As I read through the history of the Egyptian civilization and surrounding and subsequent societies, there seem to be a number of reasons that the Egyptian civilization lasted for so long. Some of which were their isolation from other cultures, their belief in the power and appointment of the Pharaoh; their wealth and their oneness. Greer and Lewis paint a clear picture of how Egypt operated and the manner in which they lived.
The isolation in which the Egyptians had was a huge factor in their long rule and existence. They were distanced from many of the outside influences that would have and could have upset the balance they had acquired. By being separated and secluded, they were able to create their own “little world” if you will. By doing so, they believed they could last forever just like the pyramids they built. This is in contrast to the other societies that rose up in the Middle East. Many of the other empires were greatly influenced by other groups of people, which caused them to be more diverse and individualistic.
I believe the unity of the Egyptians, is one of the most viable factors of their survival as a long lasting empire. They lived as one society under one ruler. Their belief that Pharaoh was a God appointed ruler formed a Monarch that went unquestioned. Egyptians followed this ruler whole-heartedly, and His or Her (in the case of Hatshepsut) word was law. They served as Judge, jury, and law-giver. Everything flowed from the seat of the Pharaoh. Juxtapose this with groups such as Sumer and the Greeks. Greeks viewed their citizens as equal and part of the political decision making process. This is a stark contrast to the Egyptian style of leadership.
The position of Egypt on the map is another reason they enjoyed such a long period of existence. Living on the Nile River provided them with a variety of resources. Water, food, rich soil for farming and transportation. It also provided protection from outside groups. Living on the Nile provided some struggles though, especially when it came to flood season; however, the Egyptians learned how to work around the flooding using measures such as diverting water and planning the crop season in accordance with flood season. The other aiding factor in position for the Egyptians was the desert that bordered Egypt. Much of the desert is impassable even with modern vehicles. This barrier, allowed the Egyptians the protection they needed to be isolated and enjoy a life of perfection in their eyes.
The Egyptians believed they had the perfect life and thought that they were superior, and for a period of time they were. When you control what people think and know you are able to make them believe and act a certain way. If the leadership was able to choose to either accept or deny an outside influence, they had control over what the people came into contact with. You are happy with what you have and how you live until you come into contact with something that is different. By controlling what the Egyptian people knew, the Pharaoh and his leadership were able to control the people and thus keep them happy, unlike other people in civilizations who were free to explore and be influenced. Others were able to decide for themselves what they thought was good. When this happens, you have discontent and lack of order. I think the Egyptians understood this, and decided to control it from the outset.
Ultimately, the Egyptians differed greatly from other people groups. Rule through a single authority, wealth, geographical position, and isolation all enabled the Egyptians to enjoy a long and successful empire.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Sermon On The Mount
The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most interesting messages Jesus gives, and certainly seems to be one of the longest. Looking at it with an overview in mind, I found that Jesus took the law and built upon it on several occasions. The law said not to lust, but Christ built on that and said not to even look at a woman with lustful intentions. The law said to not to murder, but Jesus again built on that and said to not even be angry with a brother or you will be subject to judgment. There are two specific passages in the Sermon on the Mount that I think are the most important and influential, and they deal with being salt and light and having a good foundation.
The first of these is found in Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV). This part of the message is dealing with being salt and light to the world. Something I didn’t think about for quite some time in my life was how I was affecting other lives around me. I was living for myself, and didn’t worry about what kind of wake I was leaving. For the past 12 years I have been trying to change that. Within the past year or two, I have started to understand just how important it is for me to live my life in a way that affects people in a positive way for the Kingdom. This realization goes beyond my Sunday morning experience and responsibilities there as the Worship Pastor. This includes getting outside of my comfort zone and making and taking opportunities to witness and evangelize to those who need that salt and light in their lives. It is very easy for me to do my job at the church every week, and feel as though I am going out of my way to further the Kingdom of God. The reality of this, is that I can become desensitized to the importance of getting outside the walls of the church and into the world where the lost are. Even Jesus said that he did not come for the healthy, but the sick. The way we live our lives as Christians, can either enhance life, or not. If it doesn’t, then we fall into danger of being cut off from God forever.
The second passage of scripture, I believe encompasses the entire Sermon. In Matthew 7:21-27 (NIV), Christ warns us that building our lives on a good foundation is the difference between an authentic life that God will recognize, and one that is fake and merely a façade. It is so very easy for people to go to church every week, be involved in the calendar of the church, and even serve in vital areas, and yet not be living their lives completely for God, or even the way he commanded us to. People can put on a mask when they want to and you would never know the deep dark secrets that they keep. We put on the church face, and pretend that life is hunky dory, when all the while we are dying inside. This I believe is what the world dislikes about the church. They see what we are really like in the world Monday through Saturday, yet we act differently on Sunday mornings.
Being transparent, being real, being Christ and living the way He has called us to live is vital to reaching those who don’t know God and His gift through Jesus Christ. Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV) show us the difference between the one who puts Christ’s words into action, and the one who doesn’t. On the surface, the difference isn’t noticeable, but when the test’s come, our true nature and character will be revealed as our exterior weathers the storm. Having that strong foundation of Christ’s directives will make all the difference in the world.
The first of these is found in Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV). This part of the message is dealing with being salt and light to the world. Something I didn’t think about for quite some time in my life was how I was affecting other lives around me. I was living for myself, and didn’t worry about what kind of wake I was leaving. For the past 12 years I have been trying to change that. Within the past year or two, I have started to understand just how important it is for me to live my life in a way that affects people in a positive way for the Kingdom. This realization goes beyond my Sunday morning experience and responsibilities there as the Worship Pastor. This includes getting outside of my comfort zone and making and taking opportunities to witness and evangelize to those who need that salt and light in their lives. It is very easy for me to do my job at the church every week, and feel as though I am going out of my way to further the Kingdom of God. The reality of this, is that I can become desensitized to the importance of getting outside the walls of the church and into the world where the lost are. Even Jesus said that he did not come for the healthy, but the sick. The way we live our lives as Christians, can either enhance life, or not. If it doesn’t, then we fall into danger of being cut off from God forever.
The second passage of scripture, I believe encompasses the entire Sermon. In Matthew 7:21-27 (NIV), Christ warns us that building our lives on a good foundation is the difference between an authentic life that God will recognize, and one that is fake and merely a façade. It is so very easy for people to go to church every week, be involved in the calendar of the church, and even serve in vital areas, and yet not be living their lives completely for God, or even the way he commanded us to. People can put on a mask when they want to and you would never know the deep dark secrets that they keep. We put on the church face, and pretend that life is hunky dory, when all the while we are dying inside. This I believe is what the world dislikes about the church. They see what we are really like in the world Monday through Saturday, yet we act differently on Sunday mornings.
Being transparent, being real, being Christ and living the way He has called us to live is vital to reaching those who don’t know God and His gift through Jesus Christ. Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV) show us the difference between the one who puts Christ’s words into action, and the one who doesn’t. On the surface, the difference isn’t noticeable, but when the test’s come, our true nature and character will be revealed as our exterior weathers the storm. Having that strong foundation of Christ’s directives will make all the difference in the world.
Scientific Psychology
“Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mind”. (Nairne, 2009). This is how Psychology is defined by James S. Nairne is his book, “Psychology 5th edition”. Psychology has often been misunderstood to be the process or act of analyzing the mind of someone who has an issue they are dealing with or a mental disorder that requires frequently scheduled hospital visits. We get the picture of someone lying on the couch spilling their guts, and a distinguished, very astute doctor sitting in a chair listening while taking notes. On the contrary, Scientific Psychology has done much to study the actions and thought process of normal and healthy minds, as to develop a base line, or a foundation on which to compare a mind that is unhealthy or challenged.
The study of the mind is a very crucial and detailed process. To understand the mind and how it operates, responds, and acts has been something scientist have poured much effort and resources into. Because the mind has no moving parts or pain receptors, it is difficult to gauge how it sends and responds to signals traveling through it to the body. There has been much progress in tracking events taking place inside the brain and how it reacts to sensation, thoughts and emotions. Today, scientist can study how a brain reacts to different things such as color, or how it responds during depression or seeing a vision. The invention of the computer has also helped scientist understand how information is carried in the brain, because the two are similar.
The study of behavior, which I think we all know how to do on some small scale, also gives us a great deal of information. How we react to situations, communicate and receive information, can tell psychologists a great deal about how we process information. As you watch someone in a situation, you can almost see what they are thinking as they respond. This type of information helps scientists uncover thought processes and plot responses based on given information.
Scientific Psychology and Psychologists have done much to improve life through their studies and research. In an ever-increasingly stressful world, people tend to buckle under the heavy loads and stresses of every day life. Knowing the causes and fixes for such events reduce stress and recovery time for those who are disabled mentally by it. As more and more documents and medical journals are written and published, doctors are able to have more information available to them when it comes to treating a patient. This increases the chances of recovery, and mental health.
I believe this type of study could be helpful in the church as well because it would allow ministerial staff to more effectively help people. As people come into our churches, they all usually come in with hurts, pain, bad past experiences, and even bad current experiences. With understanding of how people process information, react and respond in certain circumstances, we would be able to more effectively and more efficiently assist them and help them get back to right thinking, right actions, right living, and a right relationship with God. Knowledge is power, in the right hands it can do much good.
The study of the mind is a very crucial and detailed process. To understand the mind and how it operates, responds, and acts has been something scientist have poured much effort and resources into. Because the mind has no moving parts or pain receptors, it is difficult to gauge how it sends and responds to signals traveling through it to the body. There has been much progress in tracking events taking place inside the brain and how it reacts to sensation, thoughts and emotions. Today, scientist can study how a brain reacts to different things such as color, or how it responds during depression or seeing a vision. The invention of the computer has also helped scientist understand how information is carried in the brain, because the two are similar.
The study of behavior, which I think we all know how to do on some small scale, also gives us a great deal of information. How we react to situations, communicate and receive information, can tell psychologists a great deal about how we process information. As you watch someone in a situation, you can almost see what they are thinking as they respond. This type of information helps scientists uncover thought processes and plot responses based on given information.
Scientific Psychology and Psychologists have done much to improve life through their studies and research. In an ever-increasingly stressful world, people tend to buckle under the heavy loads and stresses of every day life. Knowing the causes and fixes for such events reduce stress and recovery time for those who are disabled mentally by it. As more and more documents and medical journals are written and published, doctors are able to have more information available to them when it comes to treating a patient. This increases the chances of recovery, and mental health.
I believe this type of study could be helpful in the church as well because it would allow ministerial staff to more effectively help people. As people come into our churches, they all usually come in with hurts, pain, bad past experiences, and even bad current experiences. With understanding of how people process information, react and respond in certain circumstances, we would be able to more effectively and more efficiently assist them and help them get back to right thinking, right actions, right living, and a right relationship with God. Knowledge is power, in the right hands it can do much good.
The Lord's Supper
The Lord’s Supper is rich both in symbolism and meaning. It is meant to remind Christ followers of the new covenant for the world, and the sacrificial death and suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ. Blessings abound for those who gain a biblical understanding of the Lord’s Supper.
As we read in Matthew 26: 17-30, Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper, during the Feast of Unleavened Bread on the evening of Passover. The Passover was a time of remembering what God had done through Moses because of the covenant he made with Abraham. During the Israelites time of slavery in Egypt, God struck down the first born of every home not protected by the blood of a lamb. God had instructed Moses to tell all the people to take a spotless lamb, sacrifice it; eat its meat along with bitter herbs and unleavened bread. They were then to take the lambs blood, and with a hyssop branch, spread some blood across the top and both sides of the door of the house. That evening, when death came, all the first born who were not protected by the blood on the door were killed. Those inside a house with blood spread on the door frames were spared. This is also symbolic of what Christ is preparing to do in the account of Matthew.
As Christ prepares to finish his work on earth through His death on the cross as the ultimate sacrificial lamb, He institutes a new covenant with the world, not just a specific people group as in Abraham’s case. Jesus uses two items as symbols of this new covenant, the bread and the wine.
First he takes the bread, gives thanks for it, thereby setting it apart for this specific purpose, and then breaks it and gives it to the disciples. The symbolism of Christ breaking the bread is that of what His own body will go through. Although not one of his bones was broken, however; Isaiah 53:5 says, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” The bread is a consistent reminder of Christ’s’ body and the suffering He endured on our behalf.
The other item Christ used was the cup of wine, otherwise known as the Grace cup that was usually shared following a meal. Christ blesses this cup as well, thereby setting it apart, and tells the disciples in Matthew 26:27-28 “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (NIV). Hebrews 9:19-22 states that blood must be shed in order for the forgiveness of sins to occur. In the Old Testament, the blood of bulls and goats were used to cover for sin, but when Christ shed His blood, it covered and removed the sin for all who believe in Him.
In Luke 22:19, Christ makes this statement prior to giving the disciples the cup, “…do this in remembrance of me.” So this is a clear directive from Christ for us to repeat the act of breaking bread and sharing in the wine as a remembrance of what he is about to do. In the New Testament, the frequency of the Lord’s Supper is not specified. However, in Acts 2: 46-47, we read, “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” There is a frequency that is apparent here.
The Bible is also clear on who should participate in the Lords Supper. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 says that the act of taking communion is for the purpose of “proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes.” (NIV) Eating and drinking without this acknowledgement of Christ’s body, will bring judgment upon whoever consumes without remembering. Let us be mindful as to how we approach communion in the future. Remembering Christ, His sacrifice and the new covenant for all who believe, first for the Jew and also for the Gentile.
Reference
Aquaro, G. R. A. (2001). Leavened versus unleavened bread: what’s the difference?.
Abstract retrieved February 22, 2009, from http://www.prosphora.org/page27.html
Darby, J. (2009). Crosswalk.com. John darby’s synopsis of the new testament, matthew
chapter 26. Retrieved February 22, 2009, from http://www.biblestudytools.net/commentaries/darbysSynopsisofnewtestament/dby.cgi?book=mt&chapter=26
Easton. (2009). Easton’s bible dictionary. Retrieved February 22, 2009, From
http://biblestudytools.net/dictionaries/eastonsbibledictionary/ebd.cgi?number=t2864
Naves. (2009). Naves topical bible. Retrieved February 22, 2009, from
http://biblestudytools.net/concordances/navestopicalbible/ntb.cgi
As we read in Matthew 26: 17-30, Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper, during the Feast of Unleavened Bread on the evening of Passover. The Passover was a time of remembering what God had done through Moses because of the covenant he made with Abraham. During the Israelites time of slavery in Egypt, God struck down the first born of every home not protected by the blood of a lamb. God had instructed Moses to tell all the people to take a spotless lamb, sacrifice it; eat its meat along with bitter herbs and unleavened bread. They were then to take the lambs blood, and with a hyssop branch, spread some blood across the top and both sides of the door of the house. That evening, when death came, all the first born who were not protected by the blood on the door were killed. Those inside a house with blood spread on the door frames were spared. This is also symbolic of what Christ is preparing to do in the account of Matthew.
As Christ prepares to finish his work on earth through His death on the cross as the ultimate sacrificial lamb, He institutes a new covenant with the world, not just a specific people group as in Abraham’s case. Jesus uses two items as symbols of this new covenant, the bread and the wine.
First he takes the bread, gives thanks for it, thereby setting it apart for this specific purpose, and then breaks it and gives it to the disciples. The symbolism of Christ breaking the bread is that of what His own body will go through. Although not one of his bones was broken, however; Isaiah 53:5 says, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” The bread is a consistent reminder of Christ’s’ body and the suffering He endured on our behalf.
The other item Christ used was the cup of wine, otherwise known as the Grace cup that was usually shared following a meal. Christ blesses this cup as well, thereby setting it apart, and tells the disciples in Matthew 26:27-28 “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (NIV). Hebrews 9:19-22 states that blood must be shed in order for the forgiveness of sins to occur. In the Old Testament, the blood of bulls and goats were used to cover for sin, but when Christ shed His blood, it covered and removed the sin for all who believe in Him.
In Luke 22:19, Christ makes this statement prior to giving the disciples the cup, “…do this in remembrance of me.” So this is a clear directive from Christ for us to repeat the act of breaking bread and sharing in the wine as a remembrance of what he is about to do. In the New Testament, the frequency of the Lord’s Supper is not specified. However, in Acts 2: 46-47, we read, “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” There is a frequency that is apparent here.
The Bible is also clear on who should participate in the Lords Supper. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 says that the act of taking communion is for the purpose of “proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes.” (NIV) Eating and drinking without this acknowledgement of Christ’s body, will bring judgment upon whoever consumes without remembering. Let us be mindful as to how we approach communion in the future. Remembering Christ, His sacrifice and the new covenant for all who believe, first for the Jew and also for the Gentile.
Reference
Aquaro, G. R. A. (2001). Leavened versus unleavened bread: what’s the difference?.
Abstract retrieved February 22, 2009, from http://www.prosphora.org/page27.html
Darby, J. (2009). Crosswalk.com. John darby’s synopsis of the new testament, matthew
chapter 26. Retrieved February 22, 2009, from http://www.biblestudytools.net/commentaries/darbysSynopsisofnewtestament/dby.cgi?book=mt&chapter=26
Easton. (2009). Easton’s bible dictionary. Retrieved February 22, 2009, From
http://biblestudytools.net/dictionaries/eastonsbibledictionary/ebd.cgi?number=t2864
Naves. (2009). Naves topical bible. Retrieved February 22, 2009, from
http://biblestudytools.net/concordances/navestopicalbible/ntb.cgi
The Poor
Some may misunderstand Jesus’ words in John 12:8 to say that no matter what we do, we will never solve the problem of the poor, because they will always be around. However, when paralleled with the teachings of Jesus and the events to come in His life, we can see that Jesus was simply saying that their work is just beginning. He will be here for a short while longer, but the poor will remain. Consequently their work will not be finished when Jesus is gone.
John 12:4-8 paints us the picture of a woman, who out of the great respect, love and compassion for Jesus, anoints his head and feet with a very costly perfume. She pours the perfume on him and uses her hands and hair to spread it around. Judas is livid and complains about what he perceives to be a foolish decision on her part. He claims the money could have been sold, and given to the poor. The amount of perfume is equivalent to a year’s wages, which is about 300 denarii, or to put it in other terms, it would be approximately worth $10,000. His desire or apparent concern for the poor is only surface deep, because he was the keeper of the moneybag, he frequently borrowed from it for himself. His knowledge of the worth of the perfume explains his outburst and response to her actions.
Jesus scolds Judas and tells him to leave her alone, noting that he will be here only a short time, but that the poor will always be with them. This thought mirrors the scripture in Deuteronomy 15 where Moses speaks to Israel concerning how to treat the poor. He says, “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.” (NIV) The directives Moses gives Israel reflect the heart of God and his compassion for the poor. Exodus 23:11 instructs farmers to go over their fields once during harvest to collect the grain, and to leave some of the harvest there for the poor to come glean from it. Jesus is doing the same thing here, reminding them that the poor will always be in the land. There will always be ample opportunity to care for the poor. Mary’s actions at this particular moment are being done as and act of love and service to the Messiah. Although the depth of her actions may not be fully known to her, Christ knew what was about to transpire concerning his life, thereby making her sacrifice and service to him all the more sweet.
So what kind of application can we take from this scripture. Considering all that God has to say about taking care of the poor, and what Christ has said here in this passage; we can safely say that one of our responsibilities, as Christians is to care for, and show compassion for the poor. This only reflects what God has done for us as He sent Christ to earth for the forgiveness of our sins. We were poor and destitute in our sin, but through the compassion and love God has for us, we are rich.
References
Baker's evangelical dictionary of biblical theology. (2009). Dictionaries. Retrieved
February 27, 2009, from http://www.biblestudytools.net/Dictionaries/
BakersEvangelicalDictionary/bed.cgi
Biblegateway. (2009). The year for canceling debts. Retrieved February 27, 2009, from
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2015;&version=31
Naves topical bible. (2009). John 13. Retrieved February 27, 2009, from
http://www.biblestudytools.net/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=joh+13:4-14
New testament greek. (2009). Lexicon. Retrieved February 27, 2009, from
http://www.biblestudytools.net/Lexicons/NewTestamentGreek/grk.cgi?search=poor&version=kjv&type=eng&submit=Find
John 12:4-8 paints us the picture of a woman, who out of the great respect, love and compassion for Jesus, anoints his head and feet with a very costly perfume. She pours the perfume on him and uses her hands and hair to spread it around. Judas is livid and complains about what he perceives to be a foolish decision on her part. He claims the money could have been sold, and given to the poor. The amount of perfume is equivalent to a year’s wages, which is about 300 denarii, or to put it in other terms, it would be approximately worth $10,000. His desire or apparent concern for the poor is only surface deep, because he was the keeper of the moneybag, he frequently borrowed from it for himself. His knowledge of the worth of the perfume explains his outburst and response to her actions.
Jesus scolds Judas and tells him to leave her alone, noting that he will be here only a short time, but that the poor will always be with them. This thought mirrors the scripture in Deuteronomy 15 where Moses speaks to Israel concerning how to treat the poor. He says, “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.” (NIV) The directives Moses gives Israel reflect the heart of God and his compassion for the poor. Exodus 23:11 instructs farmers to go over their fields once during harvest to collect the grain, and to leave some of the harvest there for the poor to come glean from it. Jesus is doing the same thing here, reminding them that the poor will always be in the land. There will always be ample opportunity to care for the poor. Mary’s actions at this particular moment are being done as and act of love and service to the Messiah. Although the depth of her actions may not be fully known to her, Christ knew what was about to transpire concerning his life, thereby making her sacrifice and service to him all the more sweet.
So what kind of application can we take from this scripture. Considering all that God has to say about taking care of the poor, and what Christ has said here in this passage; we can safely say that one of our responsibilities, as Christians is to care for, and show compassion for the poor. This only reflects what God has done for us as He sent Christ to earth for the forgiveness of our sins. We were poor and destitute in our sin, but through the compassion and love God has for us, we are rich.
References
Baker's evangelical dictionary of biblical theology. (2009). Dictionaries. Retrieved
February 27, 2009, from http://www.biblestudytools.net/Dictionaries/
BakersEvangelicalDictionary/bed.cgi
Biblegateway. (2009). The year for canceling debts. Retrieved February 27, 2009, from
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2015;&version=31
Naves topical bible. (2009). John 13. Retrieved February 27, 2009, from
http://www.biblestudytools.net/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=joh+13:4-14
New testament greek. (2009). Lexicon. Retrieved February 27, 2009, from
http://www.biblestudytools.net/Lexicons/NewTestamentGreek/grk.cgi?search=poor&version=kjv&type=eng&submit=Find
School papers
Hey all, I haven't had much time to write due to my school work. But I thought it would be neat to post some of my papers from school here for people to read. If you have that kind of time, great. If not, maybe I will some day.
Peace
Peace
Storing Up Treasures
Matthew 6:19-34 Study
Jesus teaches that seeking after the things of the earth is futile, because they will all one day be destroyed. Rather we are to store up in heaven, treasures of another kind, ones that will not be destroyed. Likewise he teaches that we are not to worry about things that we cannot change. We are to trust in God to provide for us and not worry about tomorrow.
Observation:
1. Vrs 19, what does the word treasure connote?
a. According to the KJV New Testament Greek Lexicon, the term “treasure” here indicates, “to gather and lay up, to heap up, store up”
b. Luke 12:33 says; “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
2. Vrs. 20, Moth and rust destroy clothing and metal, is Christ referring to such things here, and if so, what was the attachment to these items during this time period?
a. James 5:2 says; “Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.
3. Vrs. 21, what we value, what we put out time and passion into is what we love and treasure.
a. Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
4. Vrs. 22, how were the eyes thought of in this time period? What kind of light is Jesus referring to?
5. Vrs. 23, How is the word “darkness” used here? What is the Greek translation?
a. The Greek Lexicon defines the word darkness to mean, “full of darkness, covered with darkness.”
6. Vrs. 24, what was the relationship like between masters and slaves or servants?
a. Jesus’ reference to masters and slaves would have been received as the norm, because slavery was a part of the society. It was woven into who the people were.
7. Vrs. 25, “Therefore” – What? What does this word point us to? How much were clothes and food valued then?
a. Could the word “Therefore” indicate a comparison between serving two masters, as in the previous teaching, and the choosing to have faith in God to take care of them?
8. Vrs. 26, did birds have value then? None indicated
9. Vrs. 28, Jesus mentions “clothes” again, is there significance here?
a. Jesus is possibly calling the disciples attention to the fact that faith is required for such things. If they worry about clothing, are they really trusting in God to take care of them.
10. Vrs. 29, what was the perception of Solomon to these people, what was he known for?
a. 2 Chronicles 9:22-23 “King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than al the other kings of the earth. 23 All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.”
11. Vrs. 30, the fields are fleeting and only for a season, yet God ordains the fields with flowers. He loves us more, so it stands to reason that He will take care of us as well.
12. Vrs. 31, Was there a famine? Were they hungry or cold? Was Jesus telling the disciples that they must have faith that God will provide what they needed?
a. The disciples needed to understand that God provided the grass of the fields, which ended up being a source of fuel for many people. The disciples, who were made in God’s image, designed to live for eternity, should live by faith knowing that God will take even more care of them.
13. Vrs. 32, what or how is the word “pagan” used here? What is the Greek translation?
a. The term “Pagan” in Greek means “human family”. Is Christ is trying to get them to understand that they are made for a different world, that they should expect to act differently because in light of this?
14. Vrs. 33, what does He mean by “his kingdom”?
a. The term “his kingdom” here, according to the Greek translation, refers to the rule of the Messiah, not necessarily a place, but the ruler-ship of Christ.
Interpretation
1. Verses 19-21: Earthly things will perish and fade, but the things of heaven will last forever.
2. Verses 22-23: What we allow to come into our eyes is what we will become and mirror.
3. Verses 24: When it comes to good verses Evil, what will you choose? You can only serve one.
4. Verses 25-32: We are God’s most valued creation. If He takes care of those things that have less value, how much more will He take care of us? Therefore, for those who proclaim the name of Jesus, we should not worry. God will provide.
5. Verses 33-34: We are to seek first the Lordship of Jesus Christ, His desire for our lives, then the things that we need will be given to us.
In these passages, Jesus is trying to teach his disciples that faith in God essential for the Christian. We cannot desire the things of this earth and at the same time serve God. That life style will ultimately tear us apart from Him, because we cannot have it both ways. We also as Christians cannot say we have faith in God and at the same time worry about what tomorrow will bring. When we live in the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we live by faith that the God of all creation will take care of His most valued creation, us. Anything else is living a double standard or a double-sided life, and that is not what God desires.
Jesus teaches that seeking after the things of the earth is futile, because they will all one day be destroyed. Rather we are to store up in heaven, treasures of another kind, ones that will not be destroyed. Likewise he teaches that we are not to worry about things that we cannot change. We are to trust in God to provide for us and not worry about tomorrow.
Observation:
1. Vrs 19, what does the word treasure connote?
a. According to the KJV New Testament Greek Lexicon, the term “treasure” here indicates, “to gather and lay up, to heap up, store up”
b. Luke 12:33 says; “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
2. Vrs. 20, Moth and rust destroy clothing and metal, is Christ referring to such things here, and if so, what was the attachment to these items during this time period?
a. James 5:2 says; “Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.
3. Vrs. 21, what we value, what we put out time and passion into is what we love and treasure.
a. Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
4. Vrs. 22, how were the eyes thought of in this time period? What kind of light is Jesus referring to?
5. Vrs. 23, How is the word “darkness” used here? What is the Greek translation?
a. The Greek Lexicon defines the word darkness to mean, “full of darkness, covered with darkness.”
6. Vrs. 24, what was the relationship like between masters and slaves or servants?
a. Jesus’ reference to masters and slaves would have been received as the norm, because slavery was a part of the society. It was woven into who the people were.
7. Vrs. 25, “Therefore” – What? What does this word point us to? How much were clothes and food valued then?
a. Could the word “Therefore” indicate a comparison between serving two masters, as in the previous teaching, and the choosing to have faith in God to take care of them?
8. Vrs. 26, did birds have value then? None indicated
9. Vrs. 28, Jesus mentions “clothes” again, is there significance here?
a. Jesus is possibly calling the disciples attention to the fact that faith is required for such things. If they worry about clothing, are they really trusting in God to take care of them.
10. Vrs. 29, what was the perception of Solomon to these people, what was he known for?
a. 2 Chronicles 9:22-23 “King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than al the other kings of the earth. 23 All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.”
11. Vrs. 30, the fields are fleeting and only for a season, yet God ordains the fields with flowers. He loves us more, so it stands to reason that He will take care of us as well.
12. Vrs. 31, Was there a famine? Were they hungry or cold? Was Jesus telling the disciples that they must have faith that God will provide what they needed?
a. The disciples needed to understand that God provided the grass of the fields, which ended up being a source of fuel for many people. The disciples, who were made in God’s image, designed to live for eternity, should live by faith knowing that God will take even more care of them.
13. Vrs. 32, what or how is the word “pagan” used here? What is the Greek translation?
a. The term “Pagan” in Greek means “human family”. Is Christ is trying to get them to understand that they are made for a different world, that they should expect to act differently because in light of this?
14. Vrs. 33, what does He mean by “his kingdom”?
a. The term “his kingdom” here, according to the Greek translation, refers to the rule of the Messiah, not necessarily a place, but the ruler-ship of Christ.
Interpretation
1. Verses 19-21: Earthly things will perish and fade, but the things of heaven will last forever.
2. Verses 22-23: What we allow to come into our eyes is what we will become and mirror.
3. Verses 24: When it comes to good verses Evil, what will you choose? You can only serve one.
4. Verses 25-32: We are God’s most valued creation. If He takes care of those things that have less value, how much more will He take care of us? Therefore, for those who proclaim the name of Jesus, we should not worry. God will provide.
5. Verses 33-34: We are to seek first the Lordship of Jesus Christ, His desire for our lives, then the things that we need will be given to us.
In these passages, Jesus is trying to teach his disciples that faith in God essential for the Christian. We cannot desire the things of this earth and at the same time serve God. That life style will ultimately tear us apart from Him, because we cannot have it both ways. We also as Christians cannot say we have faith in God and at the same time worry about what tomorrow will bring. When we live in the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we live by faith that the God of all creation will take care of His most valued creation, us. Anything else is living a double standard or a double-sided life, and that is not what God desires.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)