Saturday, December 13, 2014

Matthew 11: 1-11


Matthew 11


Please read all of Matthew chapter 11

We will do Matthew 11: 1-11

This chapter is praise to John the Baptist. John had been imprisoned by Herod Matthew 14:3-5

John had sent word to Jesus through his own disciples asking the question if he (Jesus) was the real messiah. John was in prison and he began to have doubts. This has happened to all Christians at one time of another. Jesus answered him in versus Matthew 11: 4-6. Matthew 11:4 Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and report to John what you hear and see:

Matthew 11:5 the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM. Matthew 11:6 “And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me."

The last verse 11:6 was referring to the people that accepted his coming. The Romans were against that upset the apple cart. The scribes and Pharisees were definitely against him.

The next verses were in praise of John,  Matthew 11:7-11

Mat 11:7  As these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? Mat 11:8  "But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings' palaces! Mat 11:9  "But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet. Mat 11:10  "This is the one about whom it is written, 'BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU.' Mat 11:11  "Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he

The last verse 11 was one that I was curious about. Guzik says  He who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he: Though John was great, he was not born again under the New Covenant. This is because he lived and died before the completion of Jesus’ work at the cross and empty tomb. Therefore, he did not enjoy the benefits of the New Covenant (1Co_11:25, 2Co_3:6, Heb_8:6-13). The new covenant is spelled out in the Hebrews 8:6-13. In shorter words Jesus created a new covenant that eliminated the old covenant. He would be able to forgive sins and you
What is the new covenant?

The Mathew Henry commentary made a fairly detailed explanation:

The superior excellence of the priesthood of Christ, above that of Aaron, is shown from that covenant of grace, of which Christ was Mediator. The law not only made all subject to it, liable to be condemned for the guilt of sin, but also was unable to remove that guilt, and clear the conscience from the sense and terror of it. Whereas, by the blood of Christ, a full remission of sins was provided, so that God would remember them no more. God once wrote his laws to his people, now he will write his laws in them; he will give them understanding to know and to believe his laws; he will give them memories to retain them; he will give them hearts to love them, courage to profess them, and power to put them in practice. This is the foundation of the covenant; and when this is laid, duty will be done wisely, sincerely, readily, easily, resolutely, constantly, and with comfort. A plentiful outpouring of the Spirit of God will make the ministration of the gospel so effectual, that there shall be a mighty increase and spreading of Christian knowledge in persons of all sorts. Oh that this promise might be fulfilled in our days, that the hand of God may be with his ministers so that great numbers may believe, and be turned to the Lord! The pardon of sin will always be found to accompany the true knowledge of God. Notice the freeness of this pardon; its fulness; its fixedness. This pardoning mercy is connected with all other spiritual mercies: unpardoned sin hinders mercy, and pulls down judgments; but the pardon of sin prevents judgment, and opens a wide door to all spiritual blessings. Let us search whether we are taught by the Holy Spirit to know Christ, so as uprightly to love, fear, trust, and obey him. All worldly vanities, outward privileges, or mere notions of religion, will soon vanish away, and leave those who trust in them miserable for ever.

John was under the old law not the one where Christ could forgive his sins.

Agape

Dave

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