Commentary On Matthew 3
Today, we study the Book of Matthew chapter three, where
Jesus was baptized, and God attested to the TRUTH that Jesus is the SON OF GOD
Reflections:
“The Beloved Son of God”
Key Scripture
Matthew 3:17 (NLT)
“This is my dearly loved son, who brings me great joy,”
The world is still sharply divided on the Identity Of Jesus Of Nazareth!
The world and history have no issues if Jesus is called:
1. A Holy Man
2. A. Prophet
3. A Great Jew
4. A miracle worker
Contention arises whenever the DEITY of Jesus is discussed!
Profoundly, the testimony of Almighty God in Matthew 3 verse 17 is that Jesus is the “BELOVED SON OF GOD”
To us, as corroborated by the Scriptures, Jesus is:
– The Only Begotten Son of God (Jn 3:16)
– Emmanuel – Confirming that God came in the flesh.
(Matt 1:23)
The Christ – The Messiah
(Mat 16:16)
One with the Father (Jn 10:30)
Implications
Jesus, as the Son of God, validates the TRINITY of Three co-equal Persons.
Jesus, as “The Son of God” validates our salvation
(John 17:2)
If God gave His son, we have assurance that God will not withhold from us ANYTHING He has to give. (Romans 8:32)
Hallelujah!
Prayer
Father, we bless you for giving your son – JESUS CHRIST!
We pray that our lives will continually justify this SACRIFICE & INVESTMENT.
(Amen)
Commentary on Matthew 4
Matthew 4:4 AMP
But Jesus replied, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God”.
(See also Deuteronomy 8:3)
The highlight of today’s chapter is not just the temptation of our Lord Jesus Christ, but emphasis of God’s provision for our continued sustenance.
In the manner that the first Adam was tempted, Jesus, the last Adam was also led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. This leads to an understanding that moments of temptation will not leave out anyone who has been baptized into Christ by becoming born again.
Deuteronomy 8:2 reveals the purpose for which God allowed the children of Israel (His chosen race and a special treasure to God) to pass through the wilderness…
And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not
For the same reason, believers must see moments of temptation through God’s lenses as moments of testing to prove what is in our hearts.
Not as though we are forsaken by God, but as an avenue to showcase His workmanship in us. Reflecting as it were, the nature and character of God that is built into our lives, by the transformative Word of God, through the Holy Spirit.
Notice that in all 3 scenarios presented by Satan to our Lord Jesus Christ, the word of God PREVAILED, and Satan had no choice but to leave Him alone.
Also, in our days, the potency of God’s word has not reduced. When situated in the midst of our circumstances, it prevails.
For example, Ps 105:17-21 gives us insight to the travails of Joseph, sold as a slave, until his word came to pass (the word of God concerning him prevailed and he became Prince over Egypt).
In a way, Joseph showcases what it means not to live by bread alone but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Though he had an opportunity to “better” his lot if he agreed to sleep with Portiphar’s wife, he resisted the temptation by rejecting her offer.
By so doing, his character was tested, and he was not found wanting. The subsequent imprisonment did not deter or obliterate the word that God spoke concerning his life (Gen 37:5-11)
Brother/Sister, make an effort to receive a Word from the Lord in whatever situation you are in or whatever is coming as a test to prove you.
Yes, the pressure may be real, as real as the hunger pangs that Jesus felt after 40 days and 40 nights.
But know this, that as you search through scriptures for the specific word that addresses that situation, and you continue to meditate upon it until illumination comes, faith (agreement with what God says about that situation) will be birthed in your heart.
At that point, you can SPEAK to the situation and expect that whatever you say will be done in the manner of Mark 11:23 NKJV……For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.
Note, however, that faith is never presumptuous, and so we must never tempt God. He will not pay for what He has not ordered. Before you take that step, make sure it is truly the Lord that is leading you. An example of this costly presumption is found in Acts 19:13-16.
The sons of Sceva attempting to do what Paul did were overpowered, disgraced, and prevailed against by the evil spirits they were trying to cast out in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preached.
They had the pedigree, as sons of a leading priest, but had no allegiance to Christ via personal experience when they were confronted with the demonic spirits.
They were also reckless in their display of power, which they knew nothing of.
Suffice to say that His power deposited in us is not an excuse for recklessness or unduly drawing attention to oneself.
May the Holy Spirit fill us with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Amen🙏
Commentary On Matthew 5
Studying chapter five (5) of the book of Matthew gives a description of the sermons taught by Jesus in His early ministry.
It explains the sermons delivered on the mountain as the people gathered to listen to him.
This type of gathering is termed ‘Convention’ in the twenty-first (21st) century.
There are nine topics taught and more are recorded up to chapter eight (8), where he came down after teaching them. These topics are the laws of the prophets from the Old Testament and Jesus came to fulfil the law. Do not discard the Scriptures of the Old Testament.
Key Scripture Matt 5:3-11
‘The Beatitudes’.
This sermon describes how Christians are expected to live daily with God and men. It also comes with the blessings attached to them. All sermons on the mountain are encapsulated in the beatitudes, which is a prerequisite for a Godly living. They are as follows
1. The beatitudes v3-12
2. Teaching about salt and light v13-16
3. Teaching about the law v17-20
4. Teaching about anger v21-26
5. Teaching about adultery v27-30
6. Teaching about divorce v31-32
7. Teaching about vows v33-37
8. Teaching about revenge v38-42
9. Teaching about love for enemies v43-48
Implications
When you acknowledge God, attest to His Lordship and obey His words it shows that you are a representative of God. Being a representative of God implies that
1. Add value to the lives of people around you.
2. Be willing to learn and acquire knowledge (both physical and spiritual)
3. Be the light of the world.
4. Obey the word of God (law).
5. It is okay to be angry but do not let it destroy you.
6. It is unlawful/sin to lust after a man or woman.
7. To the married, do not divorce unless your spouse is unfaithful.
8. God detests swearing in His name and making fun of the Holy Spirit.
9. Do not take revenge, God takes the vengeance on your behalf.
10. Love your enemies instead of hating them.
11. Live a life of perfection just as God is perfect.
Prayer
Dear Lord, help me to live a holy and righteous life, to obey and love your word, to be at peace with all men and to make heaven on the last day in Jesus name, Amen.
