Commentaries
Arabic
- إنجيل المسيح حسب البشير متى
(عبد المسيح وزملاؤه) - إنجيل المسيح حسب البشير مَرْقُس
(عبد المسيح وزملاؤه) - إنجيل المسيح حسب البشير لوقا
(عبد المسيح وزملاؤه) - إِنْجِيْلُ المَسِيْحِِِ حسبَ البَشير يُوْحَنَّا
(عَبْدُ المَسِيْح وَزُمَلاؤُه) - أعمال الرسل حسب البشير لوقا
(عبد المسيح وزملاؤه) - رِسَالةُ بُولُسَ الرَّسُولِ إِلَى أَهْلِ رُوْمِيَة
(عَبدُ المَسِيْح وزُمَلاؤه) - رسالة بُوْلُس الرَّسُوْل إلى أهْلِ غَلاَطِيَّة
(عَبْدُ المَسِيْح وَزُمَلاؤُه) - رِسالةُ بُولُسَ الرَّسُول إِلَى أَهْلِ كَنِيْسَةِ فِيْلِبِّي
(عبد المَسِيْح وزملاؤه) - رِسالةُ بولس الرَّسول إِلَى الكَنِيْسَةِ في كُوْلُوْسِّيْ
(عبد المسيح وزملاؤه) - رِسَالَةِ بولس الرَّسول إلى العِبْرَانِيِّيْنَ
(عَبد المسِيح وزُملاؤُه) - رِسَالةُ يَعْقُوب
(عَبد المسِيح وزُملاؤُه) - رُؤْيا يوحنا اللاهوتي
(عَبْدُ المَسِيْح وَزُمَلاؤُه)
English
- The Gospel of Christ according to Matthew
(Abd al-Masih and Colleagues) - The Gospel of Christ according to Mark
(Abd al-Masih and Colleagues) - The Gospel of Christ according to Luke
(Abd al-Masih and Colleagues) - The Gospel of Christ according to John
(Abd al-Masih and Colleagues) - Acts of the Apostles
(Abd al-Masih and Colleagues) - Studies in the Letter of Paul to the Romans
(Abd al-Masih and Colleagues)
German
- Die Offenbarung des Johannes
(Abd al-Masih and Colleagues)
PREFACE
PART 1
THE PRELIMINARY PERIOD IN THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST
(MATTHEW 1:1 – 4:25)
THE PRELIMINARY PERIOD IN THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST
(MATTHEW 1:1 – 4:25)
A – BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF JESUS
(MATTHEW 1:1-2:23)
1. Genealogy of Jesus
(Matthew 1:1-17)
(MATTHEW 1:1-2:23)
1. Genealogy of Jesus
(Matthew 1:1-17)
2. Birth and Naming of Jesus
(Matthew 1:18-25)
(Matthew 1:18-25)
3. Visit and Worship of the Magi
(Matthew 2:1-11)
(Matthew 2:1-11)
4. Herod’s Attempt to Kill Jesus
(Matthew 2:12-23)
(Matthew 2:12-23)
B – JOHN THE BAPTIST PREPARES THE WAY OF CHRIST
(MATTHEW 3:1-4:11)
1. The Call to Repentance (Matthew 3:1-12)
(MATTHEW 3:1-4:11)
1. The Call to Repentance (Matthew 3:1-12)
2. The Baptism of Christ
(Matthew 3:13-15)
(Matthew 3:13-15)
3. Proclamation of the Unity of the Holy Trinity
(Matthew 3:16-17)
(Matthew 3:16-17)
4. The Temptation of Christ and His Great Victory
(Matthew 4:1-11)
(Matthew 4:1-11)
C – CHRIST BEGINS HIS GALILEAN MINISTRY
(MATTHEW 4:12-25)
1. Christ Chooses Capernaum as a Residence
(Matthew 4:12-17)
(MATTHEW 4:12-25)
1. Christ Chooses Capernaum as a Residence
(Matthew 4:12-17)
2. Christ Calls the First Two Brothers to Discipleship
(Matthew 4:18-22)
(Matthew 4:18-22)
3. A Beautiful Account of the Savior’s Ministry
(Matthew 4:23-25)
(Matthew 4:23-25)
PART 2
CHRIST TEACHES AND MINISTERS IN GALILEE
(MATTHEW 5:1 – 11:1)
CHRIST TEACHES AND MINISTERS IN GALILEE
(MATTHEW 5:1 – 11:1)
A – THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT: ABOUT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
(MATTHEW 5:1 – 7:27) (The First Collection of the Words of Jesus)
a) The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)
(MATTHEW 5:1 – 7:27) (The First Collection of the Words of Jesus)
a) The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)
b) The Purpose of the Sermon on the Mount: The Application of the Law of God
(Matthew 5:13-16)
(Matthew 5:13-16)
c) The Infallibility and Fulfillment of the Law of Moses in the Law of Christ
(Matthew 5:17-20)
(Matthew 5:17-20)
1. OUR DUTIES TOWARDS MEN
(MATTHEW 5:21-48)
a) Forbidding Murder Aims at Reconciliation
(Matthew 5:21-26)
(MATTHEW 5:21-48)
a) Forbidding Murder Aims at Reconciliation
(Matthew 5:21-26)
b) Forbidding Adultery Signifies Seeking Purity
(Matthew 5:27-32)
(Matthew 5:27-32)
c) Forbidding Oaths Signifies Telling the Truth
(Matthew 5:33-37)
(Matthew 5:33-37)
d) Meekness Overcomes Revenge
(Matthew 5:38-42)
(Matthew 5:38-42)
e) Hatred of Enemies is Replaced with Love
(Matthew 5:43-48)
(Matthew 5:43-48)
2. OUR DUTIES TOWARDS GOD
(MATTHEW 6:1-18)
a) Almsgiving in Secret
(Matthew 6:1-4)
(MATTHEW 6:1-18)
a) Almsgiving in Secret
(Matthew 6:1-4)
b) Prayer in Solitude
(Matthew 6:5-8)
(Matthew 6:5-8)
c) The Lord’s Prayer
(Matthew 6:9-13)
(Matthew 6:9-13)
d) The Inevitable Seeking of Reconciliation
(Matthew 6:14-15)
(Matthew 6:14-15)
e) Fasting Joyously
(Matthew 6:16-18)
(Matthew 6:16-18)
3. THE VICTORY OVER OUR EVIL INTENTS
(MATTHEW 6:19-7:6)
a) He Who Collects Money for Himself Shall Serve Satan
(Matthew 6:19-24)
(MATTHEW 6:19-7:6)
a) He Who Collects Money for Himself Shall Serve Satan
(Matthew 6:19-24)
b) Trusting the Providence of Your Heavenly Father
(Matthew 6:25-34)
(Matthew 6:25-34)
c) He Who Knows His Lord, Judges Himself, not Others
(Matthew 7:1-6)
(Matthew 7:1-6)
4. THE SUMMARY OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
(MATTHEW 7:7-27)
a) The Prayer of Faith in God the Father (Matthew 7:7-11)
(MATTHEW 7:7-27)
a) The Prayer of Faith in God the Father (Matthew 7:7-11)
b) The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12)
c) The Two Ways
(Matthew 7:13-14)
(Matthew 7:13-14)
d) The False Prophets
(Matthew 7:15-20)
(Matthew 7:15-20)
e) The Application of the Law by the Power of the Spirit
(Matthew 7:21-23)
(Matthew 7:21-23)
f) The Wise Man and the Foolish Man
(Matthew 7:24-29)
(Matthew 7:24-29)
B – THE MIRACLES OF CHRIST IN CAPERNAUM AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
(MATTHEW 8:1 – 9:35)
1. The Leper Healed
(Matthew 8:1-4)
(MATTHEW 8:1 – 9:35)
1. The Leper Healed
(Matthew 8:1-4)
2. Christ Heals the Centurion’s Servant
(Matthew 8:5-13)
(Matthew 8:5-13)
3. Peter’s Mother-in-law Healed
(Matthew 8:14-17)
(Matthew 8:14-17)
4. The Principles of Following Jesus
(Matthew 8:18-22)
(Matthew 8:18-22)
5. Jesus Calms the Storm and the Waves
(Matthew 8:23-27)
(Matthew 8:23-27)
6. Thousand Devils Cast Out of Two Possessed Men
(Matthew 8:28-34)
(Matthew 8:28-34)
7. Christ’s Authority and Power to Forgive and to Heal
(Matthew 9:1-8)
(Matthew 9:1-8)
8. The Calling of Matthew, the Tax Collector
(Matthew 9:9-13)
(Matthew 9:9-13)
9. The Baptist’s Disciples Question about Fasting
(Matthew 9:14-17)
(Matthew 9:14-17)
10. A Girl Brought Back to Life and a Woman Healed
(Matthew 9:18-26)
(Matthew 9:18-26)
11. Two Blind Men and a Dumb Man Healed
(Matthew 9:27-34)
(Matthew 9:27-34)
C – THE TWELVE DISCIPLES ARE SENT OUT TO PREACH AND SERVE
(MATTHEW 9:35 – 11:1)
1. The Great Compassion of Christ
(Matthew 9:35-38)
(MATTHEW 9:35 – 11:1)
1. The Great Compassion of Christ
(Matthew 9:35-38)
2. The Calling of the Twelve Disciples
(Matthew 10:1-4)
(Matthew 10:1-4)
3. THE METHODS OF SPREADING THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
(MATTHEW 10:5 – 11:1) (The Second Collection of the Words of Jesus)
a) The Fundamental Principles of Preaching
(Matthew 10:5-15)
(MATTHEW 10:5 – 11:1) (The Second Collection of the Words of Jesus)
a) The Fundamental Principles of Preaching
(Matthew 10:5-15)
b) The Risks of Preaching
(Matthew 10:16-25)
(Matthew 10:16-25)
c) Encouragement Amidst Trouble (Matthew 10:26-33)
d) Division as a Result of Preaching
(Matthew 10:34-39)
(Matthew 10:34-39)
e) The Sublime Aim of Preaching
(Matthew 10:40-11:1)
(Matthew 10:40-11:1)
PART 3
THE UNBELIEVING JEWS AND THEIR ENMITY TO JESUS
(MATTHEW 11:2-18:35)
THE UNBELIEVING JEWS AND THEIR ENMITY TO JESUS
(MATTHEW 11:2-18:35)
1. THE ELDERS OF THE JEWS REJECT CHRIST
(MATTHEW 11:2-12:50)
a) Jesus’ Answer to the Baptist’s Disciples
(Matthew 11:2-29)
(MATTHEW 11:2-12:50)
a) Jesus’ Answer to the Baptist’s Disciples
(Matthew 11:2-29)
b) Jesus Rebukes the Unbelieving Cities
(Matthew 11:20-24)
(Matthew 11:20-24)
c) The Declaration of the Unity of the Holy Trinity
(Matthew 11:25-27)
(Matthew 11:25-27)
d) The Invitation to Rest in Christ
(Matthew 11:28-30)
(Matthew 11:28-30)
e) The Disciples Pluck the Heads of Grain on the Sabbath
(Matthew 12:1-8)
(Matthew 12:1-8)
f) The Healing of the Withered Hand on the Sabbath and the Plot to Kill Jesus
(Matthew 12:9-21)
(Matthew 12:9-21)
g) Of Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
(Matthew 12:22-37)
(Matthew 12:22-37)
h) The Sign of the Prophet Jonas
(Matthew 12:38-45)
(Matthew 12:38-45)
i) Jesus’ True Relatives
(Matthew 12:46-50)
(Matthew 12:46-50)
2. THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN: CHRIST TEACHES IN PARABLES
(MATTHEW 13:1-58) (The Third Collection of the Words of Christ)
a) The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23)
(MATTHEW 13:1-58) (The Third Collection of the Words of Christ)
a) The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23)
b) The Parable of the Tares in the Field
(Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43)
(Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43)
c) The Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Parable of the Leaven
(Matthew 13:31-35)
(Matthew 13:31-35)
d) The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
(Matthew 13:44-46)
(Matthew 13:44-46)
e) The Net Cast Into the Sea of Peoples
(Matthew 13:47-53)
(Matthew 13:47-53)
f) Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
(Matthew 13:54-58)
(Matthew 13:54-58)
3. JESUS’ MINISTRY AND TRAVELING
(MATTHEW 14:1 – 17:27)
a) The Death of John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-12)
(MATTHEW 14:1 – 17:27)
a) The Death of John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-12)
b) Feeding the Five Thousand
(Matthew 14:13-21)
(Matthew 14:13-21)
c) Jesus Walks on the Sea
(Matthew 14:22-27)
(Matthew 14:22-27)
d) Peter Sinks Down in the Lake
(Matthew 14:28-35)
(Matthew 14:28-35)
e) Defilement Within and Without
(Matthew 15:1-9)
(Matthew 15:1-9)
f) Out of the Heart Proceed Evil Thoughts
(Matthew 15:10-20)
(Matthew 15:10-20)
g) The Phoenician Woman’s Great Faith Shown by her Humility
(Matthew 15:21-28)
(Matthew 15:21-28)
h) Four Thousand Men Fed
(Matthew 15:29-39)
(Matthew 15:29-39)
i) Jesus Attacks Fanaticism and Shallowness
(Matthew 16:1-12)
(Matthew 16:1-12)
j) Peter’s Decisive Confession of Jesus’ Divinity
(Matthew 16:13-20)
(Matthew 16:13-20)
k) True Faith is a Gift of the Father’s Revelation
(Matthew 16:17-20)
(Matthew 16:17-20)
l) Jesus First Prediction of His Death and Resurrection
(Matthew 16:21-28)
(Matthew 16:21-28)
m) The Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Hermon
(Matthew 17:1-8)
(Matthew 17:1-8)
n) The Clarification of Elijah’s Promised Coming
(Matthew 17:9-13)
(Matthew 17:9-13)
o) The Epileptic Boy Cured
(Matthew 17:14-21)
(Matthew 17:14-21)
p) Jesus’ Second Prediction of His Death and Resurrection
(Matthew 17:22-27)
(Matthew 17:22-27)
4. PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
(MATTHEW 18:1-35) (The Fourth Collection of the Words of Christ)
a) The Disciples’ Pride and the Children’s Humility
(Matthew 18:1-14)
(MATTHEW 18:1-35) (The Fourth Collection of the Words of Christ)
a) The Disciples’ Pride and the Children’s Humility
(Matthew 18:1-14)
b) Mutual Forgiveness Among Brothers
(Matthew 18:15-17)
(Matthew 18:15-17)
c) Prohibiting and Forbidding in Christ’s Name
(Matthew 18:18-20)
(Matthew 18:18-20)
d) Infinite Forgiveness
(Matthew 18:21-22)
(Matthew 18:21-22)
e) The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
(Matthew 18:23-35)
(Matthew 18:23-35)
PART 4
JESUS’ MINISTRY IN THE JORDAN VALLEY DURING HIS JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM
(MATTHEW 19:1 – 20:34)
JESUS’ MINISTRY IN THE JORDAN VALLEY DURING HIS JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM
(MATTHEW 19:1 – 20:34)
1. The Order of True Marriage
(Matthew 19:1-6)
(Matthew 19:1-6)
2. The Sin of Divorce
(Matthew 19:7-9)
(Matthew 19:7-9)
3. Abstention from Marriage for the Sake of Christ’s Ministry
(Matthew 19:10-12)
(Matthew 19:10-12)
4. Christ Loves and Blesses Little Children
(Matthew 19:13-15)
(Matthew 19:13-15)
5. The Rich Young Man and the Danger of Richness
(Matthew 19:16-26)
(Matthew 19:16-26)
6. Can a Rich Man Enter Heaven?
(Matthew 19:23-26)
(Matthew 19:23-26)
7. The Wages of Those Who are Persecuted for Christ’s Sake
(Matthew 19:27-30)
(Matthew 19:27-30)
8. The Equal Wages to All Laborers
(Matthew 20:1-16)
(Matthew 20:1-16)
9. Jesus’ Third Prediction of His Death and Resurrection
(Matthew 20:17-19)
(Matthew 20:17-19)
10. Stupid Pride Among Jesus’ Followers
(Matthew 20:20-23)
(Matthew 20:20-23)
11. Who is the Greatest and Who is the Least?
(Matthew 20:24-28)
(Matthew 20:24-28)
12. Two Blind Men Receive Their Sight in Jericho
(Matthew 20:29-34)
(Matthew 20:29-34)
PART 5
JESUS’ LAST MINISTRIES IN JERUSALEM
(MATTHEW 21:1 – 25:46)
JESUS’ LAST MINISTRIES IN JERUSALEM
(MATTHEW 21:1 – 25:46)
A – A DISPUTE IN THE TEMPLE
(MATTHEW 21:1 – 22:46)
1. Jesus’ Entrance into Jerusalem
(Matthew 21:1-9)
(MATTHEW 21:1 – 22:46)
1. Jesus’ Entrance into Jerusalem
(Matthew 21:1-9)
2. Jesus Cleanses the Temple
(Matthew 21:10-17)
(Matthew 21:10-17)
3. The Unfruitful Fig Tree Cursed
(Matthew 21:18-22)
(Matthew 21:18-22)
4. Jesus Questioned by the Elders of the Jews
(Matthew 21:23-27)
(Matthew 21:23-27)
5. Jesus Gives Four Parables
(Matthew 21:28 – 22:14)
a) The Parable of the Two Sons
(Matthew 21:28-32)
(Matthew 21:28 – 22:14)
a) The Parable of the Two Sons
(Matthew 21:28-32)
b) The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers
(Matthew 21:33-41)
(Matthew 21:33-41)
c) The Parable about the Stumbling Block
(Matthew 21:42-46)
(Matthew 21:42-46)
d) The Parable of the Great Wedding Feast
(Matthew 22:1-14)
(Matthew 22:1-14)
6. The Things that are Caesar’s, and Those that are God’s
(Matthew 22:15-22)
(Matthew 22:15-22)
7. In the Resurrection they neither Marry nor are Given in Marriage
(Matthew 22:23-33)
(Matthew 22:23-33)
8. The Great Commandment
(Matthew 22:34-40)
(Matthew 22:34-40)
9. Christ is the Lord
(Matthew 22:41-46)
(Matthew 22:41-46)
B – CHRIST REBUKES AND WARNS THE JEWISH SPIRITUAL LEADERS
(MATTHEW 23:1-39) (The Fifth Collection of the Words of Jesus)
1. Rebuke of the Scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-7)
(MATTHEW 23:1-39) (The Fifth Collection of the Words of Jesus)
1. Rebuke of the Scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-7)
2. The Humility of Faithful Teachers
(Matthew 23:8-12)
(Matthew 23:8-12)
3. The First Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees
(Matthew 23:13)
(Matthew 23:13)
4. The Second Woe
(Matthew 23:14)
(Matthew 23:14)
5. The Third Woe
(Matthew 23:15)
(Matthew 23:15)
6. The Fourth Woe
(Matthew 23:16-22)
(Matthew 23:16-22)
7. The Fifth Woe
(Matthew 23:23-24)
(Matthew 23:23-24)
8. The Sixth Woe
(Matthew 23:25-26)
(Matthew 23:25-26)
9. The Seventh Woe
(Matthew 23:27-28)
(Matthew 23:27-28)
10. The Eighth Woe
(Matthew 23:29-33)
(Matthew 23:29-33)
11. Jesus’ Prophesy about Jerusalem
(Matthew 23:34-36)
(Matthew 23:34-36)
12. The Hardheartedness of the People of Jerusalem in Front of Christ’s Mercy and Compassion
(Matthew 23:37-39)
(Matthew 23:37-39)
C – CHRIST’S SERMON ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES
(MATTHEW 24:1-25:46) (The Sixth Collection of Words of Jesus)
1. Christ Leaves the Temple (Matthew 24:1-2)
(MATTHEW 24:1-25:46) (The Sixth Collection of Words of Jesus)
1. Christ Leaves the Temple (Matthew 24:1-2)
2. The Disciples’ Questions (Matthew 24:3)
3. Take Heed that no One Deceives You
(Matthew 24:4-5)
(Matthew 24:4-5)
4. God’s Wrath Falling on Men
(Matthew 24:6-8)
(Matthew 24:6-8)
5. They Will Deliver You up to Tribulation
(Matthew 24:9-14)
(Matthew 24:9-14)
6. The Destruction of Jerusalem
(Matthew 24:15-22)
(Matthew 24:15-22)
7. False Christs
(Matthew 24:23-26)
(Matthew 24:23-26)
8. The Clear Signs of Christ’s Second Coming
(Matthew 24:27-31)
(Matthew 24:27-31)
9. The End of the Worlds
(Matthew 24:32-36)
(Matthew 24:32-36)
10. The Salvation of the Believers
(Matthew 24:37-41)
(Matthew 24:37-41)
11. Watch!
(Matthew 24:42-51)
(Matthew 24:42-51)
12. The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
(Matthew 25:1-13)
(Matthew 25:1-13)
13. The Parable of the Talents
(Matthew 25:14-30)
a) Are You Talented?
(Matthew 25:14-18)
(Matthew 25:14-30)
a) Are You Talented?
(Matthew 25:14-18)
b) The Lord Rewards the Faithful
(Matthew 25:19-23)
(Matthew 25:19-23)
c) The Lord Judges the Lazy Servant
(Matthew 25:24-30)
(Matthew 25:24-30)
14. Christ is the Eternal Judge
(Matthew 25:31-33)
(Matthew 25:31-33)
15. Christ’s Judgment on His Loving Followers
(Matthew 25:34-40)
(Matthew 25:34-40)
16. The Judge’s Judgment on the Evil Ones
(Matthew 25:41-46)
(Matthew 25:41-46)
PART 6
CHRIST’S SUFFEINGS AND DEATH
(MATTHEW 26:1-27:66)
CHRIST’S SUFFEINGS AND DEATH
(MATTHEW 26:1-27:66)
1. Jesus Prophesies His Death
(Matthew 26:1-2)
(Matthew 26:1-2)
2. The Consultation against Jesus
(Matthew 26:3-5)
(Matthew 26:3-5)
3. The Shrouding of Christ
(Matthew 26:6-13)
(Matthew 26:6-13)
4. The Treachery of Judas
(Matthew 26:14-16)
(Matthew 26:14-16)
5. Preparing the Passover
(Matthew 26:17-19)
(Matthew 26:17-19)
6. The Declaration of the Coming Treachery
(Matthew 26:20-25)
(Matthew 26:20-25)
7. The First Lord’s Supper
(Matthew 26:26-29)
(Matthew 26:26-29)
8. Jesus’ Predictions on His Way to Gethsemane
(Matthew 26:30-35)
(Matthew 26:30-35)
9. Christ’s Prayer in Gethsemane
(Matthew 26:36-38)
(Matthew 26:36-38)
10. Jesus’ Struggle in His Prayer
(Matthew 26:39)
(Matthew 26:39)
11. Pray Lest You Enter into Temptation
(Matthew 26:40-41)
(Matthew 26:40-41)
12. Jesus’ Entire Submission to His Father’s Will
(Matthew 26:42-46)
(Matthew 26:42-46)
13. Jesus Arrested
(Matthew 26:47-50)
(Matthew 26:47-50)
14. Jesus Heals His Attacker’s Ear
(Matthew 26:51-56)
(Matthew 26:51-56)
15. Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin
(Matthew 26:57-68)
(Matthew 26:57-68)
16. Peter Denies Christ
(Matthew 26:69-75)
(Matthew 26:69-75)
17. Jesus Delivered to the Governor
(Matthew 27:1-2)
(Matthew 27:1-2)
18. The End of the Traitor
(Matthew 27:3-5)
(Matthew 27:3-5)
19. The Prophecy has its Accomplishment: Concerning the Price of Betrayal
(Matthew 27:6-10)
(Matthew 27:6-10)
20. Jesus Before the Roman Civil Court: The Doubts about Jesus’ Kingship
(Matthew 27:11-14)
(Matthew 27:11-14)
21. The Choosing of an Insurgent
(Matthew 27:15-23)
(Matthew 27:15-23)
22. They Cursed Themselves and Their Children
(Matthew 27:24-26)
(Matthew 27:24-26)
23. The Roman Soldiers Mock Jesus
(Matthew 27:27-30)
(Matthew 27:27-30)
24. Simon of Cyrene Bears Jesus’ Cross
(Matthew 27:31-34)
(Matthew 27:31-34)
25. The Holy One was Crucified Between Two Robbers
(Matthew 27:35-38)
(Matthew 27:35-38)
26. The Official Blasphemy
(Matthew 27:39-44)
(Matthew 27:39-44)
27. The Frowns of God and Nature on the Crucified
(Matthew 27:45-50)
(Matthew 27:45-50)
28. The Strange Events at the Death of Jesus
(Matthew 27:51-53)
(Matthew 27:51-53)
29. Witnesses for the Death of Christ
(Matthew 27:54-56)
(Matthew 27:54-56)
30. The Burial of Christ
(Matthew 27:57-61)
(Matthew 27:57-61)
31. The Tomb Sealed and Guarded
(Matthew 27:62-66)
(Matthew 27:62-66)
PART 7
THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
(MATTHEW 28:1-20)
THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
(MATTHEW 28:1-20)
1. The Empty Tomb and the Angel’s Words
(Matthew 28:1-4)
(Matthew 28:1-4)
2. The Determined Resurrection of the Crucified
(Matthew 28:5-7)
(Matthew 28:5-7)
3. The Appearance of Christ
(Matthew 28:8-10)
(Matthew 28:8-10)
4. The Artifice of the Elders of the Jews
(Matthew 28:11-15)
(Matthew 28:11-15)
5. The Appearance of Christ in Galilee and His Command to Preach to the World
(Matthew 28:16-18)
(Matthew 28:16-18)
6. The Unlimited Authority of Christ
(Matthew 28:18-19)
(Matthew 28:18-19)
7. Christ’s Command to Preach to all the Nations
(Matthew 28:19)
(Matthew 28:19)
8. Christ’s Command to Baptize
(Matthew 28:19)
(Matthew 28:19)
9. Christ’s Command to Teach Sanctification
(Matthew 28:20)
(Matthew 28:20)
10. Christ’s Promise to be with His Followers
(Matthew 28:20)
(Matthew 28:20)
d) The Parable of the Great Wedding Feast
(Matthew 22:1-14)
Because Christ is the discerner of men’s thoughts, He knows how to answer them. This parable represents the gospel offer and the various responses that are given to it. The parable of the vineyard represents the sin of the leaders who persecuted the prophets. It also shows the sin of the people, who generally neglected the message, while their leaders were persecuting the messengers.
Jesus told how a king made a wedding for his son as an example of God’s wonderful spiritual wedding for his Son. The guests represent the bride. All men are invited to unite in faith with the Son of God. This union of faith means real joy, delight, supplication, and thankfulness. The whole gospel covenant is like a wedding full of joy, not a holy war full of tears and bloodshed. Christ invites us to the highest bliss.
Those who make a great feast select guests. God’s guests are the children of men. “Lord, what is a man”, that he should be thus dignified! The guests that were first invited were the Jews. Wherever the gospel is preached, this invitation is going on. Ministers are the “servants” that are sent with the invitation (Proverbs 9:4-5).
From this parable, we see that the guests are really called and invited to the wedding. This invitation is sent to all that heard the joyful sound of the gospel. The servants who bring the invitation do not have a specific guest list. There is no need for that since everyone is invited. None are excluded except those who exclude themselves. All who are invited to the dinner are invited to the wedding. They are invited to the wedding, so that they may go forth to meet the Bridegroom, for it is the Father’s will that all men should honor the Son (John 5:23).
In the gospel, there is not only gracious offer, but also gracious persuasion. We persuade men, “we implore men on Christ’s behalf, as ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:11, 20). See how much Christ’s heart is set upon the happiness of poor souls! He not only provides for them, according to their need, but He also considers their weakness and forgetfulness.
When the invited guests were slack in coming, the king sent out other servants. But the prophets of the Old Testament did not prevail, nor John the Baptist, nor Christ Himself (who told them the kingdom of God was at hand). Finally, apostles and ministers of the gospel were sent after Christ’s resurrection to tell them the wedding is ready and to persuade them to accept the offer quickly.
If we respond to the gospel, (“Behold, the dinner is prepared, the oxen and fatlings are killed, and all things are ready”), the Father is ready to accept us, the Son to intercede for us, and the Spirit to sanctify us. Pardon is ready, peace is ready, and comfort is ready. The promises are ready as wells of living water. Angels are ready to attend us, providence is ready to work for our good, and heaven, at last, is ready to receive us. It is a kingdom prepared, “ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5).
God sent His prophets and messengers to the Jews first, afterwards to the whole world. Their service is not compulsory, nor grievous, but voluntary and joyful. They do not grow weary. They do not seek their own glory, but the glory of their Lord. Their message is, “Everything is prepared for the dinner of the Son of God.” The strange thing in this wedding is that the bridegroom is also the sacrifice. He died to justify the guests. God had provided every thing for the party of heaven. Salvation has been completed and is ready for everyone. We exhort you, in the name of God, “Come, every thing is ready.”
Another strange thing about this parable is that most of those who were invited did not come. The excuses were groundless, indicating that they did not want to be with God. They did not love Him, but loved themselves and wanted to be independent from His love.
The reason sinners do not come to Christ and accept His salvation is not that they cannot, but because they will not (John 5:40). This attitude increases the misery of sinners. They might have had happiness if they came, but they chose to refuse it.
For many people the business and profit of worldly enterprises keeps them from coming to Christ. In the parable, each one who did not come gave an excuse. The country people had their farms to look after. The townspeople must serve in their shops. They must buy, sell, and get gain. It is true, that both farmers and merchants must be diligent in their business but not to the extent that the work keeps them from following Christ.
Then the Holy One was grieved, since His love is just. He who refuses His grace separates himself from His light. This is God’s wrath: to leave the unbelievers to destroy themselves by themselves. Do you know God’s wrath? Open the newspapers and read with spiritual eyes. Then you will become a discerner of God’s wrath.
After those who were invited refused to come, God invited the impure, the strangers, the wicked, and the sick to His banquet. His own people did not accept his invitation, so he invited all the poor to his Son’s wedding. Our great God invites you in person, will you come? Do you accept that you are poor, lame and miserable?
God offers those who accept His invitation the garment of righteousness. Have you put on the dress of God’s grace and adorned yourself with the jewels of the Holy Spirit? Without this covering that overcomes your wickedness, you would not be worthy to stay at God’s banquet. He who thinks that he can come to God without Christ’s garment of grace will be driven away to everlasting fire. Hell does not torment with flames and thirst only, but also with fear and trembling of eternal separation in deep-black darkness.
Christ invited all to His wedding feast, but only a few came. Those who came were God’s elect. Are you one of them, dressed in the white garment of His righteousness?