Daily Devotional

Matthew 26:15-16 (NKJV)

15 and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.

Deep Dive: The bad Shepherds 

Zechariah 11 - Is a prophetic message about the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Zechariah 11:12-14 (NKJV)

12 Then I said to them, "If it is agreeable to you, give me my wages; and if not, refrain." So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver.

13 And the LORD said to me, "Throw it to the potter"—that princely price they set on me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD for the potter. 14 Then I cut in two my other staff, Bonds, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

It’s possible to be on the wrong side of the prophetic. Jesus said:

Matthew 18:7 (NKJV)

7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!

Matthew 26:24 (NKJV)

24 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born."

Mark says it this way:

Mark 9:42 (NKJV)

42 "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.

Judas, as we will consider later in our deep dives, chose money to serve. He became a massive stumbling block. Not just to get Jesus to the cross, but to those whom he served with. Imagine that, you’re with a group who at some point may not become who you hoped to become.

Just be sure it’s not you, being on the wrong end of God’s word.

Matthew 25:15 (NKJV)

15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.

Deep Dive: 1 Talent = $5,000,000

“You should have AT LEAST gave this money to the banker…”

Increase is a command, not a luxury.

So this Master passed out $5,000,000 to one, $10,000,000, to another, and $50,000,000. What would you do with this? Remember it’s the master’s money. So in your job, your career, etc, how are you increasing what you’ve been assigned in this season of your life?

Matthew 25:14-30 (NKJV)

14 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

20 "So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' 21 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' 22 He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' 23 His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

24 "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'

26 "But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

29 'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

——————

Proverbs 25:6-7 (NKJV)

6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king,

And do not stand in the place of the great;

7 For it is better that he say to you,

"Come up here,"

Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,

Whom your eyes have seen.

Matthew 24:3 (NKJV)

3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"

Deep Dive: The sign of your coming

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Honestly, whatever you have been assigned in this life, please make sure to always do based on your calling. Even tho you may not be walking out your life exactly how you’ve seen it, make sure to always be diligently seeking the kingdom and doing what you’re called as you move towards excellence.

Matthew 23:27-28 (NKJV)

27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Deep Dive: Hypocrites

Since some people are in authority over you that fits the description of the scribes and Pharisees, it's important to submit to that authority, but not become and/or do what they do.

Matthew 23:1-3 (NKJV)

1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.

Review the entire chapter to learn more about what Jesus was saying in detail.

One thing I can point out, Jesus said: 

Matthew 23:5-7 (NKJV)

5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. 6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’

So the best dressed, the best seats, honor and glory, but their people suffer.  Jesus goes on to say:

Matthew 23:11-12 (NKJV)

11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

On this one we have to be careful, because we don't always understanding what 'service' means. In service, I believe humility is the key. Serving because that's what we are called to do, not for glory. Then God will exalt you, not you.

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Proverbs 23:1-3 (NKJV)

1 When you sit down to eat with a ruler,

Consider carefully what is before you;

2 And put a knife to your throat

If you are a man given to appetite.

3 Do not desire his delicacies,

For they are deceptive food.

Be Blessed!

Matthew 22:14 (NKJV)

14 "For many are called, but few are chosen (ἐκλεκτός eklektos)."

Deep Dive: Few are chosen

12 So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.

When you are called, you need to act and look the part, because every now and then the king comes to meet those who were invited.

Matthew 22:1-14 (NKJV)

1 And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: 2 "The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, 3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. 4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding."' 5 But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. 6 And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. 7 But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9 Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.' 10 So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.

11 "But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. 12 So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

14 "For many are called, but few are chosen."

———

Proverbs 22:29 (NKJV)

29 Do you see a man who excels in his work?

He will stand before kings;

He will not stand before unknown men.

g1588. ἐκλεκτός eklektos; from 1586; select; by implication, favorite: — chosen, elect.

AV (23) - elect 16, chosen 7;

1. picked out, chosen
   • chosen by God,to obtain salvation through Christ
     • Christians are called "chosen or elect" of God
   • the Messiah in called "elect", as appointed by God to the most exalted office conceivable
   • choice, select, i.e. the best of its kind or class, excellence preeminent: applied to certain individual Christians

Matthew 21:2 (NKJV)

2 saying to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me.

Deep Dive: You will find …

 I really like these types of scenarios. May seem small, but Jesus said go here and you will find this. When the disciples arrived, they found it just as Jesus said.  When you are anointed, you can see it, you can say it, it will be as you said.

3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them,' and immediately he will send them."

So if you have issues, here’s what you do. 

So when you give instructions, when you’re anointed, you can see the entire situation all the way thru.

Matthew 20:16 (NKJV)

16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen."

Deep Dive: Few are chosen

So this exchange takes “fair” and throws it out the window. How many of us would be upset with the person that pays us if we found out the person hired after us made what we made? Lol. Does it produce jealousy? Future Laziness? Or can you celebrate that person who came after he received what you received when you did more work than them?

This conversation was in continuation of the rich your ruler walking away sad when he realized to be perfect it meant selling all of his possessions. Jesus ended that conversations with Matthew 19:30 (NKJV)

30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first. Here after talking about the kind landowner he ends with 16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen."

This “few are chosen” will appear again in Matthew 22, so we’ll see what it speaks on and how it relates here on the 22nd reading.

Just because you’re called, doesn’t mean you’ll be chosen… So keep your life tight and about the business you should be about.

Be blessed.

Matthew 19:21 (NKJV)

21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

Deep Dive: What is perfection?

The wealthy young ruler wanted to prove something. Based on his question, I believe he was trying to set himself up to have eternal life. But as Jesus was answering, it’s almost like the young man was ready to answer to prove that everything you could say, I’ve done. Then came perfection. Why did it come? Because the young man asked.

Let’s read the entire exchange:

Matthew 19:16-22 (NKJV)

16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"

17 So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."

18 He said to Him, "Which ones?"

Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' 19 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

20 The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?"

21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

What do you hear when you read this exchange? Take a minute and think about it.

So what I hear is this young man really wants to attain eternal life. He’s been hearing about Jesus and his teachings and he’s all about it, but for some reason he feels he’s still missing something. So in that pursuit, Jesus talks about perfection.

At FamilyTHINK, we shared Vince Lombardi’s quote: “Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes you perfect.”

So from the quote and what Jesus is saying, perfection is actually attainable as a human being. So at FamilyTHINK, we define perfect practice as doing the right thing all the time for an extended amount of time, no matter the circumstance.

So how do you prepare for perfection? In the bible, Jesus said to enter life, keep the commandments. Next, which commandments should we keep?

• Don’t murder
• Don’t commit adultery
• Don’t steal
• Don’t bear false witness
• Honor your father and you mother
• You shall love your neighbors as yourself

Now let’s add perfect practice to those commands.

• Never murder, or do anything that can lead to murder
• Never commit adultery. So only love who you have married and/or devoted yourself to love as God has commanded you
• Never steal. Time, small items, opinions, etc, if it’s not yours don’t take it
• Tell the truth all the time
• Honor your parents. Always speak highly of them no matter what
• Love. Your. Neighbor, as you love you. Treat others better than you treat you All the time. never miss

This is perfect practice. The more you do this, the more likely you entire eternal life.

The young man said, what do I still lack because I’ve done all of those things. I would even say the young man could be saying: Jesus, I want to be like, so what should I do? Because I’ve done all the things you said, but I’m still not like you. So I can enter eternal life sounds like, but what’s still missing? I’d also add, joy. There’s a certain joy that Jesus has in his communion with his Heavenly Father.

So on top of eternal life, if you want to be perfect, sell everything you have on earth here, give it to the poor, then come and follow me.

So who has done that already? Jesus did it. And his disciples. Remember, they left everything.

How did the young ruler respond? With sorrow. Why? He had great possessions. So to the young man’s astonishment, to be like you Jesus, I can’t have great possessions? So Jesus didn’t say that. He said, sell all you have, and have treasures in heaven. Second, I believe he means, you don’t need those possessions to operate at a high level, like I am.

So what Jesus does is not a part time in your spare time act. It’s all in.

Let’s recall what he said to the 12 when he sent them out the first time.

Review Matthew 10:5-15 

In summary, take nothing with you. but when you go verse 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

That word Freely. You didn’t pay for, work for, earn it, beyond just believing and walking in. So give it freely.

Can you commit to doing what it takes EVERYTIME? not missing a chance for excellence, for righteousness, for Godliness? Can you wait on God every single time? What do you consider a happy successful life? These aer things you have to consider just like the rich young ruler. 

Here comes Peter: 27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?"

Jesus responded Verses 28-30

Have a blessed day!

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Proverbs 19:4 (NKJV)

4 Wealth makes many friends,

But the poor is separated from his friend.

Matthew 18:27-28 (NKJV)

27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave (ἀφίημι aphiēmi) him the debt.

28 "But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!'

Deep Dive: Forgiven, but not forgiving

The servant owed the master, then begged, and was forgiven. Same servant finds someone who owed him, that servant begged, was not forgiven. So the master went back and got that servant he forgave, that didn’t forgive and put him under the torturers until all the debt was paid.

Matthew 18:21-35 (NKJV)

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?"

22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, 'Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

28 "But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!' 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?' 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.

35 "So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses."

Peter asks, how many times should I forgive the person that sins against me? Prior to this question, Jesus was just talking about how to deal with a brother who sins, Verses 15-20.

15 "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

18 "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

19 "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

So Peter is like, cool, so I need to do this this and this when they just don’t get it. Then Jesus takes it to the next level. But before we get to that level, verse 17 he says ‘if they don’t listen, let them be like the heathen’. 

What does this mean?

Don’t deal with them. Leave them alone. They no longer have access to you. Now, working a job is different because you can not control everything, but you can limit your exposure to people who you believe are not for you. Now just because you believe they are not for you, does not mean that’s true. However, still try and seperate as much as you can, and forgive.

Verses 21-35 is a great exchange, because for those that repent, God forgives. What they repent of is a heavy debt based on the debt between them and God. The servant with the debt of 10,000 talents.

God used money to tackle this topic, but it applies to anything that can be forgiven. 

*ALL THINGS!*

Troy ounce is the global measurement:

So 1 Troy ounce = 31.1 grams

1 Kilogram = 1,000 grams = 32.15 Troy ounces

1 talent = 34 kilos = 1,093 Troy ounces

1 Troy ounce of gold = $4,414

1 Kilogram of gold = $141,916

1 biblical Talent of gold = $4,825,051 ($4,414 x 1,093)

Then, we take the 10,000 talents x $4.8 million = $48,245,020,000!!!!

$48 billion to ONE PERSON!

1 talent = to roughly 6,000 denarii. 

So 100 denarii translates to $12,000 to $15,000.

For some of us, that’s still a heavy weight to manage. So the guy who’s forgiven the kajillion dollars, throws the one in jail who owes him his version of a kajillion. Typically a denarius is one days wage. 

So that would equal 100 days of labor.

So in both cases, the men created debt they could not pay. We need a master who will forgive us that debt. Then for us, we can’t rack up the debt anymore, so in order for repentance to work, we have to reduce fruit that matches our ‘Godly lifestyle’. But for those of us with great debt, when we don’t forgive, neither will the Master over us forgive. So forgiving more and more and more is key. If the person is not repenting, they lose access to you. You as the Master, can’t allow the person to build the debt in the first place, but if and when they do, forgive them.

g0863. ἀφίημι aphiēmi; from 575 and ἵημι hiēmi (to send; an intensive form of εἶμι eimi, to go); to send forth, in various applications (as follow): — cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up.

AV (146) - leave 52, forgive 47, suffer 14, let 8, forsake 6, let alone 6, misc 13;

1. to send away
   • to bid going away or depart
     • of a husband divorcing his wife
     • to send forth, yield up, to expire
     • to let go, let alone, let be
       • to disregard
       • to leave, not to discuss now, (a topic)
         • of teachers, writers and speakers
       • to omit, neglect
     • to let go, give up a debt, forgive, to remit
     • to give up, keep no longer

1. to permit, allow, not to hinder, to give up a thing to a person
2. to leave, go way from one
   • in order to go to another place
   • to depart from any one
   • to depart from one and leave him to himself so that all mutual claims are abandoned
   • to desert wrongfullyto go away leaving something behind
   • to leave one by not taking him as a companion
   • to leave on dying, leave behind one
   • to leave so that what is left may remain, leave remaining
   • abandon, leave destitute

Matthew 17:5 (NKJV)

5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"

Deep Dive: Hear him!

The inner 3. FamilyTHINK uses this model when you reach the Success life cycle. Once you reach Success, who will you help reach Success, allowing you to transition to Significance?

Peter, just called the Foundation of the new church. Then James and John, brothers. Although Jesus had brothers and sisters and Peter had his brother Andrew, none of them were in the inner inner circle. The 12 were the inner, the 3 were the inner inner.

So the inner inner are now getting exposed to who Jesus is from God’s perspective. The only person to see the Holy Spirit and hear God’s voice was John the Baptist. 

Matthew 3:13-17 (NKJV)

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?"

15 But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed Him.

16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Ok, so this entire section reads:

Matthew 17:1-13 (NKJV)

1 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, "Arise, and do not be afraid." 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

9 Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead."

10 And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"

11 Jesus answered and said to them, "Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. 12 But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands." 13 Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.

Who appeared? Moses (Μωϋσῆς Mōusēs). Elijah (Ἡλίας Hēlias)

And they were having a conversation. Peter, answered, lol. No one was talking to him, lol.

Then again Jesus says, wait until I have risen from the dead to tell anyone what you saw and heard here. Then the disciples say the scribes say Elijah will come first.

The prophet Malachi says: 

Malachi 4:4-6 (NKJV)

4 "Remember the Law of Moses, My servant,

Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel,

With the statutes and judgments.

5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet

Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.

6 And he will turn

The hearts of the fathers to the children,

And the hearts of the children to their fathers,

Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."

So on the mountain, this is fulfilled in the disciples hearing as it has already occurred but no one knew.

I believe, this was the first meeting between Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. Moses was meeting the one God was telling him about, who he wrote about. Then Elijah who spoke about and who stood to warn the nations of the upcoming events if they don’t repent.

Then Jesus says, just like Elijah (John the Baptist), the Son of Man will also suffer.

What’s interesting to me, is that the disciples understood Jesus would be killed, but they did not understand he would be raised. So remember, understand is what you believe / what you hold. So they didn’t believe he would be raised, hence their sorrow.

—————

Proverbs 17:27 (NKJV)

27 He who has knowledge spares his words,

And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.

g3475. Μωϋσῆς Mōusēs; or Μωσῆς Mōsēs; of Hebrew origin (h4872); Moses (Moseus, or Mouses), i.e. Mosheh, the Hebrew lawgiver: — Moses.

AV (80) - Moses 80; Moses = "drawing out"

1. the legislator of the Jewish people and in a certain sense the founder of the Jewish religion. He wrote the first five books of the Bible, commonly referred to as the Books of Moses.

g2243. Ἡλίας Hēlias; of Hebrew origin (h452); Helias (i.e. Elijah), an Israelite: — Elias.

AV (30) - Elias 30; Elijah = "my God is Jehovah"

1. a prophet born at Thisbe, the unflinching champion of the theocracy in the reigns of the idolatrous kings Ahab and Ahaziah. He was taken up to heaven without dying, whence the Jews expected he would return just before the advent of the Messiah, whom he would prepare the minds of the Israelites to receive.

Matthew 16:18 (NKJV)

18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

Deep Dive: But who do you say that I am?

Who do you say that he is, who does he say you are? What does your Heavenly Father reveal to you about Jesus, who does Jesus say you are?

Matthew 16:13-20 (NKJV)

13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?"

14 So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

16 Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.

“… and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” So, the gates of Hades are fighting against it, but it shall not prevail. 

Then, the keys to heaven. What are the point of the keys? Well, it’s to bind and loose. And Peter was promised the keys to keep what ever is bound, bound and whatever is loose, loose. These keys are so powerful, that once done in earth, heaven matches it. 

These are some powerful keys.

The most important part in this moment. Now that you know this, that my Heavenly Father has revealed this to you, tell no one.

It’s not everyone’s business to know what God is doing, how he is doing it, etc. So when you are told, it’s not until Jesus says “Speak”, can you shout it from the roof tops. 

Matthew 10:27 (NKJV)

27 "Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.

Having a listening ear is important as well. Hear to understand. Then you’ll be able to discern (tell the difference) between what is from heaven and what is not. 

Prior to the disciples understanding Jesus is son of God, he told them:

Matthew 16:11 (NKJV)

11 How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

So you now understand who I am, and God revealed it. Be Careful of what they (Pharisees and Sadducee’s) say and how it impacts you. Those things they say shall not prevail against this church, that Peter is the rock of the new church.

—————

Proverbs 16:32 (NKJV)

32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,

And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Matthew 15:8-9 (NKJV)

8 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth,

And honor Me with their lips,

But their heart is far from Me.

9 And in vain they worship Me,

Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'"

Deep Dive: But their heart is far from Me

The Pharisees, who were plotting against Jesus were trying to accuse Jesus. Jesus, nimble, knowing their thoughts and their actions, knew how to address them based on what God was telling him.

Matthew 12:14 (NKJV)

14 Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him.

In this exchange, Jesus and the disciples were in the land of Gennesarat. Jesus had just heard John was beheaded in prison. So he withdrew to a private retreat. The people / multitude, who are aware he heals sickness and diseases were looking for him. They got word where he was and they followed. After healing everyone, the disciples realized the people were getting hungry. With 5 loaves and 2 fish, Jesus fed the multitude, about 20,000 people+. 

So imagine a packed Madison Square Garden (place where to New York Knicks play basketball), are in the wilderness and they walked there. 

Jesus again, 5 loaves, 2 fish, breaks them into peices and hands them to the disciples. The disciples start passing it out. They notice the basket does not get empty. Everyone there, also knows they only had 5 and 2 when they started, but it’s not decreasing. No one knew that would happen, including the disciples.

About the miraculous feeding, If it were me, I’d been running passing the food out to see if the basket would run out cause it keeps multiplying right in front of my eyes.

Now, everyone is fed, it’s getting dark. Jesus dismisses the crowd, he sends the disciples away by boat to the next location. Then he goes back to where he was to pray. Then he walks on water, then gets in boat, and they reach the other side. This is the land of Gennesaret.

So the Pharisees who travelled from Jerusalem came to Jesus. So Jerusalem is about 75 miles away, which makes this travel very intentional. Now we have this interaction from our verse for today.

Matthew 15:1-9 (NKJV)

1 Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, 2 "Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread."

3 He answered and said to them, "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.' 5 But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God"— 6 then he need not honor his father or mother.' Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. 7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

8 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth,

And honor Me with their lips,

But their heart is far from Me.

9 And in vain they worship Me,

Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'"

*****And then the 1 liner for the day hits:

Matthew 15:10-11 (NKJV)

10 When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear and understand: 11 Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man."

Mic drop!

Now, this multitude is probably 1,000+ people he’s speaking to.

So on the outside, the Pharisees look impressive. They sound impressive. They look devout. But on the inside, no so good. Of course, the Pharisees are offended and the disciples make mention. Why do the disciples make mention to Jesus about the Pharisees? 

Because, although these men are self appointed, they can move a crowd and convince the authories to act.

Of the Pharisees Jesus says: 

13 But He answered and said, "Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch."

So what started out by the Pharisees as an attempt to defame, to nullify, to shame, even to call the Disciples nasty, turned against them. First, Jesus addressed their thought on ‘tradition’ and how they violate it all the time. Second, the outside is not what defiles you. What you look like, how you eat, doesn’t defile you. 

So what defiles you?

Matthew 15:16-20 (NKJV)

16 So Jesus said, "Are you also still without understanding? 17 Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. 20 These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man."

Not to be confused with germs, but defilement comes from the heart. We’ve talked about heart condition and when tribulation comes. Sometimes we think when we’re having a hard time, God is in what we’re in.

Not always true. Jesus says 

Matthew 13:21 (NKJV)

21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

So the tribulation God is talking about is not because you’re just trying to do good and someone is always against you because they want you to fail.

Nope, we’re saying when the word of God comes, and you receive it, tribulation comes to prevent your harvest. Then defilement is what causes you to create situations that work against you, outside of the word you received, which is influenced based on what’s in YOUR heart.

What does offense do? Well offense, because of the word, leads to a hardened heart! And how does the hardened heart receive the word?

It doesn’t. 

Matthew 13:19 (NKJV)

19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.

Be blessed!

—————

Proverbs 15:2 (NKJV)

2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,

But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

Matthew 14:30 (NKJV)

30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

Deep Dive: Lord, Save Me

Peter, a man of new faith, a man of the sea, a man following Jesus wholeheartedly, steps out on faith, walks on faith, then sinks. Jesus caught his hand.

Up to this point, what do we know about Peter according to Matthew? Remember, we’re only using the book of Matthew for this question. The other books give more detail, but we’re looking at what Matthew saw and reported. He witnessed this.

Matthew 4:18-19 (NKJV)

18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

Matthew 10:1-2 (NKJV)

1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

Jesus taught quite a bit prior to the last event before getting on the boat, which was:

Matthew 14:19 (NKJV)

19 Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes.

So Peter sees all of this, helps feed the 5,000, and now he’s on a boat in a storm. The boat is stalled and being tossed around, making it look like they’ve never been on the water before, lol. Then he sees Jesus walking on water. In fear, all the men scream for their lives. It’s someone walking on seawater in the middle of a storm.

According to Matthew, while the boat is being thrown around, here comes Jesus during the fourth watch. The night was broken into four watches when soldiers on duty watched for trouble, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Bible Hub, n.d.).

• Watch 1: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
• Watch 2: 9 p.m. - 12 a.m.
• Watch 3: 12 a.m. - 3 a.m.
• Watch 4: 3 a.m. - 6 a.m.

So Jesus sees the boat struggling to get from point A to point B and apparently decides it’s easier to walk across, with waves tossing a boat carrying at least 12 men like a toy, than to call the boat back, lol.

Literally, we’re talking about Peter, who works on the sea. He grew up on the sea with his dad, who also worked the sea, and his brother Andrew. Then probably their two companions, who also worked with them. They are not strangers to this environment.

Now imagine this. Peter sees Jesus and has fear. Jesus responds:

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

The next words out of Peter’s mouth: 28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

Wait. You mean to tell me he said, “If it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

• First, this water is not calm. 
• Second, you’re in a boat that can hold at least 10-15 people. How would you fare better without the boat? 
• Third, when was the last time you got into or out of a boat in the middle of the water?
• Fourth, when was the last time you asked someone to do something you don’t understand, that you’ve never done, and they’re not close to you at all?

Of course, these are my top-of-mind questions. The more we think about it, the more we realize how amazing this interaction is.

Again, we’re not at a dock. This boat is being pushed around like a toy, and you’re trying to get out of it. Mind you, the other 11 aren’t calm, lol.

Next: 29 So Jesus said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

Hold on. So my buddy, who is the captain of the boat, is leaving the boat. I’m Matthew the tax collector. Yes, I saw the same stuff he saw—the healings, the food multiplying, being called to go do amazing things—but I’m a tax collector. I don’t know NO THING about a boat, especially one I’m physically too weak to get from point A to B in. I’m in weinner mode in calm water, hahaha, let alone when waves are tossing around the boat 

I’m on. 

Then the owner of the boat just left. LOLOLOL.

Then, to my amazement, he doesn’t sink.

So now we have two men walking through stormy water!!!!!!

Let that sit for a second.

We have TWO MEN walking through stormy water. Keep in mind, Jesus was not close to the boat. He was too far away for them to recognize Him. It wasn’t until Jesus spoke that the disciples knew what was happening.

In the next few seconds, Peter goes from Screaming with me the tax collector, to getting off a boat into stormy water, to walking on that same water because Jesus said "come", to potentially losing his life to being saved after screaming, “Lord, save me!” 

Jesus didn't send him a YouTube video or TikTok on how to walk on calm water, lol. He just believed in what he was called to do.

We don’t know how deep he was in the water when it said he began to sink, but what if his head was below water and he couldn’t breathe? AND it’s between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., the fourth watch.

What will a torch show you? Better yet, how will it stay lit in the middle of the sea with water splashing everywhere? All you have is moonlight, and since we’re in a storm, possibly little to no visibility.

Matthew 14:31-32

31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

Seconds later, Jesus is by Peter and stretches out His hand. Jesus is walking; Peter is sinking. So how does Jesus go from standing and Peter from sinking to “caught him”?

Let that sit for a second.

Then, during or after the save, they get into the boat, and the wind ceases.

What was Jesus’ response? Why did you doubt?

So consider this is Jesus: I’m in the storm with you. I’m already doing what you’re chasing after. I saw you struggling with what you built and what you manage—the boat. Why would you lose sight of Me and revert back to what you can do?

You didn’t step out based on what you could do, but based on what I commanded, which you got permission for. And you did it for a while.

Then you doubted.

But since I called you, you didn’t just jump and then say, “Save me.” I called you, and when you called for me (Jesus) then I caught you. You would never be too deep for me to save you.

Thank You, Jesus.

—————

Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV)

12 There is a way that seems right to a man,

But its end is the way of death.

Bible Hub. (n.d.). Night: Divided into four watches by the Romans. https://biblehub.com/topical/ttt/n/night--divided_into_four_watches_by_the_romans.htm#google_vignette

Matthew 13:8 (NKJV)

8 But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Deep Dive: The Good Field

What is sown in your life? What do you actually receive? What kind of harvest do you produce?

Think about it, the first time this was told, Not one person in the audience understood. So when they were given knowledge, they did not know what to believe / hold on to.

As the Proverbs for the day says, we have to be diligent. So after hearing what Jesus said, he explained the parable after talking about ‘hearing’.

Matthew 13:3-9 (NKJV)

3 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: "Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. 6 But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. 8 But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"

He spoke many things in parables, meaning it’s hidden. You really do have to spend time to seek him.

So why speak in parables, Jesus?

Matthew 13:11-13 (NKJV)

11 He answered and said to them, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:

Where did Isaiah say this? (Now imagine as Jesus is saying this, no one has a bible in hand. Those didn’t exist yet.)

For context, Isaiah was asking who should be sent to talk to the people and Isaiah was raising his hand like: “I’ll do it!”

Isaiah 6:8-10 (NKJV)

8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:

"Whom shall I send,

And who will go for Us?"

Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."

9 And He said, "Go, and tell this people:

'Keep on hearing, but do not understand;

Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.'

10 "Make the heart of this people dull,

And their ears heavy,

And shut their eyes;

Lest they see with their eyes,

And hear with their ears,

And understand with their heart,

And return and be healed."

Here is how Jesus said it in the NKJV to compare:

14 And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:

'Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,

And seeing you will see and not perceive;

15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull.

Their ears are hard of hearing,

And their eyes they have closed,

Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,

Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,

So that I should heal them.'

Then he went on to say:

Matthew 13:16-17 (NKJV)

16 But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; 17 for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Then he went on after setting the stage, he explained the parable:

Matthew 13:18-23 (NKJV)

18 "Therefore hear the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

In your listening, consider how it hits your heart and where you are when you receive it. When you’re on the path, it gets snatched. The one in rocky places, no root, can’t dig in rock either, so it’s hard to sustain. Where the thorns are, competition on what’s good or not, so you get choked out. Then the good soil? That’s the spot. But even so, 30, 60, 100 fold. So not everyone gets the same harvest from the same seed even in good conditions, but your harvest is your harvest.

—————

Proverbs 13:4 (NKJV)

4 The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing;

But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.

7 There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing;

And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.

Matthew 12:14 (NKJV)

14 Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him.

Deep Dive: When people come against you

When people come against you, it’s important to understand who they are. There is a difference based on what movement they can create based on their stance against you.

Matthew 12:14-17 (NKJV)

14 Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him.

Behold, My Servant

15 But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all. 16 Yet He warned them not to make Him known, 17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:

Isaiah 42:1-4 (NKJV)

1 “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold,

My Elect One in whom My soul delights!

I have put My Spirit upon Him;

He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.

2 He will not cry out, nor raise His voice,

Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.

3 A bruised reed He will not break,

And smoking flax He will not quench;

He will bring forth justice for truth.

4 He will not fail nor be discouraged,

Till He has established justice in the earth;

And the coastlands shall wait for His law.”

So Jesus having all power and all authority withdrew. Let me say this one my time, having all power, all authority, withdrew.

Why?

Cause he knew his assignment. Isaiah prophesied which is a formal way of saying God told him and he believed it so much he wrote it down for us to read. But why is it important for us to read? So we might believe that Jesus followed the plan God later out for him. 

Remember the devil temptting Jesus: 

Matthew 4:5-7 (NKJV)

5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:

He shall give His angels charge over you,’

and,

‘In their hands they shall bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”

7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’”

Basically, you the son of God? Then show me. Jesus, replies I know who I am and whose I am. I don’t need to prove anything to you, but follow thru on my assignment.

What he didn’t do was tell the devil his assignment. Scripture did that for him, so it wasn’t necessary for him to share. Jesus was like in his mind, you’ll see soon enough, at the appointed time.

Then after the temptation the angels showed up. Why wait? Cause good and evil can’t coexist and it’s prophesied how Jesus would overcome death.

Matthew 4:11 (NKJV)

11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

Turns out, the angels did show up, lol.

So, when in your assignment and people come against you, learn (become aware), so you understand (know what to believe and hold), so it makes sense what wisdom (God) is saying to you, about you, in that situation.

Always confirm you’re in your assignment. Sometimes the grief you feel is from being out of place (Jonah). Jesus was NEVER in the wrong place. 

——

Proverbs 12:5 (NKJV)

5 The thoughts of the righteous are right,

But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

Matthew 11:6 (NKJV)

6 “And blessed is he who is not offended (σκανδαλίζω, skandalizō) because of Me.”

Deep Dive: The Power of Offense

Isaiah 8:14-15 (NKJV)

14 He will be as a sanctuary,

But a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense

To both the houses of Israel,

As a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

15 And many among them shall stumble;

They shall fall and be broken,

Be snared and taken.”

It’s interesting because this Greek word means to entice to sin. So, the NKJV translates it to “sin,” whereas the KJV says “offend.” Now, going back to Genesis 4, God says to Cain that when you don’t do what’s right, sin is at the door, and it desires to have you.

Here, Jesus says, “Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” This means: the one who can accept what I’m doing, blessed is he. Otherwise, the offense has the power to lead you to sin, which by nature leads to death, unless you repent and produce fruit in keeping with repentance.

John was in prison for telling Herod:

Matthew 14:4 (NKJV)

4 Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”

He wanted to kill John because of his wife, but that didn’t seem right, as he feared the people first, then held John as a righteous man second. However, the opportune time came, and Herodias requested John’s head on a platter due to an oath he made.

I find it interesting that an oath, on one hand, will bind you, even though that was not the original plan. But you’ll stick to it for fear of the people, even in sorrow.

Not knowing this would be the case, John, sitting in prison, was trying to figure out why he was still in prison. Why would Jesus not come and get him out, in my opinion?

So, when John sent his disciples to Jesus to ask if Jesus is the One prophesied about or if there is another coming after Him, Jesus says, “Tell John what you see.”

When we go back to Matthew 3, we hear John saying, as reported by Matthew:

Matthew 3:11-12 (NKJV)

11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

So, we see what John is thinking will happen based on what he’s saying. But what he saw was the mercy of God, not the thorough cleaning of the threshing floor.

But John didn’t know this: that is to come for all at some point in their walk with God. But it’s not for John to see, nor for him to be able to say, “I told you so.”

If he would have thought of Jonah, what you think should happen and what God does may not align.

So, when offense hits, it becomes a stumbling block, making it hard to stand, to walk, and to continue on the path you’re on. It also prevents your success in areas unGodly because it causes the people you may lead to start considering other things outside of your guidance.

But even so, your guidance can be Godly. If they are unGodly, they will stumble. But if you are the leader and you’re unGodly, you will stumble, which will cause them to stumble.

So the question is: Who’s not offended, so they can “right” the nation?

———-

Proverbs 11:12 (NKJV)

12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor,

But a man of understanding holds his peace.

G4624. σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō); from 4625; to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble [transitively]) or entice to sin, apostasy, or displeasure: — (make to) offend.

AV (30) — offend 28, make to offend 2;

1. To put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall; metaphorically, to offend:
   • To entice to sin.
   • To cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey.
   • To cause to fall away.
   • To be offended in one, i.e., to see in another what I disapprove of and what hinders me from acknowledging his authority.
   • To cause one to judge unfavorably or unjustly of another.
   • Since one who stumbles or whose foot gets entangled feels annoyed:
     • To cause one displeasure at a thing.
     • To make indignant.
     • To be displeased, indignant.

Matthew 10:1 (NKJV)

1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.

Deep Dive: The Pattern

Jesus shows the pattern, then send out those who learned the pattern so they can understand.

To lead up to Chapter 10, we start with Matthew 9:35:

35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

So first Jesus preached to gospel and performed miracles, then he sent his disciples out to do the same. They were able to watch him, watch the people, listen to what the Holy Spirit was saying to them in those moments.

Then, they are called to go do it. 

It’s easy to ask or be asked to do something, but how will you do it? When will you do it? Who receives it? Etc.

The Matthew 10:5-15 he give them specifics about what he called them to do. Then 16 - 26 is warnings and expectations.

The contending thought starts at verse 34: Christ Brings Division

34 "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.

The kingdom of heaven is special, but in order to truly operate how you’ve been called, you need the King instructing you so you have (hold, understand, believe) not just what to do, but everything surrounding the calling itself.

*******

For August 9, Matthew 9:9 (NKJV)

9 As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him.

Matthew the tax collect known as Levi, asked to follow Jesus and become the disciple who wrote this book.

*******

Proverbs 10:2-3 (NKJV)

2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing,

But righteousness delivers from death.

3 The LORD will not allow the righteous soul to famish,

But He casts away the desire of the wicked.

Morning,

This will be my last text for August. I’ll resume in September. The website I’ll continue to update daily. I’m taking a break from sending these out, so please stay diligent. I should have it updated before noon every day. My goal is 6 a.m., but it just depends on my day.

Matthew 25:29 (NKJV)
29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.’

Deep Dive: Will you increase what you have or lose it?

At some point, you have to give an accounting for the work you’ve done, regardless of any and everything that’s happened to you in your life.

Now, when you are done with your accounting, will you sound like the Goats or the 

Sheep (further below this section, verses 31–46)?

I find it interesting that for years I “made up” who God is and how He operates. I was more about, “If it doesn’t feel right or it hurts my feelings, that ain’t God.”

Wrong!

If anything, how would I know? At that time, I had never seriously read what His Word says. People died to make the Bible accessible, but there I was making up what my life should be.

Then one day, I picked it up and read it. Another day, I started listening to it daily, faithfully, for hours.

I learned, and I learned. I learned more reading it myself than what anyone could tell me.

However, with all that I know, and think I understand, what is the kingdom like for those who have been given skills (knowledge, tools, resources)?

Matthew 25:14–30 (NKJV)

14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ 23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

This is one of my favorite sections in the Bible. Jesus is talking about what the kingdom is like, then based on the first part, He leads into Him judging the nations.

So as you read, consider what you have been given in your life.

If you were to take your last breath now, what accounting would you give God for your life?

Would it be thankful and, “Here’s what I’ve done with what You’ve given me”?

Will there be increase for Him to see?

Or will you be stagnant and in the same position year over year, for decades at a time?

Would you be grouchy and complaining about EVERYTHING you had no control over?

Would you say things like, “Well, I tried to, but they wouldn’t listen. Well, if only they would have done ABC, then I could have done XYZ”?

Offense: My goal is to work on some emails and blogs around different topics. Offense is one. When you get time, learn from the Bible what it is and how it impacts you.

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For August 9, Matthew 9:9 (NKJV)

9 As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him.

Matthew the tax collect known as Levi, asked to follow Jesus and become the disciple who wrote this book.

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g2192. ἔχω echō; a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, continuity, relation, or condition): — be (able, x hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can (+ -not), x conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, x sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use.

AV (712) - have 613, be 22, need + g5532 12, misc 63, vr have 2;

1. To have, i.e. to hold

To have (hold) in the hand, in the sense of wearing

To have (hold) possession of the mind (refers to alarm, agitating emotions, etc.)

To hold fast, keep

To have or comprise or involve

To regard or consider or hold as

1. To have, i.e. own, possess

External things such as property, riches, furniture, utensils, goods, food, etc.

Those joined to anyone by the bonds of natural blood, marriage, friendship, duty, law, attendance, or companionship

1. To hold oneself or find oneself so and so; to be in such or such a condition
2. To hold oneself to a thing, to lay hold of a thing, to adhere or cling to

To be closely joined to a person or a thing

Matthew 8:12 (NKJV)

12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing (βρυγμός brygmos) of teeth."

Deep dive: I Know how authority works

The unworthy person seeks Jesus for his companion, get’s what he was looking for. His faith, compared to those in authority, the standard. Those in authority, who lack faith, we still serve and pray for, but their time (in God’s time) is coming…

And where they will be, weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The centurion solder, as Jesus came home to Capernaum, had been waiting for him. The Centurion gives details about his servant. I believe the Centurion was interrupted by Jesus. So the centurion was talking and before he could ask for help, Jesus interrupts him and says “I will come”. I believe at this point, The Centurion felt convicted and stopped, maybe even dropped his head.

I think he was saying in a quiet heartfelt voice, “Lord, my household is not set up to receive you. I am not worthy.“

[Matthew 3:11 (NKJV) 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy (ἱκανός hikanos) to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.] 

“Don’t follow me home, just speak the word and I KNOW my servant will be healed.” Then what he says next is next level!

I KNOW HOW AUTHORITY WORKS!

For I’m under authority, with solders under my authority. So I don’t operate under my own power, but under the one who is over me, understanding those who are under me do as I say, in alignment with the one I’m under authority. We are all aligned. 

So, I KNOW YOU ARE ALIGNED, just speak the word, and it will be so.

Jesus’ response is next next level. 

He says, those who are in position of authority won’t stay because they will be cast out into outer darkness. Cause this faith I’m seeing today from an unworthy man, he will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, other men of faith in the kingdom of heaven. But those in power now, will not be forever.

Proverbs 8 below speaks on wisdom and this centurion not just believed it, he expected it.

Now keep in mind, those who are put out, it’s in God’s timing, not ours. 

So while they are in authority, still do as they say, but not as they do, because they are indeed still in authority over you. So pray for them, secret righteousness.

———

Proverbs 8:8-9 (NKJV)

8 All the words of my mouth are with righteousness;

Nothing crooked or perverse is in them.

9 They are all plain to him who understands,

And right to those who find knowledge.

g1030. βρυγμός brygmos; from 1031; a grating (of the teeth): — gnashing.

AV (7) - gnashing 7;

1. a gnashing of teeth
   • used to denote extreme anguish and utter despair of men consigned to eternal punishment in hell

1. snarling, growling: in the sense of biting

g2425. ἱκανός hikanos; from ἵκω hikō (ἱκάνω hikanō or ἱκνέομαι hikneomai, akin to 2240) (to arrive); competent (as if coming in season), i.e. ample (in amount) or fit (in character): — able, + content, enough, good, great, large, long (while), many, meet, much, security, sore, sufficient, worthy.

AV (41) - many 11, much 6, worthy 5, long 4, sufficient 3, misc 12;

1. sufficient
   • many enough, enough 
   • sufficient in ability, i.e. meet, fit

Matthew 7:1 (NKJV)

1 “Judge not, that you be not judged..

Deep dive: Judgement

Focus on ourselves, then we will be able to help others. But know as we judge others, God judges us.

This includes family, friends, coworkers, etc. something I’ve always said to my kids: “if you can say ‘if only they…, then I’, then you’re not in a good place to be effective and useful.

See examples in deep dive.

Examples: “if only they…would do their job, then I… would be happier here.

“If only my kids… would do what I said, then I… would be able to do better in my life.”

“If only my parents… would have done what I needed, then I… would be further along in life.”

As the Proverbs (7:1) for today says, keep his commands, and live. So NO MATTER the circumstances, if you are where God called you and you keep his commands, like Joseph in Egypt, even tho he was falsely put in a pit, sold and put into jail falsely, he thrived.

Remember, lean not to your own understanding, consult with God, remove the plank from your eye, then you can clearly see to help others as you’ve been called.

Matthew 7:1-5 (NKJV)

1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

———

Proverbs 7:1-2 (NKJV)

1 My son, keep my words,

And treasure my commands within you.

2 Keep my commands and live,

And my law as the apple of your eye.

Matthew 6:1 (NKJV)

1 "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Deep dive: The secret of righteousness

We do things so God gets the glory, especially those things God called us to do. Makes the sacrifice much easier as you’ll have his help. So if you spend more time frustrated then peaceful, confirm you’re where God wants you, then Seek first the kingdom.

16 "Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

It’s also important that the decisions you make lead you to live in a peaceful way. Sometimes we make decisions outside of his will, then once we learn who he is, we need help to undo, redo, overcome previous choices that weigh us down, from financial debt to just being depressed. No matter, seek first the kingdom now, get heavenly strategies to solve issues from old decisions, Do what’s right in God’s eyes by bearing fruit coming from repentance from mistakes, then live in peace.

——-

This instructs on how to handle poor decisions that put us in debt (all kinds of debt from money to social to health, to time.

Proverbs 6:1-5 (NKJV)

My son, if you become surety for your friend,

If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,

You are snared by the words of your mouth;

You are taken by the words of your mouth.

So do this, my son, and deliver yourself;

For you have come into the hand of your friend:

Go and humble yourself;

Plead with your friend.

Give no sleep to your eyes,

Nor slumber to your eyelids.

Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,

And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

Matthew 5:20 (NKJV)

20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes (γραμματεύς grammateus )and Pharisees (Φαρισαῖος Pharisaios), you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Deep dive: The Pharisees

Click link to see deep dive: http://family-think.com/daily-devotions

In the deep dive, I’ve referenced all reports from Matthew about the Pharisees. Chapter 23 he warns those who opposed him.

The Pharisees were bitter enemies of Jesus. Essentially, there were self proclaimed legal counsel, knowing the law of Moses. When Jesus came, they didn't recognize him, nor did they believe in him. Even though what they studied was about him.

So study to show that you know Jesus based on how you live, not that you're the Judge Dred of the bible, lol.

So below all the places where Matthew mentioned Pharisees. You can reference these and read those entire sections if you so desire.

Matthew 3:7 (NKJV)

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Matthew 5:20 (NKJV)

20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 9:11 (NKJV)

11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

Matthew 9:14 (NKJV)

14 Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?”

Matthew 9:34 (NKJV)

34 But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.”

Matthew 12:2 (NKJV)

2 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!”

Matthew 12:14 (NKJV)

14 Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him.

Matthew 12:24 (NKJV)

24 Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.”

Matthew 12:38 (NKJV)

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.”

Matthew 15:1 (NKJV)

1 Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying,

Matthew 15:12 (NKJV)

12 Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”

Matthew 15:12 (NKJV)

12 Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”

Matthew 16:1 (NKJV)

1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven.

Matthew 16:12 (NKJV)

12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Matthew 19:3 (NKJV)

3 The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?”

Matthew 21:45-46 (NKJV)

45 Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. 46 But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.

Matthew 22:15-16 (NKJV)

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. 16 And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men.

Matthew 22:34 (NKJV)

34 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together.

Matthew 22:41 (NKJV)

41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,

Matthew 23 - Jesus warns those who's being trying to kill him

Matthew 27:62-63 (NKJV)

62 On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, 63 saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’

-----

Proverbs 5:21 (NKJV)

21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD,

And He ponders all his paths.

g5330. Φαρισαῖος Pharisaios; of Hebrew origin (compare h6567); a separatist, i.e. exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary: — Pharisee.

AV (100) - Pharisee 100;

1. A sect that seems to have started after the Jewish exile. In addition to OT books the Pharisees recognised in oral tradition a standard of belief and life. They sought for distinction and praise by outward observance of external rites and by outward forms of piety, and such as ceremonial washings, fastings, prayers, and alms giving; and, comparatively negligent of genuine piety, they prided themselves on their fancied good works. They held strenuously to a belief in the existence of good and evil angels, and to the expectation of a Messiah; and they cherished the hope that the dead, after a preliminary experience either of reward or of penalty in Hades, would be recalled to life by him, and be requited each according to his individual deeds. In opposition to the usurped dominion of the Herods and the rule of the Romans, they stoutly upheld the theocracy and their country's cause, and possessed great influence with the common people. According to Josephus they numbered more than 6000. They were bitter enemies of Jesus and his cause; and were in turn severely rebuked by him for their avarice, ambition, hollow reliance on outward works, and affection of piety in order to gain popularity.

g1122. γραμματεύς grammateus; from 1121. a writer, i.e. (professionally) scribe or secretary: — scribe, town-clerk.

AV (67) - scribe 66, townclerk 1;

1. a clerk, scribe, esp.a public servant, secretary, recorder, whose office and influence differed in different states 

2. in the Bible, a man learned in the Mosaic law and in the sacred writings, an interpreter, teacher. Scribes examined the more difficult and subtle questions of the law; added to the Mosaic law decisions of various kinds thought to elucidate its meaning and scope, and did this to the detriment of religion. Since the advice of men skilled in the law was needed in the examination in the causes and the solution of the difficult questions, they were enrolled in the Sanhedrin; and are mentioned in connection with the priests and elders of the people. See a Bible Dictionary for more information on the scribes. 

3. a religious teacher: so instructed that from his learning and ability to teach advantage may redound to the kingdom of heaven

Matthew 4:1-2 (NKJV)

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted (πειράζω peirazō) by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.

Deep dive: Spirit Led

The Lord will not put more on you than you can bear, but the devil will. You’ll need a Godly wise strategy to navigate what the devil is trying to do. 

Now following the temptation Jesus said: 

Matthew 4:10-11 (NKJV)

10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”

11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

Temptations and Persecution.

Temptations falls in line with 1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Adam and Eve loved the world, so they were not able to stand, because they didn’t recognize the temptation. Notice Adam and Eve and Jesus were alone, God was not around. Why? God can’t exist with evil (different deep dive, lol).

Persecution falls in line with Matthew 13:21 (NKJV)

21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 

(We talked about ‘root’ in 8.2.26 deep dive)

No word, not issues, but get a word, issues. Also means, time to get to where God is calling you, which means war has begun. So you MUST meditate on this word, lean not to your own understanding at all times.

James 1:2-4 (NKJV)

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NKJV)

12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear (ὑποφέρω hypopherō;)it.

2 Timothy 3:10-12 (NKJV)

10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

So temptation comes to attack our purpose, from the devil. Persecution comes because of the word we have received, usually by people, influenced by the devil. So it’s important to know the difference so you can navigate each scenario with the wisdom that the Lord gives you, leaning not to your understanding, but standing in faith, while nimble to shift and move as God directs so you can overcome/escape and be made perfect in the name of Jesus.

Malachi 3:10-11 (NKJV)

10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,

That there may be food in My house,

And try Me now in this,”

Says the LORD of hosts,

“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven

And pour out for you such blessing

That there will not be room enough to receive it.

11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,

So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,

Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”

Says the LORD of hosts;

I hope you are seeing how all of this is connected.

——————

Proverbs 4:5-6 (NKJV)

5 Get wisdom! Get understanding!

Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;

Love her, and she will keep you.

g5297. ὑποφέρω hypopherō; from 5259 and 5342; to bear from underneath, i.e. (figuratively) to undergo hardship: — bear, endure.

AV (3) - endure 2, bear 1;

1. to bear by being under, bear up (a thing placed on one's shoulders) 
2. to bear patiently, to endure

g3985. πειράζω peirazō; from 3984; to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline: — assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt(-er), try.

AV (39) - tempt 29, try 4, tempter 2, prove 1, assay 1, examine 1, go about 1;

1. to try whether a thing can be done to attempt, endeavour
2. to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quantity, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself

Matthew 3:10 (NKJV)

10 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Deep dive: The root

What feeds you? Is there an Ax laid by what feeds you?

Based on Proverbs, lean not to your own understanding. Lean into the root, trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart.

Romans 11:16-18 (NKJV)

16 For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, 18 do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.

——————

Proverbs 3:5 (NKJV)

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the LORD and depart from evil.

Matthew 2:1-2 (NKJV)

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men (μάγος magos) from the east to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

Deep dive: The wise men

These men are defined as oriental men who studied the stars. So when they see the largest and brightest star, they follow it. The star guided them to Jerusalem, so they went to the king thinking (in my opinion) he was the father. Well…..

Turns out, the baby was in Bethlehem, born in a house (according to Matthew). They opened their gift bags and presented the family with Gold, Frankincense, and myrrh. The best of the best resources. From little, to wealth in one nite.

The wise men, were astrologers. But you have to ask yourself “how would they know a savior is born?” They are not from Jerusalem. I don’t imagine they have a bible sitting in their pouches because those weren’t accessible to anyone. However, they knew. So that means they were told. By who though? When we get to Luke in another month of so, we see conversations like this: 

Luke 2:8-12 (NKJV)

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

By the time the men of the East arrived, baby Jesus had to have been moved into the house, from the manger. The wise men, I believe travelled 500+ miles,  over a few days. Based on the word used that was translated to “men” in the NKJ version, they were considered sorcerers.

Acts 13:6 (NKJV)

6 Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus,

Just like the shepherds who were in the area where the angel just “appeared”, I believe the wise men were also told. As they were studying the stars and very wise (the word “wise” was added, this is not a greek word translated to mean biblical wise from Proverbs). I’d imagine these men, "wise" in their ways, was shown who the savior of the world would be. But NONE of those in Jerusalem were shown, those who had the law, those in charge of the word of God. So ask yourself, if they are the ones who are in charge of the law, the same word that leads to God, why did God not show them what he was doing next? 

Just because you have access, doesn't mean you're called. Literally, God did not call them to see Jesus at birth. 

Being “Lawyers”, they went to the law to find out prophetically where Jesus should be.

Micah 5:2-5 (NKJV)

2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,

Yet out of you shall come forth to Me

The One to be Ruler in Israel,

Whose goings forth are from of old,

From everlasting.”

3 Therefore He shall give them up,

Until the time that she who is in labor has given birth;

Then the remnant of His brethren

Shall return to the children of Israel.

4 And He shall stand and feed His flock

In the strength of the LORD,

In the majesty of the name of the LORD His God;

And they shall abide,

For now He shall be great

To the ends of the earth;

5 And this One shall be peace.

Judgment on Israel’s Enemies

When the Assyrian comes into our land,

And when he treads in our palaces,

Then we will raise against him

Seven shepherds and eight princely men.

——————

Proverbs 2:8 (NKJV)

8 He guards the paths of justice,

And preserves the way of His saints.

Psalms 17:5 (NKJV)

5 Uphold my steps in Your paths,

That my footsteps may not slip.

There is something special about finding the right path, that’s good, equitable, even, straight, not tricky, not slippery. 

g3097. μάγος magos; of foreign origin (h7248); a Magian, i.e. Oriental scientist; by implication, a magician: — sorcerer, wise man.

AV (6) - wise man 4, sorcerer 2;

1. a magus 
   • the name given by the Babylonians (Chaldeans), Medes, Persians, and others, to the wise men, teachers, priests, physicians, astrologers, seers, interpreters of dreams, augers, soothsayers, sorcerers etc. 
   • the oriental wise men (astrologers) who, having discovered by the rising of a remarkable star that the Messiah had just been born, came to Jerusalem to worship him 
   • a false prophet and sorcerer

Matthew 1:1 (NKJV)

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:

Deep dive:

The Genealogy of Jesus, the son of God. Your history, who you came from to who comes from you, matters. This is what led me to develop FamilyTHINK.

Interesting all this time, reading Matthew I thought it started with Adam, but it starts with Abraham. So I read that, but my mind thought Adam.

So a little about the book of Matthew from my Olive tree NKJV bible intro and bible dictionary (Easton’s). Matthew was a tax collector. His name was Levi, changed to Matthew. THe idea behind this book was to write to the Jews of the time, proving Jesus was the Messiah, starting off with the Geneology from Abraham, to David, to Jesus, and confirming all the prophesies were fulfilled. (Example of a prophesy: Isaiah 53. Per the Easton’s Bible dictionary, there are up to 65 references to the old Testaments, more than any of the other 3 gospels about Jesus. This also shows Jesus as the true heir to David’s throne.

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Daily Proverbs 1:5 (NKJV)

5 A wise man will hear and increase learning,

And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,