of the Church must occur before the “abomination of desolation”. When the Antichrist takes his place in the Holy of Holies and declares himself to be god there will be precisely 1,290 days until the return of Christ to the earth. “An hour that you do not suppose” presumably requires a pre-‘abomination’ rapture—if the rapture is pre-wrath but post-abomination, only a fool will be taken by surprise, unless the Rapture happens immediately after the ‘abomination’ (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). For a fuller discussion of this question, please see the Appendix: Before or after?\f*   
\p
\v 45 “\w Who|strong="G3739"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prudent|strong="G5429"\w* \w servant|strong="G1401"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w lord|strong="G2962"\w* placed \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* corps \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w servants|strong="G1401"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w food|strong="G5160"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* schedule?  
\v 46 \w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w servant|strong="G1401"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w his|strong="G4160"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w*, \w when|strong="G2064"\w* \w he|strong="G3739"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w*, \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w*.  
\v 47 Assuredly \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G3956"\w* \w place|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w possessions|strong="G5225"\w*.  
\v 48 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w bad|strong="G2556"\w* \w servant|strong="G1401"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*, ‘\w My|strong="G1722"\w* \w lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w delaying|strong="G5549"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* return,’  
\v 49 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* begin \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w beat|strong="G5180"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w fellow|strong="G4889"\w* \w servants|strong="G4889"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w drunkards|strong="G3184"\w*,  
\v 50 \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w servant|strong="G1401"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2240"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w looking|strong="G4328"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \it him\it* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w aware|strong="G1097"\w*,  
\v 51 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w cut|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* two \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w appoint|strong="G5087"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w portion|strong="G3313"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hypocrites|strong="G5273"\w*.\f + \fr 24:51 \ft Notice that the Lord consigns hypocrites to hell. That servant pretended to be faithful while the owner was around, but as soon as he turned his back…\f* \nd \+w There|strong="G1563"\+w*\nd*, \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w weeping|strong="G2805"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gnashing|strong="G1030"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w teeth|strong="G3599"\w*.\f + \fr 24:51 \ft This is a \+nd servant\+nd* who had gained his master's confidence, but then betrayed it—he winds up in hell. He was director of food services, and if he had been faithful there he would have been promoted to general director (verse 47), but…\f*   
\c 25  
\s1 Parable of the ten virgins  
\m
\v 1 “\w Then|strong="G5119"\w*\f + \fr 25:1 \ft “Then”—this temporal adverb links the parable to the prior context, which is dealing with the Rapture (I think). Since the foolish ones are virgins, not prostitutes, and since they also had some oil (does the oil represent the Holy Spirit?), this parable may point to a partial rapture; only those who are ready are taken.\f* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w will|strong="G3748"\w* \w be|strong="G1519"\w* \w like|strong="G3666"\w* \w ten|strong="G1176"\w* \w virgins|strong="G3933"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w*, \w taking|strong="G2983"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w lamps|strong="G2985"\w*, \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w meet|strong="G5222"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w bridegroom|strong="G3566"\w*.  
\v 2 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w prudent|strong="G5429"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w foolish|strong="G3474"\w*.  
\v 3 \w Those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w foolish|strong="G3474"\w*, \w taking|strong="G2983"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w lamps|strong="G2985"\w*, \w did|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w take|strong="G2983"\w* [\w extra|strong="G1637"\w*] \w oil|strong="G1637"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 4 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prudent|strong="G5429"\w* ones \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w oil|strong="G1637"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* vessels \w along|strong="G1722"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w lamps|strong="G2985"\w*.\f + \fr 25:4 \ft From verse 8 it is clear that they all had oil in the lamp, but even with the wick down low their lamps were lit (they wouldn't wait in total darkness) and were burning oil (4-5 hours). So the delay of the bridegroom meant that the oil in the lamps was used up—the wise ones had extra oil.\f*  
\v 5 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w bridegroom|strong="G3566"\w* delayed \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* dozed \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w slept|strong="G2518"\w*,  
\v 6 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w midnight|strong="G3319"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w shout|strong="G2906"\w*: ‘Attention! \w The|strong="G1519"\w* \w bridegroom|strong="G3566"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G1831"\w*; \w go|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w meet|strong="G3588"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.’  
\v 7 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w virgins|strong="G3933"\w* \w got|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w trimmed|strong="G2885"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w lamps|strong="G2985"\w*.  
\v 8 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w foolish|strong="G3474"\w* \w ones|strong="G3748"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w prudent|strong="G5429"\w*, ‘\w Give|strong="G1325"\w* \w us|strong="G1325"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w oil|strong="G1637"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w our|strong="G1161"\w* \w lamps|strong="G2985"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G4570"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w*.’  
\v 9 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prudent|strong="G5429"\w* ones \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w No|strong="G3756"\w*, \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w case|strong="G3588"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* enough \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*; \w instead|strong="G3123"\w*, \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w sell|strong="G4453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* buy \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w*.’  
\v 10 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* buy, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w bridegroom|strong="G3566"\w* \w arrived|strong="G2064"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* ones \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w ready|strong="G2092"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w marriage|strong="G1062"\w* \w feast|strong="G1062"\w*—\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w door|strong="G2374"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w shut|strong="G2808"\w*!  
\v 11 \w Later|strong="G5305"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G3062"\w* \w virgins|strong="G3933"\w* \w arrived|strong="G2064"\w* \w too|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w lord|strong="G2962"\w*, open \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*!’  
\v 12 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G3004"\w* answer \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘Assuredly \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.’  
\v 13 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w keep|strong="G1127"\w* \w alert|strong="G1127"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w in|strong="G3756"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* Son \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Man|strong="G3756"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* coming.\f + \fr 25:13 \ft About 11% of the Greek manuscripts omit “in which the Son of the Man is coming” (as in NIV, NASB, [LB], TEV, etc.).\f*   
\s1 Parable of the talents  
\p
\v 14 “\w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \it the kingdom is also\it* \w like|strong="G5618"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* man \w about|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \it long\it* journey, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w his|strong="G2398"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w servants|strong="G1401"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w entrusted|strong="G3860"\w* \w his|strong="G2398"\w* \w possessions|strong="G5225"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 15 \w To|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w talents|strong="G5007"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w another|strong="G3739"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w another|strong="G3739"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2398"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w ability|strong="G1411"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* journey.  
\v 16 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w received|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w talents|strong="G5007"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w traded|strong="G2038"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w another|strong="G3588"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w talents|strong="G5007"\w*.  
\v 17 \w So|strong="G5615"\w* also \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \it one who received\it* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w gained|strong="G2770"\w* \w another|strong="G3588"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w as|strong="G3588"\w* well.  
\v 18 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w received|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* off \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w dug|strong="G3736"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w hid|strong="G2928"\w* \w his|strong="G2983"\w* \w lord|strong="G2962"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* silver.   
\p
\v 19 “\w Then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w long|strong="G4183"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w servants|strong="G1401"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* settles \w accounts|strong="G3056"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\p
\v 20 “\w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w talents|strong="G5007"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G4374"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* \w talents|strong="G5007"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w you|strong="G3708"\w* \w entrusted|strong="G3860"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w talents|strong="G5007"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*; \w see|strong="G3708"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w gained|strong="G2770"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* \w talents|strong="G5007"\w* \w besides|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*!’  
\v 21 \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: ‘Super, \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w good|strong="G2095"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w servant|strong="G1401"\w*! \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w few|strong="G3641"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w put|strong="G2525"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w charge|strong="G2525"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*. \w Enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w lord|strong="G2962"\w*.’  
\v 22 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* received \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w talents|strong="G5007"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w you|strong="G3708"\w* \w entrusted|strong="G3860"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w talents|strong="G5007"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*; \w see|strong="G3708"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w gained|strong="G2770"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* \w talents|strong="G5007"\w* \w besides|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*!’  
\v 23 \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: ‘Super, \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w good|strong="G2095"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w servant|strong="G1401"\w*! \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w few|strong="G3641"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w put|strong="G2525"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w charge|strong="G2525"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*. \w Enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w lord|strong="G2962"\w*.’\f + \fr 25:23 \ft The two-talent man was just as faithful as the first one—he also doubled the principal—so he gets the same commendation. We are judged on the basis of what we do with our potential.\f*   
\p
\v 24 “\w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w talent|strong="G5007"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w knew|strong="G1097"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w hard|strong="G4642"\w* \w man|strong="G1520"\w*, \w reaping|strong="G2325"\w* \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w sow|strong="G4687"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gathering|strong="G4863"\w* \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w scatter|strong="G1287"\w*.  
\v 25 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* off \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w hid|strong="G2928"\w* \w your|strong="G4674"\w* \w talent|strong="G5007"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w*; \w here|strong="G1722"\w*, \w take|strong="G2192"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w yours|strong="G4771"\w*.’\f + \fr 25:25 \ft Evidently the third man did not identify with his lord's interests. He served out of fear or necessity, but his heart wasn't in it. He has a negative opinion of his lord and is unrepentant: “here, take what is yours”. He winds up in hell. Are there not many ‘Christians’ today who have a low opinion of God? Who feel that He is hard, unfair, unjust—and who ‘serve’ out of fear or a sense of obligation? If you believe \+nd into\+nd* Jesus you identify with Him.\f*  
\v 26 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: ‘\w You|strong="G3754"\w* \w wicked|strong="G4190"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lazy|strong="G3636"\w* \w servant|strong="G1401"\w*! \w You|strong="G3754"\w* \w knew|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w reap|strong="G2325"\w* \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w sow|strong="G4687"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gather|strong="G4863"\w* \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w scatter|strong="G1287"\w*.\f + \fr 25:26 \ft Observe that the owner did not deny the description. The first two servants identified with the owner's interests anyway.\f*  
\v 27 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* obligated \w to|strong="G2532"\w* deposit \w my|strong="G1699"\w* money \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* bankers, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w at|strong="G3588"\w* \w my|strong="G1699"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G2865"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w mine|strong="G1699"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w interest|strong="G5110"\w*.  
\v 28 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w take|strong="G2192"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w talent|strong="G5007"\w* away \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ten|strong="G1176"\w* \w talents|strong="G5007"\w*.  
\v 29 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w*, \it more\it* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w abundance|strong="G4052"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w does|strong="G2192"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* thinks \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w*\f + \fr 25:29 \ft I follow the best line of transmission, with 30% of the Greek manuscripts, in reading “he thinks that he has”, rather than ‘he has’ (as in most versions).\f* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* taken away \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 25:29 \ft Use it or lose it!\f*  
\v 30 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w throw|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* useless \w servant|strong="G1401"\w*,\f + \fr 25:30 \ft To be “useless” is not a valid option. We are here for a purpose, to serve, to be useful.\f* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w* farthest \w out|strong="G1544"\w*!’ \nd \+w There|strong="G1563"\+w*\nd*, \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w weeping|strong="G2805"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gnashing|strong="G1030"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w teeth|strong="G3599"\w*.   
\s1 Judgment in preparation for the Millennium  
\p
\v 31 “\w When|strong="G3752"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G3956"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*,\f + \fr 25:31 \ft The Lord Jesus uses “the coming of the Son of the Man” to refer to both the Rapture and the Second Advent.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* holy angels \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 25:31 \ft Perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts omit “holy” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). From Revelation 5:11 it appears that the holy angels are well over 100 million.\f* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w sit|strong="G2523"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w throne|strong="G2362"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*.  
\v 32 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4863"\w* \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* separate \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w another|strong="G1438"\w*,\f + \fr 25:32 \ft It is clear that the King is dealing with individuals here; nations are made up of people, and each person will be evaluated individually.\f* \w just|strong="G5618"\w* \w as|strong="G5618"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w shepherd|strong="G4166"\w* separates \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sheep|strong="G4263"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w goats|strong="G2056"\w*.  
\v 33 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sheep|strong="G4263"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* place \w on|strong="G1537"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w goats|strong="G2055"\w* \w on|strong="G1537"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w left|strong="G2176"\w*.  
\v 34 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w King|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1537"\w* \w His|strong="G3588"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w*: ‘\w Come|strong="G1205"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w inherit|strong="G2816"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* kingdom \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w prepared|strong="G2090"\w* \w for|strong="G2090"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w at|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w foundation|strong="G2602"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w*.\f + \fr 25:34 \ft Wow!\f*  
\v 35 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w hungry|strong="G3983"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1325"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w food|strong="G5315"\w*; \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w thirsty|strong="G1372"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1325"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w drink|strong="G4222"\w*; \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w stranger|strong="G3581"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1325"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w*;  
\v 36 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w naked|strong="G1131"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w clothed|strong="G4016"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*; \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* sick \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w visited|strong="G1980"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*; \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.’  
\v 37 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w hungry|strong="G3983"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w feed|strong="G5142"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w thirsty|strong="G1372"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G4222"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w drink|strong="G4222"\w*?  
\v 38 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w stranger|strong="G3581"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w naked|strong="G1131"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w clothe|strong="G4016"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*?  
\v 39 \w Or|strong="G2228"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* sick \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*?’  
\v 40 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* answer \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w King|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘Assuredly \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w inasmuch|strong="G1909"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w least|strong="G1646"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* brothers, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.’\f + \fr 25:40 \ft The King demands \+nd practical\+nd* demonstrations of righteousness. As James says, a ‘faith’ that does not produce will not save anyone. “These my brothers” refers to those on the King's right.\f*   
\p
\v 41 “\w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w left|strong="G2176"\w*: ‘\w Go|strong="G4198"\w* \w away|strong="G4198"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w accursed|strong="G2672"\w* ones, \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* eternal \w fire|strong="G4442"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w prepared|strong="G2090"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* angels.\f + \fr 25:41 \ft The Lake of fire was prepared for Lucifer (now Satan) and those angels that joined his rebellion (about a third of the angelic beings—Revelation 12:4). Human beings who side with Satan (there are various ways of doing that) will also share his destiny. The basic meaning of the word translated ‘angel’ is ‘messenger’; many human beings are Satan's messengers.\f*  
\v 42 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G2532"\w* \w hungry|strong="G3983"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1325"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w food|strong="G5315"\w*; \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G2532"\w* \w thirsty|strong="G1372"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1325"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w drink|strong="G4222"\w*;  
\v 43 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w stranger|strong="G3581"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w*; \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w naked|strong="G1131"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w clothe|strong="G4016"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*; \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* sick \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w visit|strong="G1980"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.’  
\v 44 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w hungry|strong="G3983"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w thirsty|strong="G1372"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w stranger|strong="G3581"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w naked|strong="G1131"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* sick \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w minister|strong="G1247"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*?’  
\v 45 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w He|strong="G3778"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* answer \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘Assuredly \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w inasmuch|strong="G1909"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w it|strong="G3778"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w least|strong="G1646"\w* \w of|strong="G1909"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w*,\f + \fr 25:45 \ft “These” presumably refers to those on His right, the righteous. The wicked will be judged for how they treated the righteous (among other things).\f* \w neither|strong="G3761"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w it|strong="G3778"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.’\f + \fr 25:45 \ft These people are basically selfish and self-centered, and self-centeredness is the essence of sin. That is why Lucifer rebelled against God, etc.\f*  
\v 46 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G1519"\w* away \w into|strong="G1519"\w* everlasting \w punishment|strong="G2851"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* eternal \w life|strong="G2222"\w*.”   
\c 26  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w finished|strong="G5055"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*,  
\v 2 “\w You|strong="G3754"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Passover|strong="G3957"\w* \w takes|strong="G1096"\w* \w place|strong="G1096"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w handed|strong="G3860"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w*.”\f + \fr 26:2 \ft Jesus knew just how He was going to die. I take it that our Lord's statement here settles the question of the exact day of the crucifixion. It was late Tuesday afternoon, probably about 6:00 p.m.—adding two days takes us to 6:00 p.m. on \+nd Thursday\+nd*, but the proceedings in the upper room began after 6:00 p.m. on that Thursday, which to the Jews was already Friday. Therefore Jesus died on a Friday [not Thursday]. Our Lord's own statements have given rise to some confusion: referring to the time period between His death and resurrection He said—“on the third day”, “after three days” and “three days and three nights”. So some have argued that Jesus died on a Thursday, or even a Wednesday. Well, Wednesday won't work because that would make 3 days and \+nd 4\+nd* nights; but Thursday gives 3 nights and 2 full days, plus a part of a third day; while Friday gives 2 nights and 1 full day, plus a part of a second day. We take it that “3 days and 3 nights” was an idiomatic expression that could refer to three 24 hour days represented by some part of each, but in sequence—in this case: Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (See also Luke 23:54-24:1—Jesus was buried on Friday afternoon; then the women rested during the Sabbath [singular = just one day]; then early the first day of the week they went to the tomb.)\f*   
\s1 The Sanhedrin conspires—04/03/30  
\p
\v 3 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* scribes \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w assembled|strong="G4863"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* palace \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w Caiaphas|strong="G2533"\w*,\f + \fr 26:3 \ft The real high priest was Annas, but in an effort to diminish the political power of the high priest the Romans obliged the Jews to name a different one every year, and that year it was Caiaphas.\f*  
\v 4 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w plotted|strong="G4823"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w seize|strong="G2902"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* trickery \w and|strong="G2532"\w* kill \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 5 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Not|strong="G3361"\w* \w during|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w feast|strong="G1859"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w order|strong="G2443"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w have|strong="G1096"\w* \w an|strong="G1096"\w* \w uproar|strong="G2351"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*.”   
\s1 Someone anoints Jesus' head  
\p
\v 6 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Bethany \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w leper|strong="G3015"\w*,  
\v 7 \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 26:7 \ft This incident must not be confused with the one in John 12:1-11. In John, Mary anoints His \+nd feet\+nd* on Saturday (03/30/30), while in Matthew and Mark an unidentified woman anoints His \+nd head\+nd* on Wednesday (04/03/30). The houses are also different. In the earlier incident only Judas ventured to criticize the hostess, but here a number of them chime in—He had already been anointed once, so why do it again?\f* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w an|strong="G2192"\w* alabaster \it flask\it* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w expensive|strong="G3464"\w* \w perfume|strong="G3464"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G2192"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w pour|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* reclined \it at the table\it*.  
\v 8 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* indignant \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* waste?  
\v 9 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* perfume \w could|strong="G1410"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w sold|strong="G4097"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2532"\w* \w deal|strong="G4183"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w poor|strong="G4434"\w*.”  
\v 10 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w being|strong="G1135"\w* \w aware|strong="G1097"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w bothering|strong="G2873"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w*? \w She|strong="G1161"\w* \w has|strong="G5101"\w* \w done|strong="G2038"\w* \w something|strong="G5101"\w* \w beautiful|strong="G2570"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 11 \w You|strong="G1438"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w always|strong="G3842"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w poor|strong="G4434"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G1438"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G1438"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w always|strong="G3842"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \nd \+w me|strong="G1473"\+w*\nd*.\f + \fr 26:11 \ft Jesus is referring here to His physical presence (see Matthew 28:20).\f*  
\v 12 \w In|strong="G1909"\w* putting \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w perfume|strong="G3464"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w she|strong="G1063"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w it|strong="G1063"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w a|strong="G1909"\w* \w view|strong="G1909"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w burial|strong="G1779"\w*.  
\v 13 Assuredly \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w wherever|strong="G3699"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w gospel|strong="G2098"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaimed|strong="G2784"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w*, \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w woman|strong="G3778"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w her|strong="G1437"\w* \w memory|strong="G3422"\w*.”\f + \fr 26:13 \ft So it has been, to this day.\f*   
\s1 Judas offers to betray Jesus  
\p
\v 14 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1520"\w* \w the|strong="G4314"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w*, \w the|strong="G4314"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w* \w Iscariot|strong="G2469"\w*, \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G4314"\w* chief priests  
\v 15 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w willing|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w deliver|strong="G3860"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*?”\f + \fr 26:15 \ft Apparently the ‘wasted’ perfume was the last straw for Judas. (If he also finally got the message that Jesus was about to be killed instead of setting up the Kingdom, he may have rebelled.)\f* \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* counted \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w thirty|strong="G5144"\w* silver \it coins\it*.  
\v 16 \w From|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w looking|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G2212"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w opportunity|strong="G2120"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w betray|strong="G3860"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*.   
\ms1 The last night—begins Thursday evening, 04/04/30, and ends the next morning  
\p
\v 17 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \it day\it* \w of|strong="G2424"\w* Unleavened Bread \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Where|strong="G4226"\w* \w do|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w prepare|strong="G2090"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Passover|strong="G3957"\w*?”  
\v 18 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Go|strong="G5217"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* ‘\w you|strong="G4771"\w* know \w who|strong="G3588"\w*’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w My|strong="G1473"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w near|strong="G1451"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Passover|strong="G3957"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \it place\it*.” ’ ”  
\v 19 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w directed|strong="G4929"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prepared|strong="G2090"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Passover|strong="G3957"\w*.\f + \fr 26:19 \ft Clearly the use of the upper room had been arranged beforehand.\f*   
\s1 The traitor identified  
\p
\v 20 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w evening|strong="G3798"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* reclining \it at the table\it* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w*.  
\v 21 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G2532"\w* \w eating|strong="G2068"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “Assuredly \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w betray|strong="G3860"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.”  
\v 22 \w This|strong="G2532"\w* really \w upset|strong="G3076"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w*\f + \fr 26:22 \ft Perhaps 3% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, have “one after another” (as in NIV, LB, TEV, etc.), as if it were an orderly proceeding, each one politely waiting for his turn. Not really—they were shocked; what Jesus had just said couldn't be true! As a gut reaction each one started saying, “It cannot be me, can it?”, all at once. Apparently none of them suspected Judas.\f* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*, “\w It|strong="G2532"\w* isn't \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*?”  
\v 23 \w In|strong="G1722"\w* answer \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w It|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w dipped|strong="G1686"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w bowl|strong="G5165"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \nd \+w he|strong="G1161"\+w*\nd* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w betray|strong="G3860"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 24 \w The|strong="G1161"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* really \w going|strong="G5217"\w* \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w man|strong="G5207"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w betrayed|strong="G3860"\w*! \w It|strong="G1161"\w* \w would|strong="G1510"\w* \w have|strong="G1510"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w better|strong="G2570"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w man|strong="G5207"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w have|strong="G1510"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w born|strong="G1080"\w*.”\f + \fr 26:24 \ft In John 17:12 the Lord calls him “the son of perdition” and declares him to be “lost”.\f*  
\v 25 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w betraying|strong="G3860"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w It|strong="G1161"\w* isn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w*, \w Rabbi|strong="G4461"\w*?” \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w*!”\f + \fr 26:25 \ft Judas phrases his question just like the others, only saying ‘Rabbi’ instead of ‘Lord’. The Lord's answer confirms that it is Judas. Mark and Luke also record this incident, but the one recorded in John 13:21-30 happened later.\f*   
\s1 Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper  
\p
\v 26 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w eating|strong="G2068"\w*,\f + \fr 26:26 \ft In John 13:1 we read, “before the feast of the Passover”, and in 13:2, “supper being ended” [less than 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have ‘during supper’—as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.]. They ate an ordinary meal before the Passover ritual. In John 13:4-11 Jesus washes their feet because they could not proceed with the ritual while ceremonially unclean. In Matthew 26:21 they were eating the ordinary meal. Here in verse 26 they are now into the ritual (I think)—the foot washing happened between verse 25 and verse 26.\f* \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w taking|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* bread \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w blessing|strong="G2127"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w broke|strong="G2806"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Take|strong="G2983"\w*, \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*; \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1325"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w*.”  
\v 27 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w taking|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cup|strong="G4221"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w giving|strong="G1325"\w* \w thanks|strong="G2168"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G1325"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G1325"\w*;  
\v 28 \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* blood, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* new \w covenant|strong="G1242"\w*,\f + \fr 26:28 \ft Here, and in Mark 14:24, perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘new’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). The original reading, as also in Luke 22:20 and 1 Corinthians 11:25, is \+nd new\+nd* covenant.\f* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w shed|strong="G1632"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w behalf|strong="G4012"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* forgiveness \w of|strong="G4012"\w* sins.  
\v 29 \w Furthermore|strong="G1161"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \nd \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w*\nd* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w fruit|strong="G1081"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* vine \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*'s kingdom.”\f + \fr 26:29 \ft “With you”—presumably at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb? The vinegar in John 19:29 would not qualify as “\+nd this\+nd* fruit”.\f*  
\v 30 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w after|strong="G2532"\w* hymn-singing \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Mount|strong="G3735"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Olives|strong="G1636"\w*.   
\s1 Jesus predicts Peter's denials\f + \fr 26:31 \ft For a detailed discussion of Peter's denials, please see the Appendix: How many times did Jesus say that Peter would deny Him?\f*  
\p
\v 31 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* caused \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w stumble|strong="G4624"\w* \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w strike|strong="G3960"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Shepherd|strong="G4166"\w*  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sheep|strong="G4263"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w flock|strong="G4167"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w scattered|strong="G1287"\w*.’\f + \fr 26:31 \ft See Zachariah 13:7.\f*   
\m
\v 32 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w go|strong="G4254"\w* \w before|strong="G4254"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*.”  
\v 33 \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Even|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \it else\it* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* caused \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w stumble|strong="G4624"\w* \w because|strong="G1722"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \bd \+nd \+w I|strong="G1473"\+w*\+nd*\bd* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w never|strong="G3763"\w* \w be|strong="G3956"\w* caused \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w stumble|strong="G4624"\w*.”  
\v 34 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “Assuredly \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w*, \w before|strong="G4250"\w* \it any\it* rooster \w crows|strong="G5455"\w*, \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* \w deny|strong="G3588"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \nd \+w three|strong="G5151"\+w*\nd* \w times|strong="G5151"\w*.”\f + \fr 26:34 \ft The emphasis here is on the silence of all roosters until Peter denies at least three times. This is actually the \+nd third\+nd* prediction—the first is in John 13:36-38 and the second is in Luke 22:31-34.\f*  
\v 35 \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Even|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G2579"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* die \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w*\nd* \w deny|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*!” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \it other\it* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G3668"\w*.   
\s1 Gethsemane—Jesus almost dies!  
\p
\v 36 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w place|strong="G1563"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w Gethsemane|strong="G1068"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, “\w Sit|strong="G2523"\w* \w here|strong="G1519"\w* \w while|strong="G2193"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w go|strong="G2064"\w* \w over|strong="G1519"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w*.”  
\v 37 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w taking|strong="G3880"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Zebedee|strong="G2199"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* troubled \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w distressed|strong="G3076"\w*.  
\v 38 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w My|strong="G1473"\w* \w soul|strong="G5590"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* anguish, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w point|strong="G2193"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*.\f + \fr 26:38 \ft I take it that Jesus faced the full implications of the cross at this point—that He would be made sin, be separated from the Father—and the anguish of soul was so terrible that He almost died. Luke 22:44 records that Jesus sweat blood, “great drops” of it—a rare condition that is usually fatal. Verse 43 records that an angel from heaven strengthened Him. I believe Hebrews 5:7 refers to this moment; Jesus cried out to be delivered from a premature death in the Garden, He had to get to the cross, and the Father sent an angel to strengthen Him. [Perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit Luke 22:43-44.]\f* \w Stay|strong="G3306"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w watch|strong="G1127"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.”  
\v 39 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G4281"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w little|strong="G3398"\w* \w farther|strong="G4281"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayed|strong="G4336"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w My|strong="G1473"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w possible|strong="G1415"\w*, \w let|strong="G1510"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w cup|strong="G4221"\w* \w pass|strong="G3928"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w*; \w nevertheless|strong="G4133"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w wish|strong="G2309"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w*.”\f + \fr 26:39 \ft How did Matthew know what Jesus prayed? It is not clear whether the “stone's throw” (Luke 22:41) refers to the nine, or the three, but even if the three were within earshot how much would they hear asleep? Did Jesus tell them after His resurrection? Or did the Holy Spirit simply reveal it? And how did they know about the blood if they were asleep?\f*  
\v 40 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w finds|strong="G2147"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w sleeping|strong="G2518"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*: “\w So|strong="G3779"\w*, \w you|strong="G3004"\w* (pl.) \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w able|strong="G2480"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w watch|strong="G1127"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*!  
\v 41 \w Watch|strong="G1127"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w temptation|strong="G3986"\w*. \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* its \w part|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w willing|strong="G4289"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* weak.”  
\v 42 \w And|strong="G3962"\w* \w going|strong="G3778"\w* \w away|strong="G3928"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w second|strong="G1208"\w* \w time|strong="G1208"\w* \w He|strong="G3778"\w* \w prayed|strong="G4336"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w My|strong="G1473"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w cup|strong="G1410"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w pass|strong="G1096"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w unless|strong="G1437"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w it|strong="G1487"\w*, \w let|strong="G1096"\w* \w your|strong="G1437"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w*.”\f + \fr 26:42 \ft Notice that the second prayer is less ‘desperate’—Jesus is getting the victory over His anguish. I believe the real battle was won in Gethsemane—the cross was just the mopping-up.\f*  
\v 43 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w finds|strong="G2147"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w sleeping|strong="G2518"\w* \nd \+w again|strong="G3825"\+w*\nd*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* weighed down.\f + \fr 26:43 \ft The Greek verb phrase here is a periphrastic pluperfect, passive voice = ‘had been’. The clear implication is that there was supernatural involvement. Just as Jesus had to face the devil alone in the desert, without angelic help (Matthew 4:11), so here He faced His trial alone, without human help.\f*  
\v 44 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w leaving|strong="G3588"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* away \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayed|strong="G4336"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w time|strong="G5154"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G2532"\w* \w thing|strong="G3056"\w*.  
\v 45 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Sleep|strong="G2518"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* rest!\f + \fr 26:45 \ft I take it that Jesus is reproving them with a bit of gentle sarcasm, since He goes on to say, “Get up”—although there could have been an interval between verses 45 and 46.\f* \w Actually|strong="G2532"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w here|strong="G2400"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w betrayed|strong="G3860"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* sinners' \w hands|strong="G5495"\w*.  
\v 46 \w Get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*, let's go; \w see|strong="G3708"\w*, \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w betraying|strong="G3860"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w has|strong="G3708"\w* \w come|strong="G1448"\w*!”   
\s1 Jesus is betrayed  
\p
\v 47 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w while|strong="G2980"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w*, \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w*, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w swords|strong="G3162"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w clubs|strong="G3586"\w*,\f + \fr 26:47 \ft Jesus had repeatedly demonstrated unusual power, and they were probably expecting some resistance—hence the crowd.\f* \it sent\it* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*.  
\v 48 (\w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w His|strong="G1325"\w* \w betrayer|strong="G3860"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Whomever|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w kiss|strong="G5368"\w*, \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w*; \w take|strong="G2902"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*!”)  
\v 49 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G4334"\w* right \w up|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Greetings|strong="G5463"\w*, \w Rabbi|strong="G4461"\w*!” \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kissed|strong="G2705"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 50 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Friend|strong="G2083"\w*, \w what|strong="G3739"\w* brings \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w here|strong="G3918"\w*?”\f + \fr 26:50 \ft Jesus knew perfectly well why Judas was there, so why did He call him “friend”? Perhaps to show that He held no personal animosity against him. Here read John 18:4-9. Jesus is clearly in control. They finally laid hands on Him only because He allowed it—it had to be; it was the Father's will.\f* \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w approaching|strong="G4334"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w laid|strong="G1911"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2902"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 51 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w stretched|strong="G1614"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G3708"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drew|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G3708"\w* \w sword|strong="G3162"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w striking|strong="G3960"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w servant|strong="G1401"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w cut|strong="G2532"\w* off \w his|strong="G3708"\w* \w ear|strong="G5621"\w*!\f + \fr 26:51 \ft From John 18:10 we know that it was Peter, and that the servant was Malchus. The Text has ‘\+nd the\+nd* servant’, so the high priest had probably put him in charge of the operation. Obviously Peter is not used to wielding a sword.\f*  
\v 52 \w But|strong="G1063"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Put|strong="G2983"\w* \w your|strong="G3956"\w* \w sword|strong="G3162"\w* \w back|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w its|strong="G3956"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w take|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sword|strong="G3162"\w* \w will|strong="G3956"\w* die \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sword|strong="G3162"\w*.  
\v 53 \w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w actually|strong="G2532"\w* \w suppose|strong="G1380"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w call|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G3588"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w right|strong="G3756"\w* \w now|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w place|strong="G1473"\w* \w beside|strong="G3936"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w more|strong="G4119"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w legions|strong="G3003"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* angels?\f + \fr 26:53 \ft That would be a minimum of 36,000—probably enough to handle the situation, don't you think?\f*  
\v 54 \w But|strong="G3767"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w would|strong="G1096"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Scriptures|strong="G1124"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w has|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G1163"\w* \w happen|strong="G1096"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w way|strong="G3779"\w*?”  
\v 55 \w At|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w time|strong="G2250"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*: “\w Have|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w come|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w swords|strong="G3162"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w clubs|strong="G3586"\w*, \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* bandit, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w arrest|strong="G2902"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*? \w I|strong="G1473"\w* used \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w sit|strong="G2516"\w* \w daily|strong="G2250"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*, \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w seize|strong="G2902"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 56 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w has|strong="G1096"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w Scriptures|strong="G1124"\w* \w of|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w*.” \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* forsook \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w ran|strong="G5343"\w* \w away|strong="G5343"\w*.   
\p
\v 57 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w seized|strong="G2902"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w led|strong="G2424"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* away \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Caiaphas|strong="G2533"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest, \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w assembled|strong="G4863"\w*.  
\v 58 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* following \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w distance|strong="G3113"\w*, \w up|strong="G2080"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest's courtyard. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w inside|strong="G2080"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sat|strong="G2521"\w* \w down|strong="G2521"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* attendants, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w end|strong="G5056"\w*.   
\s1 Jesus tried by the Council  
\p
\v 59 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* elders, \w in|strong="G2596"\w* fact \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w Council|strong="G4892"\w*, \w kept|strong="G4892"\w* \w looking|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w false|strong="G5577"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G5577"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G3588"\w* \w put|strong="G2289"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w death|strong="G2289"\w*,  
\v 60 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w any|strong="G3756"\w*. \w Even|strong="G2532"\w* \w though|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w false|strong="G4183"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G5575"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w forward|strong="G4334"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w any|strong="G3756"\w*. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w last|strong="G5305"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w false|strong="G4183"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G5575"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w forward|strong="G4334"\w*  
\v 61 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \it fellow\it* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G2532"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w destroy|strong="G2647"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G3485"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w rebuild|strong="G3618"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 26:61 \ft Of course, Jesus had said nothing of the kind, but even if He had, it would just be stupid, not criminal.\f*  
\v 62 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* standing \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* answer \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w*?\f + \fr 26:62 \ft A freer rendering would be, “Aren't you going to answer?”—the priest was frustrated, getting desperate. He had to get results.\f* \w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w testifying|strong="G2649"\w* \w against|strong="G2649"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*?”  
\v 63 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w kept|strong="G4623"\w* \w silent|strong="G4623"\w*. \w So|strong="G2443"\w* reacting \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* under oath \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Living|strong="G2198"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!”\f + \fr 26:63 \ft What the priest did was cowardly and illegal. He had to come up with two witnesses on his own. Of course, under oath to the Living God Jesus had to answer, and of course He would tell the truth. And if He told the truth it wasn't blasphemy. During His ministry He had given more than enough evidence in support of His claim. They simply refused to acknowledge it. From the way Caiaphas framed the oath, I think he knew in his heart that Jesus was indeed the Messiah (just as Satan knows it) but had determined to rebel against Him.\f*  
\v 64 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*. \w Furthermore|strong="G2532"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, hereafter \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Power|strong="G1411"\w*'s \w right|strong="G1188"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w clouds|strong="G3507"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*.”\f + \fr 26:64 \ft Jesus made it easy for him, gave him more than he asked. According to the Plan, He had to be condemned.\f*  
\v 65 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* high priest \w tore|strong="G1284"\w* \w his|strong="G3708"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* blasphemed! \w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w we|strong="G2192"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G3144"\w*? \w See|strong="G3708"\w*, \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w you|strong="G3708"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* heard \w His|strong="G3708"\w* blasphemy!  
\v 66 \w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w think|strong="G1380"\w*?” \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G3004"\w* answer \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w deserves|strong="G1777"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*!”  
\v 67 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w spat|strong="G1716"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* punched \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w slapped|strong="G4474"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*  
\v 68 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w*, \w prophesy|strong="G4395"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*! \w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w hit|strong="G3817"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*?”\f + \fr 26:68 \ft Just like Satan entered Judas (John 13:27), the gang here was probably under satanic influence (which would help to explain their perversity).\f*   
\s1 Peter denies Jesus  
\p
\v 69 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w sat|strong="G2521"\w* \w outside|strong="G1854"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* courtyard. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G1520"\w* \w servant|strong="G3588"\w* girl \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w too|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Galilean|strong="G1057"\w*.”  
\v 70 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* denied \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w I|strong="G1161"\w* don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*.”  
\v 71 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w gone|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w gateway|strong="G4440"\w*, \w another|strong="G3588"\w* girl \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \it fellow\it* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Natsorean.”  
\v 72 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* denied \w again|strong="G3825"\w*, \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w oath|strong="G3727"\w*, “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3756"\w*!”  
\v 73 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w little|strong="G3398"\w* \w later|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w bystanders|strong="G2476"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w up|strong="G2476"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, “Really, \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w too|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* accent \w gives|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w away|strong="G1212"\w*!”  
\v 74 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G5119"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w curse|strong="G2653"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w swear|strong="G3660"\w*, “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3756"\w*!!” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* rooster \w crowed|strong="G5455"\w*.  
\v 75 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w remembered|strong="G3403"\w*\f + \fr 26:75 \ft Yes, but only after Jesus looked at him (Luke 22:61) and broke the satanic spell (Luke 22:31).\f* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G4487"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Before|strong="G4250"\w* \it any\it* rooster \w crows|strong="G5455"\w*, \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w deny|strong="G3588"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w three|strong="G5151"\w* \w times|strong="G5151"\w*.” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w cried|strong="G5455"\w* \w bitterly|strong="G4090"\w*.   
\c 27  
\ms1 Crucifixion Day—Friday, 04/05/30  
\m
\v 1 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w early|strong="G4405"\w* \w morning|strong="G4405"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w*, \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w plotted|strong="G4824"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* kill \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w bound|strong="G1210"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w handed|strong="G3860"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* Pontius\f + \fr 27:2 \ft Perhaps 0.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “Pontius” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w governor|strong="G2232"\w*.   
\s1 The end of Judas—parenthetical  
\p
\v 3 (\w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w*, \w His|strong="G3708"\w* \w betrayer|strong="G3860"\w*, \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w condemned|strong="G2632"\w*, \w felt|strong="G3338"\w* \w regret|strong="G3338"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w returned|strong="G4762"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w thirty|strong="G5144"\w* silver \it coins\it* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w*  
\v 4 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* sinned, \w by|strong="G4314"\w* \w betraying|strong="G3860"\w* innocent blood.” \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* care? \w It|strong="G1161"\w*'s \w your|strong="G3708"\w* problem!”  
\v 5 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w throwing|strong="G4496"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* silver \w down|strong="G4496"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sanctuary|strong="G3485"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* left, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* hanged \w himself|strong="G1519"\w*!\f + \fr 27:5 \ft For a discussion of the seeming discrepancy with Acts 1:18-19, please see the Appendix: How did Judas die?\f*  
\v 6 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* chief priests \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* coins \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w It|strong="G1161"\w* isn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w lawful|strong="G1832"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w put|strong="G2983"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w treasury|strong="G2878"\w*, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* blood \w money|strong="G5092"\w*.”\f + \fr 27:6 \ft Having gulped down a camel they now strain out a gnat. When you put on legalistic blinders you lose moral perspective.\f*  
\v 7 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w consultation|strong="G4824"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* bought \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w potter|strong="G2763"\w*'s field \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w burial|strong="G5027"\w* ground \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w strangers|strong="G3581"\w*.  
\v 8 \w Therefore|strong="G1352"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* field has been \w called|strong="G2564"\w* ‘field \w of|strong="G3588"\w* blood’ \w to|strong="G2193"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w day|strong="G4594"\w*.  
\v 9 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Jeremiah|strong="G2408"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*,\f + \fr 27:9 \ft The quote resembles Zechariah 11:12-13 (not a perfect fit) but really has no counterpart in the canonical Jeremiah. However, Daniel (9:2) refers to “the books” (plural) in connection with Jeremiah the prophet. Just as Jude (verse 14) had access to a prophecy by Enoch, of which no copy survives, Matthew may have had access to other writings of Jeremiah (Daniel 9:2), of which no copy survives. For further discussion of this, please see the Appendix: Jeremiah? Matthew 27:9-10.\f* namely: “\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w thirty|strong="G5144"\w* silver \it coins\it*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w value|strong="G5092"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* priced, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w some|strong="G3739"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w* priced,  
\v 10 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w potter|strong="G2763"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* field, \w just|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w directed|strong="G4929"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w*.”)   
\s1 Jesus before Pilate  
\p
\v 11 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w governor|strong="G2232"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w governor|strong="G2232"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*?” \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w As|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*.”  
\v 12 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w although|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w accusing|strong="G2723"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* answered \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w*.  
\v 13 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “Don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* hear \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w against|strong="G2649"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*?”  
\v 14 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* answer \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w word|strong="G4487"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w governor|strong="G2232"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* really \w amazed|strong="G2296"\w*.   
\s1 “We want Barabbas!”  
\p
\v 15 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w at|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w feast|strong="G1859"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w governor|strong="G2232"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w accustomed|strong="G1486"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* release \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w prisoner|strong="G1198"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w whomever|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w wanted|strong="G2309"\w*.  
\v 16 Just \w then|strong="G5119"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w notorious|strong="G1978"\w* \w prisoner|strong="G1198"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* Barabbas.  
\v 17 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w while|strong="G4863"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w assembled|strong="G4863"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Whom|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w me|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* release \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, Barabbas \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w*?”  
\v 18 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w he|strong="G3754"\w* \w knew|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G3754"\w* \w had|strong="G3748"\w* \w handed|strong="G3860"\w* \w Him|strong="G3860"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w envy|strong="G5355"\w*.   
\p
\v 19 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* judgment seat, \w his|strong="G1223"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Have|strong="G2532"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3367"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w man|strong="G3367"\w*, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w suffered|strong="G3958"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* \w deal|strong="G4183"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w dream|strong="G3677"\w* \w today|strong="G4594"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.”   
\p
\v 20 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w persuaded|strong="G3982"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* ask \w for|strong="G1161"\w* Barabbas, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* destroy \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.  
\v 21 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w governor|strong="G2232"\w* \w spoke|strong="G3004"\w* up \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Which|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w me|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* release \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*?” \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “Barabbas!”  
\v 22 \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w shall|strong="G5101"\w* \w I|strong="G3767"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w with|strong="G4160"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w*?” \w They|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Let|strong="G3767"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G3956"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w*!”  
\v 23 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* governor \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w But|strong="G1161"\w*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w evil|strong="G2556"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*?” \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w kept|strong="G4160"\w* yelling \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w more|strong="G4057"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Let|strong="G1161"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w*!!”  
\v 24 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* gained \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w rather|strong="G3123"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w riot|strong="G2351"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w starting|strong="G1096"\w*, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* washed \w his|strong="G2983"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w in|strong="G1096"\w* front \w of|strong="G5495"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* innocent \w of|strong="G5495"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* blood \w of|strong="G5495"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* righteous \w man|strong="G3778"\w*.\f + \fr 27:24 \ft Perhaps 0.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “righteous” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). Notice that Pilate declares Jesus to be righteous.\f* \w It|strong="G3754"\w*'s \w your|strong="G3708"\w* problem!”  
\v 25 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* answer \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w His|strong="G3956"\w* blood \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*!”\f + \fr 27:25 \ft Terrible, terrible, terrible! This may well be the worst curse that any parents ever placed upon their descendants. Just terrible!!\f*  
\v 26 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w released|strong="G5119"\w* Barabbas \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w after|strong="G1161"\w* flogging \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 27:26 \ft Apparently flogging was considered to be a necessary part of the ritual/procedure—you had to flog first, and then crucify!\f* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w delivered|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G2443"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w*.   
\s1 Soldiers make fun of Jesus  
\p
\v 27 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w governor|strong="G2232"\w*'s \w soldiers|strong="G4757"\w* \w took|strong="G3880"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Praetorium|strong="G4232"\w* \w and|strong="G2424"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4863"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* garrison \w around|strong="G1909"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 28 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w stripped|strong="G1562"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G4060"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w scarlet|strong="G2847"\w* cloak \w on|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 29 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* plaited \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w crown|strong="G4735"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* thorns \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2007"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G2007"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w reed|strong="G2563"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G2007"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w hand|strong="G1188"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kneeling|strong="G2532"\w* \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w mock|strong="G1702"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Hail|strong="G5463"\w*, \w King|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*!”\f + \fr 27:29 \ft They were really having fun! The soldiers were not Jews and presumably did not know anything about Jesus. They probably held a low opinion of Jews in general, and some ‘peasant’ who thought he was a king, well…\f*  
\v 30 \w Spitting|strong="G1716"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w reed|strong="G2563"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* hit \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w repeatedly|strong="G5180"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w*.\f + \fr 27:30 \ft Here they get nasty. The thorns were probably poisonous and the blows drove the points into His scalp down to the bone. His face began to swell from the poison; the blood oozing from the wounds was mixed with the spit. We assume from Isaiah 50:6 that the soldiers also yanked out parts of His beard, which would have torn away the skin as well. The total effect must have been horrible, leaving Jesus unrecognizable—Isaiah 52:14 was literally fulfilled.\f*  
\v 31 \w After|strong="G3753"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w mocked|strong="G1702"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G1562"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cloak|strong="G2440"\w* \w off|strong="G1562"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G1746"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* own \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w back|strong="G1519"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* led \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* away \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w*.   
\s1 The crucifixion  
\p
\v 32 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w a|strong="G2147"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w of|strong="G3686"\w* \w Cyrene|strong="G2956"\w*, \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*; \w they|strong="G1161"\w* compelled \nd \+w him|strong="G3588"\+w*\nd* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* carry \w His|strong="G3588"\w* \w cross|strong="G4716"\w*.  
\v 33 \w Upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w arriving|strong="G2064"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w Golgotha|strong="G1115"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w means|strong="G1510"\w* ‘\w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w skull|strong="G2898"\w*’,  
\v 34 \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w Him|strong="G1325"\w* sour \w wine|strong="G3631"\w* \w mixed|strong="G3396"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w gall|strong="G5521"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w*;\f + \fr 27:34 \ft This was a small humanitarian gesture—gall is a crude anesthetic, and would deaden the pain. But Jesus refused it, so He remained fully alert on the cross and felt it all. For a discussion of the seeming discrepancy with Mark, please see the Appendix: ‘Gall’, or ‘myrrh’?\f* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w tasted|strong="G1089"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2309"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w*.  
\v 35 Having \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w divided|strong="G1266"\w* up \w His|strong="G3588"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w by|strong="G1161"\w* casting \w lots|strong="G2819"\w*.\f + \fr 27:35 \ft If they divided up His clothes it means they were no longer on Him—one last bit of humiliation. Perhaps 95% of the Greek manuscripts do \+nd not\+nd* have the rest of verse 35 as found in the KJV and NKJV, although it would make a nice addition.\f*  
\v 36 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w down|strong="G2521"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* guarded \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 27:36 \ft The Lord was alive on the cross for some six hours, and the soldiers had to stay there to make sure no one tried to interfere with ‘justice’. So naturally they sat down.\f*  
\v 37 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2007"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* charge against \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w over|strong="G1883"\w* \w His|strong="G2007"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w writing|strong="G1125"\w*:  
\pc \w THIS|strong="G3778"\w* \w IS|strong="G1510"\w* \w JESUS|strong="G2424"\w* \w THE|strong="G2532"\w* \w KING|strong="G3588"\w* \w OF|strong="G2532"\w* \w THE|strong="G2532"\w* \w JEWS|strong="G2453"\w*.\f + \fr 27:37 \ft The board must have been of fair size, because the full Accusation, in three languages (John 19:20), was: “This is Jesus the Natsorean, the king of the Jews”.\f*   
\p
\v 38 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* bandits \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w on|strong="G1537"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w on|strong="G1537"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w left|strong="G2176"\w*.  
\v 39 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* passers-by kept blaspheming \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w wagging|strong="G2795"\w* \w their|strong="G3588"\w* \w heads|strong="G2776"\w*  
\v 40 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w You|strong="G1487"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w destroy|strong="G2647"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G3485"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rebuild|strong="G3618"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w*!” “\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* ‘\w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*’, \w come|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w from|strong="G2597"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w cross|strong="G4716"\w*!”  
\v 41 \w Likewise|strong="G3668"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w also|strong="G2532"\w*, \w mocking|strong="G1702"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Pharisees, \w said|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\v 42 “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w*; \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w save|strong="G4982"\w*!” “\w If|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* ‘\w King|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*’ \w let|strong="G1510"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w come|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w from|strong="G2597"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cross|strong="G4716"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*!”\f + \fr 27:42 \ft This was a lie; they already knew that Jesus was the Messiah but had deliberately rejected Him. However, if Jesus \+nd had\+nd* descended from the cross (as presumably He had the power to do) we would be without hope. The people were being satanically nasty, but Jesus was totally committed to the Father's will and thus the redemptive program was not aborted.\f*  
\v 43 “\w He|strong="G3754"\w* \w trusted|strong="G3982"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*; \w let|strong="G1510"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w rescue|strong="G4506"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w*, \nd \+w if|strong="G1487"\+w*\nd* \w He|strong="G3754"\w* \w wants|strong="G2309"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w he|strong="G3754"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G1063"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*.’ ”  
\v 44 \w Even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* bandits \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4957"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* reviling \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G2532"\w* way.\f + \fr 27:44 \ft Evidently they both started out by reviling Him, but later one of them repented—they were on the cross about three hours before the supernatural darkness, so there was time to think.\f*   
\s1 Jesus takes the ‘wages’ for our sin  
\p
\v 45 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w sixth|strong="G1623"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w ninth|strong="G1766"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w*.  
\v 46 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w ninth|strong="G1766"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w cried|strong="G5610"\w* \w out|strong="G5456"\w* \w with|strong="G2316"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \nd \+w loud|strong="G3173"\+w*\nd* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\it Eli, Eli, lima sabachtani\it*?” \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w means|strong="G1510"\w*, “\w My|strong="G1473"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w why|strong="G2444"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w You|strong="G3004"\w* \w abandoned|strong="G1459"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*?”\f + \fr 27:46 \ft I take it that the Father turned His back on the Son during those three hours—to be separated from the Father is spiritual death. For Jesus to pay for my sin and yours He had to take our wages: “The wages of sin is death”—both physical and spiritual.\f*  
\v 47 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G1161"\w* hearing \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w bystanders|strong="G2476"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \it man\it* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w calling|strong="G5455"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w*.”  
\v 48 Right \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G2532"\w* \w ran|strong="G5143"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sponge|strong="G4699"\w*, \w filled|strong="G4130"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w sour|strong="G3690"\w* \w wine|strong="G3690"\w*, \w put|strong="G4060"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1537"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w reed|strong="G2563"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G4222"\w* \w Him|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w drink|strong="G4222"\w*;  
\v 49 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w rest|strong="G3062"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “Don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w*! \w Let|strong="G1161"\w*'s \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.”\f + \fr 27:49 \ft Comparing this verse with Mark 15:36 we have an apparent discrepancy: Matthew records that others told the man to stop, while Mark records that the man told them to stop! So which is it? What I imagine is this: as both accounts state, a certain man [could it possibly have been John Mark himself?] decides to offer Jesus a drink of wine vinegar; several others, supposing that Jesus had just called on Elijah, tell him to stop; to which he retorts, “You (pl) stop!” and repeats their statement with sarcasm [anyone who really understood the language would have known that Jesus wasn't calling Elijah at all]. However, it does appear that the man stopped his action before Jesus could drink, since a bit later Jesus says, “I'm thirsty” (John 19:28).\f*   
\s1 The shout of \bdit victory\bdit*  
\p
\v 50 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w called|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w with|strong="G4151"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w shout|strong="G2896"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* dismissed \w His|strong="G3588"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.\f + \fr 27:50 \ft Oh praise God! Jesus dismissed His spirit (see also John 19:30)—it was not the cross that killed Him (for details see the note at 27:54 below). As He said in John 10:18, “no one takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself”. I take it that John 19:30 gives the content of the shout—\ft \+it Τετελεσται!\+it* = “Paid in full!” It was a shout of victory.\f*  
\v 51 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w then|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w veil|strong="G2665"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G3485"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* ripped \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* top \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w bottom|strong="G2736"\w*!\f + \fr 27:51 \ft God Himself ripped the veil (or ordered it done). Access to God's presence is no longer limited to one man once a year. See Hebrews 10:19-22.\f* \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w shaken|strong="G4579"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rocks|strong="G4073"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w split|strong="G4977"\w*,  
\v 52 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w graves|strong="G3419"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* opened. (\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w bodies|strong="G4983"\w*, \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* saints \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w fallen|strong="G2837"\w* \w asleep|strong="G2837"\w*, \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w*;  
\v 53 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G1831"\w* \w forth|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w graves|strong="G3419"\w* \nd \+w after|strong="G3326"\+w*\nd* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w resurrection|strong="G1454"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* holy \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w made|strong="G1519"\w* visible \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w*.\f + \fr 27:53 \ft Wow! How would you like a departed saint to knock at your door?! It would be tremendous confirmatory evidence for Christ's resurrection. The Text does not say what happened to these resurrected saints, but to be sent back into the ground would be a real drag. It is more likely that they went with the risen Christ to heaven.\f*)  
\v 54 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w centurion|strong="G1543"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* guarding \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earthquake|strong="G4578"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* scared stiff \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \it Man\it* really \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!”\f + \fr 27:54 \ft “All that happened” is better explained in Mark 15:39—the loud shout followed immediately by death convinced the centurion. He had seen many crucifixions and was doubtless hardened to it. He knew that a person on a cross dies from asphyxiation. The weight of the body pushes the diaphragm against the lungs and you cannot breathe. Nailing the feet was a sadistic procedure that prolonged the agony—rather than die they would push against the nail to get a breath. Finally, when too weak to do that they would die for lack of air. (That is why they broke the legs of the two thieves; they then died within a few minutes.) Obviously, if you are dying without air you cannot shout! The centurion knew that the cross had not killed Jesus. But what mere human can just tell his spirit to leave? 2 + 2 = 4. Jesus had to be the Son of God.\f*   
\p
\v 55 \w Many|strong="G4183"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* followed \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w ministering|strong="G1247"\w* \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w also|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w looking|strong="G2334"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w distance|strong="G3113"\w*;\f + \fr 27:55 \ft “Ministering to Him”—here we may have a clue as to how Jesus was maintained financially during His ministry, since He presumably did not have time for carpentry.\f*  
\v 56 \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w Magdalene|strong="G3094"\w*, \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w James|strong="G2385"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Joses, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Zebedee|strong="G2199"\w*.   
\s1 The burial  
\p
\v 57 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w evening|strong="G3798"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w appeared|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w rich|strong="G4145"\w* \w man|strong="G4145"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* Arimathea, \w named|strong="G5122"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* himself \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w disciple|strong="G3100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.\f + \fr 27:57 \ft He “appeared”—he had been waiting in the wings. Just as with the owner of the donkey, and the owner of the upper room, who were doubtless advised in advance that their services would be needed, Joseph was prepared. He didn't just “happen” to have a tomb he didn't know what to do with, complete with a large stone just right for sealing. According to Isaiah 53:9 He was to have a rich man's grave, not whatever the common criminals got (the Father did not allow the Son's body to suffer that humiliation).\f*  
\v 58 \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w went|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G4334"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w and|strong="G4334"\w* asked \w for|strong="G3778"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w of|strong="G4983"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*. \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w ordered|strong="G2753"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* given.  
\v 59 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w taking|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w* \w wrapped|strong="G1794"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w clean|strong="G2513"\w* \w linen|strong="G4616"\w* \w cloth|strong="G4616"\w*  
\v 60 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w placed|strong="G5087"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \it own\it* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3419"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w cut|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w rock|strong="G4073"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w rolled|strong="G4351"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G3173"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w against|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w door|strong="G2374"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3419"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* left.  
\v 61 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w Magdalene|strong="G3094"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G1161"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w*, \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* opposite \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w grave|strong="G5028"\w*.   
\s1 The tomb is guarded  
\p
\v 62 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w next|strong="G1887"\w* \w day|strong="G1887"\w*, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Preparation|strong="G3904"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w together|strong="G4863"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w*  
\v 63 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Sir|strong="G2962"\w*, \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w remember|strong="G3403"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w deceiver|strong="G4108"\w*, \w while|strong="G2250"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w alive|strong="G2198"\w*, \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w After|strong="G3326"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w am|strong="G3588"\w* going \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w rise|strong="G1453"\w*.’  
\v 64 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w command|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w grave|strong="G5028"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w made|strong="G3004"\w* secure \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w lest|strong="G3379"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* night \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w steal|strong="G2813"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, ‘\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*,’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w* \w deception|strong="G4106"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w worse|strong="G5501"\w* \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*.”  
\v 65 \w So|strong="G5613"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w* \w to|strong="G2192"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w You|strong="G5613"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w guard|strong="G2892"\w*; \w go|strong="G5217"\w* make \w it|strong="G5613"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* secure \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w you|strong="G5613"\w* \w can|strong="G1492"\w*!”\f + \fr 27:65 \ft Was Pilate happy? No he was not! And maybe, just maybe, he was not as stupid as some might like to think. From Mark 15:44-45 we know that he debriefed the centurion, who had to explain why Jesus died sooner than expected! “Make it as sure as you can.” Right. For a detailed analysis concerning Pilate, please see the Appendix: Poor Pilate—wrong place, wrong time.\f*  
\v 66 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* secured \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w grave|strong="G5028"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w guard|strong="G2892"\w*, having \w sealed|strong="G4972"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w*.\f + \fr 27:66 \ft Ironically those great champions of the Sabbath had to violate the Sabbath to secure the tomb. They thought they were being shrewd, but only played into God's hand. Their effort only made the evidence for the resurrection all the stronger.\f*   
\c 28  
\ms1 Resurrection Day—Sunday, 04/07/30  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*, \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* dawning \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G1520"\w* \w day|strong="G4521"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w week|strong="G4521"\w*, \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w Magdalene|strong="G3094"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G1520"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w*, \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w see|strong="G2334"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* tomb.  
\v 2 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w big|strong="G3173"\w* \w earthquake|strong="G4578"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w occurred|strong="G1096"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w angel|strong="G2597"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w descending|strong="G2597"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rolled|strong="G3037"\w* back \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* door,\f + \fr 28:2 \ft Perhaps 0.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “from the door” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sat|strong="G2521"\w* \w on|strong="G1537"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*!\f + \fr 28:2 \ft The stone was not removed to let Jesus out, but to let the witnesses in.\f*  
\v 3 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w appearance|strong="G2397"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* lightning \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w clothing|strong="G1742"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w white|strong="G3022"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w snow|strong="G5510"\w*.  
\v 4 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w guards|strong="G5083"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w shaken|strong="G4579"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w fear|strong="G5401"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s1 The angel does his duty  
\p
\v 5 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* angel \w spoke|strong="G3004"\w* \w up|strong="G3361"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w*:\f + \fr 28:5 \ft Comparing this account with Mark 16:5-7 we conclude that the women did not see the angel outside on the stone—he only appeared to them inside the tomb. And if a shining angel had been on the stone Magdalene would not have assumed that the body had been stolen (John 20:2). If I had been one of those guards I think I would have converted on the spot—surely some of them believed and later they gave their eyewitness account to the Christian community.\f* “\w Do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G3361"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*! \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w looking|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w*.  
\v 6 \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w risen|strong="G1453"\w*, \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w like|strong="G2531"\w* \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*! \w Come|strong="G1205"\w*, \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Lord|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w lying|strong="G2749"\w*.\f + \fr 28:6 \ft Perhaps 0.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “the Lord” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 7 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w quickly|strong="G5035"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w risen|strong="G1453"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w get|strong="G1453"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w before|strong="G4254"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*; \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*. \w There|strong="G1563"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*!”\f + \fr 28:7 \ft It almost sounds like he was glad to get it off his chest. I wonder why.\f*  
\v 8 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w quickly|strong="G5035"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3419"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w fear|strong="G5401"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ran|strong="G5143"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* report \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*.   
\s1 Jesus' second appearance  
\p
\v 9 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* report \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G3708"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 28:9 \ft Some 12% of the Greek manuscripts omit this first clause (as in NIV, NASB, [LB], TEV, etc.). Mark 16:9 makes clear that the first appearance was to Magdalene.\f* wow, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w met|strong="G5221"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Rejoice|strong="G5463"\w*!” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w approaching|strong="G4334"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w held|strong="G2902"\w* \w His|strong="G3708"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w worshiped|strong="G4352"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 10 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*! \w Go|strong="G5217"\w* report \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* brothers\f + \fr 28:10 \ft The angel said “disciples”, but Jesus said “brothers”. It may be that He was referring precisely to His half-brothers James, Jude, etc. They would not have been in the upper room with the Eleven, and so did not see Him at that time.\f* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w must|strong="G5399"\w* \w go|strong="G5217"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.”   
\s1 Guards are bribed  
\p
\v 11 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w*, \w get|strong="G1096"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w*, \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w guard|strong="G2892"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* reported \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* chief priests \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*.\f + \fr 28:11 \ft “Some”—so where were the rest? Those who were converted, as I suppose, would not want to be part of the cover-up.\f*  
\v 12 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w met|strong="G4863"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w consulted|strong="G4824"\w* \w together|strong="G4863"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* plenty \w of|strong="G2532"\w* money \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4757"\w*  
\v 13 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Say|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w his|strong="G3754"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w at|strong="G3588"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w and|strong="G2064"\w* \w stole|strong="G2813"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w while|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w sleeping|strong="G2837"\w*.  
\v 14 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w governor|strong="G2232"\w*, \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w persuade|strong="G3982"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* safe.”  
\v 15 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w taking|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* money \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w instructed|strong="G1321"\w*. \w Their|strong="G2532"\w* tale \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w widely|strong="G1310"\w* \w spread|strong="G1310"\w* \w among|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w until|strong="G3360"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*.   
\ms1 The Great Commission  
\p
\v 16 \w The|strong="G1519"\w* \w eleven|strong="G1733"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* indicated \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 17 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w worshiped|strong="G4352"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w doubted|strong="G1365"\w*.\f + \fr 28:17 \ft The Text actually says “they doubted”—it seems improbable that all of them would doubt (after all, they had seen Him at least twice already), so most translations render “some”. Although verse 16 refers specifically to the eleven, there may have been others (like His half-brothers, verse 10) along who had not seen Him yet.\f*  
\v 18 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w approaching|strong="G4334"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* asserted \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w has|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w*.  
\v 19 \w As|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G1438"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w*,\f + \fr 28:19 \ft The familiar ‘therefore’ is found in perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts.\f* \w make|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3100"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* ethnic \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*: baptizing \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*;\f + \fr 28:19 \ft Our Lord defines the Trinity here. According to Greek grammar the use of ‘and’ plus the definite article with items in a series makes clear that the items are distinct entities. So “the Father” is different from “the Son” is different from “the Holy Spirit”. So we have three persons. But He also said, “in \+nd the\+nd* name”, singular, not ‘names’. So we have only one name. God is one ‘name’ or essence subsisting in three persons.\f*  
\v 20 \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w obey|strong="G5083"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w commanded|strong="G1781"\w* \nd \+w you|strong="G5210"\+w*\nd*;\f + \fr 28:20 \ft The ‘you’ here refers to the eleven (see verse 16), so they were to pass down all the commands that Jesus had given them. To be a disciple of Jesus you have to do everything that Jesus had commanded the eleven to do—this includes healing and casting out demons, as well as preaching the Gospel.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* note, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w end|strong="G4930"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* age!”\f + \fr 28:20 \ft Since the age has not ended, Jesus is still with us. Praise God!\f*  
\p Amen.