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  Sermon Notes For 12-20-23 An Introduction And Orientation Regarding The Gospel Of Matthew

Sermon Notes For 12-20-23 An Introduction And Orientation Regarding The Gospel Of Matthew

Now, let’s turn to the Book of Malachi Chapter 4.

Now, notice Malachi 4:

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.”

Unfortunately, after this serious admonition from the Lord by the Prophet Malachi unto the people of God at that time, who did not take heed unto what the Prophet was saying unto them, nor did they turn from their disobedient ways which are brought out in the Book of Malachi.

These things that displeased the Lord, He would eventually deal with in the centuries that were to come.

In fact, there is one period of time in which this did occur, a time which is called, the Intertestamental Period, which simply means, a period of time that existed between the Old Testament Age and the New Testament age.

For approximately 400 Years there was divine silence in regards to scriptural inspiration and revelation from God. From after the days of Malachi unto the days of Matthew’s Gospel.

This 400 years of silence refers to the time between the Old Testament and New Testament, during which, so far as we know, God did not speak no Scripture was written.  The 400 years of silence began with the warning that closed the Old Testament:  Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD.  He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse (Malachi 4:5-6) and ended with the coming of John the Baptist, the Messiah’s forerunner.

In fact, at the time of Malachi’s warning, about 430 B.C., the Jews had returned to Israel from the Babylonian captivity as merchants, not shepherds.  The Medo-Persian Empire still ruled Israel, and the temple had been rebuilt. Both the Law and the priesthood of Aaron’s line had been restored, and the Jews had given up their worship of idols. Nevertheless, Malachi’s warning was not without cause. The Jewish people were mistreating their wives, marrying pagans and not tithing, and the priests were neglecting the temple and not teaching the people the ways of God. In short, the Jews were not honoring God.

In 333 B.C., Israel fell to the Greeks, and in 323 B.C. it fell to the Egyptians. The Jews generally were treated well throughout those reigns, and they adopted the Greek language and many of the Greek customs and manners, and in Egypt the Old Testament was translated into Greek. That translation, the Septuagint, came into widespread use (and is quoted frequently in the New Testament).

Jewish law and the priesthood remained more or less intact until Antiochus the Great of Syria captured Israel in 204 B.C. He and his successor, Antiochus Epiphanes, persecuted the Jews and sold the priesthood, and in 171 B.C. Epiphanes desecrated the Holy of Holies.

This desecration resulted in an uprising by Judas Maccabeus of the priestly line of Aaron, and in 165 B.C. the Jews recaptured Jerusalem and cleansed the temple. However, fighting continued between the Jews and the Syrians until the Romans gained control of Israel in 63 B.C., at which time Pompey walked into the Holy of Holies, once again shocking and embittering the Jews. In 47 B.C., Caesar installed Antipater, a descendant of Esau, as procurator of Judea, and Antipater subsequently appointed his two sons as kings over Galilee and Judea.

As the New Testament opens, Antipater’s son, Herod the Great, a descendant of Esau, was king, and the priesthood was politically motivated and not of the line of Aaron.  Politics also resulted in the development of two major factions, the Sadducees and the Pharisees.

The Sadducees favored the liberal attitudes and practices of the Greeks. They held to only the Torah as regards religion but like most aristocrats they did not think God should have any part in governing the nation. The Pharisees were conservative zealots who, with the help of the scribes, developed religious law to the point where the concerns and care of people were essentially meaningless. Additionally, synagogues, new places of worship and social activity, had sprouted up all over the country, and religious and civil matters were governed by the lesser and the greater Sanhedrins, the greater Sanhedrin being comprised of a chief priest and seventy other members that handed out justice, sometimes by 39 lashes administered with full force.

Between the time of Malachi and the coming of the Messiah, several prophecies were fulfilled, including the 2,300 days of desecration between 171 and 165 B.C. (Daniel 8:14). However, the people did not put to good use either the fulfilled prophecies nor the 400 years the nation was given to study Scripture, to seek God (Psalm 43-44), and to prepare for the coming Messiah. In fact, those years blinded and deafened the nation to the point where most of the Jews could not even consider the concept of a humble Messiah (Zechariah 9:9; Isaiah 6:10; John 12:40).

Almost two millennia have passed since the New Testament canon was completed, and though the Word is full of grace and truth, and though the birth, life, and death of Jesus fulfilled a staggering array of prophecies, the Jews as a people have yet to open their eyes and ears. But Jesus is coming again, and one day a remnant will both see and hear.

Now, there were at least 3 important things that started during this period of 400 years of Divine Silence.

The first important thing that started during this period of 400 Years of Divine Silence, *was the subjugation of God’s people within their own land of Israel.

And once again because of the disobedience of God’s people during and after the Prophet Malachi, God’s people would be for centuries subjugated within their own land by a predicted foreign gentile people that was revealed in the Book of Daniel, which started with the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great and other Greeks leaders like, Antiochus.

But then, shortly thereafter, there would rise another Empire, the Roman Empire that would last for centuries even during the life in time of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostles, and the Early Church Period.

Now, the second important thing that started during this period of 400 years of Divine Silence,

was a major revolt which led to the cleansing of the 2nd Temple which was a modest structure built by the Jews who had returned from exile from Babylon under the authority of Persian-appointed Jewish governor named Zerubbabel.

And also, through a family known as the Maccabees, they would helped to lead God‘s people at that time against the Greek Tyrant Antiochus.

And therefore, an important ceremony celebration and tradition came about which still is recognize & practice until this day which is Called “Hanukkah.”

This year in 2023 Hanukkah was celebrated on Dec 7 thru Dec 15, an Eight Day Celebration and a time of remembrance and acknowledgment of God’s ability to sustain His people, no matter the circumstances.

Now, the third & final important thing that started during this period of 400 years of Divine Silence, was a small group of Jewish men would became the spiritual and moral leaders within their communities, in which the people would called them, “the Pharisees.”

Now, let’s turn to the Gospel of Matthew.

Now, let’s first notice in our bibles something that usually is overlooked, and it is not seen by many as important, but I would totally disagree!  Show you what I mean.

Now, please notice the title section of this gospel at the top of the page, because this first book of The New Testament is called, “The Gospel According To Matthew.”

Now, notice the phrase that says “The Gospel.”  Notice it does not say a Gospel.  Or another Gospel.  But it does say “The Gospel.”

But what does the word “Gospel” mean?

The word gospel is derived from the Anglo-Saxon term god-spell, meaning “good story.”

But, in the Greek language the word Gospel is called, U-Angelion or Euangelion, meaning “good news” or “good tidings.”  Now, this was a secular word that was used to describe a situation or some information that was positive and acceptable to receive.

Now remember, U-Angelion or Euangelion or Gospel, was not a religious word at that time.

It was a common secular word used in everyday life.  Yet, our God took this word U-Angelion or Euangelion or Gospel and gave it a broader meaning and eternal perspective.   Show you what I mean.

1st Corinthians 15:

1 Moreover brethren I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also you received and in which you stand,

2 By which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached unto you, unless you believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received: *that Christ died for our sins according to The Scriptures,

4 *And that He was buried!  *And that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, (Stop here)

Always remember, with God’s help the Gospel is good news because you have understood the bad news which makes the good news makes sense!

For example, God declares that there will be an eternal separation within a place called, the lake of fire. Revelation 20: 11 through 15.  And this will be the place for those who reject his offer of salvation through Jesus Christ this will be their dwelling place forever!  Now, this is the bad news portion of the gospel which makes the good news portion makes sense.

However, the same God declares that there is another place for those who have accepted his offer of salvation through Jesus Christ Only where they will dwell forever also!  And this place is called Heaven or the father’s house!  And now with God’s help this good news portion of the gospel makes sense, because of the bad news that you needed to know first!

Quote Romans 1: 16.  ”For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: For it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes; Unto the Jew first and also to the Greeks or Gentiles.“

Now, back to Matthew Chapter 1.

Now, notice again the title phrase of this first book of the New Testament, “The Gospel According To Matthew.”

Now, see the words, According To Matthew! 

Listen, According to means, as reported by. Or, as stated by. 

Listen, According to, is not The personal opinion, Nor, is it the personal insights or the human understanding which was written or spoken by A writer or A speaker Themselves.

Now, see 2nd Peter 2:

20 knowing this first, that no prophecy or writings, of the Scripture is of any private or personal interpretation, or personal inspiration.

21 For or because prophecy or writings, of the Scripture never came by the will of man!  But instead, holy men of God spoke or wrote as they were moved By The Holy Spirit.

 Also, see 2nd Timothy 3:

16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Now, back to Matthew Chapter 1.

Now, notice again the title phrase of this first book of the New Testament, “The Gospel According To Matthew.

Now, see the words, According to “Matthew!”

So, who is Matthew?

Matthew became one of the original 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, and the only tax collector or “publican.”  See Matthew 9: 9&10.

Also, see Luke 18: 10-13.

Sermon Notes For 1-3-24  The Genealogy of The King of kings.

Turn to The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 1.

Note: Do a brief review regarding the last two Wednesdays that we used to build a foundation so that we could build upon each week.

For example,

•Who was Matthew before he became a disciple and an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ?

•Why are there 4 gospels in the New Testament?

•What are the Synoptic Gospels?

Remember “Synoptic” means, a general summary about something or someone important. 

in other words, giving a synopsis about something or someone important.

•And lastly, we saw to whom was The Holy Spirit using Matthew to write unto?

Sometime before 70AD The Holy Spirit using the Apostle Matthew to write to primarily not only but primarily to a Jewish audience from the regular every day, folks and all the way to the religious, leadership of their day who were still impacted some decades later regarding the Public Ministry of Jesus of Nazareth.  His claims.  His teachings.  His miracles.

•And most importantly whether or not He was the Christ, the Anointed One of God?

•Was He the Messiah who came to save and set free?

And was He their promised King whom they had rejected, and was it too late to receive and believe in Him now?

And it’s that last point that The Holy Spirit uses the Apostle Matthew to major upon throughout his Gospel writings and proclamation.

And that is, was Jesus of Nazareth the Promised King whom they had rejected, and was it too late to receive and believe in Him Now? 

And by the way, this is still the personal and spiritual question to anybody and to everybody, 

Jew or Gentile.  Is The Lord Jesus Christ personally and spiritually speaking your King?      Who sits upon the throne of your heart instead of yourself!  To both rule and reign within your life. Within your relationships. And to rule and reign over your will and desires.

And in whom you have given your allegiance and complete obedience to be unconditionally

His Servant, His Stewart, His Soldier, and to be His obedient sheep. 

And lastly, and most importantly if you have rejected Him, or have become disillusion or disappointed with Him for whatever reason. Is it too late to receive and believe, 

or to recommit and to rededicate to follow Him now? 

Now today, let’s look at the genealogy recorded given in The Gospel of Matthew, but also let’s consider the genealogy recorded that is also given in the gospel of Luke, so we can understand why there are two different and distinct genealogy records regarding our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Question), Why is there a genealogy record for Jesus Christ both in The Gospel of Matthew and in The Gospel of Luke?

(Answer), to give undeniable proof to the legitimacy and the pedigree that Jesus of Nazareth was a true descendent of the Royal Line within the nation of Israel through His human parents, His adopted father Joseph, and his biological mother Mary, because of their family lineage.

For within the gospel of Matthew, you have the family lineage and the royal line within the nation Israel, which Joseph, the adopted father of Jesus was a part of and within The Gospel of Luke, you have the family lineage through the Blood Line, which Mary was a part of. 

Listen, the Royal Line always was passed through the father.  But Jesus had no human biological father.  So, in order to have the Blood Line to reign, Jesus had to be a descendant of David through his mother side as well.

For it is through the line of Mary who is also in the line of David.

So, through Mary comes the line of David and through Joseph also comes the line of David.

Through Mary Jesus has the blood of David. And through Joseph Jesus adopted father he has the right to Reign because that comes through David, even though Joseph was not his biological father, Joseph was his legal adopted father.

So then, Matthew follows the royal line through David and Solomon, David’s son.  Matthew follows it all the way down, and it gets to King David and then the royal line went through King Solomon.

But David had another son. In fact, David had several sons. But this other son was Nathan. 

And according to Luke 3:31 and Luke 1: 27 thru 38, Mary’s line would come through Nathan, an other son of King David.  

So, what you have is one line coming down through King David. And then it goes through Solomon and through Nathan.  Through Nathan the son of King David you come to Mary. 

But through Solomon a son of King David Whom the Lord chose to be the royal line, you come to Joseph Mary’s husband.

Now, take a brief look at the genealogy regarding Jesus Christ in Matthew chapter 1: 1 thru 17.

Then look at Luke 3: 23 thru 38.  Some observations.  First, how they start and how they end.

Notice in Matthew 1:1, then notice in Matthew 1: 16

But notice in Luke 3:23, then notice in Luke 3: 38

Now, notice in Matthew 1: 6, you see the mentioning of King David and King David’s son Solomon.

But in Luke 3:31 you see the mentioning of King David’s other son, Nathan, and not Solomon.

And finally, notice in Matthew 1: 3&5&6 you see the mentioning of 4 different women who had a questionable character or they were not Jewish, but they still played a part in the royal line because they bore sons.

But notice in Luke 3: 23 Thru 38, and you will see no mentioning of women at all not even Mary, the mother of Jesus.

However, Mary has already been mentioned, and her unique story and her willingness to be involved in God’s divine plan.  See Later Luke 1:27 Thru 38.

Now, back to Matthew.

Now, notice Matthew 1:17. So, all the generations from Abraham unto David are fourteen generations. From 1996 B.C. until 1085 B.C.

Notice Matthew 1: 2 thru 6.  And from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, From 1085 B.C. until 588 B.C.

Notice Matthew 1: 7 thru 12.  And from the captivity in Babylon until The Christ are fourteen generations. From 588 B.C. Until 4 B.C.  Notice Matthew 1: 13 thru 16.

Notice Matthew 1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: (Stop here)

The word book, biblos, it can mean a book or it can mean a list of names.

Here it means a list of names that were record. The book of the Geneses. The book of beginnings about Jesus Christ.  This is the record of his origin, the record of his ancestry. 

Notice Matthew 1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, (Stop here)

Jesus Christ or Isous Christos.  Isous is the Greek equivalent of the Old Testament Yeshua or Jeheshua which simply means “Jehovah saves.”  That was to be his name.  Matthew 1:21,

it says, “thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Jeshua means Jehovah saves. And the shortened form emphasizes the verbal action.

And then there’s Christos, which means “the anointed.” *And he was anointed as a prophet.

*He was anointed as a priest *and he was also anointed as a king.

 Sermon Notes For 1-10-24 Part 1. From The Gospel of Matthew, The Miraculous Human Conception of The King of kings and The Lord of lords.

Turn to The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 1.

Now, starting today and for the next several weeks, we are going to using an outline that will help us to go systematically through this portion of Matthew Chapter 1, as we now look at those last 8 verses in Matthew Chapter 1, verses 18 thru 25, as The Holy Spirit leads the Apostle Matthew to go into more detail regarding Joseph and Mary’s questionable situation and their awkward dilemma that they both were in regarding miraculous conception of Jesus, God The Son’s incarnation.

And then next in Matthew 2: 1-8 & 9-11.  Joseph and Mary and the baby Jesus are now in Bethlehem but then unexpectedly they are visited by the Wise Men from the East and the great significance and meaning of their visit. 

And then, next in Matthew 2: 12-15, and then Joseph and Mary and the baby Jesus must flee or escape into Egypt as fugitives, because of a hostile threat revealed by an angel unto Joseph.

And then, next in Matthew 2: 19-23, after some time had passed, Joseph and Mary and the baby Jesus are able to return back to Israel where the couple had started before in Nazareth.

And then, finally in Matthew 2: 16-18, the Scriptures reveal a murderous rampage, an evil massacre brought against many children from infancy unto 2 years of age which was ordered by a wicked Ruler who felt threatened that his kingship was coming to an end.

So then, lets first consider how and why The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Matthew to go into more detail regarding Joseph and Mary’s questionable situation and their awkward dilemma that they both were in regarding miraculous conception of Jesus, God The Son’s incarnation.

Now, notice Matthew 1:

18 Now, the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed unto Joseph before they came together, she was found with child of The Holy Spirit.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and yet not wanting to make Mary a public example Joseph was mindful to put her away secretly. (Stop here)

As the new year continues, it has been 17 days since the annual recognition and celebration regarding the birth of Jesus Christ, and for most us this was done on December 25th.

And therefore, with God’s help it would be good for us to go back over this most important subject within the Bible regarding our Lord Jesus Christ, His human conception. His human birth and all the circumstances that followed.

Because with the Bible has to say about this matter is extremely important, and what you and I believe about this matter will determine where you will spend eternity, either with or without God!

I know most of us think very highly regarding the death, and burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  However, equally important and significant is also what the Bible says regarding our Lord, His human conception. His human birth and then all the circumstances that followed.

And it’s unfortunate that to many of God’s people today are misinformed or unaware or just don’t care about the accuracy and the real truth behind the Christmas story.  Instead, far too many are more interested in the traditional aspects when it comes to Christmas.

In fact, the word “Christmas” as we use we use it today is really not biblical, but it is a religious word given unto us by the Catholic Church Centuries ago.  Personally, I rather refer to Christmas as “Immanuel Day.”

Again, most of God’s people don’t know that it was the Catholic Church and its leaders centuries ago, who chose December 25th which is not scripturally accurate, but they chose December 25th as the official day of Jesus birth as a way of neutralizing, another pagan holiday that was existed and was celebrated in parts of Europe.

And lastly, most of God’s people don’t know that the biblical perspective about Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is often referred to as the Virgin Mary.  Even though after she gave birth unto Jesus, Mary and her husband Joseph went on to have other children together. Yet, there are many people who still referred to her as the Virgin Mary the Queen of Heaven, and a mediator who equal to Jesus to whom you can pray too!

These and many more Biblical inaccuracies, have caused so many to stumble or to disbelieve the claims of Christianity regarding a miraculous conception, and a virgin birth.

In fact, there are some who will bring to your attention that Christianity is not the first religion they would say who also has a story regarding a miraculous conception, and a virgin birth, which other ancient religions taught that occurred many centuries before the birth of Jesus.  And then they would say to you and me, So then, how do we know which one is true?

I do have a helpful article that you could read that I would like for you to have access to by email or if you prefer a hard copy, just let me know which one works best for you.

But this article does a pretty good job tackling this matter regarding other ancient religions that taught many centuries before the birth of Jesus, a story about a miraculous conception, and a virgin birth, and how can we know which one is true?

Are there other virgin birth stories outside of Christianity?

Before you know it, you’re traveling down a long, windy road of conflicting information and Christian/atheist internet debates. And as in all debates, no one is trying to discover the truth, but just convince the other person of their point of view.

I remember the first time a young Christian girl I knew came to me because her atheist boyfriend had showed her an internet video “proving” that the story of Jesus was untrue because it was similar to other, even older stories. She was pretty shaken. Maybe you have experienced something similar. There you are, young in your faith, and someone brings up a question you can’t answer, or challenges you with some scientific information that you can’t refute or points out an apparent contradiction in the Bible.

You are in good company. Once, long ago, Moses brought his faith before the Pharaoh and tried to prove the reality of God by turning his staff into a serpent. And Pharaoh was impressed by this miracle, repented of his actions and turned to serve the living God!

Well, no. What actually happened was Pharaoh had his court magicians turn their staffs into serpents too, countering Moses’ miraculous argument with a wonder of their own.

You’re going to meet people that are smarter than you. There will be people that argue better than you, and know things you don’t know, and can give an answer to every statement of faith you can make. The internet and various books introduced me to this particular challenge to the Gospel story.

Someone once told me that the heart cannot hold on to what the mind rejects. If the Christian cannot find a way to make sense of these things, doubt will seep into their heart and eventually damage their faith. But there’s no reason for that to happen when it comes to this particular issue.

That girl’s relationship with her boyfriend didn’t stand the test of time, but her relationship with God did. And as for Moses, his serpent devoured the serpents of the magicians, so he won his conflict with the Pharaoh that day. In the end, the truth will stand. But until the ultimate victory comes, we still have to find a way to keep our faith when it’s challenged, and that means having some sort of answer to the questions raised by all those debates and carelessly researched memes.

“…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect”( I Peter 3:15).

Will an answer to the question satisfy those that don’t believe? Probably not. But that’s okay. It’s not your job to convince anyone of anything (John 16:8). All you have to do is be able to tell the good news. I have never encountered a Christian that was debated into the faith.

So why do all these ancient myths that predate Jesus, bear so much similarity to his story?

The modern academic answer is that Jesus, the man, likely lived and was crucified, but the rest of the story has been filled in by pagan myths and ancient stories that were, over time, adopted into the canon story of Jesus.

By that line of secular reasoning Mary could have just had a child out of wedlock, but the writers of the gospels of Matthew and Luke tell this fantastical story of the Virgin Birth, which was not unheard of in pagan myth, to legitimize Jesus as the Messiah.

As for the miracles, myths are full of them.  The story of his death (Matthew. 27:50), descent into the underworld (Acts 2:17), and his resurrection (Matthew 28:6)? In academia, such events are common heroic motifs. The hero, often associated with the sun, is foretold by prophecy, goes on a journey, dies literally or symbolically, journeys to the underworld, and emerges triumphantly. The Egyptian god Horus and the ancient hero Hercules are good examples of this sort of mythic figure, which is why they are often cited as evidence for the pagan underpinnings of Christianity. Joseph Campbell is famous for his book, The Hero With a Thousand Faces, which is all about the similarities between mythic hero stories across cultures.

These stories have been told for ages and will continue to be told. I’ve written before about modern “Christ figures” in fiction, but these don’t bother us as much because we can see the influence of the story of Jesus on them rather than the alleged reverse (i.e., how these myths have impacted the story of Jesus). In fact, we often call them “Messianic Heroes.”

So, what are we to do with pagan “Messiahs” whose stories were told before Jesus ever lived? For example, I just reading the excellent play The Bacchae for school. In it the god Dionysus, who was born of a kind of “virgin birth” himself, took on mortal form, was taken prisoner, ultimately proven to be a god, and was associated with wine to the point that the author stated “So when we pour libations out it is the god himself we pour out to the gods…” How far is this from the Communion table? This was written 400 years before the time of Jesus. And this is just one pagan myth.

So, did such myths really influence the story of Jesus that we know and believe in?  No, not exactly.

Before Jesus ever stepped into our world, clothed with flesh, there were prophecies about his coming. In fact, that’s a rule God has about doing things in the earth; he reveals what he’s doing to his prophets first (Amos 3:7).

The earliest Messianic prophecy in the Bible was given to the serpent when Adam and Eve were exiled from the garden. The Bible says, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15).

And the Enemy of God heard it.  Then he did what he’s always done with the Word of God. He twisted it until it became a half-truth but an entire lie. This is the earliest Biblical prophecy of the Virgin Birth, the Mother and Child, the Defeat of the Serpent, and the Sacrifice of the Messiah, and it was given thousands of years before Jesus arrived.

What did the Enemy do with it? He sowed his twisted version of the prophecy into cults and religions of his own creation, until when the Truth came in the flesh, there were already countless precedents, and the Anointed One seemed like only one more copy.

Jesus said, “All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them” (John 10:8).

When someone says that the story of Jesus is taken from pagan religions, they’re not wrong, but where did the pagan stories come from? They all have an ancient origin in the message of God given to all of humanity to tell us a Savior is coming.

Every nation of the earth was waiting for Jesus, not just Israel, but every nation, every culture, every human being in the entire world.

“For thus saith the Lord of hosts: Yet one little while, and I will move the heaven and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land. And I will move all nations: AND THE DESIRED OF ALL NATIONS SHALL COME: and I will fill this house with glory: saith the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2: 7&8).

Jesus is the one we have all waited for, the one desired by all nations.  If the Enemy has bent the message of God to lead people away from him, God has infiltrated pagan culture and religion to lead people back to him.

“But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed, they have, for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world” (Romans. 10:18).

Yes, the ancient pagan religions of the world have Christ figures, but it’s not just because the devil was deceiving them. God has been trying to get his message to everyone, but they all saw it as through a glass, dimly. Just as Biblical figures like Isaac and Moses were shadows of Jesus, living prophecies whose lives echoed the future, so pagan myth is also full of shadows that are meant to lead to Jesus. Jesus may have come later, but his coming was revealed to everyone, even if God had to shine his light through the muddy lens of twisted beliefs.

The biggest Biblical example of this is the story of the Wise Men, the Magi, that came to visit Jesus as a child (Matthew 2:1-12). They were not Christians (which didn’t exist yet), nor Israelites. This latter detail is vital because Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well “salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22) because the Jewish people were the ones practicing real Biblical worship that was undiluted by pagan ritual. However, the Magi were pagan visitors, and astrologers on top of that. Isn’t astrology an occult practice, something believers should stay away from?

Even so, with their pagan beliefs and practices… they were led to Jesus.

God has tried to lead everyone to Jesus. We have resisted his lead and denied the clues that he left us or became satisfied with the shadows and never went beyond them to the substance (Colossians 2:17). But the message is there.

When someone tries to undermine your faith by pointing out the similarity of the story of Jesus to pagan myth and fiction, you don’t need to try to show how they aren’t really similar at all. They are similar. They are supposed to be similar. God has been trying to play “Telephone” with humanity for ages. And just as the Pharisees who actually had access to the undiluted prophecy of the Messiah missed him when he stood among them, some pagans that had a muddied, twisted version of the message actually found the genuine Savior.

These things do not need to be blows to our faith. They are evidence of the work of God in every culture. His message is given to “whosoever” (John 3:16). Even modern Christianity is full of pagan tradition. All sorts of things, from Christmas trees to the Jesus Fish have pagan origins, but these traditions do not negate the real thing underneath. Just as God’s miracles to the Egyptians were duplicated by magicians…until they couldn’t imitate the real thing any longer, so the message of God may be muddied, twisted and copied for a while…but in the end, the Truth will stand.  “…for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them…” (Acts 5:38-39).

[Note: This view of history is faith-based and will not satisfy those that approach the subject from an academic perspective, which seeks to uncover history as empirically as possible. So, when different possibilities present themselves, they go with the one that is most probable from a tangible view of the universe. Prophecy and the influence of God are dismissed. But to those that have seen the improbable work of God in their own lives, looking at history through the lens of faith, and seeing God’s influence in all of it, the Gospel makes perfect sense.

Now, notice again Matthew 1:

18 Now, the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed unto Joseph before they came together, she was found with child of The Holy Spirit.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and yet not wanting to make Mary a public example Joseph was mindful to put her away secretly. (Stop here)

Now, here are a few keywords for us to understand In Matthew 1: 18&19.

Now, notice Matthew 1:18. After His mother Mary was betrothed unto Joseph, (Stop here)

What does the word “betrothed” mean?  •A “betrothed” is A Unique 1 year or more engagement period in which the couple was seen as married by their families and community.  But also, as a couple, they were to act like a married couple in every way, except in the area of physical intimacy, until after the marriage ceremony.

Now, the next important factor about a “betrothment” in most cultures it is an arrange marriage by the fathers.  

And lastly, let’s bring out the age differences between Joseph and Mary.  Mary, most likely in her mid or later teens. Joseph, most likely in his mid or later twenties.

Now, see the Phrase, “before they came together sexually.”  Mary remained A virgin throughout their engagement period.  However, Mary was not a perpetual virgin after her marriage to Joseph as taught by the Catholic Church.  Actually, Mary and Joseph had other children other than Jesus.  See later, Matthew 13: 55&56. 

Now, let’s notice Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband being a just man, and yet not wanting to make Mary a public example by exposing her sin.  Joseph was mindful to put her away secretly.

Now, first see the phrase, Joseph her husband.  Remember a couple they were to act like a married couple in every way, except in the area of physical intimacy, until after the marriage ceremony.

Now, see the phrase, Joseph being a just man, and yet not wanting to make Mary a public example by exposing her sin.  Now, see later Deuteronomy 22:13 thru 21.

Now, in Matthew 1: 19, let’s see the phrase, Joseph was mindful to put her away secretly.

To Put Her Away, met divorcing someone. Now, see later Deuteronomy 24:1 thru 4.

Now, in Matthew 1: 19. Let’s see the phrase, secretly or privately it means instead of humiliating Mary publicly, to the point that she would have to leave her hometown.

Now, notice again Matthew 1:18. Now, see the phrase, (She) Mary was found with child of or by the Holy Spirit.

Now, to better understand this phrase, let’s look at Luke 1:

26 Now, in the sixth month the Angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,

27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary.

28 And having come in the Angel Gabriel said unto Mary Rejoice, highly favored one, 

The Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!"

29 But when Mary saw the Angel Gabriel she was troubled at his saying and considered what manner of greeting this was.

30 Then the angel Gabriel said unto Mary, Do not be afraid Mary for you have found favor with God.

31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth A Son and shall call His name Jesus.

32 And He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.

33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.

34 Then Mary said unto the Angel Gabriel, how can this be since I have not known a man sexually?

*35 And the Angel Gabriel answered and said unto Mary, The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; and therefore, that Holy One who is to be born will be called The Son of God.

36 Now the Angel Gabriel continues indeed or truly, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing will be impossible.

38 Then Mary said, Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word. And the Angel Gabriel departed from her.

 Sermon Notes For 1-17-24 Part 2

From The Gospel of Matthew, The Miraculous Human Conception of The King of kings And The Lord of lords.

Turn to the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 1.

Now, today we are going to finish up Matthew Chapter 1, as we once again see how and why The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Matthew to go into more detail regarding Joseph and Mary’s questionable situation and their awkward dilemma that they both were in regarding 

the miraculous conception of Jesus, God the Son’s Incarnation.

Now, notice Matthew 1:

18 Now, the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed unto Joseph before they came together, she was found with child of The Holy Spirit.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and yet, not wanting to make Mary a public example Joseph was mindful to put her away secretly.  (Stop here)

Now, notice again Matthew 1: 18, And see the phrase, (She) Mary was found with child of or by The Holy Spirit. (Stop here)  Now, for us to better understand this phrase, “Mary was found with child of or by The Holy Spirit” we need to look at Luke 1: 26- 38.

Now, turn to Luke 1: 26- 38, Because last Wednesday we saw this important section.

26 Now, in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,

27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary.

28 And having come in the angel Gabriel said unto Mary Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!"

29 But when Mary saw the angel Gabriel she was troubled at his saying and considered what manner of greeting this was.

30 Then the angel Gabriel said unto Mary, Do not be afraid Mary for you have found favor with God.

31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth A Son and shall call His name Jesus.

32 And He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.

33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.

34 Then Mary said unto the angel Gabriel, how can this be since I have not known a man sexually?

35 And the angel Gabriel answered and said unto Mary, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; and therefore, that Holy One who is to be born will be called The Son of God.

36 Now the angel Gabriel continues indeed or truly, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing will be impossible.

38 Then Mary said, Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word. And the angel Gabriel departed from her.

Now, starting here in the Gospel of Luke Chapter 1, and verse 39 thru 45, we have the personal confirmation and affirmation that the young Mary needed regarding her submission unto the Will of God for her life.

And let’s remember what Mary said in Luke 1:

38 Then Mary said, Behold the maidservant of The Lord! Let it be to me according to your word. And the angel Gabriel departed from her.

39 Now, Mary arose in those days, and Mary went into the hill country with haste or speedily to a city of Judah. (Stop here)

Now, from Nazareth of Galilee Mary travels alone one way a 75 or 80 mile unto a relative’s home somewhere outside of Jerusalem of Judea. 

Also Note: There is nothing mentioned here in this section of the Gospel of Luke Chapter 1, that there was some kind of conversation between Mary and Joseph before Mary left in Luke 1:39.  It is my opinion that it appears to me that Mary left without speaking to Joseph about what the angel Gabriel had revealed unto her not until she returned back

40 and Mary entered the house of Zacharias and Mary greeted Elizabeth. (Stop here)

Now, see later Luke 1:

5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

*7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.

8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division,

9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense.

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.

16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.

17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

18 And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."

19 And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.

20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time."

21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple.

22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.

23 And so it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house.

24 Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself or was in seclusion five months, saying,

25 Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.

Now, notice again Luke 1:

40 and Mary entered the house of Zacharias and Mary greeted Elizabeth. 

41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the baby leaped or jumped in Elizabeth’s womb; and Elizabeth was filled with The Holy Spirit. (Stop here)

Note: Although the baby in the womb of Elizabeth was unable to speak at this special occasion, the baby did something very unique to express his joyful approval.  By the physical movement of jumping up and down because of the presence of His Lord’s mother, and because His Lord would soon indwell His Mother Mary’s womb as well.

Now, see Luke 1: 15. The angel Gabriel is speaking, For (he) John will be great in the sight of The Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with The Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 

Note: the word “filled” can mean, controlled by, influenced by, enabled or empowered by.

Now, also see Luke 1:44 For indeed as soon as the voice of your greeting Mary sounded within my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy!

Now, let’s see Luke 1:41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the baby leaped or jumped in Elizabeth womb; and Elizabeth was filled with The Holy Spirit. (Stop here)

Note, remember the word “filled” can mean, controlled by, influenced by, enabled or empowered by.

Now, Elizabeth was filled with The Holy Spirit in order to speak in this manner unto Mary, by giving her confirmation and affirmation regarding her total submission to the Will of God for her life.

First in Luke 1:42 Then Elizabeth spoke out with a loud voice and said, Blessed are you Mary among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

Secondly in Luke 1:43  Now, Elizabeth continuous, But why is this granted unto me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

And thirdly in Luke 1:45  Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from The Lord.

Now, notice Luke 1:56. And Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then she returned unto her own house.  Note: I personally believe in this three-month period of time is when Mary’s Pregnancy began with all of its discomforts and physical adjustments.

Now, let’s go back and see again Luke 1:

36. The angel Gabriel is speaking unto Mary, Now indeed Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; And this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 

37. For or because with God nothing will be impossible.

Now, let’s go back to Matthew 1.

Now, notice Matthew 1:

18 Now, the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed unto Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of The Holy Spirit.

19 Then Joseph her husband being a just man, and yet not wanting to make Mary a public example Joseph was mindful to put her away secretly or privately (Stop here)

Now, Remember Luke 1:56. And Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months, and then Mary returned unto her own house.  Note: I personally believe now that Mary has been back for a little while, that Mary revealed to Joseph her condition of being pregnant and what the angel Gabriel had told her.

Now, notice again Matthew 1:19. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and yet not wanting to make Mary a public example, Joseph was mindful to put her away secretly or privately (Stop here)

Now, let’s say something about the possible feelings and emotions which Joseph after hearing what Mary had to say unto him, And also, because Mary had been gone away for so long and apparently did not tell Joseph what was going on before she left.

The possible feelings and emotions which Joseph had were, Shock. Disappointment. Confusion.

•Hurt. Anger. And yet, Joseph also displayed Forgiveness. Compassion. Protectiveness.

Now, notice Matthew 1:

20 But while Joseph thought about these things (vs. 18&19) behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream saying, Joseph son of David do not be afraid to take unto you Mary as your wife, for or because that One which is conceived in her is of The Holy Spirit.

21 And Mary will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.  Yashua or Yeshua - either name means Jehovah saves!

22 For all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by The Lord through the prophet, saying:

23 Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a Son, and they shall call His name, Immanuel, which is translated, "God with us."

Now, see Isaiah 7: 14. Therefore, The Lord Himself will give you a sign: 

Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name, Immanuel.

Now, back to the Gospel of Matthew.

Now, notice Matthew 1:

24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took Mary to be his wife,

25 but Joseph did not know her sexually until she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And Joseph called His name, Jesus.

Sermon Notes For 1-24-24 Part 1. From The Gospel Of Matthew 2: 1-23 The Miraculous Virgin Birth of The King of kings And The Lord of lords.

Turn to the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 1. 

Now, today we are going to begin with Matthew Chapter 2,

As we see how and why The Holy Spirit LED THE Apostle Matthew to go into detail regarding Joseph and Mary’s first-hand experience regarding the first Advent. The first Nativity. The miraculous virgin birth of Jesus, God the Son’s Incarnation.

Now, let’s notice Matthew 2:

1 Now, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold wise men from the East came 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, (Stop here)

Interestingly to me, The Holy Spirit does not lead the Apostle Matthew to describe the many details surrounding the virgin birth of Jesus. 

Instead, Matthew was only led to describe in some detail what happened months later after the birth of Jesus, which is revealed unto us here in Matthew 2: 1-23.

But to get us started, lets notice again Matthew 2: 1A.  Now, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, (Stop there)  Now, for the next several minutes may I show you something very special, that is often times overlooked.

Now, let’s turn to the Gospel of Luke Chapter 1.

Now, notice again Luke 1: 56. And Mary remained with her Elizabeth about three months and Mary returned to her house.

(Question), Where is Mary from?

Well, see Luke 1:

26. Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 

27.  Unto a virgin betrothed unto a man whose name was Joseph of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.

Now, notice again Luke 1: 56. And Mary remained with her (Elizabeth) about three months, and Mary returned to her house.

So, Mary is back in Nazareth of Galilee which is the northern part of Israel.  Yet, the Scriptures says in Matthew 2: 1A,  Now after Jesus was born In Bethlehem of Judea, which is in the southern part of Israel near Jerusalem!

In fact, let’s see Micah 5: 2.  But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah.  Yet, out of you shall come forth (unto Me saith the Lord) The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.

Listen, the book of Micah provides the most important prophecy regarding the birthplace of

the Messiah which was given some 700 years before the baby Jesus was also born In Bethlehem.

(Question) was this just a mere coincidence, or is this Divine proof who Jesus Christ really is?

Now, back to the Gospel of Luke Chapter 1.

Now, notice again Luke 1: 56. And Mary remained with her (Elizabeth) about three months, and Mary returned to her house.

So, remember Mary is back in Nazareth of Galilee which is the northern part of Israel.

Yet, the Scriptures says in Matthew 2: 1A,  Now, after Jesus was born (In Bethlehem of Judea),” which is in the southern part of Israel near Jerusalem!

(Question), So how does God get Mary who is pregnant and engaged to be married.

Who lives in Nazareth with her fiancé and their families, To up and move from all that is familiar to go somewhere unfamiliar in order to fulfill prophecy which in this case the Lord, unlike before tells neither one of them that’s what they are doing? (Repeat)

Well, let’s turn to the Gospel of Luke Chapter 2.

Now, let’s notice Luke 2:

1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree or an edict went out from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be registered or Taxed.

2 This census first took place while Quirinius was Governing Syria, (Stop there)

There are two theological words that become two theological pillars which are essential for you and I to know about, because our faith especially in these two attributes of God, will allows us to rest upon them like two pillars.

The first theological word which reveals a major attribute of God that we should know about is, “Providence” or better “Divine Providence.”

And the second theological word which reveals another major attribute of God that we should know about is, “Sovereignty,” or better “Divine Sovereignty.”

Now, here is a brief synopsis of Divine Providence. Divine Providence lets us know that God often intervenes or He allows or permits for His Purposes, those choices and decisions of men or of individuals which ultimately will bring Him Glory, Honor and Praise.

Next, here is a brief synopsis of Divine Sovereignty.  Divine Sovereignty lets us know that God is in control and in charge over what He allows or permits. Even the choices and decisions of men or of individuals will not hinder or change that which will ultimately bring Him Glory, Honor and Praise.

Also, let’s see Proverbs 21: 1.   The king’s heart is in the hand of The Lord like the rivers of water; For (He) The Lord turns it the king’s heart wherever He wishes or desires’

Now, back to the Gospel of Luke Chapter 2.

Now, let’s notice Luke 2:1.  And it came to pass in those days that a decree or an edict went out from (Caesar Augustus), that all the world should be registered or taxed.

Note, Caesar Augustus, is also known as Gaius Julius Caesar Octa-via-nus.  He was adopted by his great uncle Julius Caesar to be his adopted son and his chosen successor as next Emperor of Rome.   In fact, he was so highly regarded by the Roman Senate, that they eventually gave him the title Augustus.

For Augustus means, "Majestic." "The Increaser." "One who is venerable."  Caesar Augustus was the longest ruling emperor of Rome. He ruled over 40 some years. And did you know that the month of August, the 8th month on the Gregorian calendar system that we use today, that the month of August was named on behalf of this Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar.

Now, let’s notice Luke 2:2. This census first took place while Quirinius was Governing Syria.

“Quirinius” was a Roman aristocrat, who in AD 6 was appointed Le-gate Governor of Syria,

to which the Province of Judaea had been added for the purpose of a census.

Now, let’s notice Luke 2:

3 So all went to be registered everyone to his own city, or ancestral city, or town, or village.

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth unto Judea and into the city of David which is called, Bethlehem. And why did Joseph go there?

Well, Luke 1:

4 Continues, because Joseph was of the house and lineage of David,

5 And there (in Bethlehem) Joseph would (register) with Mary his betrothed wife who was with child. (Stop Here)

Now, once in vs. 3&5, we see the word “Register.”  But this was not for a population census,

but this registry was obligatory or a compulsory demand, which would help the Roman government to know who were the working adult males in various regions which they could exact taxes from Farmers. Fisherman. Carpenters. Tentmakers. Domestic animal herders.

The first century Truckers with their wagons and carts with their animals to pull such things or to carry things. Livestock owners. Homeowners. Landowners. Small business owners like Food markets. Clothing markets.  But From the Elite Religious or Tribal Leaders within each communities.

Here is an important article that you should read, for it helps you to makes sense of why so many bad attitudes existed during the life and time of Jesus between the Jews and the Gentiles.

••••••••••••••••• One aspect of the Roman domination that was oppressive to Israel and other nations throughout the Roman Empire was the crushing taxation system impose by the Roman government.  It was a cruel system and it was relentless and it was very systematic.  Rome had exacted very firm taxation from its conquered nations, and there were two particular taxes were taken.

One was the poll tax, which basically would be comparable today to our income tax. 

The other was called the “ground tax” which would be kind of like a property or land tax.  

And it was interesting the way this worked, the Roman senators, who were very wealthy in the city of Rome, along with very wealthy and predominant magistrates in Roman society would have the opportunity to buy at public auction the revenues of a certain country at a fixed price and then hold those revenues for five years. 

In other words, some sort of coalition of Roman wealthy senators would buy the right from the Roman government to draw the taxes from the nation Israel for a period of five years.  So it was up to them to get as much as they could possibly get. They were called the publicani and they would hire slaves and countrymen in the nation from which they had received the permission to exact the taxes. They would hire these people to do the actual tax gathering.

So that what you have, then, is these individual people working to gather taxes to give to wealthy senators who have purchased from the Roman government the right to all of the money they could exact from those people.  Now these people, as I said, in the wealthy spots, were called the publicani and the other folks who did the tax gathering are what we know in the New Testament as publicans, publicans are not Republicans publicans or tax gatherers.

And of course, the people in the country would look at them as traitors, because here they were gathering taxes from their own countrymen to give to people of a foreign nation. And so, they were thought of as traitors who were gouging for the wealthy Roman capitalists and overtaxing for their own gain.  And what you had was you had a gouging by the Romans who owned the rights, and then you had a further gouging by the tax gatherer himself to pad his own pocket, such as in the classic example of the man named Zaccheus, who had done this.

Now tax gatherers, or publicans as the New Testament calls them, were ranked with harlots. They were ranked with the heathen. They were ranked with highwaymen, robbers, and murderers. So, they didn’t run in very good company. To make things worse, around the year 33 AD, there was a great financial crisis in Rome. And because of that great financial crisis, Rome exacted even worse taxes from its chattel nations, which created an even more intense problem in Israel at the time. 

Now, one of these publicans who worked for some wealthy coalition of Roman senators who had bought the right to tax Israel was a man by the name of Matthew Levi, Matthew or Levi.  If you look with me for a moment at chapter 9 of Matthew and verse 9, I’ll introduce you to him in terms of his chronology in the history of the life of Jesus. 

Matthew 9:9.  “As Jesus passed forth from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting at the tax office; and He saith unto him, ‘Follow Me!’  And he rose and followed Him.”  Now, here is the first time that we meet Matthew, the tax collector.  Now it’s an amazing thing in the first place that Jesus would have anything to do with such a man, a man who was known in his society, at least by the general designation of his particular job as a gouging criminal.  And yet Jesus said to him, “Follow me,” and he arose and followed, right?  Getting up from his table where he was collecting his taxes.

Some have said, and I’m sure it’s true, that only Jesus Christ could work such a transformation of turning a publican into an apostle, and such was the miracle of Matthew, who became then the writer of the first gospel record. There’s only one gospel, frankly. Only one gospel.

Just four different writers recording it. Only one gospel.  The good news of Jesus Christ is a singular message.  But there are four Gospels that we call “Gospels” historically though they are just four writers writing of one gospel.

And what’s interesting to me is that we really don't want to be unfair and you don’t want to necessarily condemn the man because he had a rotten profession. You can always find a good man in a bad business from time to time.  And maybe that was the case with Matthew.  At least Jesus saw in him something that was useful. 

And when Jesus spoke to him, he immediately followed, which leads us to believe that he was perhaps very familiar with Jesus. Perhaps on some other occasion had heard or seen Jesus.  He may have been a religious man.  He may have been a rather honest man.  There doesn’t seem to be any necessity for him to exact retribution to people in the way that Zaccheus had to do.  So perhaps he had been very, very fair.  He doesn’t apparently sense any need to go out and pay back everything he’s taken wrongfully.

Jesus drew this man into an amazing inner circle of 12 people.  In fact, there were 12 people in the history of the world – and I think it’s important to remember this – there were 12 people in the history of the world who had the kind of relationship with God that Matthew and the other 11 apostles had, and only 12.  A marvelous, incredible, unique relationship in which they walked with the very God of the universe in human flesh for a period of three years.

So God in Christ called this man into the inner circle.  And he must have been a man worth calling. I think, too, the fact that he moved instantly is indicative of where his heart was.  Now the man had a lot of wealth, no doubt, and a lot of power, and he was willing to walk away from it, which says something for his character.

In fact, even went one step further. Look at verse 10.

It’s most interesting. He threw a kind of a party.  It says, And it came to pass, as Jesus sat eating in the house, this is no doubt the house of Matthew, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.  Now, we have a whole crowd of these people.  And tax collectors and sinners basically ran around together.  And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with tax collectors and sinners?’  But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, “They that are well need not a physician, but they that are sick”. Which was a very sarcastic statement.  

He was saying, “You couldn’t use me because you think you’re holy.  But go and learn what that means, ‘I will have mercy, and not sacrifice’. For I am not come to call the righteous, like you, sarcastically but sinners to repentance.”

Now what is the setting here?  And that’s all we really want to know.  Apparently, when Matthew decided to follow Jesus, he decided to throw a big feast. And the idea of the big feast was to introduce his old friends to his new Master.  And he did that. So I think Matthew must have been a good man, and he made a deep commitment, and he was willing to walk away from a very lucrative life.  And he didn’t walk away quietly. He threw a feast to introduce his old friends to his new Master.

 I think Matthew was a modest man. I think he was modest because in reciting the many events of tremendous importance that he does throughout his record, he never makes a personal reference to himself that is in the first person. He always treats Matthew in a third person the way he would treat any other individual, and he gives no particular credit to himself for anything.  He never even claims the authorship of this Gospel anywhere in the entire Gospel. Now, we don’t know when he wrote it. He wrote it sometime between 50 and 70 AD, sometime before the destruction of Jerusalem.  We don’t know when.  We do know why he wrote it and I can express that to you in a simple statement. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Now remember, our question, How does The Lord get Mary who is pregnant and engaged to be married, who lives in Nazareth with her fiancé and their families, to up and move from all that is familiar to go somewhere unfamiliar in order to fulfill prophecy, which in this case The Lord unlike before tells neither one of them that’s what they are doing?

Now, let’s notice Luke 2:

1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree or an edict, went out from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be registered or taxed.

2 This census first took place while Quirinius was Governing Syria, (Stop there)

Now remember, the two theological words that become two theological pillars which are essential for you & I to know about, because our faith especially in these two attributes of God, will allows us to rest upon them like two pillars.

The first theological word which reveals a major attribute of God that we should know about is, “Providence” or better “Divine Providence.”

And the second theological word which reveals another major attribute of God that we should know about is, “sovereignty,” or better “divine sovereignty.”

Now, let’s notice Luke 2:6. So it was that while Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the days were completed for Mary to delivered.

And remember Micah 5:2. But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah. Yet, out of you shall come forth (unto Me saith the Lord) the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.

Now, let’s notice Luke 2:7 And Mary brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the Inn. 

(Stop There) Unfortunately, both Christian and Non-Christian seem to think that The Lord Jesus was born in an animal stable and then was laid in a manger, whatever that is!

Also, traditionally it is common understanding of the so-called, “Christmas Story” throughout the centuries given by human tradition and folklore, instead of what the Bible says has created a lot of inaccurate and unbiblical perceptions, regarding this most important event in History.

Because if you think about it in most children or young adult Christmas plays over the years, there is a scene that everybody thinks happen in the Bible regarding Mary and Joseph’s arrival to Bethlehem.

The scene goes like this, there is a frantic search for a place to stay before Mary was to give birth.  Because there were a multitude of people who had returned back to their ancestral homeland, because of the obligation to register for the Roman Tax census that they had to fulfill.

Now, Mary and Joseph had thought they had found the right place that would work for them.

But to their surprise they would encounter a grumpy innkeeper who had no compassion towards them, as he said unto them, “There is no more room in this inn for you two!”

However, maybe because of Joseph’s continuous pleading with the man and along with Mary’s crying because of being rejected.  Suddenly, the grumpy innkeeper had change in heart! And he pointed the young couple to an animal shelter adjacent to “the Inn” that they could use if they wanted too!  Reluctantly, Mary and Joseph went into this animal shelter, a stable and they used it as the birthplace for their child.

But what if I told you according to the Bible that this Christmas play scene which most people think happened, that it actually did not happen that way at all!

Sermon Notes for 2-7-24 Part 1 from The Gospel of Matthew 2: 1-23 regarding The Unexpected Visitors from the East who came to worship Young Messiah Who is The King of kings and The Lord of lords.

Turn to The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 2.                                                                               Now today, let’s continue our look at Matthew Chapter 2, vs. 1-23.  as we see again how and why The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Matthew to go into detail regarding Joseph and Mary’s first-hand experience after Jesus Christ was born and the days that would follow.

Now that, these events can be divided into five sections.  •In Matthew 2: 1-8. •And then in Matthew 2: 9-12. And also, in Matthew 2: 13-15. Now in Matthew 2: 16-18. And finally in Matthew 2: 19-23

Now, let’s first consider Matthew 2: 1-8, as The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Matthew to go into detail regarding Joseph and Mary’s first-hand experience after Jesus Christ was born and the days that would follow.

Now, notice Matthew 2:

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came 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. (Stop here)

Now, at this point Joseph and Mary and the baby Jesus are still in Bethlehem, and last Wednesday we saw the first unexpected visitors, a group of Bethlehem Shepherds during that night of our Savior’s birth who were told by an angel to go and see the special event.

Now, our next group of unexpected visitors that Joseph and Mary and the baby Jesus would see, they came and visited them sometime later after the birth of Jesus. Some have suggested that the baby Jesus is now several weeks or several months older.

So, this next group of unexpected visitors who came to visit Joseph and Mary and the baby Jesus, according to the Scriptures they are called, “The Wise Men from the East.”

(Question), so then, who are these Wise Men from the East, and what is the significance and the meaning of their visitation? And also today, I want us to look at another area of misinformation, which has been accepted by Christians and Non-Christians alike, that does not come from the teachings of the Bible.

For example, after the birth of Jesus Christ, were there only three Wise Men who came to visit him as a baby with his parents, and were they also three different kings over three different empires? 

Perhaps you’re familiar with the popular Christmas song called, “We Three Kings of Orient.”

We three kings of orient are bearing gifts we traverse afar field and fountain moor and mountain following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding guide us to thy perfect light

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain Gold I bring to crown Him again King forever, ceasing never over us all to reign

Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising
All men raising
Worship Him, God most high

O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding guide us to thy perfect light Myrrh is mine.

Its bitter perfume breathes
A life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying sealed in the stone cold tomb glorious now behold Him arise King and God and sacrifice Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia Heaven to earth replies

O star of wonder, star of night star with royal beauty bright westward leading, still proceeding guide us to thy perfect light

And because of man-made traditions here are the three names for the so-called, three wise men or kings.

•Gaspar or Caspar, supposedly he was the King of Sheba. 

•Balthzar, supposedly he was the King of Tarse or Egypt, or some say of Ethiopia.

•Melchior, supposedly he was the King of Arabia. 

And because in Matthew Chapter 2, vs. 11B it says, and when they (Wise Men) had opened their treasures, they presented gifts unto (Him) the baby Jesus: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.

And this is where the misunderstanding started! Because it appears that the Scriptures only mention 1 gift given by each person.

Also, to the surprise of many, there is nothing in the Scriptures that mention the personal names of each Wise Man who came to visit. Nor, is there anything in the Scriptures that support the idea that the Wise men themselves, were actually kings from a certain kingdoms outside of Israel.

So then, who were the Wise Men?  Well, before we answer that question, let’s consider their title revealed in the Scriptures, “The Wise Men,” but what does the word “Wise” mean?  Does the word “Wise” mean someone who is insightful, knowledgeable, or full of wisdom.

However, the word “Wise” which is translated in most English Bibles, it may give the wrong impression if you don’t know the meaning of the Greek language word which is used here Matthew chapter 2.  A Strong's Definition. חַכִּים or chak-kîym, a word that means, “Wise” like a wizard or one trained in the Black Arts as a Magician.

(Note) Exodus 7:

8 Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying,

9 When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, 'Show a miracle for yourselves,' then you shall say to Aaron, 'Take your rod and cast it before Pharaoh, and let it become a serpent.' 

10 So, Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and they did so, just as the Lord commanded. And Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent.

11 But Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers; so the magicians of Egypt, They also did in like manner with their enchantments.

12 For every man threw down his rod, and they became serpents. But Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.

13 And Pharaoh's heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the Lord had said.

So, as you can see, the word “Wise” could be a person who was well trained in Sorcery, Astrology, Astronomy and Divination.

Now, there is another word that you probably heard of called, “Magi.”  The word “Magi” is the plural form of Latin which comes from the Greek word μάγος (ma-gos), as used in The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 2.  This Greek word μάγος (ma-gos) its roots go back to an old Persian word which means, "magician."

For these individuals were priest of the later Persian Empire. In fact, they were a part of a Hereditary Priestly Tribe very similar to that within ancient Judaisim.  Remember, the 12 tribes of Israel but there existed among them one tribe that was a hereditary Priestly Tribe who were called, The Levi‘s or The Tribe of Levi.

Now, let’s notice again The Gospel of Matthew 2:1B.  Behold Wise Men from the East came to Jerusalem. (Stop here)

So again, who were the Wise Men of Matthew Chapter 2?  Well, to the surprise of many, these Wise Men in Matthew Chapter 2, their ancestors goes back many generations around the time of the rise and reign of The Babylonian Empire and it’s first king, King Nebuchadnezzar.

Now, to help us better understand who were the Wise Men here in Matthew Chapter 2,

We need to understand their ancestry which goes back many centuries ago before the birth of Jesus, and how over a period of time they were greatly influence by a Godly Prophet of God who is taken captive as a young man.

But with God’s help, this Prophet of God apparently taught them God’s plan for the nations and about a kingdom and a King that one day would come.  Show you what I mean!

Let’s turn to the Old Testament Book of Daniel Chapter 1. 

Now, see Daniel 1:

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged Jerusalem.

2 Because the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, along with some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god.

6 Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave new names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar. And unto Hananiah, Shadrach. And unto Mishael, Meshach. And unto Azariah, Abed-Nego.

17 As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom. But unto Daniel he had understanding in all visions and dreams.

19 Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore, they served before the king.

20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, and the king found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm.

Now, see Daniel 2:

1 Now in the second year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; and his spirit was so troubled that his sleep left him.

2 Then the king gave the command to call the magicians, the astrologers, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans to tell the king his dreams. So, they came and stood before the king.

3 And the king said to them, "I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to know the dream."

4 Then the Chaldeans spoke to the king in Aramaic, "O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation."

5 The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, "My decision is firm: if you do not make known the dream to me, and its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made an ash heap.

6 However, if you tell the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive from me gifts, rewards, and great honor. Therefore, tell me the dream and its interpretation."

7 They answered again and said, "Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will give its interpretation."

8 The king answered and said, "I know for certain that you would gain time, because you see that my decision is firm:

9 if you do not make known the dream to me, there is only one decree for you! For you have agreed to speak lying and corrupt words before me till the time has changed. Therefore, tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can give me its interpretation."

10 The Chaldeans answered the king, and said, "There is not a man on earth who can tell the king's matter; therefore, no king, lord, or ruler has ever asked such things of any magician, astrologer, or Chaldean.

11 It is a difficult thing that the king requests, and there is no other who can tell it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh."

12 For this reason the king was angry and very furious and gave a command to destroy all (the wise men) of Babylon.

13 So the decree went out, and they began killing the wise men; and they sought Daniel and his companions to kill them.

14 Then with counsel and wisdom Daniel answered Arioch, the captain of the king's guard, who had gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon;

15 he answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, "Why is the decree from the king so urgent?" Then Arioch made the decision known to Daniel.

16 So Daniel went in and asked the king to give him time, that he might tell the king the interpretation.

17 Then Daniel went to his house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions,

18 that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

19 Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. So, Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

20 Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His.

21 And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.

22 He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.

23 "I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of You, for You have made known to us the king's demand."

24 Therefore, Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said thus to him: "Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; take me before the king, and I will tell the king the interpretation."

25 Then Arioch quickly brought Daniel before the king, and said thus to him, "I have found a man of the captives of Judah, who will make known to the king the interpretation."

26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, "Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen, and its interpretation?"

27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king has demand

the wise men the astrologers, the magicians, and the soothsayers cannot declare to the king.

30 But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but for our sakes who make known the interpretation to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.

31 "You, O king, were watching; and behold, a great image! This great image, whose splendor was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome.

32 This image's head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze,

33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.

34 You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces.

35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.

36 "This is the dream. Now we will tell the interpretation of it before the king.

37 You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory;

38 and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all you are this head of gold.

39 But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours; then another, a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth.

40 And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others.

41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay.

42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile.

43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.

44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.

45 Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.

47 The king answered Daniel and said Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret.

48 Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon.

49 Also Daniel petitioned the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego over the affairs of the province of Babylon; but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.

Now, see Daniel 5:

1 Belshazzar the king made a great feast for a thousand of his lords and drank wine in the presence of the thousand.

2 While he tasted the wine, Belshazzar gave the command to bring the gold and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple which had been in Jerusalem, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them.

3 Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple of the house of God which had been in Jerusalem; and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them.

4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone.

5 In the same hour the fingers of a man's hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.

6 Then the king's countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other.

7 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers.  The king spoke, saying to (The wise men of Babylon), Whoever reads this writing, and tells me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck; and he shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

8 Now all (the king's wise men) came, but they could not read the writing, or make known to the king its interpretation.

9 Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, his countenance was changed, and his lords were astonished.

10 The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came to the banquet hall. The queen spoke, saying, "O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your countenance change.

11 There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar your father your father the king made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers.

12 Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation."

13 Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke, and said to Daniel, "Are you that Daniel who is one of the captives from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah?

14 I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.

15 Now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not give the interpretation of the thing.

16 And I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and explain enigmas. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around your neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom."

17 Then Daniel answered, and said before the king, "Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another; yet I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation.

18 O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father a kingdom and majesty, glory and honor.

19 And because of the majesty that He gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whomever he wished, he executed; whomever he wished, he kept alive; whomever he wished, he set up; and whomever he wished, he put down.

20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him.

21 Then he was driven from the sons of men, his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till he knew that the Most-High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses.

22 But you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this.

23 And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.

24 Then the fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written.

25 "And this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

26 This is the interpretation of each word. Mene: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it;

27 Tekel: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting;

28 Peres: Your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians."

29 Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel with purple and put a chain of gold around his neck and made a proclamation concerning him that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

30 That very night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was slain.

31 And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.

Now, see Daniel 10:1.  In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and Daniel understood the thing and had understanding of the vision. (Stop there)

Now, see Matthew 2:

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king behold wise men from the East came 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. (Stop Here)

Listen, the Wise Men here in Matthew Chapter 2, their Ancestry which goes back many centuries ago before the birth of Jesus, And how over a period of time they were greatly influence by a Godly Prophet of God who is taken captive as a young man.  But with God’s help, this Prophet of God apparently taught them God’s plan for the nations, and about a kingdom and a King that one day would come

 Sermon Notes For 2-14-24 Part 2. From The Gospel Of Matthew 2: 1-11 Regarding The Unexpected Visitors From The East, Who Came To Worship Young Messiah Who Is The King of kings And The Lord of lords.

Turn to the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 2.

Now today, let’s continue our look at Matthew Chapter 2, vs. 1-11, as we see again how and why The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Matthew to go into detail regarding Joseph and Mary’s first-hand experience after the birth of Jesus Christ and the days that would follow.

Now, let’s see Matthew 2:

1 Now, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold Wise Men from the East came 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. (Stop here)

Now, our next group of unexpected visitors that Joseph and Mary and the baby Jesus would see, for they came to see them sometime much later after the baby Jesus had been Born.  In fact, some Bible teachers have suggested that the baby Jesus was now several weeks or several months older, He is no longer a newborn when you are reading Matthew 2: 1-23. 

So then, this next group of unexpected visitors who came to visit Joseph and Mary and the baby Jesus, according to the Scriptures they were called, “The Wise Men from the East.”

(Question), So then who were these Wise Men from the East? Well, last Wednesday briefly, I gave some scripture history from the book of Daniel about them.

Now today, we are continuing to examine closely with God’s help what does the Bible actually say that occurred before and after the birth of Jesus Christ.  Because there is a lot of misinformation, myths, and folklore that has been accepted by Christians and Non-Christians alike, that does not come from the teachings of the Bible.

For example, after the birth of Jesus Christ were there only three Wise Men who came to visit him as a baby with His parents, and were they also three different kings over three different Empires?  And because of a misunderstanding of Matthew Chapter 2, vs. 11b which says, and when they (Wise Men) had opened their treasures, they presented gifts unto Him the baby Jesus: Gold. Frankincense. and Myrrh.

And therefore, for many this is where the misunderstanding began! Because it appears that the Scriptures only mention 1 gift given by each person.

However, based upon some reasonable facts we can be assured of a couple of things.

First, the distance that the Wise Men traveled, will help us to know that it was not just three of them that made this journey.

Now, see again Matthew 2:1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem. (Stop Here)

Some conservative estimates suggest that they may have traveled 700 to 900 miles one way.

This would have taken them several months or more to arrive to their destination in Jerusalem.

And think about it, this would have required a large entourage of other individuals to travel with the Wise Men whose numbers were usually large among themselves because of their priestly responsibilities within their homeland.

Therefore, for their own personal security while traveling through unknown areas, they would have needed special guards to be with them.

But also, they would have needed other trusted individuals who travel with the Wise Men with large amounts of supplies, and food, water, and other essential things. Most likely, there was a very large caravan of people who made this journey together.

And secondly, based upon some reasonable facts we can be assured of a couple of things that it was more than just three individuals who arrived in Jerusalem.  Because the items that the Wise Men brought to give in homage to the young King, gives us some more insight.

See Matthew Chapter 2, vs. 11b which says, and when they (Wise Men) had opened their treasure(s), They presented gifts unto Him the baby Jesus: Gold. Frankincense. and Myrrh.

However, what if these were large quantities from each item of Gold of Frankincense, and of Myrrh?

Listen, what if these were large quantities from each item that was mention, and not just one item only, Gold. Frankincense. Myrrh?

Now, this would make a lot of sense, because coming up soon for Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus they are going to have to relocate and stay for an extended period of time in the land of Egypt. And then at the appointed time, they would be making their way back to Nazareth in Israel. And therefore, these items that were given to Him perhaps in large quantities, this would help them during their stay to barter these items for the essential items that they would need during their long stay.

Now, let’s see again Matthew 2:

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold wise men from the East came 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. (Stop here!)

Now, let’s briefly address another area of misinformation, myths and folklore that has been accepted by Christians and Non-Christians alike, that does not come from the teachings of the Bible.

(Question) Sometime after the birth of Jesus Christ when the Wise Men came to visit Him as a baby with His parents, *was there actually a star from outer space in the sky which led the Wise Men eventually to the place where the baby Jesus was at?

Well, notice again, the Gospel of Matthew 2:

1 Now, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold Wise Men from the East came 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. 

7  Then Herod when he had privately spoke unto the Wise Men to determine from them at what time did the star appeared.

9 When they (the Wise Men heard what Herod the king said, they departed and behold again the star which they had seen in the East, went before them until the star came and stood over where the young Child was.

10 When the Wise Men saw the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy, (Let’s stop here)
It’s no doubt that you probably have heard of this Star in Matthew chapter 2 referred to as,

“The Star of Bethlehem!”

In fact, there is a popular Christmas country song called, “Oh Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” written in 1938.

Now, this so-called “Star of Bethlehem” as over the centuries has caused a lot of discussion, debate, and speculation regarding the nature and origin of this phenomena.

Now, because of time let me share with you a couple of scientific theories of what the so-called “Star of Bethlehem” actually was.

First, the so-called Star of Bethlehem was actually, a Supernova Event!   Note: A Supernova is what happens when a star has reached the end of its life and explodes in a brilliant burst of light. 

Secondly, the so-called Star of Bethlehem was actually, a conjunction of the planets within our Solar system.

Note: A conjunction of the planets is when any 2 astronomical objects such, as asteroids, moons, planets, or stars appear to be close a line together in the heavens or in Outer Space, and yet it is observable from Earth.

Fortunately, the Bible does reveal unto us some understanding of what this phenomenon actually was, and here are a few things you & I should consider.

First, the appearance of the so-called “Star of Bethlehem.”  This Phenomenon in the heavens appeared unto the Magi in the East most likely the area of Persia or modern-day Iran or Iraq, and the country of Iraq was where the City of Babylon one time existed. 

Secondly, the witnesses of the so-called “Star of Bethlehem.”  There were only two groups of individuals who at different times witnessed this phenomenon in the heavens.

•One group of individuals were called, the Shepherds of Bethlehem.

•And other group of individuals were called, the Wise Men from the East.

In fact, the so-called “Star of Bethlehem” which went ahead of the Wise Men but then it stopped over the place where Jesus as a young child was at.

And finally, the unique mobility of the so-called “Star of Bethlehem,” is many times overlooked.”

The so-called “Star of Bethlehem, apparently it was mobile and not just stationary in the sky.

It could move in a certain direction from the East unto the West in Jerusalem.  Then it moved again outside of the City of Jerusalem, but this time over a small village called, Bethlehem,

were it hover in one place and it could be seen during the night and possibly during the day as well. Which helped the Magi find the right place where Jesus was at.

(Question), but what else could God have used other than a star to make such a thing possible that two groups of individuals who at different times they witness this phenomenon in the heavens?

First, God could have used a special holy angel, whose brightness and brilliance could be manifested, and then this special holy angel could move about freely as described in Matthew 2: 1&2&7&9.

Note: here are three examples of an Angel, who physically appeared so brightly, He looked like the sun or a star.  •Matthew 28: 2-5.  •Daniel 10: 6.  •Revelation 10:1.

And secondly, God could have used the Shekinah Glory of His presence.  For this brightness and brilliance could have manifested, and then it could have moved about freely as described in Matthew 2: 1&2 &7&9&10. Because this Supernatural Phenomena is what the Shepherds of Bethlehem had witnesses.

See Luke 2: 9.  Behold an angel of The Lord stood before them the shepherds, and the Glory of The Lord, the Shekinah, shined all around them and they were greatly afraid.

Now, let’s go back to Matthew Chapter 2. There is one more matter that we should consider that is most important.

And that is, what is the 1 thing that is mentioned 3 times in the Gospel according to Matthew in Chapter 2, and in verses 1 thru 11, that is often overlooked or rarely done correctly when it comes to celebrating or remembering the birth of Jesus Christ?

Now, notice Matthew 2:2. 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.

Now, see Matthew 2:

7.  Then Herod when he had privately called the wise men, to determine from them what time the star had appeared. 

8. And Herod sent them to Bethlehem and said, Go and search carefully for the young Child,

and when you have found Him bring back word unto me that I may come and worship Him also.  Note: this would be considered as false worship.

Now, see Matthew 2:11. And when the wise men had come into the house they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and the Wise Men fell down and worshiped Him. And when the Wise Men had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Listen, according to the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 2 vs. 2 & vs. 11, we are reminded of an essential matter which is often overlook or rarely done correctly when it comes to celebrating or remembering the birth of Jesus Christ. Or, this could happen also on a Sunday, The Lord’s Day while at Church!  Or, this could happen from Monday thru Saturday while we are doing those things that we feel are necessary.

So then, what is this essential matter that is often overlooked or rarely done correctly, well that would be “worship unto God!”

Now, turn to the Gospel according to John, Chapter 4.

Now, notice again the Gospel of John 4:

23. The Lord Jesus is speaking, But the hour or time is coming and now is, when the true worshipers will worship The Father in Spirit and Truth; for or because The Father is seeking such to worship Him. 

24. God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and Truth.

Now, notice again the Gospel of John 4:23. The Lord Jesus is speaking, But the hour or time is coming and now is, when the true worshipers will worship The Father in Spirit and Truth; (Stop here!)   

Listen, in Spirit can be referring to the enabling of The Spirit, The Holy Spirit within a true worshiper.

Now, notice the Gospel of John 4:23. The Lord Jesus is speaking, But the hour or time is coming and now is, when the true worshipers will worship The Father in Spirit and Truth; (Stop here!)

Listen, the phrase and truth can be referring to the Scriptures, the Word of God which reveals divine truth, and therefore, gives the true worshiper an understanding of *the nature, 

*the essence, *the uniqueness, *and the greatness of God, either The Father, or The Son, or The Holy Spirit.

Just a reminder in keeping the worship of God the main thing on Christmas Day. On The Lord’s Day each Sunday each week. On the other days throughout the week, or the months, or the years, or the decades, and beyond.

 Sermon Notes For 2-21-24 Part 3. From The Gospel of Matthew 2: 1-11 Regarding The Unexpected Visitors From The East, Who Came To Worship Young Messiah Who Is The King of kings And The Lord of lords

Turn to the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 2.

Now today, let’s continue our look at Matthew Chapter 2, Vs. 1-11, as we see again how and why The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Matthew to go into detail regarding Joseph and Mary’s first-hand experience after the birth of Jesus Christ and the days that would follow.

Now, notice Matthew 2:

1 Now, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, Wise Men from the East came 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.

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when Herod the king had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, Herod inquired of them where The Christ or Messiah, was to be born.

5 So they said unto Herod the king In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

6 But you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are you not the least among the rulers of Judah; yet out of you shall come a Ruler wo will shepherd My people Israel.

(Stop here)

So then, in vs. 1, 3, 4, & 5, there is one person who keeps reoccurring, and therefore, we should give some attention so that we can know who this person really is.

Now, before we reveal their identity it would be important for us to know a special word used in vs. 1, 3, 4, & 5, and it is the word “Herod” which is not a name but instead the word “Herod” is actually a Dynasty title within a royal family, like Pharaoh or like Caesar!  And several times in The Gospels and a few times in The Book of Acts the word or title “Herod” comes up.

For example, turn to Matthew 14.

Now, as we go through our study in the Gospel of Matthew on Wednesdays, with God’s help I will try to point out the other individuals who are part of this family and at some point they were given the title “Herod” to be associated with their birth name.

For example: 

Herod the Great               37-4 BC

Herod Archelaus             (in Judea) 4BC-6AD

Philip the Tetrarch           (in Batanea) 4BC-34AD

Herod Antipas                  (in Galilee) 4BC-39AD

Herod Agrippa                  37AD-44AD

Herod Agrippa II              53–100AD

Now, notice Matthew 14:

1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus. A “Tetrarch” was a Roman appointed Governor over  a portion within a country or region.

2 and Herod said unto his servants, this is John the Baptist; for he is I risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work within him.

3 For or because Herod had laid hold of John and bound him and put him in prison, for the sake of Herodias his brother Philip's wife.

4 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for you to have her, your brother‘s wife. (Stop there)

Now, back to Matthew 2.

However, here in Matthew 2: 1, 3, 4, & 5, this person who keeps reoccurring, again we should give some attention too, so that we can know who this person really is, and in this case it is,

King Herod the Great or Herod the King or Herod the 1st or simply, Herod!  He ruled from 37 or 36 BC until his death in 4 BC. 

Herod the 1st was not a Jew or a Hebrew, Actually he was a Idumean or Edomite, a descendant of Esau who was the first son who was a twin to be born unto Isaac and Rebekah. Interestingly, Herod publicly identified himself as a Jew, although he was never committed to observe the Law of God, nor the other Jewish customs and festivals. 

Also, this man Herod the 1st was given the title “King Of The Jews” not by the people of Israel,

But by the Roman Senate in exchange for his cooperation and influence over the Jewish people at that time.

The Roman Senate charged Herod with the responsibility of conquering and controlling Judea

And Jerusalem.

The Roman Senate As they had done in other places, set up certain individuals as puppet king or a client king. 

(Note) a client king refers to a range of monarchs and quasi‐monarchs of non‐Roman people 

who enjoyed a relationship with Rome that was essentially harmonious but unequal.

Now, as king of Judea, Herod’s directive was simple, to carry out the wishes of Rome! For Rome wanted to maintain peace and foster goodwill among the local inhabitants who had been conquered. 

And Herod tried to foster good will by reducing taxes, enacting policies that helped bring about economic prosperity, and building public works including the incredible artificial port city of Caesarea, the fortress of Masada, and fortifications around Jerusalem. 

An in order to gain favor with the Jewish leaders, and the Jewish people, Herod initiated an important remodeling and enlarging and updated the Temple and the Temple site was there in Jerusalem to be equal or even better than Solomon’s Temple.

In fact, at the Temple’s completion Herod appointed his brother-in-law as the High Priest.

Now, see Luke 21:

5 Then as some of His disciples spoke of the Temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, But then Jesus said,

6 These things which you see now, the days are coming in which not one stone shall be left upon another, but that they shall be thrown down or destroyed.

Now, back to Matthew 2.

Now, there is another thing you should know about King Herod who had a very dark and evil personality and character that was well known among the people of his day, for Herod often used intimidation, fear and manipulation towards anybody.

Because King Herod was extremely insecure who felt that someone among his family or his leaders or his advisors would try to overthrow him as king!  And therefore, over time he became jealous, and ruthless, and a murderer my commanding Palace soldiers, and other individuals, to carry out his plots against others.

•Herod had his wife’s brother the high priest, he had him drowned in a pool within his palace. 

•He had killed one of his mother-in-laws, for Herod had ten wives and many of these wives children before they could reach adulthood were found murdered.

•Augustus Caesar is reported to have said, “That It is better to be Herod’s dog than one of his children.”

It’s no wonder that it said here in Matthew 2:

2 when the Wise Men ask where was He who has been born King of the Jews, for we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.

3 When Herod heard this, he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him! (Stop here)

Now, beginning here at vs. 4 thru 6.

King Herod calls for a special meeting with the Jewish leaders of that day to determine was there anything within the scripture that predicted such event would come.

Now, notice Matthew 2:

4 And when King Herod had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ or the Messiah was to be born.

5 So, they said unto him In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

6 But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.

Now, beginning here at vs. 7 & 8, Herod now calls for a special meeting with the Wise Men to determine what time the star appeared which they spoke of in vs. 2.  And they do reconnaissance for him and report back the location where the child was staying at.

Now, notice Matthew 2:

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared.

8 And Herod sent the Wise Men to Bethlehem and said to them, Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him bring back word to me that I may come and worship Him also!

9 And when the Wise Men heard the king’s request they departed. And behold the Star which they had seen in the East, it went before them until it came and stood over where the young Child was.

10 When the Wise Men saw the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother.

And fell down and worshiped Him and not Her! And when the Wise Men had opened their treasures, they presented gifts unto Him: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.  (Stop there)

So then, what exactly are these items which are mentioned here, *Gold. *Frankincense. *And Myrrh.

First the Gold. Throughout history Gold has been a very valuable metal and is a precious commodity that is greatly sought after. Most Pagan idols and figurines were often made from gold. The Ark of the Covenant was also overlaid with pure gold.  Exodus 25:10- 17.

Next, the Frankincense.  Frankincense when burned as an incense released strong fragrant and therefore used in the Tabernacle or the temple areas, as a pleasant aroma during the worship unto God. See later, Exodus 30: 34.  Also, Frankincense was a symbol of holiness and righteousness. A symbol of a burnt offering that was totally consumed.

And finally, the Myrrh.  Myrrh was sometime mingled with Wine as a stupefying potion to drink to make someone unable to think clearly or to be resistant when handled physically because they are extremely tired.  In fact, in the Gospel of Mark 15:23, our Lord Jesus Christ before His crucifixion the soldiers attempted to give him Myrrh was sometime mingled with Wine, but Jesus wouldn’t drink it.

In summary Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh could be remembered in this way.

•Gold represented a person’s kingship, affluence and divinity.

•Frankincense represented Worship, a sweet-smelling saver.

•And Myrrh represented death, bitterness, suffering and affliction. 

(Note) it is possible that Joseph used these presents and whatever quantity of it was given, so in order to finance his family's travels, food, lodging and other necessities while in Egypt for extended period of time, and for the long journey back to Nazareth.

 Sermon Notes For 2-28-24 Part 4. From The Gospel Of Matthew 2: 11-23 Regarding The Unexpected Visitors From The East, who came to worship Young Messiah Who Is The King of kings And The Lord of lords

Turn to the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 2.

Now, today let’s finish up Matthew Chapter 2, vs. 11-23, for again we will see how and why The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Matthew to go into detail regarding Joseph and Mary’s first-hand experience after the birth of Jesus Christ and the days that would follow.

Now, let’s notice Matthew Chapter 2:11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts unto Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

(Note) Share your personal theory regarding the generosity and willingness to be a blessing that The Lord placed upon the hearts of the Wise Men before they left their homeland, So, they could be prepared when they arrived in Jerusalem, and in Bethlehem with large quantities of these items in vs. 11 that were given by these Wise Men. 

(Also, another observation)  See Matthew 2:

2.  For the Wise Men were 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.

*3. And when Herod the king Heard & saw this, Herod was troubled and all Jerusalem with him. (Stop there)

(Question) When Herod the king heard & saw what?

Well, the large quantities of these items that are mentioned in vs. 11, with many wagons, and carts, and different types of animals, donkeys, camels, horses, and oxen to pull the wagons and the carts, or to carry the heavy loads upon their backs, and along with special guards assigned to protect the Wise Men with all these items as they traveled.

Now, see Matthew 2:12 And then being divinely warned in a dream that (they) the Wise Men should not return back to Herod, instead the Wise Men departed for their own country a different way, bypassing Jerusalem where Herod stayed.

(Note) Share another of your theories, before the Wise Men departed back to their homeland,

they did something very special for this young family. Not only did the Wise Men give the large quantity of items which are mentioned in vs. 11.

But it is very possible that the Wise Men gave the young family the many wagons and carts, and the different types of animals, donkeys, camels, horses, and oxen to pull the wagons and the carts or to carry the heavy loads upon their backs.

But most importantly, the Wise Men may have provided special guards to protect and to help the young family during their long journey to Egypt and also while they were living in Egypt.

And finally, when they would leave from Egypt to go back home to Nazareth.

Because if we think about it, the Wise Men themselves, would no longer needed the guards who were with them to protect them back when they were traveling with all those items that they had when they had arrived in Jerusalem and in Bethlehem.

Now, in Matthew 2: 12-15, Joseph and Mary and the baby Jesus must flee or escape into Egypt as fugitives, because of a hostile threat revealed by an angel unto Joseph.

Now, see Matthew 2:

12 And then being divinely warned in a dream that (They) the Wise Men should not return back to Herod, instead the Wise Men departed for their own country a different way, bypassing Jerusalem where Herod stayed.

13 Now when (they) the Wise Men had departed behold an angel of The Lord appeared unto Joseph in a dream, saying arise and take the young Child and His mother flee to Egypt and stay there until I bring you word that it is safe, because Herod will seek the young Child to kill Him.

14 When Joseph arose he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt (Stop there)

Interestingly, the land of Egypt which had once been a place of bondage and a place of oppression, now becomes a haven. It now becomes a home. It now becomes a hiding place.

It now becomes a refuge for the little family escaping from imminent danger.

(Note) Mention some things about Egypt as a destination. From Bethlehem to the border of Egypt is approximately 75 miles. And then you add another 100 miles in order to travel to the upper Nile region of Egypt perhaps to the city of Alexandria, then this would have taken weeks.

(Note) Also, mention something about the mythology surrounding young Jesus, while staying in Egypt, the young Jesus was heavily influence by the Egyptian magicians and sorcerer.  And this is how the young Jesus learn to heal and to do miracles returning to his own country and by means of those powers proclaimed himself a god! 

In fact, there is a book called the Gospel of the infancy of our Lord. It’s a spurious or a phony work, like many phony books that grew up in early times. But it says that wherever the little child walked, idols automatically fell apart.

It says that Jesus, when he was just very little in Egypt, ran across an Egyptian priest who had a three-year-old possessed of demons, and Jesus took a piece of his swaddling clothes this time he was still crawling and put the swaddling clothes on the head of this demon-possessed three-year-old and it was instantly delivered.

And anywhere Mary went those who looked upon her were healed. And anywhere the young Messiah went robbers fled into the desert. And all manner of diseases were healed wherever he went.  

Now, notice Matthew 2:*15 and Joseph the young Jesus and His mother Mary were there until the death of Herod, •That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son!”

But why Egypt? For there were other cities and countries nearby the young family could have went to instead of Egypt!  And the answer is, because this was a fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy regarding the origin of the Messiah.

See Hosea 11:1 for it says, “When Israel was a child then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.”

Now, this is the second major Old Testament prophecy being fulfilled by Jesus, according to Matthew Chapter 2, regarding the credentials of The Messiah’s origin that should be considered.  And by the way, the first major Old Testament prophecy being fulfilled by Jesus according to Matthew Chapter 2, regarding the credentials of The Messiah’s origin that should be considered.

It is in Matthew 2:

5. So, the religious leaders said unto king Herod, in Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 

6. But you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are you not the least among the rulers of Judah; 

Yet, out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people, Israel. (Stop there)

Now, back to Matthew 2.

Now, in Matthew 2:16-18, the Scriptures reveal a murderous rampage, an evil massacre brought against many male children from infancy unto 2 years of age which was ordered by a wicked Ruler who felt threatened that his kingship was coming to an end.

Now, notice Matthew 2:

16 Then Herod when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, Herod was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children according to NKJV who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under according to the time which Herod was told by the Wise Men.

17 Then it was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet saying:

18 A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted because they are no more. (Stop there)

Now, this is the third major Old Testament prophecy being fulfilled by Jesus according to Matthew Chapter 2, regarding the credentials of The Messiah’s origin that should be considered.

 See later, Jeremiah 31:

15. Thus says the Lord: A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted for her children because they are no more. 

16. Thus says the Lord: Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; For your work shall be rewarded, says the Lord, And they shall come back from the land of the enemy. 

17. There is hope in your future, says the Lord that your children shall come back to their own border.

 Now, see Exodus 1:

15 Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of one was Shiphrah and the name of the other Puah;

16 And Pharaoh said, When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstools, if it is a son then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter then she shall live.

17 But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them but  saved the male children alive.

22 Also, Pharaoh commanded all his people saying, Every son who is born you shall cast into the river and every daughter you shall save alive. (Stop here)

And remember Exodus 20: 13. You shall not murder.

Now, see the Gospel of John 8:44. Jesus is speaking, You are of your father the devil and the desires of your father you want to do!  *He was a murderer from the beginning, and he does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for or because he is a liar and the other father of it.

Now, back to Matthew 2.

And lastly, here in Matthew 2: 19-23, after some time has passed, Joseph and Mary and the baby Jesus are now able to return back to Israel where this couple had started from there in Nazareth.  

19 Now when Herod was dead, behold an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, (Stop Here)

 Say something briefly about the death of King Herod the first historically, we know that in BC 4 after a long and excruciating illness, that Herod the Great died!

 We know that Herod died in 4 BC, which means that Jesus must have been born before 4 BC. 

It is normally assumed that Jesus was born in 1 BC (or perhaps 0 BC or AD 1), but these dates were assigned at least nine centuries later, and there were some errors in the calculations. 

So, Jesus was born some time before 4 BC, and we do not know how much time passed between Joseph’s taking his family to safety in Egypt and Herod’s death.

Also, upon Herod’s death, A few surviving sons of Herod were appointed to ruler in his place.

And this son Archelaus was ruling in Judea in place of his father Herod.

Now, see Matthew 2: 

20 Now, the Angel said, Arise take the young Child and His mother and go to the land of Israel,

for those who sought the young Child's life they are dead!"

21 Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.

22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in another dream Joseph when into the region of Galilee.

23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

 Now, this is the fourth and final major Old Testament Prophecy being fulfilled by Jesus according to Matthew Chapter 2, regarding the credentials of The Messiah’s origin that should be considered. Especially, Matthew 2:23. And He came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene!

Sermon Notes For 3-6-24 Part 1

From The Gospel of Matthew 3: 1-12, The Introduction, About John The Baptizer Who Was The Forerunner Of The Messiah, The One Who Is King of kings And Lord of lords!

Turn to the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 3.

Now, today we are going to begin Matthew Chapter 3, which is a brief chapter only 17 verses.

But also, in my opinion, Matthew 4: 1-25, should be read and studied Along with Matthew Chapter 3, back-to-back.  Matthew Chapter 3, and then Matthew Chapter 4 they go together. 

Now, as an Outline, we can divide Matthew Chapter 3 into two parts.

For example, Matthew 3: 1-12, is all about John the Baptizer who was the forerunner of The Messiah, the One who is King of kings and Lord of lords!

And therefore, we will see how and why The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Matthew to clarify the role of John the Baptist as a Prophet unto the Nation of Israel at that time.

Now, then in vs. 13-17, is the beginning of the two-part authentication process that The Messiah King. The Lord Jesus had to experience before His earthly ministry could begin.

Now, notice Matthew 3:1. In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, (Let’s stop here)

Now, let’s remember that The Gospel of Matthew is one of the 3 Gospels which makes up

what is called, “The Synoptic Gospels.”  And remember the word “Synoptic” simply means, a “synopsis” or a brief summary of a matter or a story.

Listen, these 3 Gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke are not a chronological history of events, 

but instead, by the leadership of The Holy Spirit, they are designed to point out significant matters, important Spiritual Truths. And most of all, they focus upon The Lord Jesus, Christ, *Who is! *What He has done! *And what He will do some day.

And interestingly, the Apostle Matthew in his Gospel account is led by The Holy Spirit to fast- forward to a different period of time in which Matthew presents John the Baptist or Baptizer who is no longer baby but is an adult who is fulfilling God’s purpose and plan for his life.

Also, and most importantly here, in Matthew Chapter 3, the Apostle Matthew leap frogs, he just jumps right over what happened and what occurred after Jesus has a baby return with his parents to Nazareth.

Turn to Matthew  Chapter 2.

Now, notice Matthew 2:23. And (He) the baby Jesus came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth,

so that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

(Stop there.)

So, for the next several minutes lets go back within the help of the Scriptures, so that we can piece together as best as we can a chronological understanding based upon the Scriptures regarding the human development, and the normal as best as we can, human life that The Lord Jesus experienced after His birth until His Messiah Kingship Ministry would begin.

Now, turn to The Gospel of Luke: 2.

Now, notice Luke 2:40. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.  (Note) this family has been back in Nazareth for some years now, and Jesus has grown from a baby into His preteen years.

How do we know this?

Now, at this point I will be reading from a paraphrase of The Gospel of Luke 2: 41-52.

Now, notice Luke 2:

41 When (His) Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem every year to The Feast of The Passover.

(Note) in 2024 Passover is in 4-22 thru 4-30.

42 And when (He) young Jesus (twelve years old), they went up together to Jerusalem

according to the custom of the feast.

43 When they had completed their time there, as they were returned the young Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem, However, Joseph and His mother did not know this.

44 And they supposed that the young Jesus was with their group having traveled a day's journey, they sought for Him among their relatives and friends.

45 So, when they did not find Him they returned quickly to Jerusalem to find Him.

46 And so it was that after three days they found the young Jesus in the temple area, sitting in the midst of the teachers or the rabbis, both listening unto them and asking them questions.

47 And all who heard the young Jesus were astonished at His understanding and answers, because of his young age, 12 years old.

48 And when His parents saw Him, they were shocked; and His mother said unto Him, *Son why have You done this to us? *Look, Your father and I have sought for You having great distress and fear!

*49 But young Jesus said unto his parents, Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?

50 But His parents did not understand this comment which He spoke to them.

51 But (He) the young Jesus went back with them and came unto Nazareth and was obedient unto them. However, His mother kept all these things in her heart.

*52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men. (Stop there.)

Now, if we would fast-forward through our Lord’s teen years and for most of His 20s, His life remained normal and natural like anyone else who lived at that time in history. In fact, I believe this may have been the period of time in which His adopted Father Joseph had passed away.

Therefore, Mary, Jesus’ Mother was a widow with quite a few children of various ages.        And Jesus being the oldest He took on the responsibility of providing for His family as a local carpenter in Nazareth and the surrounding villages.

Now, let’s notice Luke 3:

21 When all the people were being baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized. And while Jesus prayed the Heavens or skies open up.

22 And The Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Jesus, and a voice came from heaven which said, You are My beloved Son in You I am well pleased.

*23 Now, Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) He was the adopted son of Joseph, the son of Heli. (Stop there)

Now, back to Matthew 3. (Check your time.)

Now, let’s continue to see how and why The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Matthew to clarify the role of John the Baptist as a Prophet unto the Nation of Israel at that time.

Now, notice Matthew 3:

1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 

2 and he said, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!

3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight. (Stop here)

(Question) Who is John the Baptist or Baptizer?

Turn to Gospel of Luke Chapter 1.

Now, let’s notice Luke 1:

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zacharias, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

12 And when Zacharias saw the Angel he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.

16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.

17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

57 Now Elizabeth's full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son.

58 When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias.

60 His mother answered and said, "No; he shall be called John."

61 But they said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name."

62 So they made signs to his father what he would have him called.

63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, His name is John. So they all marveled.

64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.

65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea.

66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, What kind of child will this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him.

*80 So the child John grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the deserts until the day of his manifestation or his appearing unto the Nation of Israel. (Stop there.)

So then, Jesus and John the Baptist were 2nd cousins.  For the scripture do say that the Lord Jesus and John the Baptist are related.  For their mothers, Mary and Elizabeth were cousins making Jesus and John the Baptist second cousins.

Now, see Luke 1: 36.

”Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.

Sermon Note For 3-13-24 Part 2                                                                                            From The Gospel Of Matthew 3: 1-12, A Close-Up Look At John The Baptizer, A Forgotten Spiritual Hero Who Was The Forerunner Of Messiah/King The Lord Jesus Christ, Who Is King of kings And Lord of lords!

Turn to the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 3.

And let’s continue to see how and why the holy spirit led the Apostle Matthew to clarify and magnify the special role of John the Baptist as a Prophet unto The Nation of Israel at that time.  But most importantly, John was selected by God to be the forerunner of Messiah/King the Lord Jesus Christ.

And you might recall, last Wednesday that I highly recommended that you would do your own personal Bible, study and research about John the Baptizer before we came together for Bible study today.

So, how many of you were able to look into some things I know I didn’t hear from anyone about what you were learning or if you needed help with your studies

Now, notice Matthew 3:

1 In those days John The Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 

2 And he said Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!

3  For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight. (Stop here)

Now, notice again Matthew 3:1A In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea. (Stop there

Now, see the words “In those days. (Question) What days or period-of-time is the Apostle Matthew referring to?

Well, let’s turn to The Gospel of Luke 3, so that we can see those days or that period of time that Matthew is referring to, because Spiritually and historically things have really changed from Matthew Chapter 2 to now, Matthew Chapter 3.  Show you what I mean!

Now, notice Luke 3:

1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of *Tiberius Caesar, *As Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, *Herod being the tetrarch of Galilee, i.e. (Herod Antipas), *and his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, *and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,

2 and while both *Annas and *Caiaphas were the high priests. Then came the word of God unto John the son of Zacharias, who was in the wilderness.

3 And (he) John went into all the region around the Jordan River, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, (from Isaiah 40: 1-5) saying: The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.

5 Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight And the rough ways smooth;

6 And all flesh shall See the salvation of God.

Now, back to Matthew 3.

Now, Notice Matthew 3:1 In those days John The Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, (Question) Who Is John The Baptist Or Baptizer?

First, The name (John) Yohannan Yo-han-nan, in Hebrew means, God, Jehovah is gracious. 

Or  (John) Yohannan in Hebrew can mean, God, Jehovah graciously gave. 

Or (John) Yohannan in Hebrew mean, God’s, Jehovah’s gracious gift!

Also, the title that John Boer “the Baptist” or “Baptizer” implies the one who officiated over the ritual cleansing of an individual who was now willing to *Dedicate themselves. Consecrate themselves and commit themselves, by means of water baptism. 

(Question) Who is John the Baptist or Baptizer?  John the Baptizer, is a forgotten Spiritual Hero by many! (Explains)

Now, notice Matthew 3:

3 For this is (he) John who was spoken of or about by the prophet Isaiah saying: The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; Make (His) King Messiah paths straight.

4 And John himself was clothed in camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. (Stop there)

Now, notice 2 Kings 1:

1 Moab rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab.

2 Now, Ahaziah fell through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria, and was injured; so he sent messengers and said to them, "Go, inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this injury."

3 But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, "Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say to them, 'Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?'

4 Now therefore, thus says the Lord: 'You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die. So Elijah departed.

5 And when the messengers returned to him, he said to them, "Why have you come back?

6 So they said to him, a man came up to meet us, and said to us, 'Go, return to the king who sent you, and say to him, Thus says the Lord: Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore, you shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.

7 Then the king of Samaria said to them, What kind of man was it who came up to meet you and told you these words?

8 So they answered him, A hairy man wearing a leather belt around his waist, and the king of Samaria said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.

(Question) Who is John the Baptist or Baptizer?

Well, Notice Malachi 4:

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.

Now, notice the Gospel of Luke 1:

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zacharias, who was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 

(Note) And according to Verse 19 we know who this angel was, the angel Gabriel.

12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

13 But Gabriel said unto Zacharias, Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

15 For John will be great in the sight of the Lord and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. 

He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.

16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.

17 John will also go before the Messiah in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. To make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

67 Now, John’s father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and Prophesied, saying:

76 And you child, will be called The Prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,

77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins,

78 Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;

79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

80 So, the child John grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts or wilderness until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

(Question) Who is John the Baptist or Baptizer?

Well, notice the Gospel of John 1:

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all through him might believe.

8 He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of that light.

9 That was the true light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.

11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, This was He of whom I said He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.

Now, notice the Gospel of John 1:

19 Now, this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you?

20 He confessed and did not deny but confessed I am not the Christ.

21 And they asked him, What then? Are you Elijah? He said I am not! Are you the Prophet? And he answered, "No."

22 Then they said to him, "Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?

23 He said: I am 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said.

24 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees.

25 And they asked him, saying, Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?

26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know.

27 It is He who, coming after me is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.

28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

30 This is He of whom I said, 'After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.

31 I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.

32 And John bore witness, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.

33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.

34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.

35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples.

36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!

37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, What do you seek? They said to Him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), where are You staying?

39 He said to them, Come and see. They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).

40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, We have found the Messiah (which is translated, the Christ).

42 And he brought him to Jesus. Now, when Jesus looked at him He said, You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas (which is translated, a Stone).

(Question) Who is John The Baptist or Baptizer?

Well, notice The Gospel of John 3:

23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized.

24 For John had not yet been thrown into prison.

25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purification.

26 And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!"

27 John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.

28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before Him.

29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore, this joy of mine is fulfilled.

30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

31 He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.

34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.

Sermon Notes For 3-20-24  Part 3

From The Gospel of Matthew 3: 1-12, A Close-Up Look At John The Baptizer, A Forgotten Spiritual Hero Who Was The Forerunner Of Messiah/King The Lord Jesus Christ, Who Is King of kings And Lord of lords!

Turn to The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 3.

And let’s continue to see how and why The Holy Spirit Led the Apostle Matthew to clarify and magnify the special role of John the Baptist as a Prophet unto the Nation of Israel at that time.  But most importantly, John was selected by God to be the forerunner of Messiah/King The Lord Jesus Christ.

Now, notice Matthew 3:1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, (Stop there)

Now, notice the English word “preaching.” The word “preaching” from the Greek language of the New Testament is very helpful.  A Strong's Definition: the Greek word, κηρύσσω, kērýssō, kay-roos'-so; gives us several different meanings that we should consider.

First to be a Herald, that is one who declares a message, or who is announcing the arrival or the visitation of someone who is very special.

Next to be a Forerunner.  One who ran ahead to prepare the way for a leader or a king before they begin  their journey or an expedition especially through a barren and unfrequented or inhospitable country. 

Now, The Forerunner or Forerunners or Harbingers could be responsible for making bridges or find fording places over the streams to mark and improve the route. To level hills, and construct causeways over valleys, or fill them up; and to make a way through the forest which might lie in their intended line of marchAnd lastly, to urgently communicate, or preach unto those whom the leader or the king was coming to see or to be with.

Now back to Matthew 3:2 And John said, Repent, for or because the kingdom of heaven is at hand!  Note: What is the difference between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven?

While some believe that the Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven are referring to different things, it is clear that both phrases are referring to the same thing.

The phrase “kingdom of God” occurs 68 times in 10 different New Testament books, while “kingdom of heaven” occurs only 32 times, and only in the Gospel of Matthew. Based on Matthew’s exclusive use of the phrase and the Jewish nature of his Gospel, some interpreters have concluded that Matthew was writing concerning the millennial kingdom while the other New Testament authors were referring to the universal kingdom. 

However, a closer study of the use of the phrase reveals that this interpretation is in error.

For example, speaking to the rich young ruler, Christ uses “kingdom of heaven” and “kingdom of God” interchangeably. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 19:23). In the very next verse, Christ proclaims, “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (verse 24). Jesus makes no distinction between the two terms but seems to consider them synonymous.

Mark and Luke used “kingdom of God” where Matthew used “kingdom of heaven” frequently in parallel accounts of the same parable. Compare Matthew 11:11-12 with Luke 7:28; Matthew 13:11with Mark 4:11 and Luke 8:10; Matthew 13:24 with Mark 4:26; Matthew 13:31 with Mark 4:30 and Luke 13:18; Matthew 13:33 with Luke 13:20; Matthew 18:3 with Mark 10:14 and Luke 18:16; and Matthew 22:2 with Luke 13:29. In each instance, Matthew used the phrase “kingdom of heaven” while Mark and/or Luke used “kingdom of God.” Clearly the two phrases refer to the same thing.

Now, notice Matthew 3:3 For this is (he) John who was spoken of or about by the prophet Isaiah or Esaias which is spelled differently in only the KJV.  (Check out Isaiah 40: 3&4 to know for sure).

Now, notice again Matthew 3: 3B, Saying, The voice of One crying in the wilderness:

Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight. 

Now, Matthew 3: 4, last week we have already saw and talked about

Now, notice again one more time Matthew 3A:1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, (Stop there) “In Those Days!”  Now, turn to The Gospel of Luke 3, so, that we can see something about those days or that period of time that Matthew is referring to, because spiritually and historically things have really changed from Matthew Chapter 2 to now Matthew Chapter 3, especially spiritually, for it had gone from bad to worse.  Show you what I mean!

Now, notice Luke 3:

1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of *Tiberius Caesar, *As Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, *Herod being the tetrarch of Galilee, i.e. (Herod Antipas), *And his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis. *And Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,

2 and while both *Annas and *Caiaphas were the high priest(s). Then came the word of God unto John the son of Zacharias, who was in the wilderness.

3 And (he) John went into all the region around the Jordan River, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Now, notice again Luke 3:2. And while both Annas and Caiaphas were the High or Chief priest(s) (Stop thereThe religious structure of the nation of Israel at this time was primarily governed by these Groups. •The Scribes and The Pharisees. •The Sadducees. •And Finally, The Sanhedrin, A 70- member group, also known as, The Elders over the nation of Israel at that time, which was made up of both Sadducees and Pharisees along with Annas and Caiaphas, both of them acting as the Chief or High Priest of Israel.

Here is an article that would help explain what are the differences between the Sadducees and Pharisees?

The Gospels refer often to the Sadducees and Pharisees, as Jesus was in almost constant conflict with them. The Sadducees and Pharisees comprised the ruling class of Jews in Israel. There are some similarities between the two groups but important differences between them as well.

The Pharisees and the Sadducees were both religious sects within Judaism during the time of Christ. Both groups honored Moses and the Law and they both had a measure of political power. The Sanhedrin, the 70-member supreme court of ancient Israel, had members from both the Sadducees and the Pharisees.

The differences between the Pharisees and the Sadducees are known to us through a couple of passages of Scripture and through the extant writings of the Pharisees. Religiously, the Sadducees were more conservative in one doctrinal area: they insisted on a literal interpretation of the text of Scripture; the Pharisees, on the other hand, gave oral tradition equal authority to the written Word of God.  If the Sadducees couldn’t find a command in the Tanakh, they dismissed it as manmade.

Given the Pharisees’ and the Sadducees’ differing view of Scripture, it’s no surprise that they argued over certain doctrines. The Sadducees rejected a belief in the resurrection of the dead (Matthew 22:23; Mark 12:18–27; Acts 23:8), but the Pharisees did believe in the resurrection. The Sadducees denied the afterlife, holding that the soul perished at death, but the Pharisees believed in an afterlife and in an appropriate reward and punishment for individuals. The Sadducees rejected the idea of an unseen, spiritual world, but the Pharisees taught the existence of angels and demons in a spiritual realm.

The apostle Paul shrewdly used the theological differences between the Pharisees and the Sadducees to escape their clutches. Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem and was making his defense before the Sanhedrin. Knowing that some of the court were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, Paul called out, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead” (Acts 23:6). Paul’s mention of the resurrection precipitated a dispute between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, dividing the assembly, and causing a great uproar (verse 9).  The Roman commander who watched the proceedings sent troops into the melee to rescue Paul from their violence (verse 10).

Socially, the Sadducees were more elitist and aristocratic than the Pharisees. Sadducees tended to be wealthy and to hold more powerful positions. The chief priests and high priest were Sadducees, and they held the majority of seats in the Sanhedrin. The Pharisees were more representative of the common working people and had the respect of the masses. The Sadducees’ locus of power was the temple in Jerusalem; the Pharisees controlled the synagogues. The Sadducees were friendlier with Rome and more accommodating to the Roman laws than the Pharisees were. The Pharisees often resisted Hellenization, but the Sadducees welcomed it.

Jesus had more run-ins with the Pharisees than with the Sadducees, probably because of the former’s giving preeminence to oral tradition. “You ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition,” Jesus told them (Mark 7:8, NLT; see also Matthew 9:14; 15:1–9; 23:5, 16, 23, Mark 7:1–23; and Luke 11:42). Because the Sadducees were often more concerned with politics than religion, they ignored Jesus until they began to fear He might bring unwanted Roman attention and upset the status quo. It was at that point that the Sadducees and Pharisees set aside their differences, united, and conspired to put Christ to death (John 11:48–50; Mark 14:53; 15:1).

The Sadducees as a group ceased to exist after the destruction of Jerusalem, but the Pharisees’ legacy lived on. In fact, the Pharisees were responsible for the compilation of the Mishnah, an important document with reference to the continuation of Judaism beyond the destruction of the temple. In this way the Pharisees laid the groundwork for modern-day Rabbinic Judaism. •The Pharisees of that day during the times of the Gospels and The Book of Act and some of The Epistles Writings of Paul.  Read the entire 23rd chapter of the gospel Matthew, as our Lord Jesus exposes, the scribes and the Pharisees of that day.

•The Sadducees of that day during the times of the Gospels and The Book of Act and some of The Epistles Writings of Paul.  See Acts 23: 8 And Matthew 22: 23.

(Note) The Sadducees were officially over the temple bizarre around the temple grounds that became a mockery and a corrupt system in the eyes of God.

And therefore, when Jesus, on two different occasions came to the temple area He passionately throughout those who were using the temple wrongly. 

The first time this happened is seen in The Gospel of John 2: 14-16.

And then the last time this happens is seen in The Gospel of Matthew 21: 12&13.

•And finally, so how spiritually corrupted had things become especially among the religious leaders of Jesus’ Days?

See The Gospel of John 19:

14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And (he) Pilate said unto the Jews or the Jewish leaders, Behold your King!

15 But (they) the Jewish leaders cried out, Away with Him, away with Him, Crucify Him!

And Pilate said unto them, shall I crucify your King? And the chief or high priests answered,

We have no king but Caesar!

Now, back to Matthew 3.

However, by the Grace of Almighty God, a divine revival and awakening began in and around Jerusalem and all of Judea and all the region around the Jordan River area.

Show you what I mean, now notice Matthew 3: 

5 Then from Jerusalem all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to (him), John

6 And they were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

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

8 Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance,

9 and do not think to say to yourselves, We have Abraham as our father. For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.

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.

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.

Now, also see The Gospel of Luke 3:

7 Then (he) John said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, Brood of vipers!

Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

8 Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, We have Abraham as our father. For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.

9 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.

10 So, the people asked him saying, What shall we do then?

11 John answered and said to them, He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.

12 Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to John, Teacher, what shall we do?

13 And he said to them, Collect no more than what is appointed for you.

14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, And what shall we do? So, he said to them, Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.

15 Now, as the people had expectation, and many reasoned in their hearts about John whether he was The Christ or not.

16 But John answered saying unto all, I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming or is here whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

17 And His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.

18 And with many other exhortations John preached unto the people.

Sermon Notes For 3-27-24  Part 1.

 From The Gospel of Matthew 3: 13-17, Is (Part One) of The Authentication Process That The Messiah King. The Lord Jesus Had To Experience Before His Earthly Ministry Could Begin.

Now, let’s turn to The Gospel of Matthew 3: 

Now, today with God’s help, we are going to begin here in Matthew 3: 13-17, which is the second half of Matthew Chapter 3.

For this portion of The Gospel of Matthew 3:13-17 is the beginning of the 2-part authentication process that The Messiah King, The Lord Jesus must experience before His earthly ministry can begin.

(Note) the English word “Authentication,” can mean, the process or action of proving or showing something or someone is authentic, genuine, real, or valid.

Now, turn to The Gospel of Matthew 4:

Now, here in Matthew 4: 1-11, this would be the second part of the authentication process that The Messiah King.  The Lord Jesus had to experience before His earthly ministry could begin.

Now, back to The Gospel of Matthew.

So, let’s begin here in Matthew 3: 13-17, which again is the first part of the authentication process that The Messiah King, The Lord Jesus must experience before His earthly ministry can begin.

Show you what I mean, notice Matthew 3:13. Then Jesus came from Galilee which is a district or a county area in Northern Israel. And by the way, one of the villages in this district or county area would have been Nazareth. 

Now also, see The Gospel of Mark 1: 9. “It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.”

Now, let’s go back 18 years before the baptism of Jesus to understand how his life was so different then.

Now, see The Gospel of Matthew 13:

54 And when Jesus had come to His own country or hometown, He taught them in their synagogue so that they were astonished and said, Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?

55 Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?

56 And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things? (Stop There)

Now, back to Matthew 3.

Now, notice again Matthew 3: 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee unto John the Baptizer at the Jordan or the Jordan River. 

(Note) The Jordan River or the River or Jordan is approximately 156 miles long. Now, the Jordan River begins at the southern part of the Sea of Galilee, which is also known as The Sea of Tiberius in The Gospel of John 21: 1.  Now, The Sea of Galilee is actually a freshwater lake in Northern Israel.

Now again, the Jordan River begins at the southern part of the Sea of Galilee and it travels southward some 156 miles and then it empties into the Dead Sea which is in the Southern part of Israel, not too far from Jerusalem.

Now, notice again Matthew 3:13. Then Jesus came from Galilee unto John the Baptizer at

the Jordan or the Jordan River, at the Judea Part, perhaps around the Northern Part of the Dead Sea and the Qumran Valley Wilderness area.

(Note) have you ever heard of The Dead Sea Scrolls?  The Dead Sea Scrolls are a set of ancient Jewish manuscripts from the Second Temple period.  They were discovered over a period of 10 years, between 1946 and 1956, at the Qumran Caves, near Ein Feshkha in the West Bank, on the northern shore of the Dead Sea.  The manuscripts dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE. The Dead Sea Scrolls are considered to be a keystone in the history of archaeology with great historical, religious, and linguistic significance because they include the oldest surviving manuscripts of entire books later included in the biblical canons, along with extra-biblical and deuterocanonical manuscripts that preserve evidence of the diversity of religious thought in late Second Temple Judaism. 

Now, notice again Matthew 3:13. Then Jesus came from Galilee unto John Baptizer at the Jordan or the Jordan River, at the Judea Part, perhaps around the Northern Part of the Dead Sea and the Qumran Valley Wilderness Area.

See again Matthew 3:1, In those days came John the Baptizer came preaching in the wilderness of Judæa, perhaps around the Northern Part of the Dead Sea and the Qumran Valley wilderness area.  (Note) this will be the same area coming up later, were our Lord Jesus Christ will be tested in the wilderness 40 days and 40 nights

Now, see Matthew 4:

1.  Then was Jesus led up of The Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 

2.  And when Jesus had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward very hungry, the early stages of starvation.Now, back to Matthew 3.

Now, notice again Matthew 3:13. Then Jesus came from Galilee (the Village of Nazareth) unto John Baptizer at the Jordan river, (the Judean area) to be baptized by John. (Stop here)

Now, in all 4 Gospels of The New Testament, they recognize this unique and unusual event.

And I’m sure you have seen it and have read it in the past, but I wonder how many of you have really taken a good look and have studied the significance of what’s being revealed unto us here in the Scriptures.

Because for some this is one of the most controversial and misunderstood parts regarding the life of Jesus Christ. Now, explain some important things about this matter.

Believe it or not, but after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, there was a group of individuals

in the early days of the Church during The New Testament times who were called, the Gnostics. Now, one of the many false things that they taught and believed was that Jesus was just a man and not God! But they said what made Jesus so special was because of His baptism.  And it was at that point he got incarnated with what they called the divine spirit!

Because up until His baptism Jesus was just an average normal human being who was sinful like other people were. But at His baptism, He was incarnated by the divine spirit a.k.a. the Logos, “The Christ-spirit!”

Then the Gnostics taught this is why Jesus needed to be baptized to receive His purification in order to receive, “The Christ-spirit!” Therefore, for Jesus His baptism was a cleansing. For Jesus His Baptism was a preparatory act, so, that He could be incarnated with “The Christ-spirit”! However, before his crucifixion the so-called, “Christ-spirit,” departed from him. And when he died, He died just as a man, but his disciple stole away his body from the tomb and claimed that he was resurrected from the dead!

Now, another area of contention for some is the fact that Jesus was baptized by John, whose baptism we know was for Sinners at that time, but no longer true Since Christ death upon the cross.  But for those living during the time of John the baptizer, who wanted to change and get right with God. They came to John at the Jordan River, ready to repent. Honestly Confessing their sins. And then, openly be baptized to express their desire for spiritual change and transformation to be ongoing by the power of God.

Now, let’s see again Matthew 3:

1 In those days, John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,

2 And saying, Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand!

5 Then Jerusalem all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out unto John.

6 And were baptized by John in the Jordan confessing their sins. (Stop there)

And therefore, for some, the fact that Jesus was baptized by John, whose baptism was to be for sinners only at that time, but no longer true now. 

But still, the question is, why is Jesus doing this?

For Jesus was sinless and had no need of repentance or confess any sin. See Hebrews 4: 15

For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; But was in all points was tempted like as we are, yet without sin or sinning.

 Now, God's help, let’s see if we can understand the origin of Baptism.  Listen, Although “Baptism” was used by John the Baptist, “Baptism” itself did not originate with John.

The Jewish people of The Old Testament. practiced Baptism as a traditional act of purification and the initiation of converts into Judaism long before the coming of John.

The origins of baptism can be found during the times Moses, for example in the book of Leviticus where the Levite priests were commanded to perform a symbolic cleansing in water before and after performing their priestly duties. (Leviticus 16: 4) tells us that the priest is to put on the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments next to his body; he is to tie the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are sacred garments; so he must bathe himself with water before he puts them on.”

Also, in Leviticus 16: 23-24, Aaron the High Priest was to go into the Tent of Meeting and take off the linen garments he put on before he entered the Most Holy Place, and he is to leave them there. He shall bathe himself with water in a holy place and put on his regular garments. Then he shall come out and sacrifice the burnt offering for himself and the burnt offering for the people, to make atonement for himself and for the people.

(Note) Although the act described in Leviticus 16: 4, Leviticus 16: 23-24 does not use the word “Baptism.” But Leviticus 16: 4, Leviticus 16: 23-24 still highlights how important ceremonial practical cleansing was unto God.

So then, why was Jesus baptized?  For Even John the baptizer was taken aback at Jesus’ coming to him. John recognized his own sin and was aware that he a sinful man in need of repentance himself, and was totally unfit to baptize the spotless Lamb of God: For John Said, I need to be baptized by you, and you are coming to me? (Matthew 3:14). 

Now, there a few unique reasons why it was fitting for John to baptize Jesus at the start of Jesus’ public ministry.

First, Jesus was about to embark on His great work and mission, so it was appropriate that Jesus be recognized publicly by His forerunner John.  For John was the voice crying in the wilderness prophesied by Isaiah, calling people to repentance in preparation for their Messiah (Isaiah 40:3). 

By baptizing Jesus, John was declaring to all that here was the One they had been waiting for, the Son of God, the One he had predicted would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire,  (Matthew 3:11).  (Note) Jesus’ baptism by John takes on an added dimension when we consider that John was of the tribe of Levi and a direct descendant of Aaron. 

In Luke’s Gospel He specifies that both of John’s parents were of the Aaronic priestly line (Luke 1:5). One of the duties of the priests in the Old Testament was to present the sacrifices before the Lord. 

Therefore, John the Baptist’s baptism of Jesus could be seen as a priestly presentation of the Ultimate Sacrifice.  In fact, John’s words the day before the baptism of Jesus has a priestly sound to it: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”! (John 1:29).

Now, the second reason Jesus’ baptism also showed that He identified with sinners.  His baptism symbolized the sinners baptism into the righteousness of Christ, dying with Him and rising free from sin and able to walk in the newness of life. His perfect righteousness would fulfill all the requirements of the Law for sinners who could never hope to do so on their own. 

When John hesitated to baptize the sinless Son of God, Jesus replied that it was proper to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15).  By this He alluded to the righteousness that He provides to all who come to Him to exchange their sin for His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). 

Now, the third reason why Jesus’ came to John was to show His approval of John's baptism,

by bearing witness to it that it was from heaven and approved by God. This would be important in the future when others would begin to doubt John’s authority, particularly after his arrest by Herod (Matthew 14: 3-11).

Now, the fourth and final reason maybe the most important reason for this unique occasion that was recorded for all future generations, for we have the perfect embodiment of the triune God revealed on Earth.

The testimony directly from heaven of the Father’s pleasure with the Son and the descending of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus (Matthew 3:16-17) is a beautiful picture of the trinitarian nature of God. It also depicts the work of the Father, Son, and Spirit in the salvation of those Jesus came to save. The Father loves the elect from before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4); 

Then He sends His Son to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10); and then the Spirit convicts of sin (John 16:8) and draws the believer to the Father through the Son. 

All the glorious truth of the mercy of God through Jesus Christ is on display at His baptism.

 Sermon Notes For 4-3-24 Part 2. From The Gospel Of Matthew 3: 13-17, The Authentication Process That The Messiah King. The Lord Jesus Had To Experience Before His Earthly Ministry Could Begin.

Now, let’s turn to The Gospel of Matthew 3: 

Now today, let’s finish up this portion The Gospel of Matthew 3: 13-17. 

Now, remember this portion of The Gospel of Matthew 3: 13-17 Is The Beginning of The (2 Part) Authentication Process That The Messiah King, The Lord Jesus Must Experience Before His Earthly Ministry Can Begin.

(Note) the English word “Authentication,” can mean, the process or action of proving or showing something or someone is authentic, genuine, real, or valid.

Now. Notice Matthew 3:13. Then Jesus came from Galilee unto John Baptizer at the Jordan river, to be baptized by John. 

Now, let’s see The Gospel of John 1:

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and John said, Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

30 This is He of whom I said after me comes One who is preferred before me, for He was before me.

(Now, back to Matthew 3)

Now, notice Matthew 3:14.  But John tried to prevent or persuade Jesus by saying unto Him,

I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming unto me? (Stop here)

(Question), What is the importance of you and i as a committed follower of Jesus Christ

to have personally experienced water baptism as unto The Lord, since we have believed and received His Gift of Salvation?

Well, see Colossians 2:

12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses.

Now also, see Romans 6:

3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?

4 Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

And lastly, see Matthew 28: 

19. Jesus said, Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20. teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age, Amen.

Now, Believer’s baptism is one of two ordinances that Jesus instituted for the body of Christ, and the other ordinance would be the Lord’s table, or holy communion.  And therefore, for no other reason, baptism has importance because Jesus commanded it.

Now, the word “Baptism” is from the Greek word baptize, which means, •To immerse or sub-submerge in water. •Or to dip something into a liquid color dye, so that item can take on the same color characteristics. •Or to identify with another person or group, like an initiation.

Now, baptism was practiced before the founding of the church.  The Jews of ancient times would baptize proselytes to signify the converts cleansed nature. John the Baptist used baptism to prepare the way of the Lord, requiring everyone, not just Gentiles, to be baptized because everyone needs repentance. 

However, John’s baptism signifying repentance, is not the same as Christian baptism, as seen in Acts 18:24–26 and 19:1–7. Christian baptism has a deeper significance.

Baptism is to be done in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit this is what makes it “Christian” baptism.  It is through this ordinance that a person is admitted into the fellowship of the church. 

When we are saved, we are “baptized” by the Spirit into the Body of Christ, which is the church. First Corinthians 12:13 says, We were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Baptism by water is a reenactment of the baptism by the Spirit.

Christian baptism is the means by which a person makes a public profession of faith and discipleship. 

In the waters of baptism a person is saying, without saying a word, I confess faith in Christ Jesus has cleansed my soul from sin, and I now have a new life of sanctification.

Christian baptism illustrates, in dramatic style, the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. 

At the same time, it also illustrates our death to sin and new life in Christ. As the sinner confesses the Lord Jesus, he dies to sin (Romans 6:11) and is raised to a brand new life (Colossians 2:12). 

Being submerged in the water represents death to sin, and emerging from the water represents 

the cleansed, Holy life that follows salvation. Romans 6:4 puts it this way:  We were therefore, buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Very simply, baptism is an outward testimony of the inward change in a believer’s life. 

Christian baptism is an act of obedience to the Lord after salvation; although baptism is closely associated with salvation, it is not a requirement to be saved. 

The Bible shows in many places that the order of events are, 

1) a person believes in the Lord Jesus.

2) he is baptized. 

This sequence is seen in Acts 2:41, “Those who accepted Peter’s message were baptized (see also Acts 16: 14–15).

A new believer in Jesus Christ should desire to be baptized as soon as possible. In Acts 8, Philip speaks the good news about Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch, and, as they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized, verses 35&36. Right away, they stopped the chariot, and Philip baptized the man.

Baptism illustrates a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Everywhere the gospel is preached and people are drawn to faith in Christ they are to be baptized.

Now, notice Matthew 3:

14.  But John tried to prevent or persuade Jesus by saying unto Him, I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming unto me? 

15.  But Jesus answered and said unto John, Permit or allow this to happen now, for thus it is fitting or right for Us to fulfill all righteousness. Then John obeyed Jesus. (Stop there)

Now, notice again Matthew 3:15. But Jesus answered and said unto John,

*Permit or Allow this to happen now!

*Secondly, For or because it is fitting or right for Us.  Notice, Jesus did not just say it is fitting or right for Me!  But Jesus said it is fitting or right for Us, You and Me John together!

 Now, notice again Matthew 3:15B. Permit or allow this to happen now, for or because it is fitting or right for Us To Fulfill All Righteousness.  (Stop here)

So, what did Jesus mean when He said, “To fulfill all righteousness?” There were two possible reasons for Jesus to say it was time to fulfill all righteousness.

(First) the baptism confirmed Jesus as the Messiah. 

And the second reason, it confirmed John as the forerunner to the Messiah. Both Jesus and John were acting in fulfillment of prophecy.

When Jesus said it was time to fulfill all righteousness, it seemed that He understood there needed to be a formal, public connection of Jesus to John and John to Jesus.

Scripture prophesied that the Messiah would have the Spirit of God resting on Him (Isaiah 11:2) and He would be God’s Son (Isaiah 9:6; Mark 1:1). 

At Jesus’ baptism, both the Holy Spirit and the Father affirm that Jesus was the Messiah. 

The timing is significant. It was important that they made that affirmation after John baptized Jesus. 

Jesus recognized the significance of the moment even if John did not at first. 

Jesus recognized that the baptism was fitting it was time to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15), and the way for Jesus and John to do that was by this particular baptism.

Malachi had also recorded important prophecies about the Messiah and the one who would precede His coming. In one of those prophecies, God announced that His messenger would clear the path for Him, and then He would come to His temple (Malachi 3:1). 

When Jesus was baptized by John, it was a confirmation that John was that messenger, the forerunner to the Messiah.

 John’s baptism of Jesus was an affirmation that John’s ministry was in accordance with God’s revealed plan. 

 If John’s ministry was authentic, then the people should not ignore the One whom John was proclaiming: Jesus the Messiah. 

Jesus sought out John’s baptism because John was proclaiming the coming Messiah, and Jesus was that Messiah.  By associating Himself with John and John’s message, Jesus affirmed both. He also showed the world that He, Jesus, was the prophesied Messiah. 

When the Holy Spirit and the Father made themselves known at this event, it showed that Jesus was the Messiah, and it confirmed the truth of John’s message.

Jesus later explained that John was one of the witnesses to His Messiahship (John 5:33–35).When Jesus said it was time to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15), He understood it 

was time for John’s ministry to be stamped as authentic and for the Messiahship of Jesus to be affirmed by John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit, and God the Father.

Now, notice Matthew 3:

16. When Jesus had been baptized, The Lord came up immediately from the water; And behold,

The Heavens were opened upon Jesus. And John saw The Spirit of God descending or landing like a dove and came upon Jesus.

17. And suddenly a voice came from Heaven saying, *This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. (Stop here)

Now, here is a brief outline to consider as we wrap up this 3rd Chapter.

First, (In vs. 16A) The official commencement of God, The Son by means of baptism.

Secondly, (In vs. 16B) The anointing or empowerment of God, The Holy Spirit upon God The Son.

And Thirdly, (In vs. 17) The words of affirmation from God, The Father about God The Son.

Also, you will notice that all the members of The Trinity are mentioned at the same time 

the baptism of The Son, the empowerment or anointing of The Spirit. And the words 

of The Father.  This is a very important passage for instruction on the doctrine of Trinity.

And here is also another important passage to consider.

See 1st John 5: 7. For there are three that bear witness in Heaven: The Father, The Word, and The Holy Spirit; and these Three are One.

(Now, back to Matthew 3)

Now, notice Matthew 3:16A. When Jesus had been baptized, The Lord came up immediately from the water, (Stop Here)  The official commencement of God, The Son by means of baptism.

Now, notice Matthew 3: 16B. And behold, the Heavens were opened upon Jesus, and John saw The Spirit of God descending or landing like a dove and came upon Jesus. (Stop here)

Now, This is the anointing or empowerment of God, The Holy Spirit upon God The SonNow, see also, Acts 10:

37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached:

38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

Now, see The Gospel of Luke 4:

17 And Jesus was given the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when Jesus had opened the book, 

He found the place where it was written:

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty unto the captives and recovery of sight to the blind. To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

Now also, see The Book Of Isaiah 61:

1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn,

3 To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

(Now, back to Matthew 3)

Now, notice Matthew 3:17.  And suddenly a voice came from Heaven saying, *This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. (Stop here)

Now, here are the words of affirmation from God, The Father about God The Son.

Now, let’s see The Gospel of Luke 3:

21 When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; 

and while Jesus prayed, the heaven was opened.

22 And The Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, You are My beloved Son in You I am well pleased.

23 Now, Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being as was supposed the son of Joseph, the son of Heli.

And finally, see The Gospel of Mark 1:

9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

10 And immediately, coming up from the water, Jesus saw the heavens parting and The Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.                                                                                                    11 Then a voice came from heaven, You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

12 Immediately, The Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness.

13 For Jesus was there in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; But the angels ministered unto Him.

(Note) Now, our homework is to read and study Matthew 4: 1-11, for this Is Part Two 

Of The Authentication Process That The Messiah King, The Lord Jesus Had To Experience Before His Earthly Ministry Could Begin.  

Sermon Notes For 4-10-24  Part 3

From The Gospel of Matthew 4: 1-11, The Authentication Process That The Messiah King.  The Lord Jesus Had To Experience Before His Earthly Ministry Could Begin.

 Now, let’s turn to The Gospel of Matthew 4: 

Now today, lets began with this portion The Gospel of Matthew 4: 1-11. 

Now, Remember The Gospel of Matthew 3: 13-17 is the beginning of the 2-part authentication process that The Messiah King, The Lord Jesus must experience before His earthly ministry can begin.

(Note) the English word “Authentication” can mean, the process or action of proving or showing something or someone is authentic, genuine, real, or valid.

However, here in The Gospel of Matthew 4: 1-11, this is the second half of the 2-part authentication process that The Messiah King, The Lord Jesus must experience before His earthly ministry can begin.

Interestingly, all 3 of the synoptic Gospels reveals to us about this necessary test that our Lord Jesus had to go through and be victorious in.  For example, notice The Gospel of Matthew 4:   1-11.  Next, see The Gospel of Mark 1: 12&13.  And lastly, see The Gospel of Luke 4: 1-13.

Now, back to Matthew 4.

Now, notice Matthew 4:1. Then Jesus was led up by The Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (Stop here.)

Now, let’s notice again Matthew 4:1. Then Jesus was led up by The Spirit into the wilderness. (Stop here.)

Now, let’s do a quick review if you have not been with us for a while, so that this could make more sense.

Now, notice Matthew 3:

1 In those days John the Baptist or Baptizer came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,

(Note) perhaps around the northern part of the Dead Sea and the Qumran Valley wilderness area.

2 And saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!

5 Then from Jerusalem, and all of Judea and all the region around the Jordan they went out to John.

6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by 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.

Now, notice again Matthew 4:1. Then Jesus was led up by The Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (Stop here.)

Notice our English word “Tempted.” A Strong's Definition: πειράζω peirázō, pi-rad'-zo;

to try, make trial of, test:  for the purpose of ascertaining his quality, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself.  In a good sense in a bad sense, to test one maliciously, craftily to put to the proof his feelings or judgments to try or test one's faith, virtue, character, by enticement to sin to solicit to sin, to tempt of the temptations of the devil after the OT usage of God: to inflict evils upon one in order to prove his character and the steadfastness of his faith men are said to tempt God by exhibitions of distrust, as though they wished to try whether he is not justly distrusted by impious or wicked conduct to test God's justice and patience, and to challenge him, as it were to give proof of his perfections.

Now, notice again Matthew 4:1. Then Jesus was led up by The Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (Stop here.)

Notice our English word, “devil”. Another way to think about it is, “D-Evil”.  A Strong's Definition: διάβολος diábolos, dee-ab'-ol-os.  One who is prone to slander, A Slanderer,

Or one who is slanderous. A false accuser, A Calumniator, Calum-nia-tor

Now, let’s see Isaiah 14:12. How you are fallen from heaven O Lucifer, son of the morning! 

How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations!

13 For you have said in your heart: *I will ascend into heaven, *I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; *I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north;

14 *I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, *I will be like the Most-Hig

Now, see Ezekiel 28:

12 Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre. And say unto him, Thus says the Lord God, you were the seal of perfection. Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.

13 You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day that you were created.

14 You were the anointed Cherub who covers; I established you; you were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.

15 You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, until iniquity was found in you.

Now, see Ephesians 6:

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Now, see 1st Peter 5:

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

And lastly, see Revelation 12:

7 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,

8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.

9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Now, back to Matthew 4.

Now, notice again Matthew 4:

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

2 And when Jesus had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. (Stop here.)

Fasted or Fasting. Question: "Why did Jesus fast?"

Fasting is a practice found throughout Scripture. A fast in the Bible is usually a voluntary, total abstinence from food for a set time for the purpose of devoting oneself to seeking God. Fasting denies our flesh what it wants so that we can focus more clearly on strengthening our spirits.

It doesn’t seem that Jesus fasted often. In fact, His critics condemned Him for “eating and drinking” (Matthew 11:19). There is only one recorded instance in Scripture of Jesus fasting. This fast immediately followed His baptism (Matthew 3:13), which inaugurated Jesus’ public ministry. Matthew 4:1–2 says that Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to fast for forty days and nights. During that time of fasting, Jesus was repeatedly tempted by the devil. This testing time prepared Him for the three-year ministry that would change the world.

During those forty days, when Jesus’ flesh was at its weakest, He endured relentless temptation from Satan. Satan offered Him alternatives to God’s plan, compromises that would satisfy His natural desires, and attacks upon His very identity as the Son of God (Matthew 4:3). Jesus used the Word of God, not His own strength, to defeat those temptations and remain victorious over sin. He demonstrated for us that fasting can strengthen us spiritually when we use it to draw closer to God.

After Jesus’ fast, the devil left Him and “angels came and attended him (Matthew 4:11).

Luke 4:14 concludes the account of this testing time by saying Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit.

He had conquered temptation and was ready to embrace the purpose for which the Father had sent Him. He would not rely on His humanity to perform miracles, deliver the oppressed, or defeat death. Fasting was a way to declare mastery over His human nature so that He would live every moment directed by the “power of the Spirit” (Luke 10:21). He set the example for us who “are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit” (Romans 8:9). If the Son of God did not rely on His flesh to live in obedience to God, then we can’t either.

Now, what about Forty days and Forty nights?  1 Month if there is 31days and 9 days.

1 Month if there is 30 days and 10 days.

The number 40 shows up often in the Bible. Because 40 appears so often in contexts dealing with judgment or testing, many bible scholars understand it to be the number of “probation” or “trial.”

This doesn’t mean that 40 is entirely symbolic; it still has a literal meaning in Scripture. “Forty days” means “forty days,” but it does seem that God has chosen this number to help emphasize times of trouble and hardship.

Now, here are other places in the Bible were 40 Days and 40 Nights are mentioned. For example, when God destroyed the earth with water, He caused it to rain 40 days and 40 nights (Genesis 7:12).

After Moses killed the Egyptian, he fled to Midian, where he spent 40 years in the desert tending flocks (Acts 7:30).

Moses was on Mount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights (Exodus 24:18).

Moses interceded on Israel’s behalf for 40 days and 40 nights (Deuteronomy 9:18, 25).

The Law specified a maximum number of lashes a man could receive for a crime, setting the limit at 40 (Deuteronomy 25:3). 

The Israelite spies took 40 days to spy out Canaan (Numbers 13:25).

The Israelites wandered for 40 years (Deuteronomy 8:2-5). 

Before Samson’s birth, Israel served the Philistines for 40 years (Judges 13:1).

Goliath taunted Saul’s army for 40 days before David arrived to slay him (1Samuel 17:16).

When Elijah fled from Jezebel, he traveled 40 days and 40 nights to Mt. Horeb (1Kings 19:7& 8).

The number 40 also appears in the prophecies of Ezekiel (4:6; 29:11-13) and Jonah (3:4).

In the New Testament, Jesus was tempted for 40 days and 40 nights (Matthew 4:2).

There were 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension (Acts 1:3).

Now, Notice Again Matthew 4:2 And when Jesus had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. (Stop Here.)

Notice that Jesus was “hungry!” In the early stage or the second stage of “Starvation.”

*A significant Lost of weight. *Physical energy depleted.

(Question) So, how long human beings can go without food is an open question. Estimates indicate that starving people become weak in 30 to 50 days and die in 43 to 70 days. Individual factors including gender, age, starting weight, and water intake all play a role in how long someone can live without food. 

And how long can the human body go without water?  The general consensus is that people can survive for around three days without water, with estimates typically ranging from two days to a week. Wilderness guides often refer to the “rule of 3”, which says that a person can live for 3 minutes without air (oxygen), 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food.

Now, notice again Matthew 4:2. And when Jesus had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. (Stop Here.) 

Remember, this attack by Satan centered around a basic need that every human being needs and that is “food!” 

Sermon Notes For 4-17-24 Part 4.   From The Gospel  Of Matthew 4: 1-11, The Authentication Process That The Messiah King. The Lord Jesus Had To Experience Before His Earthly Ministry Could Begin.

Now, let’s turn to The Gospel of Matthew 4:

Today, let’s continue with this portion of The Gospel of Matthew 4: 1-11.  And remember here in The Gospel of Matthew 4: 1-11, represents the second and final part of the authentication process that The Messiah King, The Lord Jesus had to experience before His earthly ministry could begin.

Now, notice Matthew 4:

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

2 And when Jesus had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. (Stop here)

 Now, this pre-arranged showdown between God the Son who is now the God Man, Jesus the Christ. And the fallen one Lucifer, who is now the devil and Satan, the god of this world.

 According to 2nd Corinthians 4: 4, whose minds, this is referring to the unsaved, the god of this world or age, referring to the evil one, who has blinded, for they do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God should shine upon them.

 Listen, the devil was allowed, given permission and an opportunity to test, to tempt, to challenge Christ Jesus, because from His birth unto this point in His earthly life at 30 years of age.

(Question) had Jesus now become contaminated in some ways living in this fallen world? 

Or, had He been compromised to do as He pleased, forgetting His purpose?

 And most importantly, would He who is seen as the last Adam, would He be like the first Adam and take matters into his own hands instead of *depending upon The Lord? *Trusting in The Lord. *Waiting on The Lord. *Submitting unto The Lord. *Accepting The Will of The Lord!

 Now, let’s see 1st Corinthians 15:

45. And so it is written, the first man Adam became a living being. But the last Adam became a life-giving being or Spirit.

47.  The first man or Adam was of the earth made of the ground. But the second Man or Adam is The Lord from Heaven!

Now, see Genesis 3: 6. So, when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate.

She also gave unto her husband Adam with her and he ate.

Now, see Romans 5:

12. Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.

19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.

 Now, back to The Gospel of Matthew 4.

Now, notice The Gospel of Matthew 4:3.  Now when the tempter came to Jesus, (Stop there)

 (Note) This word, the tempter is actually the same Greek N.T. word that was mentioned in Matthew 4: 1. “Then Jesus was led up by The Spirit into the Wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  And here in vs. 3 we have the exact Greek N.T. word again!

 A Strong Definition for “Tempted” or “Tempter” from The Greek N.T. word πειράζω peirázō,

pi-rad'-zo. Which can mean, to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quality, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself in a good sense, in a bad sense, to test one maliciously, craftily to put to the proof his feelings or judgments to try or test one's faith, virtue, character, by enticement to sin to solicit to sin, to tempt of the temptations of the devil after the OT usage of God: to inflict evils upon one in order to prove his character and the steadfastness of his faith men are said to tempt God by exhibitions of distrust, as though they wished to try whether he is not justly distrusted by impious or wicked conduct to test God's justice and patience, and to challenge him, as it were to give proof of his perfections.

 Now, notice again The Gospel of Matthew 4:3. Now when the tempter came to Jesus, (Stop there)

 Now, let’s see James 1:13 Let no one say when they are tempted, I am tempted by God for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does God Himself tempt anyone. (Stop here)

(Note) this can remind us that the devil serves a purpose in which God allows and permits him at least for now.

 But the devil serves a purpose in which he is allowed to solicit by means of evil or sinful desires which exposes what’s in the hearts of a person or persons.  And therefore, if we think about it, Satan is just another servant for God who is in subjection unto God and must obey God what God has determines and purposed!

Remember The Book of Job, chapters one and two!

 Now, notice again James 1:                                                                                                                    13 Let no one say when they are tempted, I am tempted by God for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does God Himself tempt anyone.

14 (But) each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

15 Then when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown or develop, brings forth death.

Also, let’s see 1st Corinthians 10:1.3 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common unto 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 it.

And lastly, let’s see Hebrews 4: 15. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, But He, Himself was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin!

(Question) If Jesus was not capable of sinning, the how could He truly be able to sympathize with our weaknesses, if He could not sin, what was the point of his temptation?

How many you are familiar with the theological doctrine called, “The Impeccability of Jesus Christ.” The impeccability of Jesus Christ, the God-Man who was virgin born.

Here is a real good biblical article on this very important theological doctrine, that you can see for yourself and make up your own mind.  There are two sides to this interesting question. It is important to remember that this is not a question of whether Jesus sinned. Both sides agree, as the Bible clearly says, that Jesus did not sin.

Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22.

The question is whether Jesus could have sinned. Those who hold to "impeccability" believe that Jesus could not have sinned. Those who hold to "peccability" believe that Jesus could have sinned but did not. Which view is correct? The clear teaching of Scripture is that Jesus was impeccable Jesus could not have sinned. If He could have sinned, He would still be able to sin today because He retains the same essence He did while living on earth. He is the God-Man and will forever remain so, having full deity and full humanity so united in one person as to be indivisible.  To believe that Jesus could sin is to believe that God could sin. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him" (Colossians 1:19). Colossians 2:9 adds, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form."

Although Jesus is fully human, He was not born with the sinful nature that we are born with.

He certainly was tempted in the same way we are, in that temptations were put before Him by Satan, yet He remained sinless because God is incapable of sinning.

It is against His very nature (Matthew 4:1; Hebrews 2:18, 4:15; James 1:13).

Sin is by definition a trespass of the Law. God created the Law, and the Law is by nature what God would or would not do; therefore, sin is anything that God would not do by His very nature.

To be tempted is not, in and of itself, sinful. A person could tempt you with something you have no desire to do, such as committing murder or participating in sexual perversions. You probably have no desire whatsoever to take part in these actions, but you were still tempted because someone placed the possibility before you. There are at least two definitions for the word "tempted,"

1) To have a sinful proposition suggested to you by someone or something outside yourself or by your own sin nature.

2) To consider actually participating in a sinful act and the possible pleasures and consequences of such an act to the degree that the act is already taking place in your mind.

The first definition does not describe a sinful act/thought; the second does. When you dwell upon a sinful act and consider how you might be able to bring it to pass, you have crossed the line of sin. Jesus was tempted in the fashion of definition one, except that He was never tempted by a sin nature because it did not exist within Him. Satan proposed certain sinful acts to Jesus, but He had no inner desire to participate in the sin. Therefore, He was tempted like we are but remained sinless.

Those who hold to peccability believe that, if Jesus could not have sinned, He could not have truly experienced temptation, and therefore, could not truly empathize with our struggles and temptations against sin. We have to remember that one does not have to experience something in order to understand it.

God knows everything about everything. While God has never had the desire to sin, and has most definitely never sinned, God knows and understands what sin is.

God knows and understands what it is like to be tempted. Jesus can empathize with our temptations because He knows, not because He has "experienced" all the same things we have.

Jesus knows what it is like to be tempted, but He does not know what it is like to sin. This does not prevent Him from assisting us. We are tempted with sins that are common to man.

(1 Corinthians 10:13). These sins generally can be boiled down to three different types: "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life".

 (1 John 2:16). Examine the temptation and sin of Eve, as well as the temptation of Jesus, and you will find that the temptations for each came from these three categories.

 Jesus was tempted in every way and in every area that we are but remained perfectly Holy. Although our corrupt natures will have the inner desire to participate in some sins, we have the ability, through Christ, to overcome sin because we are no longer slaves to sin but rather slaves of God (Romans 6, especially verses 2 and 16-22).

Now, back to The Gospel of Matthew 4.

Now, notice The Gospel of Matthew 4:3. Now when the tempter came to Jesus, he said

If You are the Son of God, command that these stones to become bread! (Stop here)

This first assault or attack, this subtle temptation to encourage someone to, “take matters into their own hands.”  This is still Satan’s #1 temptation that he and his minions will often use against human beings in order that they might sin against God!

Now, notice again The Gospel of Matthew 4:3. Now, when the tempter came to Jesus, he said

If You are the Son of God, (Stop here)

First, here in Matthew 4: 3, in most of our English Bibles the word “If” appears, and it gives the impression of doubt or uncertainty.  But actually that is not what is being said here in this case. actually, our English word “Since” would be more accurate. *Implying there’s no doubt. *There’s no question. *And there’s no confusion regarding who You are!

Remember Satan’s #1 temptation that is often use against human beings, is to encourage someone to, “take matters into their own hands.” “You deserve better than this!” ”You have worked very hard, and this is not fair.”  “You are God therefore, you are entitled to have whatever you want!” Take matters into your own hands, because God helps those that help themselves!  But is any of these tempting ideas right?

Do you believe that this is how the Lord would speak unto you When you are in need? When you are frustrated? When you feel forgotten? When you are lonely?

Now, let’s see Philippians 4:19. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Now, See Psalms 23: 1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Now, See Psalms 37: 3. Trust in the LORD and do good; So shall you dwell in the land, and verily you shall be fed.

Now, Also see Psalms 37: 25. I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His descendants begging bread.

Now, back to The Gospel of Matthew 4.

Now, notice again The Gospel of Matthew 4:3. Now, when the tempter came to Jesus, he said,

Since You are the Son of God, Command that these stones to become bread! (Stop here)

 All around The Lord Jesus Christ in that wilderness, were these biscuit-size stones, a subtle reminder that before Him was a way to satisfy himself, instead of waiting on the Lord to provide.

 Now, notice again The Gospel of Matthew 4:4. But Jesus answered and said it is written (Deuteronomy 8: 3), Man or a person shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. (Stop here)

Jesus said, It is written!

 See Psalms 119: 11. Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!

Now, let’s see The Gospel of Luke 4:

3 And the devil said to Jesus, if or since You are the Son of God command this stone to become bread.

4 But Jesus answered him saying, It is written (Deuteronomy 8: 3,) Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

 Now, see Job 23: 12. I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.

 Also, see Jeremiah 15: 16. Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.