To the Reader: (Please see the original files to see the proper display of colors, justification, etc.) ( https://wordpress.com/media/mjmselim.wordpress.com )
Christian Biblical Reflections. Completed. Old Testament.
PDF, DOCX, RTF formats.
Some words concerning Christian Biblical Reflections: I am most grateful to the Lord for allowing me to finish this work. The Book is some 2,500 pages of a journey with the Bible in the Christian path. CBR.1-3.v1. c. 570 pages. CBR.4.v2. c370 pages. CBR.5.v3.p1. c. 1020 pages. CBR.v3.p2. c. 550 pages. It has been 10 years in labor & production, 7 years in typing, 3 years on the Prophets alone. It consists of the Old Testament from Genesis to Malachi, it is organized in Five Chapters in Three Volumes or broken up into Five Volumes. Due to further health issues, I delay no longer to send out this rush edition. The last 2 Selections are not properly edited; the Chronology in the Period of Daniel to Christ is not yet finished; spelling & grammar is still to be done, along with the Table of Contents, Index, etc. It does not look like I will be able to do all these things, but I'll continue as best as I can. My original intentions is to have a 2 volume work on the entire Bible, Old & New Testaments, but as you see that did not happen. I make no apologies for my literary unconvential quirks. I never intended for the work to be for the market, but to be available in digital formats freely to all. The Summary at the end of the Book, at the end of the Minor Prophets, is intended to make the work understandable to the Bible Reader. I have not tried to produce a Commentary, there are many good ones available, better than I could do; nor a translation, which I am not qualified to attempt; but only share what my exploration of biblical hermeneutics has encountered as a Cobbler examining & repairing worn shoes of doctrines & practices. I use the 1611 AKJV, 1910 ASV, NASB, NET Bible, Bullinger's Companion Bible, Dake's Annotated Reference Bible, Hebrew Text, Greek Text, Latin Text, 1960 Spanish Reina-Valera, etc. The work itself is self-explanatory as it progresses; & the Text Analysis-Digest became more defined. If & when the work is properly finished, edited, & supplemented where necessary, at that time I will reissue the work again in the 3 formats of a rtf, docx, and pdf downloadable copies. Also links will soon be provided of where the work is publicly posted or archived. I pray the work might be of help to the readers, especially the Bible Students. -mjm, 2021.
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AgcwUEJ0moRUhq8jQFYfit2rgxiYaA?e=GcuqeD (OneDrive)
Updates:
- 03-02-21: Selections 6-9 (Pusey to Briggs) are now completely edited, Selection 10 is still not finished.
- 03-15-21: Selection 10 (Smith) is completed. What is last edit to finish & add is the Chronology that commenced the Minor Prophets; and the final Reflections on the entire Prophetical Books with conclusion of the Twelve Minor Prophets.
- 03-24-2021: The Reflections on the Prophetic Books & particularly of Daniel & the 12 Minor Prophets is now finished, thus completing the Book CBR, Christian Biblical Reflections of Genesis-Malachi of the Hebrew Old Testament. After perusing the Selections & Reflections of the 4 Major Prophetic Books, its apparent that the several Tables of Chronology together complete the projected full Chronology or Timeline from David to Messiah, so that I need not add more to what has been presented. Any other revisions or changes will be automatically made & place here & all the formats made to match.
- As to the New Testament I cannot say, and little hope to complete it; but what I have started is the Text Analysis & Digest with Annotations from Matthew to Revelation, without any promises or commitments. The Colors of the Text Fonts of Black, Red, Blue, Purple are used in the original formats & preserved in the PDFs to distinguish the Author, Divine Direct Words, Quotes or Citations or References. This also will be available in this location with the other works.
- April 2021. Text of Matthew’s Gospel is now completed. I will work through the Gospels & Acts, then Paul’s Epistles, the Catholic Epistles, & the Apocalypse or Revelation. Reflections & Selections will not be attempted till the Text is completed. Revisions or Additions made without notifications.
- August 2021. The Gospels of Mark, Luke, & John each were completed per month for 3 months. Acts is here completed & so completes Part I of the CBR of the Text Analysis & Digest.
- Unless requested directly, Paul’s Letters from Romans to Hebrews will not be offered in installments, but will be shared when all 14 Epistles are completed as Part II, which will take several months.
https://archive.org/details/cbr.-5.v-03.p-1.3-4.-bk-daniel.-02052021.-christ-bib-reflect.mjm_202108
Book of the Gospel of Matthew: Chapters 1-28.
Birth (Genesis, Nativity) of Jesus Christ was in this way: His Mother betrothed (espoused, engaged, bride) to Joseph, before they came-together she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being righteous, was unwilling to make her a public example, considered divorcing (putting-away) her privately. While thinking on this, the Lord’s Angel (Grk: Messenger; Heb: Malak as in Malachi; often in O.T. Jehovah’s Messenger, the LORD’S Angel) appeared to him in dream, saying: “Look, the pregnant Virgin will give-birth to a Son; and yu (singular you, archaic thou, thee, etc.) must name Him JESUS (Yesous,Yoshua, Yehoshua); for He will save His People from their sins.” This happened to fulfill what the Lord spoke by the Prophet (Isaiah 7), saying: “the pregnant Virgin will give-birth to a Son, and they will call His Name Immanuel (Im-manu-El), interpreted as ‘God with us.’” Joseph rose from sleep, and obeyed the command of the Lord’s Angel; and took his wife; but did not know her till after she gave birth to a Son; and he named Him JESUS. (1:18-25) (See the other 3 Gospels for different accounts of the same & similar words & deeds of Jesus.)
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of King Herod (Herod the Great, son of Antipater, Idumean, Edomite or Arab; ruled c. 40 years; died 4 B.C. by Roman calendar.), Wise-men (Magi, whence magicians, mags, Zoroastrian priests of Persian religion, ancient magicians or scholars of stars & elements, etc.) from the East came to Jerusalem, saying: “Where is the Jewish King born? for we saw His Star in the East, and came to worship Him.” When King Herod heard, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. He brought-together all (i.e. many of, a lot of, most of) the Chief Priests & Scribes (learned teachers, authoritative leaders, priests and Levites, common people, high officials, advisors to the chief priests, and teachers of the Law (Torah, Moses’ Law in the 5 Books); clerks to lawyers, writers to rabbis, etc.) of the People, inquired from them where the Christ should be born. They told him: “In Bethlehem of Judaea: as it is written by the Prophet (Micah 5): “yu, Bethlehem, Land of Judah, are not the least among the Princes (rulers, leaders, governor) of Judah: from yu shall come-forth a Governor (Ruler, Leader), Who shall shepherd My People Israel.” Herod privately called the Magi (wise-men, mags), and from them learned-exactly (ascertained) the time the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem, and said: “Go, search out exactly concerning the young-Child (boy, paedos); then when you find, bring me word, that I also may go & worship Him.” After they heard from the King, went their way; the star they saw in the East, went before them, till it stood over where the young-Child (Boy) was; seeing the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. After they came into the house and saw the Boy (young-child) with His Mother Mary; they fell-down & worshipped Him; opening their treasures (gifts, presents) they offered Him gifts, gold, frankincense, & myrrh (gum resins from African Boswellia trees, wounded & leaks sap that hardens & harvested; used as perfume, with oils, & in religious rites as in Roman Catholic Churches, etc.). After they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their country another way.
When they departed, the Lord’s Angel appears to Joseph in dream, saying: “Arise, take the young-Child and His Mother, flee to Egypt, stay there till I tell yu: for Herod will seek the Boy to destroy Him.” He arose, took the Boy & His Mother by night, departed to Egypt; and was there till the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled (complete, compliment, correspond, realized, etc.) what was spoken by the Lord by the Prophet (Hosea 11, Israel typifies Christ), saying: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” After Herod saw that he was mocked (fooled, ignored) by the Magi, was greatly enraged, he sent out to slay all the male boys who were in Bethlehem, and in the nearby borders, from 2 years old & under, according to the exact time he ascertained from the Wise-men. Then was fulfilled what the Prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 31, the Tribes of Benjamin & Joseph) spoke: “Voice was heard in Rama, weeping & great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; she would not be comforted(consoled),because they are not.”
After Herod (Herod the Great, son of Antipater, Idumean, Edomite or Arab; ruled c. 40 years) died (in 4 B.C., placing the Birth of Christ about 5 years B.C.), the Lord’s Angel appeared in dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying: “Arise, take the Boy & His Mother, return to the land of Israel: they are dead who sought the young-Child’s Life.” He arose, took the Boy & His Mother, returned to the land of Israel. When he heard that Archelaus (Herod Archelaus, ruled c. 22 yrs., 3 B.C. to A.D. 18 by Rom. Cal. & Chron.) ruled Judaea in his father’s place, he was afraid to go there; after he was warned in dream, he withdrew to the parts of Galilee; and resided in a city called Nazareth; to fulfill what the Prophets spoke, that He should be called a Nazarene (from netzar, natzer = branch, shoot, sprout; see Isaiah 11, 60; Jer., Zech., etc.; Heb. synonym tzemach = branch, etc.; also compare Nazarite as word-play). (2:1-23)
In those days came John the Baptist (Grk, from baptō = immerse, dip, wash), preaching in the wilderness (desert) of Judaea: “Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven (the Heavens) is near (at hand, soon, now, come).” For this is one spoken of by the Prophet Isaiah (Is. 40): “Voice crying (preaching, announcing) in the wilderness: Make-ready (prepare) the Lord’s Way, make straight His paths.” John had clothes of camel’s hair, and a leather belt (girdle, waistband) around his waist; and ate locusts & wild honey (see Elijah in 2nd Kings 1). Many (all) went out to him from Jerusalem, Judaea, & nearby Jordan (Jordan-River); and were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing (acknowledging, admitting) their sins (crimes, wrongs, mistakes, etc.). He saw (noticed, watched) many of the Pharisees & Sadducees (2 Jewish sects, one concerned with the Law or Torah, the other with the Temple & priesthood; that is with Jewish doctrines & practices) coming to his baptism, he said to them: “You offspring of vipers (generation of snakes, family of snakes, broods of serpents), who warned you to flee (escape, run-away) from the coming wrath? Bring-forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance: think not to say in (within, among) yourselves: “We have Father Abraham”: I tell you; God is able from these stones to raise-up children to Abraham. Even now the axe lays at the root (trunk) of the trees: every tree, that does not brings-forth good fruit is hewn(cut, chopped) down, and cast (thrown) into the fire. I baptize you in (with, by, into) water to (unto, for) repentance: He Who comes after Me is mightier (greater, stronger) than I (me), Whose Shoes (sandals) I am not worthy to carry (bear, hold): He will baptize you in (with, by, into) Holy Spirit & Fire: Whose Fan is in His Hand, and He will thoroughly cleanse His Threshing-floor; He will gather His Wheat into the garner, but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.” Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by Him. John hindered Him, saying: “I need to be baptized by Yu, & Yu come to me?” Jesus answered him: “Permit [it] now: for thus it becomes us (is necessary for us, our obligation) to fulfill all righteousness.” Then He permitted Him. Jesus, when He was baptized, immediately came-out from the water: the heavens were opened to Him, He saw God’s Spirit descending as a Dove, coming on Him; a Voice from the heavens, saying: “This One is My Beloved Son, in Whom I am well-pleased (delighted, satisfied)” (3:1-17)
Jesus then was led of the Spirit into the wilderness (desert) to be tempted (tested, proved) of the Devil (Diabolos). After He fasted 40 days & forty nights, He hungered (famished, starved). The Tempter came & said to Him: “If Yu are God’s Son, command these stones to become bread.” He answered: “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from God’s Mouth.” (Deut. 8) The Devil then takes Him to the Holy City; and set Him on the pinnacle (wing, apex, highest-place) of the Temple, and says to Him: “If yu are God’s Son, jump down: for it is written: “He will give His Angels charge concerning Yu: By their hands they will hold Yu, lest perchance Yu dash Yur Foot against a stone.”” (Psalms 91) Jesus replied: “Again it is written, Yu must not try (tempt, test) the Lord Yur God.” (Deut. 6) Again, the Devil takes Him to an exceeding high mountain, shows Him the kingdoms of the world, & their glory; and said to Him, “These things I will give Yu, if Yu fall down & worship me.” Jesus responded, “Go from here (Begone Satan!), Satan: it is written, “Yu must worship the Lord Yur God, and Him alone Yu must serve.”” (Ex. 20, Deut. 5, etc.) The Devil then leaves Him; and Angels, came & ministered to Him. (4:1-11)
After He heard John was imprisoned (delivered-up, arrested), He withdrew into Galilee; leaving Nazareth, He came & stayed (dwelt) in Capernaum, which is by the Sea (Sea of Galilee (Chinneroth, Kinnereth), Lake Tiberias), in the borders of Zebulun (Nazareth) & Naphtali (Capernaum): to fulfill what was spoken by Isaiah the Prophet: “The land of Zebulun & the land of Naphtali, toward (near) the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles (Nations), the people who sat in darkness saw a great light, those who sat in the region & shadow of death, to them the light sprung up (shined).” (Is. 9, 42, etc.) From that time Jesus began to preach: “Repent! The Kingdom of Heaven is come!” Walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw 2 brothers, Simon who He called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: because they were fishermen. He tells them: “Follow Me, I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. He continued from there, He saw 2 more brothers, James of Zebedee, & his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets; He called them. They immediately left the boat and their father and followed Him. (4:12-22)
(Jesus,) He went-about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Gospel (Evangel, Good-News) of the Kingdom, healing all manner of disease and all kind of sickness among the people. And the report of Him went forth throughout Syria: and they brought to Him many that were sick, held with various diseases, torments, demon-possessed, epileptic, & palsied; and He healed them. And there followed Him large crowds from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judaea, & beyond the Jordan. (4:23-25)
He saw the crowds, He went up to the mountain; He sat down, & His Disciples (Learners, Followers, Students. Etc.) came to Him: He opened His Mouth & taught them saying: “Blessed (happy, fortunate, lucky, favored, etc.; but of divine favor as in the O.T., especially the Psalms.) are:
The poor in spirit (in the spirit): theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
The mourners (grieving): they shall be comforted (consoled).
The meek (humble, lowly, gentle): they shall inherit the earth.
The hungry & thirsty for righteousness: they shall be filled (satisfied).
The merciful: they will obtain mercy.
The pure in heart: they shall see God.
The peacemakers (peaceful, peaceable): they will be called God’s sons.
The persecuted for righteousness: theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
You when they reproach you, persecute you, speak evil against you [falsely], because of Me: rejoice, be exceeding glad: great is your reward in heaven: because so they persecuted the Prophets who were before you.”
“You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost its savor (flavor, saltiness), how shall it be salted? it is afterwards good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden–under (trampled-down) by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do they light a lamp, and put it under the bushel-basket, but on the lampstand; and it shines to all in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.”
“Think not that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily (Heb. = amen, truly, etc.) I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass away, not one jot (iota, yod, = smallestletter) or one tittle (mark, stroke, little-horn, = smallest stroke of a letter) shall not ever pass-away from the law, till all things be accomplished. Whoever breaks one of these least commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven: but whoever does & teaches them, he shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. For I tell you, except your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes & Pharisees, ye shall not ever enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.”
“You heard it said to the ancients (old-ones, elders), “Thou shalt not kill (murder); and whoever kills shall be in danger of the judgment” (Ex. 20, Deut. 5, etc.): but I say to you, everyone who is angry (outraged, upset, furious, etc.) with his brother shall be in danger (liable, guilty) of the judgment; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca’ (stupid, senseless, worthless, etc.), shall be in danger of the council (Sanhedrin, court); and whoever says, ‘Fool’ (moron, idiot, etc.), shall be in danger of the hell fire (Gehenna fire). If then yu are offering yur gift at the altar, and remember yur brother has something against yu, leave there yur gift before the altar, and go yur way, first be reconciled (made-right, resolved, come-to-peace, etc.) to yur brother, and then come and offer yur gift. Agree with yur adversary quickly, while yu are with him on the way; lest perchance the adversary deliver yu to the judge, and the judge deliver yu to the officer, and yu be thrown into prison. Truly (Amen, verily) I tell yu, yu will never come out from there, till thou have paid the last cent (farthing, penny, 1/4th-penny, kodrantēn, quadrans, quarter of another coin, etc).”
“You heard that it was said, “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Ex. 20, Deut. 5, etc.): but I tell you, everyone who looks on a woman to lust-after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. If yur right eye stumbles (trip, offend, scandalize, etc.) yu, pluck it out, and cast it from yu: for it is profitable for yu that one of yur members should perish, and not yur whole body be thrown into hell. If yur right hand stumbles yu, cut it off, throw it away: for it is profitable that one of yur members should perish, and not yur whole body go into hell (Gehenna).”
“It was said also, “Whoever puts-away (divorces) his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement (i.e., legal divorce papers)” (Deut. 24; etc.): but I tell you, whoever puts-away (divorces) his wife, except for the cause of fornication (prostitution, harlotry, sexual-immorality, illicit-sex-affairs, etc.), makes her an adulteress (commits-adultery): whoever marries her when she is put-away (divorced) commits-adultery.”
“Yu heard it was said to them of old-time (the ancients, old-ones, elders), “Yu must not forswear (make-oaths, make-vows), but must perform to the Lord yur (singular) oaths” (Ex. 20, Deut. 5, Lev. 19, etc.): but I tell you (plural), swear (vow, make-oaths) not at all; neither by the heaven, for it is the Throne of God; nor by the earth, for it is the Footstool of His Feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the City of the great King. Neither must yu (singular) swear by yur head, for yu cannot make one hair white or black. But let your (plural) speech be, Yes, yes; No, no: whatever is more than these is of the evil-[one].”
“Ye have heard that it was said, “An eye for eye, tooth for tooth” (Ex. 21, Lev. 24, Deut.19, etc.): but I say unto you, resist not him that is evil: but whosoever strikes yu on yur right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man would go to law with yu, and take away yur coat, let him have yur cloak also. Whoever compels yu to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks thee, from him who would borrow from yu turn not away.”
“Ye have heard it was said, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy” (Lev. 19, etc.): but I tell you, love your enemies, pray for them who persecute you; that you may be sons of your Father Who is in heaven: for He makes His Sun to rise on the evil & the good, and sends rain on the just & the unjust. For if you love them who love you, what reward (wages, payment) have you? do not even the publicans (tax-collectors) the same? If you greet your brothers only, what do you extra? do not even the Gentiles the same? You must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (5:1-48)
“Take care not to do(practice) your righteousness (good-deeds) before men, to be seen of them: else you have no reward (wages, payment) with your Father Who is in heaven. When yu give alms (do mercy-acts, charity-deeds), sound not a trumpet before yu, as the hypocrites (Grk word = actors, pretenders) do in the synagogues (Grk word = Jewish church, gathering, congregation, etc.) and in the streets, that they may have glory (praise, admiration) of men. Verily (Amen,) I tell you, they received their reward. But when yu give alms, let not yur left hand know what yur right hand does: that yur alms may be in secret: yur Father Who sees in secret shall recompense (compensate, reward, etc.) yu. And when you pray, you must not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily (Amen,) I tell you, they received their reward. When yu pray, enter yur inner chamber (secret closet, private room), having shut yur door, pray to yur Father Who is in secret, yur Father Who sees in secret shall recompense yu. In praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: they think that they shall be heard for their much-speaking (many-words). Be not like them: for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask Him. After this manner pray: Our Father Who is in heaven, Hallowed be Yur Name; Yur Kingdom come; Thy Will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us this day our daily bread; forgive us our debts (trespasses, wrongs), as we forgave our debtors (trespassers, violators). Bring (Lead) us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil-one. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
“When you fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily (Amen,) I tell you, they received their reward. When yu fast, anoint yur head, wash yur face; that yu be not seen of men to fast, but of yur Father Who is in secret: yur Father, Who sees in secret, shall recompense yu.”
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth & rust consume, where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break through nor steal for where yur treasure is, there will yur heart be.”
“The lamp of the body is the eye: if yur eye be single (simple, plain, clear, etc.), yur whole body shall be full-of-light. If yur eye be evil (bad, darkened, damaged), yur whole body shall be full of darkness. If the light in yu be darkness, how great is the darkness! No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to (favor) one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God & mammon (Heb-Aram. word = riches, treasures, wealth, money, etc.).”
“Therefore, I tell you, be not anxious (worry not) for your life, what to eat, or what to drink; nor for your body, what to put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? See the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you of much more value than they? Which of you by being-anxious (worry, anxiety) can add one cubit (c. 18’= 1 ½ ft., arm-length from elbow to longest finger) to the measure of his life? Why are ye anxious concerning clothes? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, not much more you, ones-little-faith (little-believers)? Be not anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, With what shall we be clothed? After all these things do the Gentiles seek; your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Seek first His Kingdom, & His Righteousness; all these-things shall be added to you. Be not anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient to the day is its evil.” (6:1-34)
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you measure, it shall be measured to you. Why look at the spot (mote, speck, splinter) in yur brother’s eye, but consider not the beam (log, lumbar) in yur own eye? Or how will yu say to yur brother, Let me take-out (cast-out, throw-out, extract, etc.) the speck out of yur eye, when the log is in yur own eye? Hypocrite, take-out first the log out of yur own eye; then yu will see clearly to remove the speck out of yur brother’s eye.”
“Give not what is holy to the dogs, neither cast your pearls before the swine, lest perchance they trample them under their feet, then turn & rend you. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you: for everyone who asks receives; and he who seeks finds; to him that knocks it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, who, if his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone; or if he shall ask for a fish, will give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father in heaven give good things to them who ask Him? All things therefore whatever you would that men should do to you, even so do you to them: for this is the Law & the Prophets.”
“Enter in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many enter in by it. For narrow is the gate, and constricted (straitened, narrow, tight) the way, that leadeth to life, and few who find it. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits ye shall know them. Is grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so every good tree brings-forth (produces, makes) good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth-forth (produces, makes) evil fruit. A good tree cannot produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree make good fruit. Every tree not bringing-forth good fruit is chopped down and cast into the fire. By their fruits you shall know them.”
“Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord”, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by Yur Name, and by Yur Name cast-out demons (Grk word = evil-spirits, devils, etc.), and by Yur Name do many mighty works? Then will I profess to them, “I never knew you: depart from Me, you who work iniquity’ (lawlessness, wickedness, etc.). Everyone who hears My Words, and does (obeys, practice) them, shall be likened to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock: the rain descended, the floods came, the winds blew, and beat upon that house; but if fell not: for it was founded upon the rock. Every one that hears My Words, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand: the rain descended, the floods came, the winds blew, and struck that house; and it fell: and great was its fall.”
When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were astonished at His teaching: for He taught them as having authority, and not as their scribes. (7:1-29)
(So far, we have read in Matthew: Jesus’ Genealogy. Nativity. John the Baptist & Jews & Jesus Baptism. Jesus & Satan in Wilderness Temptation. Call of His Disciples & His Public Ministry in Israel begins in Galilee. Jesus’ Kingdom Message: Blessings, Law & Prophets: Old versus New, Rabbis versus Messiah: Murder, Adultery, Oaths, Love, Charity, Prayer, Fasting, Money, Anxiety, Judging, the Father’s Gifts. Two Ways & Two Trees & Two Hearers & Builders. Crowds & Jesus’ Teaching.)
When He came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. There came to Him a leper and worshipped (knelt-before, prostrated-before) Him, saying, “Lord, if Yu will, Yu can make me clean.” He extended His hand, touched him, saying, “I will; be made clean.” Right-away his leprosy was cleansed. Jesus says to him, “See yu tell no one; but go, show yurself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.” When He entered Capernaum, there came to Him a centurion (Lat word, commander of 100 soldiers), beseeching (begging, imploring) Him, “Lord, my servant (boy, child) lies in the house paralyzed (sick-of-the-palsy), grievously (terribly, painfully) tormented.” “He says to him, I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy that Yu should come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed. I also am a man under authority, having under myself soldiers: and I say to this one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it.” When Jesus heard it, He was amazed, and said to them who followed, “Verily (Amen,) I tell you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. I tell you; many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the Kingdom of Heaven: but the sons of the kingdom shall be thrown-out into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.” Jesus said to the centurion, “Go yur way; as yu believed, be it done to yu.” The servant was healed in that hour.
After Jesus came into Peter’s house, He saw his (Peter’s) wife’s mother laying sick of a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her; she arose, and ministered to (served, waited on) Him. When even was come, they brought to Him many possessed with demons: and He cast out (expelled, exorcised) the spirits with a word, and healed all that were sick: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the Prophet (Is. 53, etc.): “Himself took our infirmities, and bare our diseases.”
Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, He commanded to depart to the other side. There came a scribe, and told him, “Teacher, I will follow Yu wherever Yu go.” Jesus tells him, “The foxes have holes, the birds of the heaven, nests; but the Son of Man (i.e., Adam’s Son) has not where to lay His Head.” Another of the disciples said unto Him, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Follow Me; let the dead bury their own dead.” After He entered a boat, His disciples followed Him. There arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the boat was covered with the waves: He was asleep. They came to Him, and woke Him, saying, “Save (Help), Lord; we perish.” He tells them, “Why are you fearful, you of little-faith?” He arose (got-up), rebuked the winds & the sea; and there was a great calm. The men amazed (marveled, surprised), “What manner of Man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” After He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes (Gergesenes; on the coast of Sea of Galilee), there met him two possessed with demons, coming forth out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man could pass by that way. They shouted out, “What have we to do with Yu, Son of God? are Yu come here to torment us before the time?” There was far away from them a herd of many swine feeding. The demons begged Him, “If Yu cast us out, send us away into the herd of swine.” He told them, “Go.” They came out and went into the swine: the whole herd rushed down the steep into the sea (i.e., of Galilee, or waters nearby to it), and perished in the waters. They that fed them fled, and went away into the city, told everything, and what happened the ones possessed with demons. The whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw Him, they insisted that He would depart from their borders. (8:1-34)
He entered a boat, and crossed over, and came into His own city. They brought to Him a man paralyzed (sick-of-the-palsy), lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith told the paralytic (sick-of-the-palsy), “Child (Son, Lad), be of good-cheer; yur sins are forgiven.” Some of the scribes said within (among) themselves, “This Man blasphemes” (speaks-evil). Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why think evil in your hearts? what is easier, to say, Yur sins are forgiven; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority (power) on earth to forgive sins (then saith He to the paralytic (sick-of-the-palsy),), Get-up, take-up yur bed, go to yur house.” He arose and departed to his house. But when the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and glorified God, Who had given such authority to men. As Jesus passed by from there, He saw a man, called Matthew (said to be the writer of this Gospel), sitting at the place of toll (tax-collection): He says to him, “Follow Me.” And he arose and followed him. As He sat for meal in the house, many publicans (tax-collectors, i.e., like Matthew) and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw it, they said unto His Disciples, Why eats your Teacher with the publicans and sinners? But when He heard it, He said, “They who are healthy (whole, well) have no need of a physician, but they who are sick. Go, learn what [this] means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (See Hos. 6, Ps. 51, 40, etc.), for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
John’s Disciples came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but yur Disciples fast not?” Jesus said to them, “Can the sons of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the groom shall be taken away from them, and then will they fast. No man puts a piece of undressed (unwashed, unshrunk, new) cloth on an old garment; for that which should fill it up takes from the garment, and a worse tear is made. Neither put new wine into old wineskins: else the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins perish: but they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.” While He spoke these things to them, there came a ruler, and worshipped (knelt before) Him, saying, “My daughter is by now dead: but come and lay yur hand upon her, and she shall live.” Jesus arose, and followed him, with His Disciples. A woman, who had an issue (flow) of blood twelve (12) years, came behind Him, touched the border of His garment: for she said within herself, “If I only touch His garment, I shall be made well.” Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, be of good cheer; yur faith made yu well.” The woman was made well from that hour. And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute-players, and the crowd making a tumult (commotion), He said, “Make room (give-place, clear-out): the young-girl (damsel, senorita) is not dead, but sleeps. They laughed him to scorn (mockingly). When the crowd was put-forth, he entered in, took her by the hand; the young-girl (damsel, senorita) got-up. His fame went forth into all that land.
Jesus passed by from there, two blind men followed him, shouting out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” When He came into the house, the blind men came to Him: Jesus says to them, “Believe you I am able to do this?” They tell Him, “Yes, Lord.” He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” Their eyes were opened. Jesus strictly (seriously, sternly) ordered them, “See that no man know it.” But they went out and spread abroad His fame in all that land. As they went forth, there was brought to Him a speechless (dumb, mute) man demon possessed. When the demon was expelled, the mute man spoke: the multitudes marveled, saying, “It was never so seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “By the Prince of the Demons He expels demons.” Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of disease and all manner of sickness. When He saw the crowds, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd. Then says He to His Disciples, “The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray to the Lord of the Harvest, that He send forth laborers into His Harvest.” (9:1-38)
He called His Twelve Disciples and gave them authority (power) over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all diseases & sickness. The names of the Twelve Apostles (Grk word = sent ones, messengers, missionaries, etc.) are these: 1st, Simon, called Peter; (2nd), Andrew his brother; (3rd) James of Zebedee, & (4th) John his brother; (5th) Philip, (6th) Bartholomew; (7th) Thomas, (8th) Matthew the Publican; (9th) James of Alphaeus, & (10th) Thaddaeus; (11th) Simon the Cananaean, & (12th) Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. These Twelve Jesus sent-forth (i.e., apostalized, commissioned), and charged them, saying, “Go not in way of the Gentiles, enter not in any city of the Samaritans: but go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. As you go, preach, “The Kingdom of Heaven is at.” Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast-out demons: freely you received, freely give. Take no gold, nor silver, nor brass in your pouches (purses, wallets, belts, etc.); no money-wallet to travel (journey), neither two coats, nor shoes (sandals), nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food. Whatever city or village you enter, search-out (inquire) who in it is worthy; stay there till you go-forth. When you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come on it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. Whoever receives you not, nor hear your words, as you go forth-out from that house or that city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily (Amen,) I tell you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city. I send you forth as sheep among wolves be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Beware of men: for they will deliver you up (betray you) to councils, and in their synagogues, they will scourge you; yes, before governors & kings shall you be brought for My sake, for a testimony to them & to the Gentiles. When they betray you, be not anxious how or what you shall speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what to speak. It is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. Brother shall deliver up brother to death, and the father his child: children shall revolt against parents and cause them to be put to death. You shall be hated of all men for My Name’s sake: but he who endures to the end shall be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee into the next: verily (amen,) I tell you, Ye shall not have gone through the cities of Israel, till the Son of Man is come. A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his teacher, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more of them of his household! Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear in the ear, proclaim upon the housetops. Be not afraid of them who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him Who is able to destroy both soul & body in hell (hades, grave, death). Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father: the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear them not: you are of more value than many sparrows. Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, him will I also confess before My Father Who is in heaven. Whoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father Who is in heaven. Think not that I came to send peace on the earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. I came to set a man at variance (odds, I opposition) against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother-in-law: a man’s foes are-they of his own household. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. He who does not take his cross and follow-after Me, is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life shall lose it; he who loses his life for My sake shall find it. He who receives you receives Me, he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward: he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. Whoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily (amen,) I tell you, he shall by no means lose his reward.” (10:1-42)
After Jesus had finished commanding His Twelve Disciples, He departed from-there to teach & preach in their cities. After John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent by his Disciples to ask Him, “Are You the Coming-One, or do we look for another?” Jesus answered, “Go, tell John the things which you hear & see: the blind receives their sight, lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good-news (good-tidings, gospel, evangel, etc.) preached to them. Blessed is he, who finds no occasion of stumbling in (offence in scandal in, falling at, tripping on) Me.” As these went their way, Jesus said to the multitudes concerning John, “What went you out into the wilderness to see? a reed shaken with the wind? But what went you out to see? a man clothed softly (finely, nicely)? They who dress soft are in king’s houses. Why did you go out? to see a Prophet? Yes, I tell you, much more than a Prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, “Behold, I send My Messenger (Heb. Malachi, i.e., Elijah) before Yur face, Who shall prepare Yur way before Yu.” (Mal. 3 & 4) Verily (Amen,) I tell you, Among them that are born of women there hath not arisen a greater than John the Baptist: yet he who is little (least) in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist till now the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, violent men take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. If you are willing to receive, this is Elijah, who was to come. (Mal.4. Is. 4) He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
“But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like to children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their fellows (companions), “We piped (played) for you, and you did not dance; we cried, and you did not mourn.” John came neither eating & drinking, and they say, “He has a demon.” The Son of Man came eating & drinking, and they say, “Look, a Gluttonous Man (Food-lover) & Winebibber (Wine-drinker) , a Friend of publicans (tax-collectors) & sinners (criminals)!” Wisdom is justified by her works!” Then He began to upbraid (denounce, reprove) the cities where most of His mighty works were done, because they repented not. “Woe to yu, Chorazin! woe to yu, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre & Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre & Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And yu, Capernaum, shalt yu be exalted to heaven? Yu will go down to Hades (hell): if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in yu, it would have remained until this day. I tell you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for yu.”
At that season (time) Jesus answered, “I thank Yu, Father, Lord of heaven & earth, Yu hid these things from the wise & understanding (smart & intelligent, experienced & mature, etc.), and revealed them to babes: yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in Yur sight.” “All things have been delivered to Me from my Father: and no one knows the Son, except the Father; neither doth any know the Father, except the Son, and he to whomever the Son wills to reveal.” “Come to Me, all you who labor & are heavy laden (burdened), I will give you rest. Take My yoke on you, learn of (from) Me; for I am meek & lowly in heart: you shall find rest to your souls. My yoke is easy, My burden is light.” (11:1-30)
At that season Jesus went on the Sabbath-day through the grainfields; His Disciples were hungry and plucked ears & to eat. The Pharisees, seeing it, said to Him, Yur Disciples do that which it is not lawful to do on the Sabbath. He replied, “Have you not read what David did, when he was hungry, and they that were with him; he entered into God’s House, and ate the showbread, which it was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them that were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the Law, that on the sabbath-day the priests in the Temple profane the Sabbath, and are guiltless? I tell you, One greater than the Temple is here. If you had known what this means, “I desire mercy, & not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless.” The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” He departed and entered their synagogue: a man with a withered hand there. They asked Him, “Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?” to accuse Him. He answered, “What man among you, having one sheep, that falls into a pit on the sabbath-day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much more value is man than a sheep! So, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath-Day.” He says to the man, “Stretch-out yur hand.” And he stretched-forth; it was restored whole, as the other. The Pharisees went out, and took- counsel (plotted) against Him, how to destroy Him. Jesus perceiving, (suspecting, knowing) withdrew from there: many followed Him; He healed them all, and charged them not to make Him known: to fulfill what was spoken by Prophet Isaiah, “Look, My Servant Whom I have chosen; My Beloved in Whom My Soul is well-pleased: I will put My Spirit on Him, He shall declare judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry aloud; Neither shall anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall He not break, A smoking flax (flickering wick, smoldering wick; made from flaxseed or linseed plant, cotton, etc. from ancient times to present for candles & lamps) shall He not quench (put-out, extinguish), Till He send-forth judgment to victory. In His name shall the Gentiles hope (trust).” (Is. 42)
Then was brought to him someone demon-possessed, blind & dumb: He healed him, so the dumb-man spoke & saw. The multitudes were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David”? The Pharisees heard & said, “This Man cast-out demons, only by Beelzebub the Prince of the demons.” Knowing their thoughts, He said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation (ruin); every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: if Satan expels Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand? If I by Beelzebub drive-out demons, by whom do your sons expel them? therefore shall they be your judges. If I by the God’s Spirit cast-out demons, then is God’s Kingdom come on (to, among) you. How can one enter the house of the strong-one & spoil his goods, except he first binds the strong-one? and then he will spoil (rob) his house. He who is not with Me is against Me, he who gathers not with Me scatters. I tell you; Every sin & blasphemy shall be forgiven to men; but the blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, nor in the coming-one. Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by its fruit. Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by its fruit. Offspring (brood, children, nest) of vipers (serpents, poisonous snakes), how can you, being evil, speak good things? out of the abundance (content, supply) of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man out of his good treasure brings-forth good-things: and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings-forth evil- things. I tell you, every idle (useless, worthless, hurtful) word men speak, they shall give account in the day of judgment. For by yur words yu shall be justified, and by yur words yu shall be condemned.”
Certain of the Scribes & Pharisees answered Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from Yu.” He replied, “An evil & adulterous generation seeks-after a sign; there shall no sign be given it but the sign of the Prophet Jonah: as Jonah was 3 days & 3 nights in the belly of the whale; so, shall the Son of Man be 3 days & 3 nights in the heart (center, inside) of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall stand-up (be resurrected) in the judgment with this generation and condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; look! a Greater than Jonah is here. The Queen of the South (i.e., Sheba in Arabia or Africa) shall rise- up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it: for she came from the ends (distant-part, furthest-part) of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; look! a Greater than Solomon is here. The unclean spirit, when he is gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking rest, and finds it not. He says, I will return to my house whence I came out; when he returns, he finds it empty, swept, and garnished (tidy, arranged). He goes, takes 7 other spirits more evil than himself, they enter in and dwell there: the last state (condition) of that man becomes worse than the first. So too this evil generation. While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, His Mother & Brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him. Someone said to Him, Yur Mother & Brothers are outside, wanting to speak to Yu. He answered him: Who is my Mother? and My Brothers? He extended His hand towards His Disciples, and said, Look, My Mother & My Brothers! Whoever shall do the will of My Father in heaven, He is My Brother, Sister, & Mother.” (12:1-50)
That day Jesus left the house and sat by the seaside. There were gathered to Him great crowds, so He entered a boat, and sat; the multitude stood on the beach (shore, banks). He spoke to them many things in parables, saying,
(1st) “Behold, the sower went forth to sow; as he sowed, some fell by the wayside, the birds came & devoured them: others fell upon the rocky places, where they had not much earth: and straightway (quickly) they sprang-up, because they had no depth of earth: when the sun was risen, they were scorched; because they had no root, they withered away. Others fell on the thorns; the thorns grew up and choked them: others fell on the good ground, yielded fruit, some a 100-fold, some 60, some 30. He who has ears, let him hear.” The disciples came, and said to Him, “Why do Yu speak to them in parables?” He answered them, “To you it is given to know the mysteries (Grk word = secret, concealed, hidden) of the Kingdom of Heaven, to them it is not given. Whoever has, to him shall be given, he shall have abundance: whoever has not, from him shall be taken away even what he has. I speak to them in parables; because seeing they see not, hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. To them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which says, “Hearing you will hear, and will in no way understand; And seeing ye shall see, and shall in no way perceive: This people’s heart is waxed(grown, become) gross (dull), Their ears are dull of hearing, their eyes they have closed; Lest perchance they should perceive with their eyes, Hear with their ears, to understand with their heart, and should turn-again, And I should heal them. Blessed are your eyes, for they see; your ears, for they hear. Verily (Amen,) I tell you, that many prophets & righteous men desired to see what you see and saw them not; to hear what you hear and heard them not. Hear (Learn, Listen) the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the Word (message) of the Kingdom, and understands it not, the evil-one comes, snatches-away (seizes, grabs, steals, robs) what was sown in his heart. He was sown by the wayside. He who was sown on the rocky places, he who hears the word, right-away with joy receives; he has no root in himself but endures for a while; and when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, he quickly stumbles. He who was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word; the care (concern, worry) of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, he becomes unfruitful. He who was sown on the good ground, he hears the word, understands it, who truly bears fruit, brings-forth, some a 100-fold, some 60, some 30.”
(2nd) Another parable set He before them, saying, “Heaven’s Kingdom is likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares(weeds, darnels; a false-wheat looking weed, only discerned as it reaches maturity) also among the wheat, and went away. But when the blade sprang up and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. And the servants of the householder came and said to him, “Sir (Lord, Master), did yu not sow good seed in yur field? whence then has it weeds?” he replied, “An enemy has done this.” The servants asked, “Want us to go gather (pull) them up?” He says, “No; lest perhaps while you gather up the tares, you root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: in the time of the harvest, I will say to the reapers, “Gather up first the tares, bind them in bundles to burn them; gather the wheat into my barn”.”
(3rd) Another parable to them, “The Heaven’s Kingdom is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: which indeed is less than all seeds (mustard seed is c. ½ the size of sesame seeds, & 1/4th of wheat grain); but when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becomes a tree (up to 25 ft with many branches & leaves), so that the birds of the sky lodge in the branches.”
(4th) Another parable: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like leaven, which a woman hid in 3 measures of meal, till it was all leavened.”
Jesus spoke these things in parables to the multitudes; He spoke nothing to them without a parable; to fulfill what was spoken by the Prophet, “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world (ages, dispensations, times).” (Psalm 78; see Ps. 49, etc.) He left the multitudes and went into the house: His Disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.” He answered, “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world; the good seed are the sons (children) of the Kingdom; the tares are the sons of the evil-one; the enemy who sowed them is the Devil: the harvest is the end of the world (ages, dispensations, times); and the reapers are Angels. As the tares are gathered-up and burned with fire, so too in the end of the world (ages, dispensations, times). The Son of Man shall send-forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His Kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and them that do iniquity (wickedness, crimes), and cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be the weeping & the gnashing (grinding, snarling) of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.”
(5th) “Heaven’s Kingdom is like a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, & hid; in his joy he goes & sells all he has, buys that field.”
(6th) “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant man seeking goodly pearls: having found one pearl of great price, he went & sold all that he had, & bought it.”
(7th) “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a net cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: which, when it was filled, they drew up on the beach; they sat down, gathered the good into vessels (containers), but the bad they cast away (throw out). So, shall it be in the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the righteous, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be weeping & gnashing of teeth.”
“Have you understood all these things”? They replied, “Yes.” He tells them, “Every scribe made a disciple to Heaven’s Kingdom is like a man who is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure things new & old.” When Jesus finished these parables, He departed; coming into His own country He taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, “How has this Man this wisdom, & these mighty works? Is not He the Carpenter’s Son? is not His mother called Mary? and His brothers, James, Joseph, Simon, & Judas? His sisters, are they not all with us? Where did He get all these things?” They were offended in Him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and in his own house.” He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. (13:1-58)
That season Herod (i.e. Antipas) the Tetrarch (Grk word, 1/4th ruler or king, or ruler of 1/4th Judaea-Syria or Palestine-Syria, of Galilee & Perea by 4 sons of Herod the Great, ½ brother to Archelaus the Ethnarch & King of Judea, Samaria, & Idumea; ½ brother to Herod Antipater & Herod Philip) heard the report concerning Jesus, and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore do these powers work in Him.” Herod had arrested John, & bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. John told him, “It is not lawful for yu to have her.” When he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a Prophet. When Herod’s birthday came, Herodias’ daughter danced in the midst (their presence), and pleased Herod. So he promised with an oath to give her whatever she ask. She was influenced (put-forward) by her mother to say, “Give me now on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The King was grieved; but for the sake of his oaths, and them that sat at table with him, he commanded it to be given; he sent & beheaded John in the prison. His head was brought on a platter, and given to the girl (damsel, young-woman, youth): she took it to her mother. His disciples went, and took up the corpse (body), buried him; they went & told Jesus. When Jesus heard, he withdrew in a boat, to a desert place alone: and when the multitudes heard, they followed him on foot from the cities. He came forth, and saw a great multitude, He had compassion on them, and healed their sick. When even came, the Disciples came to Him, saying, “The place is desert, the time is already past (late); send the multitudes away, to go into the villages, to buy food.” Jesus told them, “They have no need to go away; give them food.” They tell Him, “We have only 5 loaves, and 2 fishes.” He said, “Bring them to Me.” He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the 5 loaves, and the 2 fishes, looking up to heaven, He blessed, broke, and gave the loaves to the Disciples, the Disciples to the multitudes. They all ate and were filled: and they took up that which remained from the broken pieces, 12 baskets full. They who ate were about 5,000 men, besides women & children. Straightway he constrained the Disciples to enter the boat, to go before him to the other side, till He should send the multitudes away. After He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into the mountain alone to pray when it was even was, he was there alone. The boat was now far in the sea, distressed (tossed) by the waves; for the wind was contrary (turbulent, stormy). In the 4th watch (hour, i.e., c. 3-6 a.m., 10th-12th Hebrew hours before sunrise) of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. When the Disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a ghost (phantom, spirit); and they cried out for fear. Right-then Jesus told them, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is Yu, bid me come on the waters.” He said, “Come.” Peter went down from the boat, walked on the waters to go to Jesus. When he saw the wind, he was afraid; beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Immediately Jesus extended His Hand, took hold of him, says to him, “Yu of little faith, why did yu doubt?” When they went into the boat, the wind ceased. Those in the boat worshipped Him, saying, “Truly, Yu are the Son of God.” When they had crossed over, they came to the land, to Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized Him, they sent into all that region round about, and brought to Him all that were sick, and they implored Him that they might only touch the border (hem) of His garment: and as many as touched were made well. (14:1-36)
There came to Jesus from Jerusalem Pharisees & Scribes, saying, “Why do Yur Disciples transgress (break, violate, ignore, etc.) the tradition of the Elders (i.e. Rabbis)?” “not washing their hands before they eat bread (food).” He answered, “Why do you transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? God said, “Honor yur father & yur mother: He that speaketh evil of father or mother, let him die the (put to) death.” You say, “whoever says to his father or his mother, Whatever yu might have profited by me is given (donated, promised, designated, etc.);” he should not honor his father.” Yu have voided the God’s Word because of your tradition. You hypocrites! well did Isaiah prophesy of you, “This people honors Me with their lips; But their heart is far from Me. In vain do they worship Me, Teaching doctrines the precepts of men.” He called & told the crowd, “Hear, & understand: Not what enters the mouth defiles man; what proceeds out of the mouth defiles man.” The Disciples came & said to Him, “Yu Know the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying?” He answered, “Every plant My heavenly Father planted not, shall be uprooted. Leave them alone: they are blind guides. If the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit.” Peter responded to Him, “Explain to us the parable.” He replied, “Are you still without understanding? Perceive you not, whatever goes into the mouth passeth into the belly (stomach), and expels as waste (into draught, draft, etc.)? Things which proceed out of the mouth come forth out of the heart; they defile man. Out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings [, etc.]: these are what defiles man; to eat with unwashed hands defileth not man.” Jesus left, & withdrew into the parts of Tyre & Sidon. A Canaanitish woman came out from those borders, crying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is grievously demon vexed.” He answered her not a word. His Disciples besought Him, saying, “Send her away; she cries after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.” She came & worshipped Him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fit to take the children’s bread and cast it to the dogs.” She replied, “Yes, Lord: even the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Jesus replied to her, “woman, great is yur faith be it done to yu even as yu wished. Her daughter was healed from that hour.” Jesus departed & and came near the Sea of Galilee; He went up into the mountain and sat down. Large crowds came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, dumb, maimed, & many others, and they cast them down at His feet; He healed them: insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, lame walking, and the blind seeing: they glorified the God of Israel. Jesus called His Disciples, and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with Me now 3 days and have nothing to eat: I will not send them away fasting, lest perhaps they faint on the way. The Disciples say to Him, “Where should we get so many loaves in a desert place as to satisfy (feed, fill) so great a multitude? Jesus asked them, “How many loaves have you?” They said, “7, and a few small fishes”. He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground; He took the 7 loaves and the fishes; and He gave thanks & divided (broke), gave to the Disciples, the Disciples to the multitudes. They all ate, were filled: they took up what remained over of the broken pieces, 7 baskets full. They who ate were 4,000 men, besides women & children. He sent away the multitudes, entered the boat, came into the borders of Magadan. (15:1-39)
The Pharisees & Sadducees tested & asked Him to show them a sign from heaven. He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, “Fair weather: for the sky is red.” In the morning, “bad weather to-day: for the sky is red & lowering (louring, gloomy, dark, etc.).” Ye know how to discern the face of the sky, but not the signs of the times. An evil & adulterous generation expects a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonah.” He left & departed. The Disciples went to the other side and forgot to take food. Jesus told them, “Take heed & beware of the leaven of the Pharisees & Sadducees.” They reasoned among themselves, saying, “We took no bread.” Jesus perceiving it said, “You of little faith, why reason you among yourselves, because you have no bread? Do you not perceive, neither remember the 5 loaves of the 5,000, how many baskets you took up? Neither the 7 loaves of the 4,000, how many baskets you took up? How is it that ye do not perceive I spoke not concerning bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees & Sadducees.” They understood He warned them not to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching (doctrine) of the Pharisees & Sadducees. (16:1-12)
When Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His Disciples, saying, “Who do men say is the Son of Man? They said, “Some, John the Baptist; some, Elijah; others, Jeremiah, or one of the Prophets.” He asks them, “Who say you that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “Yu are the Christ, Son of the Living God”. Jesus responded, “Blessed are yu, Simon Bar-Jonah (Simon = Cephas = Peter; Bar (Aramaic-Syriac) = Ben (Hebrew) = son)): flesh & blood has not revealed it to yu, but My Father Who is in heaven. I tell yu that yu are Peter, on this Rock (Grk = Petra) I will build My Church (Assembly, Ecclesia, Iglesia, etc.); the gates of Hades (Hell, Death, Grave) shall not prevail-against (conquer, over-power, out-last, dominate, etc.) it. I will give to yu the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: whatever yu bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; whatever yu loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” He instructed (charged, commanded) the Disciples to tell no man He was the Christ (Messiah, Anointed-One). From that time began Jesus to show to His Disciples, He must go to Jerusalem, suffer many things by the Elders & Chief Priests & Scribes, be killed, the 3rd day be raised-up (resurrected, revived, etc.). Peter took Him, began to rebuke (correct) Him, “Lord, it must never ever happen to Yu.” He turned, told Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan: yu are a stumbling-block (offense, scandal, embarrassment, etc.) to Me: yu mind (value, consider, think-about) not the things of God, but the things of men.” Jesus told His disciples, “If any man will come-after (follow, pursue) Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross (stauros, crucifix, beam, stake, dying), follow Me. Whoever will save his life shall lose it: whoever shall lose his life for My sake shall find it. What shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, yet forfeit his life (psuchos, psyche, soul, self)? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life (soul)? The Son of man shall come in the Glory of His Father with His Angels; then shall He render to every man according to his deeds. Verily (Amen,) I tell you, there are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom.” (16:13-28)
After 6 days Jesus takes Peter, James, & John his brother, brings them up into a high mountain alone: He was transfigured (transformed, changed) before them; His Face did shine as the sun, His Garments became white (bright) as the light. There appeared to them Moses & Elijah talking with Him. Peter told Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here: if Yu wish, I will make 3 tabernacles (booths, tents, shelters, sukkots); one for Yu, one for Moses, & one for Elijah.” While he was speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them: a voice out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I am well-pleased; hear Him.” When the Disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were very afraid. Jesus came & touched them & said, “Arise, be not afraid.” Lifting their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus only. As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell the vision to no man, till the Son of Man be risen from the dead.” His Disciples asked, “Why say the Scribes that Elijah must first come?” (see Is. 40, Mal. 4 & 5) He answered, “Elijah indeed comes, and shall restore all things: I tell you, Elijah is come already, they knew him not, but did to him whatever they wanted. Even so shall the Son of Man also suffer from them.” Then understood the Disciples that He spoke to them of John the Baptist. They came to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling, saying, “Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is epileptic, & suffers grievously; often he falls into the fire, & often into the water. I brought him to Yur Disciples, they could not cure Him.” Jesus replied, “Faithless & perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I bear with you? bring him to Me.” Jesus rebuked him; the demon left him: the boy was cured from that hour. The Disciples came to Jesus alone, & asked, “Why could not we expel it?” He tells them, “Because of your little faith: for verily (amen,) I tell you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say to this mountain, “Remove hence to yonder place;” it shall remove; nothing shall be impossible for you. [But this kind goes out only by prayer & fasting.]” While they stayed in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man shall be delivered up into the hands of men; they shall kill Him, the 3rd day He shall be raised-up.” They were exceeding sorry. When they were come to Capernaum, they who received (collected) the half-shekel (tax) came to Peter, “Does not your teacher pay the half-shekel?” He says, “Yes.” When he came into the house, Jesus spoke first to him, “What do yu think, Simon? the Kings of the earth, from whom do they receive toll or tribute? from their sons, or from strangers?” He said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Therefore the sons are free. But lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, throw a hook, take up the fish that first comes up; when yu open its mouth, yu will find a shekel: that take, & give to them for Me & yu.” (17:1-27)
In that hour came the Disciples to Jesus, saying, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” He called a little child, set him amid them, & said, “Verily (Amen,) I tell you, Except you turn, and become as little children, you shall in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever therefore shall humble (submit, behave) himself as this little child, is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever receive one such little child in My Name receives Me: whoever stumbles (trips) one of these little ones who believe in Me, it is profitable (better) for him that a great millstone should be hanged about his neck and sunk in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of occasions (causes, reasons) of stumbling! for it must needs be that the occasions come; but woe to that man through whom the occasion comes! If yur hand or foot causes yu to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee: it is good (better) to enter life maimed or halt (deformed, disabled, amputated), rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the eternal fire. If yur eye causes yu to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better to enter life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the hell of fire. See that you despise not one of these little ones; for I tell you, in heaven their Angels do always behold the Face of My Father Who is in heaven. [For the Son of Man came to save what was lost.]”
“How think you? if any man has 100 sheep, one of them be gone astray, doth he not leaves the 99, and go unto the mountains, and seek that which goes astray? If he finds it, verily (amen,) I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the 99 which have not gone astray. So, it is not the will of your Father Who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. If yur brother sin against yu, go, show him his fault between yu and him alone: if he listens, yu have gained yur brother. If he hears not, take with one or two more, that at the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may be established. If he refuses to listen, tell it to the Church: if he refuses to hear the Church also, let him be as the Gentile & the publican. Verily (Amen,) I tell you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. I tell you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they ask, it shall be done for them of My Father Who is in heaven. Where two or three are gathered in My Name, there am I among (with, amid) them.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, & I forgive him? until 7 times?” Jesus says, “I tell yu, Not until 7 times; but, Until 70 times 7 (490 times; see Daniel’s 490 years)”.
“The Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a certain King, who would make a reckoning with his servants. When he had begun to reckon, one was brought to him, that owed him (10,000) talents (i.e., millions or billions of dollars). Since he could not pay, his Lord commanded him to be sold, his wife, children, & all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell and worshipped him, saying, “Lord, have patience with me, I will pay yu all.” The Lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. That servant went out, found one of his fellow-servants, who owed him 100 shillings (i.e. 50 shekels, or less than 50 dollars): he laid hold on him, by the throat, saying, “Pay what yu owe.” So his fellow-servant fell down begging him, “Have patience with me, I will pay yu.” He would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay what was owed. His fellow-servants saw what was done, they were exceeding sorry, went to tell their lord all that was done. His Lord called him, “Thou wicked servant, I forgave yu all that debt, because thou begged me: should yu not also have had mercy on yur fellow-servant, even as I had mercy on yu? His Lord was outraged (wroth, angry), delivered him to the tormentors (prison-keepers, jail-guards), till he should pay all what was due. So, shall also My heavenly Father do to you, if each forgive not his brother from your hearts.” (18:1-35)
After Jesus finished these words, He left Galilee, went into the borders of Judaea beyond the Jordan; great multitudes followed Him; He healed them there. There came Pharisees, testing Him, saying, “Is it lawful to put-away (divorce) one’s wife for any cause?” He answered, “Have you not read, “He Who made (created) from the beginning, made them male & female,” (see Gen. 1 & 2 & 3) & said, “For this cause shall a man leave his father & mother, and shall cleave (cling, unite, join) to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh?” So, they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God joined-together (united), let not man put-asunder(separate, sever).” They replied to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a bill of divorcement, to put-away (divorce) (Deut. 24)?” He replied, “Moses for your hardness of heart permitted you to put-away your wives: but from the beginning it has not been so. I tell you, Whoever shall put-away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery: he who marries her when she is put-away commits adultery.” The Disciples say to Him, “If man’s case is so with his wife, it is not expedient (beneficial, suitable, practical, etc.) to marry.” He responded to them, “Not all men can receive this saying, but they to whom it is given. There are eunuchs (celibates, castrates), that were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are eunuchs (celibates, castrates, castrates), that were made eunuchs (celibates, castrates) by men: and there are eunuchs (celibates, castrates, castrates), who made themselves eunuchs (celibates, castrates, castrates) for the Kingdom of Heaven’s sake. He who is able to receive it, receive it.”
Little children were brought to Him to lay His Hands on them & pray: the Disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Allow the little children, forbid them not to come to Me: for to such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven.” He laid His Hands on them, then departed. One came to him & said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” He replied to him, “Why ask me concerning what is good? One only is good: but if yu would enter into life, keep the commandments.” He asks Him, “Which?” Jesus said, “Yu must not kill, Yu must not commit-adultery, Yu must not steal, Yu must not bear false-witness, Honor thy father & mother; and Yu must love yur neighbor as yurself.” The young man tells Him, “All these things have I observed: what lack I yet?” Jesus said to him, “If yu would be perfect, go, sell what yu have, give to the poor, yu will have treasure in heaven: come, follow Me.” When the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions. Jesus told His Disciples, “Verily (Amen,) I tell you, It is hard for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Again, I tell you, It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.” When the Disciples heard it, they were astonished exceedingly, saying, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looking on them said, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Then answered Peter, “Look, we have left all, and followed Yu; what then shall we have?” Jesus said to them, “Verily (Amen,) I tell you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration (next-creation, renovation, restitution) when the Son of Man shall sit on the Throne of His Glory, you also shall sit on 12 Thrones, judging the 12 Tribes of Israel. Anyone who has left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive a 100-fold, and shall inherit Eternal Life. But many first shall be last; and last, first.” (19:1-30)
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man, a householder, who went out early in the morning (i.e., sunrise, c, 6 A.M.) to hire laborers into his vineyard. When he agreed with the laborers for a shilling (Grk: denarius, denar, c. day’s wages of common worker) a day (1st hour of 12 hours of the day (6 A.M. sunrise) from sunrise to sunset, not the 12 hours of the night from sunset to sunrise; the whole night & day was divided into 4 night watches & 12 + 12 (24) hours or parts of night & day; 1st watch (3 hours total) at sunset, 6 P.M. till c. 9 P.M.), he sent them into his vineyard. He went out about the 3rd hour (9 A.M.) , saw others standing in the marketplace idle; to them he said, “Go into the vineyard, and whatever is right (fair) I will give you.” They went their way. Again, he went out about the 6th (i.e. noontime) & the 9th (c. 3 P.M.) hour, did likewise. About the 11th (5 P.M. c. hour before sunset) he went out, and found others standing; he says to them, “Why stand you here all the day idle?” They tell him, “Because no man has hired us.” He tells them, “Go into the vineyard.” When even was come (i.e., sunset), the Lord of the vineyard tells his steward (house-servant), “Call the laborers, and pay them their hire, beginning from the last to the first.” Then came those of the 11th hour, they received every man a shilling (denar) (i.e., full day’s wage). When the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; they likewise received every man a shilling (denar). When they received it, they murmured against the householder, “These last have spent (worked) one hour, and yu have made them equal to us, who have borne the burden of the day & the scorching heat.” He said to one of them, “Friend, I do yu no wrong: did yu not agree with me for a shilling (denar)? Take up what is yurs, go yur way; it is my will to give to this last, even as to yu. Is it not lawful for me to do what I want with mine own? or is yur eye evil, because I am good?” So, the last shall be first, and the first, last.”
Jesus was going up (i.e., going down south then uphill) to Jerusalem, he took the 12 Disciples alone, on the way He told them, “We go up to Jerusalem; the Son of Man shall be delivered to the Chief Priests & Scribes; they shall condemn Him to death, deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock, to scourge, to crucify: the 3rd day He shall be raised-up.” Came to Him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, worshipping, asking a certain thing of Him. He said to her, “What do yu wish?” She says to Him, “Command that these my two sons may sit, one on Yur Right Hand, & one on Yur Left Hand, in Yur Kingdom.” Jesus answered, “You know not what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They tell Him, “We are able.” He tells them, “My Cup indeed you shall drink but to sit on My Right Hand, & Left Hand, is not Mine to give; but for whom it is prepared of My Father.” When the 10 heard it, they were indignant concerning (angry at, upset with) the two brothers. Jesus called them & said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority (power) over them. Not so shall it be among you: whoever would become great among you shall be your minister (servant, server); whoever would be first among you shall be your servant: even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered to, but to minister, to give His Life a Ransom (purchase, exchange) for many.”
As they went out from Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. Two blind men sitting by the wayside, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, shouted out, saying, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David.” The multitude rebuked them to hold their peace: they cried out the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us.” Jesus stood still, called them, & said, “What will you that I should do to you?” They say, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; straightway they received their sight, & followed Him. (20:1-34)
After they drew near to Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage (Heb-Aram Beth-Phage = House-unripe-Figs) (i.e., few miles from Jerusalem near or between Bethany & Jerusalem on the Temple side), to the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent 2 Disciples, telling them, “Go into the village opposite you, you will find a donkey tied, a colt with her: untie, bring to Me. If anyone say anything to you, say, “The Lord hath need of them;” and straightway he will send them.” This is to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet, saying, “Tell the Daughter of Zion, Look, yur King comes to yu, meek, riding on a donkey, on a colt, the donkey’s foal.” (Zech. 9) The Disciples did as Jesus appointed them, brought the donkey, & the colt, put on them their garments; and He sat thereon. The most part of the multitude spread their garments in the way; and others cut branches from the trees & spread them in the way. The multitudes that went ahead Him, & that followed, shouted, “Hosanna (Rabbinic Heb. = Salvation, Deliverance, Help, etc.; add ‘now’ or ‘us’ at the end) to the Son of David: Blessed, He Who comes in the Name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” (Ps. 118) When He came into Jerusalem, much of the city was stirred, saying: “Who is this?” The multitudes said, “This is the Prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”
Jesus entered the Temple of God, drove out all who sold & bought in the Temple, overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold the doves; He tells them, “It is written, “My House shall be called a House of Prayer: you make it a den of robbers.”” (Isa. 56, Jer.7) The blind & the lame came to Him in the Temple; He healed them. When the Chief Priests & the Scribes saw the wonderful- things (wonders, miracles) He did, & the children that were shouting in the temple saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David;” they were moved with indignation, & said to Him, “Yu hear what these are saying?” Jesus tells them, “Yes: did you never read, “Out of the mouth of babies (infants) & sucklings (babies, nursing-babes) Yu perfected (established) praise?” (Ps. 8)
He left them, went forth out of the city to Bethany, & lodged there. In the morning as He returned to the city, He hungered. Seeing a fig tree by the wayside, He came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only; He says to it, “Let there be no fruit from henceforward forever.” Immediately the fig tree withered. When the Disciples saw it, they marveled (were surprised), saying, “How did the fig tree immediately wither?” Jesus answered them, “Verily (Amen,) I tell you, If you have faith, & doubt not, you shall not only do what is done to the fig tree, even if you shall say to this mountain, “Be taken up and cast into the sea, it shall be done.” All things, you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.”
When He was come into the Temple, the Chief Priests & the Elders of the People came to Him as He was teaching, & said, “By what authority (power) do Yu this? who gave Yu this authority?” Jesus answered, “I will ask you one question, if ye tell me, I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or from men?” They reasoned with (among) themselves, saying, “If we say, “From heaven;” He will say to us, “Why did you not believe him?” If we say, “From men;” we fear the multitude;” for all hold John as a Prophet.” They answered Jesus, and said, “We know not.” He said, “Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.”
“What think you? A man had two sons; he came to the 1st, & said, “Son, go work to-day in the vineyard.” He answered, “I will not:” afterward he repented, & went. He came to the 2nd, said likewise. He answered, “Sir, I [go]:” & went not. Which of the two did the will of his father? They say, “The first”. Jesus tells them, “Verily (Amen,) I tell you, the publicans & the harlots (prostitutes, fornicators, immorals, etc.) go into the Kingdom of God before you. John came to you in the way of righteousness, you believed him not; but the publicans & the harlots believed him: when you saw it, did not repent afterward, that ye might believe.”
“Hear another parable: There was a man, a householder, who planted a vineyard, set a hedge about it, digged a winepress in it, built a tower, let (rented, leased) it out to husbandmen (tenant-farmers, vineyardmen), and went into another country. When the season of the fruits drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, to receive his fruits. The husbandmen took his servants, beat one, killed another, & stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first (i.e. group, the former servants): and they did to them in like manner. Afterward he sent to them his son, saying, “They will reverence my son.” The husbandmen, when they saw the son, said among themselves, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him, & take his inheritance.” They took him, cast him forth out of the vineyard, & killed him. When therefore the Lord of the vineyard shall come, what will he do unto those husbandmen? They tell him, “He will miserably (violently) destroy those miserable (violent) men, will let (rent) out the vineyard to other husbandmen, who shall render him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus asks them, Did you never read in the Scriptures, “The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner; This was from the Lord, And it is marvelous in our eyes?” (Ps. 118) “I tell you; The Kingdom of God shall be taken away from you and shall be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits. He who falls on this Stone shall be broken to pieces: but on whomever It shall fall, It will scatter him as dust.” When the Chief Priests & the Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He spoke of them. When they sought to lay hold on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they regarded Him a Prophet.” (21:1-46)
Jesus answered again & spoke in parables to them: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain King, who made a marriage feast for his son, sent forth his servants to call those invited (bidden) to the marriage feast: they refused. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, “Tell them who are invited, Look, I have made ready my dinner; my oxen & my fatlings are killed, all things are ready: come to the marriage feast.” They made light (fun, sport) of it, & went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise; the rest laid hold on his servants, and treated them shamefully, and killed them. The King was outraged (wroth, furious); he sent his armies, destroyed those murderers, burned their city. Then says to his servants, The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go to the crossings (partings) of the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the marriage feast. Those servants went out into the highways, gathered as many as they found, both bad & good: the wedding was filled with guests. When the King came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding-garment: he asks him, “Friend, why did yu come here without wedding-clothes?” He was speechless. The King said to the servants, “Bind him hand & foot, cast him out into the outer darkness;” there shall be weeping & gnashing of teeth. Many are called, but few chosen.”
The Pharisees, then took counsel how they might ensnare Him in talk. They sent to Him their Disciples, with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know Yu are true, teach God’s way in truth, care not for anyone: Yu regard not the person of men. Tell us, What do Yu think? Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” Jesus perceived (suspected, knew) their wickedness, said, Why tempt (test, prove, try) Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tribute (tax) money.” They brought to Him a denarius (denar, shekel, schilling). He asked them, “Whose is this image & superscription?” They tell Him, “Caesar’s.” He tells them, “Render to Caesar what are Caesar’s; and to God what are God’s.” When they heard it, they marveled, & left Him, & went away.
The Sadducees that day came to Him, (they say that there is no resurrection): they asked Him, “Teacher, Moses said, “If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed (child, progeny, heir) to his brother.” (Deut. 25) Now there were with us 7 brothers: the 1st married & died (deceased, passed-away) having no seed, left his wife to his brother; in like manner the 2nd also, the 3rd, unto the 7th. After them all, the woman died. In the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the 7? for they all had her.” (see 4th Mac. c. 13-18) Jesus answered them, “You do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor God’s Power. In the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as Angels in heaven. Touching the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob?” (Ex. 3) God is not of the dead, but of the living.” When the multitudes heard it, they were astonished at His teaching (doctrine).
The Pharisees, heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together. One of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, testing Him: “Teacher, what is the great commandment in the Law?” He said to him, “Yu must love the Lord yur God with yur heart, with yur soul, with yur mind. This is the great & 1st commandment. (Deut. 6, etc.) And 2nd likewise is this, “Yu must love yur neighbor as yurself. (Lev. 19) On these 2 commandments the whole Law hangs, & the prophets.” While the Pharisees were gathered, Jesus asked them a question, saying, “What think you of the Christ? whose Son is He?” They replied, “David’s.” He responded, “How then does David in the Spirit (by the Spirit, in spirit) call Him Lord, saying, “The Lord (LORD, Jehovah, HaShem) said to My Lord (Adonai, Master), “Sit on My Right Hand, Till I put Yur enemies underneath Yur Feet?” (Ps.110) If David calls Him Lord, how is He his Son?” No one was able to answer Him a word, neither dared any man from that day forth to ask any more questions. (22:1-46)
Jesus then spoke to the multitudes and to His Disciples, “The Scribes & Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat: whatever they bid you, do & observe you must not do after their works; for they say, & do not. They bind heavy burdens & grievous to be borne and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger. Their works they do to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries (frontlets, tefillin, prayer-boxes; worn as reminders to keep the Law), enlarge the borders (hemlines), love the chief-place at feasts, the chief-seats in the synagogues, salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called of men, Rabbi (Teacher, Master, Doctors, Scholars, etc). Be not called Rabbi: for One is your Teacher, and all you are brothers. Call no man your Father (Padre, Pope, Patron) on the earth: for One is your Father in heaven. Be not called Masters (Boss, Landlords, Leader, Owner): for One is your Master, Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”
“Woe to you, Scribes & Pharisees, hypocrites! you shut the Kingdom of Heaven against men: you enter not in yourselves, neither allow those entering to enter.”
“[Woe to you, Scribes & Pharisees, hypocrites! you devour widows’ houses, in pretence you make long prayers: you shall receive greater condemnation.]”
“Woe to you, Scribes & Pharisees, hypocrites! you compass sea & land to make one proselyte (Grk = proseluthos, convert-stranger, new-convert); when he is become so, you make him twofold more a son of hell (Hades) than yourselves.”
“Woe to you, blind guides, who say, “Whoever swears by the Temple, it is nothing; whoever swears by the gold of the Temple, he is a debtor.” Fools & blind: What is greater, the gold, or the Temple that sanctified the gold? Whoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it, he is a debtor. Blind: what is is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift? He who swears by the altar, swears by it, and by all things thereon. He who swears by the Temple, swears by it, and by Him Who dwells therein. He who swears by the heaven, swears by God’s Throne, and by Him Who sits thereon.”
“Woe to you, Scribes & Pharisees, hypocrites! you tithe mint, anise (dill), cumin, (3 herbal plants used as spices for food & fragrance) and have left undone the weightier matters of the law, justice, and mercy, and faith: these you ought to have done, and not to have left the other undone. Blind guides, who strain out the gnat, & swallow the camel!”
“Woe to you, Scribes & Pharisees, hypocrites! You cleanse the outside of the cup & platter, but within they are full of extortion & excess. Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup & platter, that the outside thereof may become clean also.”
“Woe to you, Scribes & Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whited sepulchres, which outwardly appear beautiful, inwardly are full of dead men’s bones, & of all uncleanness. You outwardly appear righteous to men, inwardly are full of hypocrisy & iniquity.”
“Woe to you, Scribes & Pharisees, hypocrites! You build the sepulchres of the Prophets, and garnish the tombs of the righteous, & say, “If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the Prophets.” You witness to (against, of) yourselves, that you are sons of them who slew (killed) the Prophets. Fill up the measure of your fathers. You serpents, ye offspring of vipers, how shall you escape the judgment of hell (Hades)? I send to you Prophets, wise men (sages, scholars), & Scribes: some of them shall ye kill & crucify; some of them shall you scourge in your synagogues, & persecute from city to city: that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah (Zechariah) ben-Barachiah (Berechiah) (see Zech. 1: “Jehovah’s Word came to the Prophet Zechariah ben-Berechiah ben-Iddo about 400 B.C.; see 2nd Chron. 24 : Zechariah ben-Jehoiada slain; compare Joseph. Jew. Wars Bk I, iv., 5. 4 : Zacharias, son of Baruch, was slain in the Temple by two zealot about 70 A.D.), whom you slew between the sanctuary & the altar. Verily (Amen,) I tell you, All these things shall come upon this generation. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that kills the Prophets, and stones those sent to her! how often would I have gathered yur children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and you would not! Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, You shall not see Me henceforth, till you shall say, “Blessed, He Who comes in the Lord’s Name.”” (23:1-39)
Jesus left the Temple, going His way; His Disciples came to Him to show Him the buildings of the Temple. He told them, “You see not all these things? Verily (Amen,) I tell you, Not one stone shall be left on another, that shall not be thrown down.” As He sat on the Mount of Olives, the Disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when shall these things be? when the sign of Yur coming (return, advent, appearance, presence), and of the end (conclusion, finality) of the world (age, dispensation)?” Jesus answered them, “Beware no man mislead you (lead you astray). Many shall come in My Name, saying, “I am the Christ; and shall lead many astray (mislead many). You shall hear of wars & rumors of wars; see that you are not troubled: it must needs come about; this is not the end. Nation shall rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom; there shall be famines & earthquakes in different places. These things are the beginning of travail (labor, birth-pangs, contractions). They shall deliver you up to tribulation (troubles, sufferings, etc.), & kill you: you shall be hated by the nations (Gentiles) for My Name’s sake. Many will stumble, and deliver up (betray) one another, and hate one another. Many false prophets shall arise, and lead many astray. Because iniquity shall be multiplied (abound, increase), the love of the many shall wax (grow, become) cold. He who endures to the end, the same shall be saved. This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations (Gentiles); then shall the end come.”
When you see the Abomination of Desolation, which was spoken of through the Prophet Daniel, standing in the Holy Place (let him who reads understand) (Dan. 9, 11, 12), let those in Judaea flee to the mountains: let him who is on the housetop not go down to take out things that are in his house: let him that is in the field not return to take his cloak (coat). Woe to those with child (pregnant) and to them that give-suck(nurse, suckled) in those days! Pray that your flight be not in winter, neither on Sabbath: for then shall be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be. Except those days had been shortened, no flesh would be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. If any man shall say to you, “Look, here is the Christ,” or, “Here;” believe not. There shall arise false-christs, & false-prophets, and shall show great signs & wonders; to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. I have told you beforehand. If they say to you, “He is in the wilderness (dessert);” go not forth: “He is in the inner chambers (hiding-place);” believe not. As the lightning comes forth from the east, and is seen even to the west; so, shall be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the carcass (dead-body) is, there will the eagles (vultures) be gathered together. Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun shall be darkened, the moon shall not give her light, the stars shall fall from heaven, the powers of the heavens shall be shaken then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven: then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, they shall see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. He shall send forth His Angels with a great sound of a trumpet, they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (‘end of heaven’ here & Deut. 4 only)
“From the fig tree learn her parable: when her branch is now become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that the summer is nigh; so also, when you see all these things, know that He is near, at the doors. Verily (Amen,) I tell you, This (i.e., this-same-one in the parable of the fig-tree before summer) generation shall not pass-away, till these-things (these-same-things) be accomplished. Heaven & earth shall pass away, but My Words shall not pass-away. But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not the Angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only. As the days of Noah, so shall be the coming of the Son of Man. As in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so, shall be the coming of the Son of Man. Then shall two be in the field; one is taken, & one is left: two grinding at the mill; one is taken, & one is left. Watch: for you know not on what day your Lord comes. Know this, if the master of the house had known in what watch (i.e., of the night hours) the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken in. You also be ready; for in an hour you think not the Son of Man comes. Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he comes shall find so doing. Verily (Amen,) I tell you, he will set him over all that he has. If that evil servant shall say in his heart, “My Lord tarries” (delays); and shall begin to beat his fellow-servants, and eat & drink with the drunken; the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expects not, and in an hour when he knows not, and shall cut him asunder (cut him in two, tear him apart, slice him in pieces), and appoint his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping & gnashing (growling, snarling) of teeth.” (24:1-51)
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like ten virgins, who took their lamps, went forth to meet the bridegroom. 5 of them were foolish, 5 were wise. The foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them: the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered & slept. At midnight there is a shout, “Look, the bridegroom! Come forth to meet him.” Those virgins arose & trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, “Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out.” The wise answered, “Perhaps there will not be enough for us & you: go to them who sell, & buy for yourselves.” While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came; they who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast: the door was shut. Afterward came the other virgins, saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us.” He answered, “Verily (Amen,) I tell you, I know you not.” Watch, for ye know not the day nor the hour.” “Like a man, going into another country, called his own servants, and delivered to them his goods. To one he gave 5 talents, to another 2, to another 1; to each according to his individual ability; and he went on his journey. He who received the 5 talents went quickly & traded with them & made another 5 talents. In like manner of the 2, he gained other 2. He who received the 1 went away & dugged in the earth, hid his Lord’s money. After a long time, the Lord of those servants comes, makes a reckoning with them. He who received the 5 talents came, brought another 5 talents, saying, “Lord, yu delivered to me 5 talents: I have gained another 5 talents.” His Lord said, “Well done, good & faithful servant: yu have been faithful over a few things, I will set yu over many things; enter into the joy (pleasure, reward) of yur Lord.” He also that of the 2 talents came & said, “Lord, yu delivered to me 2 talents: See, I have gained another 2 talents.” His Lord said to him, “Well done, good & faithful servant: yu have been faithful over a few things, I will set yu over many things; enter into the joy of yur Lord.” He who received 1 talent came & said, “Lord, I knew yu are a hard man, reaping where yu sowed not, gathering where yu scattered not; I was afraid, & went away & hid yur talent in the earth: see, yur own.” His Lord answered him, “Yu wicked & lazy servant, yu knew I reaped where I sowed not, and gathered where I did not scatter; yu should have put my money with the bankers, at my coming (return) I should have received back mine own with interest (profit, extra). Take the talent from him and give it to him who has 10 talents. To everyone who has shall be given, to have abundance: from him who has not, what he has shall be taken away. Cast out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness: there shall be weeping & gnashing of teeth.”
“When the Son of Man shall come in His Glory, and all the Angels with Him, He shall He sit on the throne of His Glory: before Him shall be gathered all the nations (Gentiles): He shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; He shall set the sheep on His right hand, the goats on the left. The King shall say to them on His right hand, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation (creation, beginning) of the world (time, ages, history): I was hungry, & you fed Me; I was thirsty, & you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, & you took Me in; naked, & you clothed Me; I was sick, you visited Me; I was in prison, you came to Me.” The righteous shall answer him, “Lord, when saw we Yu hungry, & fed Yu? or thirsty, and gave Yu drink? When a stranger, and took Yu in? or naked, & clothed Yu? When sick, or in prison, and came to Yu?” The King shall answer them, “Verily (Amen,) I tell you, Inasmuch as ye did it to one of these least of My Brethren (brothers, children, disciples), you did it to Me.” To them on the left hand He shall say, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the Eternal (everlasting, forever, continual) Fire which is prepared for the Devil and his Angels: I was hungry, and you did not feed Me; I was thirsty, and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me not in; naked, you clothed Me not; sick, & in prison, you visited Me not.” They shall answer, “Lord, when saw we Yu hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to Yu?” He shall answer them, “Verily (Amen,) I tell you, Inasmuch as you did it not to one of these least, you did it not to Me. These shall go away into Eternal Punishment (judgment, torment, death): the righteous into Eternal Life.” (25:1-46)
After Jesus finished these words, He said to His Disciples, “You know that after 2 days the Passover (Pesach, Paschal-time, Easter-season; 14th of 1st month (Abib or Nisan) followed by 7 days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread; see Ex. 12, Num. 9, Deut. 16) comes, the Son of Man is delivered-up (betrayed, handed-over) to be crucified (nailed-to-cross, hung on a pole or tree).” The Chief-Priests, & Elders of the People gathered together to the Court (yard, courtyard, open-public-space) of the High Priest, named Caiaphas; counseled-together to take Jesus by subtlety (deceit, false-accusations), & kill Him. They said, “Not during the Feast (i.e., Passover Feast), lest a tumult (riot, commotion) arise among the people.” When Jesus was in Bethany (Beth-Aniyah; also the city & place of Lazarus raised from death), in the house of Simon the Leper (from leprosy, such as white-leprosy regarded as clean), a woman came to Him, having an alabaster cruse (vase, bottle, pot; alabaster is a mineral of clear whitish paste of carbonate of lime, often made into containers for ointments, like spikenard, or shapes of things) of exceeding precious ointment, she poured it on His Head, as He sat at meat (at table, to eat). When the Disciples saw it, they had indignation (upset, unhappy), saying, “Why this waste?” This might have been sold for much & given to the poor.” Jesus perceiving it said, “Why trouble the woman? she has wrought (worked, done) a good work on (to, for) Me. The poor you always have, but not always Me. In that she poured this ointment upon My Body, she did it to prepare Me for burial (i.e., to slow the corruption or decay of the corpse, & give a pleasant aroma). Verily (Amen,) I tell you, Wherever this Gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that (this) also which this woman has done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.” One of the Twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the Chief Priests, & said, “What are ye willing to give me, and I will deliver Him to you?” They weighed for him 30 pieces of silver. From that time, he sought opportunity to deliver (betray) Him.
The Disciples came to Jesus on (before) the 1st of Unleavened Bread, saying, “Where want Yu that we make ready to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to such a man, say to him, “The Teacher says, “My time is near, (come, here); to keep the Passover at yur house with My Disciples.” The Disciples did as Jesus appointed them; and they made ready the Passover. When even was come (i.e., after sunset beginning Passover Day), He was sitting (reclining) at table (supper) with the Twelve Disciples; as they were eating, He said, “Verily (Amen,) I tell you, one of you shall betray Me.” They were very sorrowful, and to say to Him each one, “Is it I, Lord?” He answered, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish, the same shall betray Me. The Son of Man goes, even as it is written of Him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! Better for that man if he had not been born.” Judas, who betrayed Him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He says to him, “Yu said it.” As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed, & brake it; gave to the Disciples, & said, “Take, eat; this is My Body.” He took a cup, gave thanks, & gave to them, saying, “Drink it; this is My Blood of the Covenant, which is poured out for many to (for) remission (forgiveness, pardon) of sins. I tell you, I shall not drink again of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Jesus says, “You all shall be offended in Me this night (i.e., before sunrise the end of the Passover morning): for it is written, “I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.” (Zech. 13) After I am raised-up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter responded, “If all shall be offended in Yu, I will never be offended.” Jesus tells him, “Verily (Amen,) I tell yu, this night, before the rooster crow (i.e. before sunrise), yu shall deny Me thrice.” Peter says to Him, “If I must die with Yu, I will not deny Yu.” All the Disciples said likewise. Jesus comes with them to a place called Gethsemane (Aram-Heb: Geth-Semane. Gad-Semane = oil- press; a garden at foot of Mt of Olives in Jerusalem), and says to His Disciples, “Sit here, while I go yonder (beyond, further) & pray.” He took with Him Peter & the 2 sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful & very troubled. He says, “My Soul is exceeding sorrowful, even to death: stay here, watch with Me.” He went forward a little, fell on His Face, prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from Me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as Yu will.” He comes to the Disciples, finds them sleeping, says to Peter, “What, could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch & pray, that you enter not into temptation: the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak.” 2nd time He went-away, & prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass away, except I drink it, Yur will be done.” He came again, found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. He left them again, went away, prayed a 3rd time, saying the same words. He came to the Disciples, and says to them, “Sleep on, take your rest: the hour is come, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Arise, let us be going he who betrays Me is here.”
While He spoke, Judas, one of the Twelve, came, and with him a great multitude (throng, number) with swords & staves (clubs, rods), from the Chief Priest & Elders of the People. His betrayer gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I shall kiss, it is He: take (seize, arrest) Him.” Straightway he came to Jesus, & said, “Hail (hello, greeting, shalom), Rabbi;” & kissed Him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, for what yu are come (have yu come?).” They laid hands on Jesus & took him. One of them with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, & struck the servant of the High Priest, and struck off his ear. Jesus said to him, “Put up yur sword into its place: for all they who take the sword shall perish with the sword. Or think yu that I cannot beseech My Father, and he shall even now send me more than 12 legions (i.e., 50,000-70,000) of Angels? How then should the scriptures be fulfilled that thus it must be? (Ps. 41, 55, Is.53, etc.)” Jesus that hour said to the multitudes, “Are you come out as against a robber with swords & staves to seize Me? I sat daily in the temple teaching, and you took Me not.” All this is to fulfill the Scriptures (Writings) of the Prophets.” The Disciples left (deserted) Him & fled.
After they arrested Jesus, they led Him away (brought Him) to Caiaphas the High Priest, where the Scribes & Elders were gathered-together. Peter followed him afar off, to the Court of the High Priest, and entered in, sat with the officers, to see the end. The Chief Priests & the whole Council (Sanhedrin) sought false-witness against Jesus, to put Him to death; they found it not, though many (several) false-witnesses came. Afterward (finally) came two, & accused, “This Man said, “I am able to destroy God’s Temple, and to rebuild it in 3 days.” The High Priest stood up, & said to Him, “Yu answer nothing? what is it which these witness against Yu?” Jesus held His peace (kept quiet, remained silent). The High Priest said to Him, “I adjure (demand, bind, swear under oath) Yu by the Living God, that Yu tell us whether (if) Yu are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus told Him, “Yu said it: nevertheless, I tell you, Henceforth you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the Right Hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” The High Priest ripped his garments, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy: what further need have we of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy: what you think?” They answered, “He deserves death.” They spat in His face & buffet (beat, hit, slapped) Him: some smote Him with the palms of their hands, saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ: who struck Yu?” Peter was sitting outside in the Court: a maid came to him, saying, “Yu were with Jesus the Galilean.” He denied before them all, saying, (1st time) “I know not what yu say.” When he was gone out into the porch, another saw him, says to them who were there, “This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” Again, he denied with an oath, (2nd time) “I know not the Man.” After a little while they who stood by came and said to Peter, “Of a truth yu are one-of them; for yur speech makes yu known.” He began to curse & to swear, (3rd time) “I know not the Man.” Right then the rooster crowed. Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before the rooster crowed, yu shall deny Me thrice.” He went out and wept bitterly. (26:1-75)
When morning was come (i.e., sunrise, dawn), the Chief Priests & Elders of the People took counsel against Jesus to put Him to death: they bound Him, led him away, and delivered Him up to Pilate the Governor (i.e., of Rome’s appointment). Judas, His betrayer, when he saw that He was condemned, repented, and brought back the 30 pieces of silver to the Chief Priests & Elders, saying, “I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood.” They said, “Yu see, what is that to us?” He cast down the pieces of silver into the Sanctuary & departed; he went away & hanged himself. The Chief Priests took the pieces of silver, & said, “It is not lawful to put them into the Treasury, since it is the price of blood.” They took counsel, and bought with them the Potter’s Field, to bury strangers in. So that field was called, the Field of Blood (Heb-Aram = Akel-Dama, blood-money was used to buy land for the burial of the poor, strangers, criminals, & unknown), to this day (i.e., at the time of the writing of this Gospel). So fulfilled what was spoken through the Prophet Jeremiah (i.e., Zechariah), saying, “They took the 30 pieces of silver, the price of him that was priced, whom the children of Israel did price (value); they gave them for the Potter’s Field, as the Lord appointed me.” (Zec. 11; compare Jer. 18, 19) Jesus stood before the Governor: the Governor asked Him, “Are Yu the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “Yu say.” When He was accused by the Chief Priests & Elders, He answered nothing. Pilate says to Him, “Yu hear how many things they witness against Yu?” He gave Him no answer, not even one word: insomuch that the Governor marveled greatly. At the Feast, the Governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner, whom they wished. They had a notable prisoner, called Barabbas (Bar-Abbas). When they were come together, Pilate said to them, “Whom will you that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus Who is called Christ?” He knew that for envy they had delivered him up. While he was sitting on the Judgment-seat, his wife sent to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him.” The Chief Priests & Elders persuaded the crowd that they should ask for Barabbas & destroy Jesus. The Governor asked them, “Which of the two should I release to you?” They said, “Barabbas.” Pilate says to them, “What shall I do to Jesus Who is called Christ?” They say, “Let Him be crucified.” He said, “Why, what evil (crime) has He committed?” They cried out exceedingly, “Let Him be crucified.” Pilate saw that he prevailed nothing, rather a tumult (uproar) was arising, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this righteous Man; You watch (see, do).” The people answered & said, “His blood on us, & on our children.” He released to them Barabbas; but Jesus He scourged (whipped) and delivered to be crucified.
The soldiers of the Governor took Jesus into the Praetorium (i.e., civic & military counsel place of the servants of Roman Republic in a city or area, like a precinct, police station), gathered to him the whole band (i.e., a cohort, or 1/10th the legion, about 500 soldiers). They stripped Him and put on him a scarlet (purple) robe. They platted a crown of thorns and put it upon His Head, a reed in His Right Hand; they kneeled before Him, mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat on Him, took the reed & struck Him on the Head. When they had mocked Him, they took off the robe, and put on him His garments, and led him away to crucify him. As they came out, they found a man of Cyrene (i.e., modern Libya, north Africa), Simon by name: they compelled him to go, to carry His Cross. They came to a place called Golgotha, Place of Skull, they gave Him wine to drink mixed with gall (vinegar): when He tasted it, He would not drink. When they crucified Him, they parted His garments among them, casting lots; they sat & guarded Him there. They set up over His Head His accusation written, “This is JESUS the KING of the JEWS.” There were crucified with Him two robbers, one on the right hand & one on the left. They who passed by railed on (yelled at, cursed at) Him, wagging (nodding, shaking) their heads, saying, “Yu Who destroys the Temple, and rebuild it in 3 days, save Yurself: if Yu are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” The Chief Priests likewise mocking, with the Scribes & Elders, said, “He saved others; himself he cannot save. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God; let Him deliver Him, if He desires Him: for He said, “I am the Son of God.”” The robbers who were crucified with Him cast on Him the same reproach. From the 6th hour (c. noon) there was darkness over all the land until the 9th hour (c. 3 p.m. afternoon). About the 9th hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, (i.e., in Heb-Aram) “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have Yu forsaken Me?” Some of them stood there when they heard it, said, “This Man calls Elijah.” Straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said, “Let be let us see whether Elijah comes to save Him.” Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up His Spirit. The veil of the Temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake; the rocks were split; the tombs were opened; many bodies of the saints that had fallen asleep were raised; coming forth out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the Holy City and appeared to many.
The centurion, & those with him guarding Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God.” Many women were there watching (looking) from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him: among whom was Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James & Joses (Joseph), and the mother of the sons of Zebedee (i.e., of James & John). When it was even, there came a rich man from Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ Disciple: this man went to Pilate, and asked for the Body of Jesus. Pilate commanded it to be given up. Joseph took the Body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, laid it in his own new tomb (sepulchre), which he had hewn out in the rock: he rolled a great (heavy, large) stone to the door of the tomb (sepulchre), and departed. Mary Magdalene was there, & the other Mary, sitting over against (opposite, across) the sepulchre (tomb). In the morning, which is after the Preparation (i.e. Friday, for the Passover, followed by the Sabbath & the 1st Day of Unleavened Bread), the Chief Priests & Pharisees were gathered together to Pilate, saying, “Sir, we remember that Deceiver said while He was alive, “After 3 days I rise again.” Command that the sepulchre be made secure until the 3rd day, lest perhaps His Disciples come & steal Him away, and say to the people, “He is risen from the dead: and the last error will be worse than the first.” Pilate told them, “Ye have a guard: go, make it secure as you can.” They went, and secured the sepulchre, sealing (covering, reinforcing) the stone, the guard being with them. (27:1-66)
Late on the Sabbath day (i.e., near sunset or dusk of the Sabbath, Saturday), as it began to dawn toward the 1st of the week (i.e., Sunday, before sunrise), came Mary Magdalene & the other Mary to see the sepulchre. There was a great earthquake; for an Angel of the Lord descended from heaven, came & rolled away the stone, & sat on it. His (i.e., the Angel’s) appearance was as lightning, and his raiment white as snow: for fear of him the guards did tremble (quake, shake), became as dead men. The Angel said to the women, “Fear not; I know that you seek Jesus, Who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, even as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Go quickly, tell His Disciples, “He is risen from the dead; He goes before you to Galilee; there shall you see Him: See, I have told you.” They departed quickly from the tomb with fear & great joy, ran to bring His Disciples word. Jesus met them, saying, “All hail (greetings all, hello).” They came, took hold of His Feet, & worshipped Him. Jesus says to them, “Fear not: go tell My Brethren to depart to Galilee, there shall they see Me.” While they were going, some of the guard came to the city, told the Chief Priests all the things that happened. When they were assembled with the Elders, and had taken counsel, they gave much money to the soldiers, saying, “Say, His Disciples came by night, & stole him away while we slept (i.e. before sunrise on Sunday, the 1st day of the week). If this comes to the Governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and rid you of care.” They took the money and did as they were taught (instructed): this saying was spread abroad among the Jews, till this day (i.e., when the Gospel was written). The 11 Disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus appointed them. When they saw Him, they worshipped; but some doubted. Jesus came to them & spoke to them, saying, “All authority (power) was given to Me in heaven & on earth. Go, make-disciples of all the nations (Gentiles), baptizing them to (into, unto, for, with, by) the Name of the Father & of the Son & of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatever I commanded you: I am with you always (forever), even to the end (close) of the world (age, dispensation, time). (28:1-20)
Notes:
1. ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ occurs some 35 times in Matthew & not in the other Gospels.
2. ‘Kingdom of God’: 4 times in Mat., many times in Mark & Luke, & 2 times in John.
3. ‘Father in heaven’: 14 times in Mat., 2 times in Mark, none in Luke & John.
4. Many details in Matthew are found in the other Gospels, same or similar & different.
5. Jewish details, Rabbinic & common, are to be noticed & understood in all the Gospels.
6. The Language is Hebrew-Aramaic-Syriac in Greek & Roman versions or translations.
7. All words & deeds of Jesus, & all testimony of Him must be united or must all fall apart.
8. Authorship is never revealed, nor date of composition, except by implications or tradition.
9. Red letters make up 2/3rd of the Book of Matthew. The Sermon on the Mount & the Kingdom Parables being the longest sections in Red.
10. Quotes & Citations & References are both exact & generic, with various applications.
11. Jesus’ Ministry was from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, about 100 miles, north to south.
12. Cities, towns, villages, communities numbered some 200; Jesus’ itinerary consisted of some 50.
13. “Amen, I tell you” is idiomatic with the Lord.
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