by Gary L. Evans
Matthew — Part 7
Mat 5:1-2 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Jesus took His four disciples up into a mountain and taught the Beatitudes.
Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The word “blessed” is from “mak-ar’-ee-os” which means “supremely blest; by extension fortunate, well off,” that is, very happy.
The word “poor” is from “pto-khos'” which means “a beggar (as cringing), that is, pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used in a qualified or relative sense.” So the word denotes the position of kneeling in prayer to God, and in the context of “spirit” denotes sincere humility.
Mat 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
The word “mourn” is from “pen-theh’-o” which means “to grieve (the feeling or the act).”
Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
The word “meek” is from “prah-ooce'” which means “mild, that is, (by implication) humble.”
Mat 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Only God is Righteous. So those who fully desire to follow after God’s Righteousness will find it, and that Way is in His Word.
Mat 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
The word “merciful” is from “el-eh-ay’-mone” which means “compassionate (actively).”
Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
The word “pure” is from “kath-ar-os'” which means “clean (literally or figuratively).”
Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
The word “peacemakers” is from “i-ray-nop-oy-os'” which means “pacificatory, that is, (subjectively) peaceable.”
Mat 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The word “persecuted” is from “dee-o’-ko” which means “to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication to persecute.”
Mat 5:11-12 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
All True Christians are persecuted. This is Satan’s World, and most people are Satan’s Servants, so they will hate us without cause. This precept is repeated over and over in The New Testament. Jesus said that we will be very happy because the people “of” this world hate us. So their unjust persecution of us will turn out to be a Blessing upon us. Therefore, whenever someone attacks us just for being a Christian, give thanks to our Father in our prayers for that person, and call him out by name if known. Being thankful for people who persecute us will cause resentments to vanish away leaving us with Peace of Mind.
Mat 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
The word “salt” is from “hal’-as” which means “salt; figuratively prudence.”
The word “savour” is from “mo-rah’ee-no” which means “to become insipid; figuratively to make (passively act) as a simpleton.”
Salt not only improves the taste of our food, but it also acts as a preservative, especially for meat such as beef. It was one of the most desired commodities in the Middle East because of its properties. Figuratively, salt means prudence, circumspection, even wisdom. Jesus said that we are the prudent, circumspect, and wise people of the world, and thus we help preserve the other people of this world by maintaining civil discourse and order. But if we become stupid and foolish, or as salt, if we become tasteless, then we are worthless to serve in any purpose in The Kingdom of God. Neither can we preserve anything of value in this world.
Mat 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Light is figurative for Truth and Goodness, whereas Darkness is figurative for Falsehood and Evil. Jesus said that we represent Truth and Goodness in this world, and so must not hide from the world, but instead we should be out in the world to present our influence and help to other people. We are ambassadors (apostles) of Christ in this world, so we should set an example to show The Love of God for other people to witness.
Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Christ did not come to destroy The Law or The Prophets. Instead, He came to obey The Law and to fulfill all Prophesy regarding The Messiah.
Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
God’s Law is Eternal. Not one dot of an “i” or cross of a “t” will pass away. Note that God’s Word teaches us through Prophesy about The Third Earth Age, The Eternity, which will never pass away. Note that many antichrists claim that Jesus changed God’s Law so that we no longer have to obey. Do you see how they openly contradict the teaching of Jesus and in turn imply that He was a liar when He said He didn’t change the Law?
Mat 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Anyone who willfully transgresses even the smallest of God’s Laws, for example, even the Dietary Laws, and teaches others to do the same, will be among the least in The Millennial Reign of Christ. And note that Satan will also be there in The Millennium, that is, until The Judgement, when he will be cast into The Lake of Fire.
Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Many hypocrites pretend to be Jehovah worshipers or to be Christians, but they are fake, just stage play actors. Only sincere people who truly repent and ask The Lord for The New Covenant will be allowed into The Kingdom of Heaven among The Living. But all transgressors of God’s Law will be among The Dead during The Millennium.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Matthew — Part 8
Mat 5:21-22 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
The word “angry” is from “or-gid’-zo” which means “to provoke or enrage, that is, (passively) become exasperated.” So the sense is to “become enraged” with someone.
Jesus teaches that anyone who becomes enraged against someone without just cause is the same as a murderer. This is a higher level teaching to warn us that before the act of murder is unjust anger and rage against an innocent person.
The word “Raca” is from “rhak-ah'” which means “O empty one, that is, thou worthless (as a term of utter vilification).” So the sense is to “show utter disgust” for someone.
The word “fool” is from “mo-ros'” which means “dull or stupid (as if shut up), that is, heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd.” This Greek word is where we get our modern day word, “Moron.”
Mat 5:23-24 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Jesus teaches that if we have wronged anyone in this way, or in any other way, then before we approach our Heavenly Father in prayer, we must first go to the person we have wronged and apologize for having lost our temper and ask for their forgiveness. Try to make amends quickly. I recommend taking a few deep breaths and apologizing immediately rather than walking away and letting the insult be more harmful. Then with a clear conscience, we may pray to our Father.
Mat 5:25-26 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
Remember, God is our Judge and also The Judge and Advocate of anyone we harm.
Mat 5:27-28 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
The word “woman” is from “goo-nay'” and means “a woman; specifically a wife.” So in this context, it means a married woman.
The word “lust” is from “ep-ee-thoo-meh’-o” which means “to set the heart upon, that is, long for (rightfully or otherwise).” It means to Covet.
Coveting something in itself is not unlawful. But coveting something forbidden in God’s Law is sin. Coveting anything that belongs to someone else is sin. Now adultery is taking another man’s wife and sleeping with her, which is a terrible sin. But even before the physical act of adultery is the mental act of coveting the other man’s wife. And this is the higher level teaching that Jesus was providing, that one sin often leads to another.
Mat 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
The word “hell” is from “gheh’-en-nah” which means “valley of (the son of) Hinnom; gehenna (or Ge-Hinnom), a valley of Jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment.”
Jesus does not want us to harm ourselves, but instead teaches using a comparison between something obviously horrible if it did happen and something even more horrible that could happen later. The word “hell” refers to the garbage dump outside of the city of Jerusalem where they dumped their trash, dead animals, and dead strangers. It was a horrible place to walk through, and was burning night and day.
So He teaches that it is better for us to lose an eye in this flesh world than to commit sin and then enter The Millennium among The Dead, where there will be weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth.
Mat 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Jesus gave this as another example for emphasis to His warning. It would be better if we had our right hand cut off than for us to commit sin and go into Hell.
Mat 5:31-32 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Jesus taught that only for the cause of Adultery could a man divorce his wife. Why? Because a divorced woman was usually forced for financial reasons to find support by getting remarried after the divorce. And thereby she would commit adultery against her first husband according to God’s Law. Jesus also taught that even if a man divorces his wife, if he remarries to a divorced woman, then he becomes guilty of Adultery against her first husband. So divorce is legal separation so that the husband and wife can live separate lives. And this state may be better than living together if eventually one might kill the other because of the evil in their hearts. But divorce does not permit them to remarry, unless the reason for divorce was Adultery in the first place.
Mat 5:33-37 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
We have no power over the future, and we cannot promise anything that we will do in the future. We cannot promise that we will even be alive tomorrow. So Jesus teaches that we must never promise what we cannot fulfill, otherwise we will prove to be a liar. So we must not promise anything in the future, but instead we should say, Yes, or No, to signify that we agree or disagree with someone’s request. So our agreement or disagreement would be an honest answer that does not depend on the future which we cannot promise.
Mat 5:38-39 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Vengeance belongs to God, not to us. Note that Jesus says, “whosoever shall smite thee,” so He is not teaching that we should not defend our wife and children or our neighbor if he is being attacked unjustly. The Main Subject is our expected persecution by others for The Lord’s Name’s Sake.
Deu 32:35 To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
For our part, let us seek peace at all times. Do not misunderstand, because we can defend ourselves when we are under physical attack. But injustices that others commit against us just because we are sincere Christians will be dealt with by The Lord in due time. Remember, we will be persecuted for The Lord’s Name’s Sake.
Mat 5:40-42 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Do not allow the evil that other people do against us because we are Christians prevent us from showing the Love and Kindness of God in this world. We are The Lord’s Ambassadors. As much as is possible, we should be pacifists regarding what other people say and do to us. Remember, Jesus allowed those wicked hypocrites in Jerusalem to slander Him, have Him beaten, and crucified. Of course, He suffered all of that in order to fulfill Prophesy. But still, we should not expect to live a good Christian life without being persecuted. Satan will always have us in his sights.
Mat 5:43-45 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
We must show The Love of God to all people in this world, not only to people who like us and treat us kindly, but even to people who are hateful and hurtful to us. We should pray for them that The Lord will bring them to repentance so that they may enter into The New Covenant. We cannot forgive sins. Only The Lord can forgive sins. So sinners must first repent before they can be forgiven.
And we receive an immediate benefit when we pray that our enemies will repent and submit themselves to our Heavenly Father. It is emotionally painful whenever someone hurts us for no just reason, and over time those pains we experience develop into resentments that nag us and often cause us to toss and turn at night which prevents us from getting restful sleep. Pray for your enemies and those who spitefully use you. Pray that they repent and receive Eternal Life. And thank The Lord in your prayers for each person who has wronged you unjustly in your life for being a Christian, because you will be rewarded for enduring persecution for The Lord’s Name’s Sake. And when we give thanks for them, all of the emotional pain and resentment vanishes away so that we are at peace within ourselves. Everything in the past is merely like a dream.
Mat 5:46-48 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
The word “perfect” is from “tel’-i-os” which means “complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun) completeness.” So this word means “Full Maturity.”
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Matthew — Part 9
Mat 6:1-4 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
The word “alms” is from “el-eh-ay-mos-oo’-nay” which means “compassionateness, that is, (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction.” So it means a gift given to the poor or someone in need.
The word “hypocrites” is from “hoop-ok-ree-tace'” which means “an actor under an assumed character (stage player), that is, (figuratively) a dissembler (hypocrite)” It is from the root word “hoop-ok-rin’-om-ahee” which means “to decide (speak or act) under a false part, that is, (figuratively) dissemble (pretend).”
Jesus taught that we must never do our good deeds in front of other people like the stage play actors do to impress them, or we will receive no reward in Heaven. Even if we help someone privately but later tell someone else about it, then we have lost our reward in Heaven. Why? Because we must do good deeds in private to help other people in need, and those acts must be strictly between us, the person we help, and The Lord, and He will reward us.
Acts of good deeds are Free Will Offerings to God to show how thankful we are that He has blessed us and enabled us to help the poor so that His Name will be glorified. And our Offerings must be Sanctified, set apart from everything else in this world.
Mat 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
We must not pray in public to appear religious in front of other people like the stage play actors do. Otherwise we will have no reward in Heaven. Our sincere devotion to God in our prayers must be sanctified, set apart from everything else in this world.
Mat 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Our prayer should be private between us and our Heavenly Father.
Mat 6:7-8 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
We must not recite memorized prayers or chants. There is no sincerity in such ritualistic behavior. We must speak to our Father intelligently from the heart.
Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
The Lord’s Name is Holy.
Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
When Christ returns, He will establish His Millennial Kingdom on earth. The Day of The Lord is what we all wait for.
Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
The Word of God is The Bread of Life, and our Daily Bread. Pray for understanding.
Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
As our Father is merciful to us, let us be merciful to other people.
Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
The Lord will protect us during our time of testing by The Holy Spirit we have received in The New Covenant.
Mat 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
If we do not show mercy to others, than neither will our Father show mercy to us.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.