Wisdom - The Red Sea Crossing

 The Egyptians who desperately wanted the Israelites out of the land after the tragedy of their firstborn - would soon change their minds to pursue them. This chapter starts off from here and continues to describe the Egyptians pursuit which eventually led to the parting of the Red Sea for the Israelites. It justifies the punishment God put on the Egyptians for their enslavement of the Israelites. The final main paragraph describe a change in nature including sea animals becoming land animals and vice versa. Not certain if this has taken place yet.


Wisdom 19 (RSVCE) 

The Red Sea
19 But the ungodly were assailed to the end by pitiless anger,
for God[a] knew in advance even their future actions,
2 that, though they themselves had permitted[b] thy people to depart
and hastily sent them forth,
they would change their minds and pursue them.
3 For while they were still busy at mourning,
and were lamenting at the graves of their dead,
they reached another foolish decision,
and pursued as fugitives those whom they had begged and compelled to depart.
4 For the fate they deserved drew them on to this end,
and made them forget what had happened,
in order that they might fill up the punishment which their torments still lacked,
5 and that thy people might experience[c] an incredible journey,
but they themselves might meet a strange death.
God Guides and Protects His People
6 For the whole creation in its nature was fashioned anew,
complying with thy commands,
that thy children[d] might be kept unharmed.
7 The cloud was seen overshadowing the camp,
and dry land emerging where water had stood before,
an unhindered way out of the Red Sea,
and a grassy plain out of the raging waves,
8 where those protected by thy hand passed through as one nation,
after gazing on marvelous wonders.
9 For they ranged like horses,
and leaped like lambs,
praising thee, O Lord, who didst deliver them.
10 For they still recalled the events of their sojourn,
how instead of producing animals the earth brought forth gnats,
and instead of fish the river spewed out vast numbers of frogs.
11 Afterward they saw also a new kind[e] of birds,
when desire led them to ask for luxurious food;
12 for, to give them relief, quails came up from the sea.
The Punishment of the Egyptians
13 The punishments did not come upon the sinners
without prior signs in the violence of thunder,
for they justly suffered because of their wicked acts;
for they practiced a more bitter hatred of strangers.
14 Others had refused to receive strangers when they came to them,
but these made slaves of guests who were their benefactors.
15 And not only so, but punishment of some sort will come upon the former
for their hostile reception of the aliens;
16 but the latter, after receiving them with festal celebrations,
afflicted with terrible sufferings
those who had already shared the same rights.
17 They were stricken also with loss of sight—
just as were those at the door of the righteous man—
when, surrounded by yawning darkness,
each tried to find the way through his own door.
A New Harmony in Nature
18 For the elements changed[f] places with one another,
as on a harp the notes vary the nature of the rhythm,
while each note remains the same.[g]
This may be clearly inferred from the sight of what took place.
19 For land animals were transformed into water creatures,
and creatures that swim moved over to the land.
20 Fire even in water retained its normal power,
and water forgot its fire-quenching nature.
21 Flames, on the contrary, failed to consume
the flesh of perishable creatures that walked among them,
nor did they melt[h] the crystalline, easily melted kind of heavenly food.
Conclusion
22 For in everything, O Lord, thou hast exalted and glorified thy people;
and thou hast not neglected to help them at all times and in all places.

Tobit's Thanksgiving and Prophetic Jerusalem

After realizing the great magnitude of blessings that God had endowed upon him and his family, Tobit wrote the prayer of Thanksgiving below. The words of praise are consistent with many of the praise of other Israelites from the Old Testament. Perhaps one thing that stood out is the description of the extravagance of Jerusalem. Although Jerusalem would have been quite magnificent in the times of Solomon, the description of Jerusalem using precious stones, gold and jewels suggest this may be a prophetic view of Jerusalem and not too different from the eternal Jerusalem described in Revelation.


Tobit 13: Tobit’s Thanksgiving to God
Then Tobit wrote a prayer of rejoicing, and said:
“Blessed is God who lives for ever,
    and blessed is his kingdom.
2 For he afflicts, and he shows mercy;
    he leads down to Hades, and brings up again,
    and there is no one who can escape his hand.
3 Acknowledge him before the nations, O sons of Israel;
    for he has scattered us among them.
4 Make his greatness known there,
    and exalt him in the presence of all the living;
because he is our Lord and God,
    he is our Father for ever.
5 He will afflict us for our iniquities;
    and again he will show mercy,
and will gather us from all the nations
    among whom you[a] have been scattered.
6 If you turn to him with all your heart and with all your soul,
    to do what is true before him,
then he will turn to you
    and will not hide his face from you.
But see what he will do with you;
    give thanks to him with your full voice.
Praise the Lord of righteousness,
    and exalt the King of the ages.
I give him thanks in the land of my captivity,
    and I show his power and majesty to a nation of sinners.
Turn back, you sinners, and do right before him;
    who knows if he will accept you and have mercy on you?
7 I exalt my God;
    my soul exalts the King of heaven,
    and will rejoice in his majesty.
8 Let all men speak,
    and give him thanks in Jerusalem.
9 O Jerusalem, the holy city,
    he will afflict you for the deeds of your sons,
    but again he will show mercy to the sons of the righteous.
10 Give thanks worthily to the Lord,
    and praise the King of the ages,
    that his tent may be raised for you again with joy.
May he cheer those within you who are captives,
    and love those within you who are distressed,
    to all generations for ever.
11 Many nations will come from afar to the name of the Lord God,
    bearing gifts in their hands, gifts for the King of heaven.
Generations of generations will give you joyful praise.
12 Cursed are all who hate you;
    blessed for ever will be all who love you.
13 Rejoice and be glad for the sons of the righteous;
    for they will be gathered together,
    and will praise the Lord of the righteous.
14 How blessed are those who love you!
    They will rejoice in your peace.
Blessed are those who grieved over all your afflictions;
    for they will rejoice for you upon seeing all your glory,
    and they will be made glad for ever.
15 Let my soul praise God the great King.
16 For Jerusalem will be built with sapphires and emeralds,
    her[b] walls with precious stones,
    and her towers and battlements with pure gold.
17 The streets of Jerusalem will be paved[c] with beryl and ruby and stones of Ophir;
18     all her lanes will cry ‘Hallelujah!’ and will give praise,
    saying, ‘Blessed is God, who has exalted you for ever.’”

Son of man, can these bones live?

Ezekiel 37:3
And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.”

Can something that is decayed ever have life again? This question is well put to our spiritual lives as well. In fact, we are born sinners but can be saved. Indeed it is God Himself who is able to save us and turn our lives around. There is nothing that we can do ourselves to change or improve us. It is only up to God who can save us and lead us to a better place.

Let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire

We are called to live in faith and focus on Jesus and persevere like running in a race. To do this, we must also put away "sin which so easily ensnares us". We are to remember what our Lord endured, so that we would not be tired and discouraged when there is opposition to our faith life. We are also reminded that God disciplines us like a father should discipline his children. It is God's love for us that He needs to discipline us. He would not discipline us if we do not belong to Him.

We are also called to live in peace with each other and holiness. Otherwise we cannot experience the presence of God. There should be no root of bitterness because this can lead to defiling ourselves with even more sins. Finally, we are reminded that God is a consuming fire. So we are to exercise grace in all we do and serve God with reverence and godly fear.







Hebrews 12
The Race of Faith

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Discipline of God

3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”[a]
7 If[b] you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Renew Your Spiritual Vitality

12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; 16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

The Glorious Company

18 For you have not come to the mountain that[c] may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness[d] and tempest, 19 and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore. 20 (For they could not endure what was commanded: “And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned[e] or shot with an arrow.”[f] 21 And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.”[g])

22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.

Hear the Heavenly Voice

25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, 26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake[h] not only the earth, but also heaven.”[i] 27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may[j] serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.

In the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life

The order of Melchizedek is referred to here in more detail. Melchizedek was first documented as the priest-king who blessed Abraham and received tithes from Abraham. Melchizedek is compared to Jesus, even though Melchizedek was a mortal. The basis of the comparison comes from the emphasis that the role of priest, tithes and service to God, predates the Law set up after Moses which include the priesthood of Aaron and the Levitical priesthood. Hence there is a priesthood that is older and greater than the Levitical priesthood - which is the priesthood of our Lord Yshua.

One of the main points here is that the priesthood of Jesus, like Melchizedek, is separate from the Law. The Levitical priesthood is not completely effective, especially in guaranteeing salvation, hence the need for another priesthood. The priesthood of Jesus is established by God forever. Also the Levitical priests consist of mortal men who die, whereas Jesus lives forever and is our eternal priest. Finally, unlike human priests, Jesus is completely perfect without sin, and is our perfect priest.





Hebrews 7
The King of Righteousness

1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,” 3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.

4 Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. 5 And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; 6 but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. 8 Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. 9 Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.

Need for a New Priesthood

11 Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. 13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.

14 For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.[a] 15 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest 16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. 17 For He testifies:[b]

“You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.”[c]
18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

Greatness of the New Priest

20 And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath 21 (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him:

“The Lord has sworn
And will not relent,
‘You are a priest forever[d]
According to the order of Melchizedek’”),[e]
22 by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.

23 Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. 24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.

So that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord

Paul brings the results of being justified by faith to being at peace with God through our Lord Jesus. He also gives encouragement that those going through tribulations will lead to perseverance, character and finally hope in God. Paul shows the extraordinary act of God in dying for us when we were still sinners, and by this we are reconciled to God. Paul also explained the contrast that when Adam sinned, all mankind sinned, but through the sacrifice of Jesus, we receive the free gift from God's grace that we become justified and made righteous with God.





Romans 5
Faith Triumphs in Trouble

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have[a] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Christ in Our Place

6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Death in Adam, Life in Christ

12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— 13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)

18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents

The Pharisees complained that Jesus hang out with unholy people or sinners. Jesus responded with a parable that shepherd will do everything he can to find even one lost sheep and will have great joy when that sheep is found. In fact this matter of accepting everyone, especially those who are least deserving is so important to Jesus that He told two additional parables, the parable of the Lost Coin and the parable of the Lost Son. Jesus said that every one sinner who repents will cause great joy in heaven among the angels and God.

The parable of the Lost Son is told in much detail by Jesus, and there are many lessons within that single parable. Here are several points of this parable:
- A son does something extraordinary in asking for his share of inheritance from his father, even though the father is still alive.
- An even more extraordinary event is that the father agreed rather than rebuking and disciplining his son.
- The son wasted his inheritance and sees himself as unworthy, helpless, hopeless, about to die. Or at least that was the perception he planned to convey when he returned to his father.
- The father ran out to meet his son as he returned. According to some commentary, the father abandoned any kind of societal dignity and embarrassment, and was guided by his joy.
- The son confessed and repented and seek for help.
- His father's view is only that his lost son has returned, not holding onto any wrongdoing by his son.
- His self-righteous eldest son felt betrayed in his father's love.
- His father was not apologetic nor comforted his eldest son's sense of betrayal. Instead the father stated two facts which he expected his eldest son to understand: i) the inheritance to his eldest son is already guaranteed, there is nothing better than that ii) the joy of a lost or dead brother who has now been found and alive.






Luke 15
The Parable of the Lost Sheep

1 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying:

4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

The Parable of the Lost Coin

8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins,[a] if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ 10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

The Parable of the Lost Son

11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.

17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’

20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring[b] out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.

25 “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’

28 “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’

31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’”

For He is kind to the unthankful and evil

Jesus was questioned by the Pharisees when his disciples broke the law on the Sabbath. Jesus used David as an example and also declared His divinity by saying He is "Lord of the Sabbath". In another instance, The Pharisees was waiting for Jesus to break another Sabbath law by healing people on the Sabbath. It is amazing that they knew Jesus could heal people, yet did not genuinely investigate if this is God's work, instead they tried to trap and accuse Jesus. Knowing their plans, Jesus deliberately healed a man with a withered hand anyway.

Jesus called His twelve disciples. Jesus also healed (including casting out unclean spirits) a multitude of people from Jerusalem, Judea, Tyre and Sidon. Another amazing fact is how Scripture recorded the healing that, when people touched Him, power went out from Jesus and the people got healed. So the healing was spiritual, that is not physical, but somehow it is also tangible in a sense to be described as going out.

Many of Jesus important teachings are recorded here. They include:
- The Beatitudes - essentially those who are disadvantaged in this life will be blessed in heaven, presumably if they knew Jesus.
- The Woes - these are the opposites of the Beatitudes where those who enjoy life on earth, presumably without Jesus, will have no enjoyment in eternity.
- Jesus teaches about loving your enemies. In the same topic, He says about God "For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful."
- Jesus teaches about not judging, about forgiveness and to be generous.
- Jesus teaches that good fruit comes from good trees. Hence to bear good fruit, we must ourselves be good. A well known saying here is "For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks".
- Jesus teaches that hearing His words is not enough. We must do according to His words so that our foundations will be as strong as rock foundations. Otherwise our house would fall.




Luke 6
Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath

1 Now it happened on the second Sabbath after the first[a] that He went through the grainfields. And His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate them, rubbing them in their hands. 2 And some of the Pharisees said to them, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?”

3 But Jesus answering them said, “Have you not even read this, what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he went into the house of God, took and ate the showbread, and also gave some to those with him, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat?” 5 And He said to them, “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”

Healing on the Sabbath

6 Now it happened on another Sabbath, also, that He entered the synagogue and taught. And a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him. 8 But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, “Arise and stand here.” And he arose and stood. 9 Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?”[b] 10 And when He had looked around at them all, He said to the man,[c] “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.[d] 11 But they were filled with rage, and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.

The Twelve Apostles

12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15 Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; 16 Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.

Jesus Heals a Great Multitude

17 And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, 18 as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. 19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.



The Beatitudes

20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said:

“Blessed are you poor,
    For yours is the kingdom of God.
21 Blessed are you who hunger now,
    For you shall be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now,
    For you shall laugh.
22 Blessed are you when men hate you,
    And when they exclude you,
    And revile you, and cast out your name as evil,
    For the Son of Man’s sake.
23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!
    For indeed your reward is great in heaven,
    For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.


Jesus Pronounces Woes

24 “But woe to you who are rich,
    For you have received your consolation.
25 Woe to you who are full,
    For you shall hunger.
Woe to you who laugh now,
    For you shall mourn and weep.
26 Woe to you[e] when all[f] men speak well of you,
    For so did their fathers to the false prophets.


Love Your Enemies

27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

32 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

Do Not Judge

37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

39 And He spoke a parable to them: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. 41 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye.

A Tree Is Known by Its Fruit

43 “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart[g] brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Build on the Rock

46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? 47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.[h] 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell.[i] And the ruin of that house was great.”

Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest

The miracles of Jesus continues ....

A paralytic man was healed by Jesus, but the way in which Jesus healed the man stirred up some of the religious people. This is because Jesus said "your sins are forgiven you". They would have been right in calling this blasphemy if anyone else said it; except it was Jesus who said it and they did not recognized His divinity. And Jesus explained He deliberately showed that He had the power to forgive.

Tax collectors may have been unscrupulous and deceivers in the time of Jesus and they may also be regarded as morally corrupt. So the Pharisees was appalled when Jesus had meaningful fellowship with them. Jesus used this as a lesson to show that the sinful people are the ones that need Him the most.

Some of John's disciples asked Jesus what seemed to be an honest question about why Jesus' disciples do not fast. Jesus' answer hints at His divine identity, and that His disciples are not fasting because they are enjoying the company of the Almighty in the flesh.

Jesus was called to revive the daughter of a ruler, possibly a man in authority. Nevertheless this man seemed to believe Jesus can raise the dead. On the way, Jesus' attention was diverted by a woman with strong faith who touched His garment and got healed. Jesus praised her faith. Then He raised the daughter of the ruler, despite the ridicule by people before that.

A few other cases included the two blind men who came to Jesus to be healed. Jesus healed them, saying their faith had let them be healed. Then they brought a mute and demon-possessed who was also healed. The Pharisees blasphemed by claiming Jesus power was associated with evil. And it is recorded that Jesus preached in cities, villages and synagogues about the gospel of the kingdom. His preaching was often accompanied by healing. At that instance Jesus, seeing so many people flocking to see Him, had compassion and told the disciples that the harvest was plenty and they need more labourers for the kingdom.


Matthew 9
Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralytic

1 So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. 2 Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”

3 And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!”

4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 7 And he arose and departed to his house.

8 Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled[a] and glorified God, who had given such power to men.

Matthew the Tax Collector

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

10 Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’[b] For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”[c]

Jesus Is Questioned About Fasting

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

15 And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16 No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse. 17 Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”

A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed

18 While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.” 19 So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.

20 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. 21 For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” 22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.

23 When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, 24 He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him. 25 But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went out into all that land.

Two Blind Men Healed

27 When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”

28 And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.”

29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, “See that no one knows it.” 31 But when they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country.

A Mute Man Speaks

32 As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed. 33 And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, “It was never seen like this in Israel!”

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

The Compassion of Jesus

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

Way of the Godly; Messiah's Kingdom

The book of psalm begins with the distinction between godly and ungodly people. Those who are ungodly: are sinners, are mockers, driven away by the wind and will lose in judgement. On the other hand, the godly people: do not perform as the ungodly does, loves God's laws, enjoy the blessings of God, will be able to stand before God in judgement.

The second chapter introduces Messiah as God's Anointed one and as the one who will have victory. The power and authority of Messiah over the rest of the nations is described, as well as the fact that all nations belong to Him. It is a call to the nations, especially those in authority such as kings and judges, to recognize the LORD and serve Him. Those who put their trust in Him will be blessed.


Psalm 2

The Messiah’s Triumph and Kingdom

 1 Why do the nations rage,
         And the people plot a vain thing?
 2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
         And the rulers take counsel together,
         Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
 3 “Let us break Their bonds in pieces
         And cast away Their cords from us.”
       
 4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
         The Lord shall hold them in derision.
 5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,
         And distress them in His deep displeasure:
 6 “Yet I have set My King
         On My holy hill of Zion.”
       
 7 “I will declare the decree:
         The LORD has said to Me,
         ‘You are My Son,
         Today I have begotten You.
 8 Ask of Me, and I will give You
         The nations for Your inheritance,
         And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
 9 You shall break[a] them with a rod of iron;
         You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’”
       
 10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
         Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
 11 Serve the LORD with fear,
         And rejoice with trembling.
 12 Kiss the Son,[b] lest He[c] be angry,
         And you perish in the way,
         When His wrath is kindled but a little.
         Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Psalm 1

The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly

 1 Blessed is the man

         Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

         Nor stands in the path of sinners,

         Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

         And in His law he meditates day and night.

 3 He shall be like a tree

         Planted by the rivers of water,

         That brings forth its fruit in its season,

         Whose leaf also shall not wither;

         And whatever he does shall prosper.

       

 4 The ungodly are not so,

         But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,

         Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

       

 6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,

         But the way of the ungodly shall perish.