Lord Jesus Himself. how to be reconciled with God, etc –

Lord Jesus Himself. how to be reconciled with God, etc –

MATTHEW 5:8 16

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.

to them. Compare 18:21-35; Luke 10:3037. The supreme example of all this is the Lord Jesus Himself. 5:8 To be pure in heart does not mean to be sinless now. If it meant that, then no one on earth would ever “see God.” See 7:11; Rom 7:18; Gal 5:16,17; Jam 3:2; 1 John 1:8. Jesus taught all His disciples to pray “forgive as our sins” (Luke 11:4).

nature. Anything which promotes that – teaching men the truth of God, showing them how to be reconciled with God, etc – eventually makes for peace, if men respond. Peace with God and the peace of God in the heart will mean peace with others. God in Christ was the great peacemaker. See 2 Cor 5:18-21; Eph 2:14-18; Col 1:21,22. Human peacemakers must understand that the real problem is sin, and the real remedy is Christ’s Gospel. Peacemakers must also have the qualities in the preceding beatitudes. When men are like that they will take a strong stand for truth and righteousness and faith (Eph 6:10-17; 1 Tim 6:12; 2 Tim 4:7; Jude 3), but they will also try to live at peace with everyone and to promote peace between men (Rom 12:18; 14:19; 1 Cor 7:15; Heb 12:14; 1 Pet 3:11). Why shall peacemakers be called the children of God? Because God is the God of peace (Rom 15:33; Heb 13:20), and He was willing to bear any cost, go to any lengths agreeable with righteousness, to bring men into peace with Himself. When men are like Him in this, they shall be recognized as what they are – the children of the God of peace (v 16). 5:10 This is the last beatitude – vs 11,12 add to it but do not give a new one. This blessing may sound strange to men in general, but it is true for all that.

The Greek word translated pure can mean clean. It can also mean without adulteration – one thing without mixture. “Pure” milk is milk not mixed with water or anything else. “Pure” grain is grain with the chaff removed. “Pure” can also mean free from defilement and guilt. So a pure heart (that is, the inner state of a person) is one that is guilt-free, sincere, upright, without hypocrisy, undivided in its aims, motives and devotion, without a mixture of deceit, darkness, etc. See Jam 4:8. It is a heart fully set on God and righteousness (compare Ps 86:11; 1 Kings 15:14; 2 Chron 16:9). To try to make the outer things of our lives pure is not enough (see 23:25-28). God wants us to be pure inwardly (Ps 51:6,10). It is the heart God and His people must deal with. He gives an undivided, clean heart. They must guard the heart above all (Prov 4:23; 2 Cor 7:1). The whole message of Christ aims at this very thing – purity, oneness of heart, and the vision of God. Purity of heart begins with repentance and faith in Christ (Acts 15:9). The Lord Jesus, because of the sacrifice of Himself for sinners, purges the conscience and purifies the inner person (Heb 9:14; 10:22). After that believers must walk in the light and renounce all God shows to be wrong (1 John 1:5-7).

“For righteousness’ sake” – not for political or social or religious reasons, not for reasons of color, caste, creed, or because of fanaticism or error. Persecution for righteousness marks out the children of God from others (John 15:20,21; 2 Tim 3:12; 1 Pet 4:14-16). They are blessed because they are in the happy condition of being on God’s side, of standing for God’s righteousness and loving it enough to suffer and die for it. This is a blessed state indeed. Persecution comes to such people because the world is full of evil desires, pride, and hatred for the truth.

“See God” – now believers in Christ have spiritual enlightenment and know God (John 9:39; 17:2,3,6; Acts 26:17,18; 2 Cor 4:4-6; 1 Pet 2:9). They see Him with their spiritual eyes. But eventually they shall see Christ in His divine glory (1 John 3:1-3; 1 Cor 13:12; Rev 22:3). 5:9 Peace is another great word in the Bible, used nearly 250 times. The word appears 90 times in the New Testament, and in every book except 1 John. What does it mean to be a peacemaker? It is wanting peace, striving for peace in God’s way. It does not mean trying for peace at the cost of truth or righteousness or justice. It is not saying “peace, peace” when there is no peace (Jer 6:14). It is not compromising with evil. True peace must be based on righteousness, and so there can be no peace to the wicked (Ps 85:10; Isa 32:17; 48:22).

Sinful men do not want righteousness. They fight those who are for it, and resist the God of righteousness – John 3:19,20; 7:7; 15:18,24; Rom 1:29-32; 8:7; 12:2; 1 John 2:16; 3:12; 5:19 (remember that they persecuted and killed the righteous Son of God – Acts 3:13-15). The disciples of Jesus were righteous peacemakers, but they were despised, beaten, stoned, jailed and killed (Acts 5:40; 7:57,58; 12:1-4; 14:19; 16:22-24; 2 Cor 11:23-26; 2 Tim 3:10-12). Yet they were the blessed ones in the earth, and the kingdom of heaven was theirs. Their afflictions and troubles were for a little while, their blessedness is eternal (2 Cor 4;17,18). 5:11 This is a continuation of the blessing in v 10. Jesus here shows that to be persecuted for righteousness is to be

What causes struggles, quarrels, fighting, wars between individuals, families, and nations? Sin – Gal 5:19-21; Jam 3:16; 4:1,2. What makes for peace? Setting men free from the bondage of their sinful

17 MATTHEW 5:19

you, falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For in this way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

17 “Do not think that I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I have come, not to destroy, but to fulfil them. 18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle will pass away from the Law until all is fulfilled. 19 Therefore whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men to do so, he will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever practices and teaches them,

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its taste, how can it be made salty again ? Then it is good for nothing, but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand. And it gives light to all who are in the

persecuted for Him. One way men persecute the righteous is by lying about them and slandering them. But to be the kind of people the wicked hate actually is to be in a blessed condition. 5:12 Being able to rejoice in persecution comes from the knowledge that to be persecuted for righteousness and for Christ, works good for His people. Compare Rom 8:17,18; 2 Cor 4:17,18; 1 Pet 1:6,7. The fact that God will reward His servants is seen often in the New Testament (10:41,42; 16:27; Mark 9:41; Luke 6:35; 1 Cor 3:8,14; Col 3:24; Heb 10:35; 2 John 8; Rev 11:18; 22:12).

provides as an ideal father should. The name indicates also that He has spiritual children (v 9; John 1:12,13). We should do good that men might praise Him, not ourselves (compare 1 Cor 10:31). 5:17 “The Law and the Prophets” was a term the Jews used to mean the whole Old Testament. The Lord Jesus is saying His teaching was in harmony with the OT, that its laws, types, sacrifices, prophecies pointed to Himself. All its spiritual principles, the full measure of its righteousness is fulfilled by Him. He came to accomplish the whole will of God revealed there. He is the fulfillment of all that the law and the prophets pictured, described, foretold, and promised (of course, this does not mean that all that is in the prophets was fulfilled at His first coming).

“Before you” – see 23:34-37; Acts 7:52; Heb 11:35-38. Rejoicing in tribulation was a mark of the apostles – Acts 5:41; 16:2225; Col 1:24; 1 Pet 4:13. 5:13 God’s people are the “salt” of the earth, not the “pepper” or the “sugar.” The “you” here are those in God’s kingdom, those who have the qualities set forth in vs 3-12, especially those who suffer for righteousness and Christ. But such people as “salt” do not make the world tasty to God! The meaning is different here. Salt preserves things, and God’s people preserve the world from becoming totally corrupted, and from being destroyed by God’s anger (compare Gen 18:26; 19:22).

With Jesus now on the scene, the Old Testament is a more glorious book with its profound meaning brought to light; without Him it would be unfulfilled and void of much of its meaning. See Luke 24:27,44; John 1:45; 5:39,46; Acts 3:24-26; 13:27; 1 Pet 1:10,11. The whole book of Hebrews shows some of the ways in which the Lord Jesus fulfilled the OT.

“I have come. . .to fulfil them” – this is one of many reasons why Jesus came from heaven to earth. See also 9:13; 10:35; 20:28; Luke 19:10; John 6:38; 9:39; 10:10,11; 12:46. 5:18 See how Jesus puts His stamp of approval on the Old Testament. See also 4:4; 15:3-6; 22:43; Luke 24:44; John 10:35. He obviously regarded it as the Word of God inspired by God’s Spirit. Compare 2 Tim 3:16; Heb 1:1,2; 2 Pet 1:21. He was God incarnate and knew all things, so we should hold the same views of it that He had. 5:19 Here again it is clear that from v 3 Jesus has been talking about those in God’s kingdom, those who have become God’s children by a new spiritual birth. We cannot enter God’s kingdom by trying to keep the law He gave through Moses (Acts 13:38,39; Rom 3:21,28; 8:3; Gal 2:16; Eph 2:8,9; Titus 3:4-7). But after entering it there are spiritual principles which will be at work. These are His own commandments. “Least of these commandments” – we can hardly think that He is referring to the Ten Commandments of the Law, for there was no “least” among those commandments. There is much reason to think that He is

“Trampled underfoot by men” – Christianity without the qualities listed in vs 3-12 is useless and deserves to be rejected and destroyed (Luke 14:34,35). 5:14-16 The people described in vs 3-12 are a new creation of God to give spiritual light on earth. Christ was that light while He was on earth (John 8:12; 9:5). Now His followers are “children of the light” and must shine forth with His light which is in them (John 12:35,36; Rom 13:12; 2 Cor 4:4-6; Eph 5:8; 1 Thess 5:5). 5:16 This is the best way to let light shine – not good talk, not good intentions, but good deeds. Many boast of enlightenment who are never kind or helpful to others, and who never glorify God by anything that they do. Such a boast from such people is an abomination to God.

“Father” – this is the name Jesus used above all others for God (about 170 times. The whole New Testament has the name above 350 times). It indicates that God is a person who loves, cares, protects, and

MATTHEW 5:20 18

he will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will absolutely not enter the kingdom of heaven.

before the altar, and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

25 “Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way to court with him, so that this adversary will not at any time hand you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I say to you, you will by no means get out of there, until you have paid the last copper coin.

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of olden times, You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to the judgment. 22 But I tell you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment; and whoever says to his brother, ‘Empty fellow’, will be in danger of the Council; but whoever says, ‘You fool’, will be in danger of hell fire.

27 “You have heard that it was said to those of olden times, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 And if your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it from you, for it is better for you that one of your parts is lost than

23 “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there

referring to His own commandments, two of which He has already given (vs 12,16), others which He was about to give. 5:20 “Pharisees” – 3:7. Here Jesus teaches plainly that not all people, and not all religious people, are in God’s kingdom. A certain kind of righteousness is insufficient. This is self-righteousness, the sort of righteousness people try to gain by trying to keep the law or by doing what they consider good works, the kind of righteousness we see in the Pharisees (23:1-28; Luke 18:10-14. See also Rom 10:1-4; Phil 3:7-9). The Pharisees and scribes (teachers of the law) were the religious leaders of the people, but the righteousness of the very least believer in Christ exceeds theirs, and must do so.

Messiah and Son of God.

“Brother” – in the Bible this word is used to indicate various relationships. As well as a literal brother it may mean a fellow Jew, a fellow Christian, a fellow man.

“Empty fellow” – the Greek has “raca” – a word of contempt probably meaning empty, brainless or worthless.

“The Council” – the Sanhedrin. This was the Jewish High Court. There were 71 members of it made up of chief priests, elders and teachers of the law.

“Fool” – it is plain from this verse that to be in danger of hell one does not need to commit what men consider serious crimes. The Lord Jesus is pointing out the importance of the state of the heart.

“Hell fire” – 3:12; 7:19; 13:40,42; 18:8; 25:41; Rev 20:15; 21:8. “Hell” in Greek here is Gehenna. Note at Mark 9:48. 5:24 The implication is that God will not accept our worship and gifts if there is something wrong in our relationship with others (especially with fellow children of God) that is our fault and that we can put right. If we make no attempt at reconciliation we give opportunity to the kind of anger that is like murder in the heart. That is why He begins these verses with the word “therefore.” 5:25,26 Here is another way in which God’s people should live in peace with others. Hostility and quarrels over money or property are to have no part in their lives (vs 44,45). The Lord Jesus commands His people to reach an agreement with their opponents who want to sue them in court. If they do not obey, God will see to it that they have a great deal of trouble. Compare 1 Cor 6:1-8. 5:27-30 “You shall not commit adultery” – Ex 20:14. Again Jesus goes beyond the literal command of the law and emphasizes the inner thoughts of the heart. When they abstained from outward acts of sin, the Pharisees thought themselves very good people and righteous in God’s eyes. They were not careful about the inner life, the state of the heart (23:25-28). One reason God’s children experience poorness of spirit, mourning, etc is because they know the very

What is this righteousness that God requires if people are to be in His kingdom? It is a righteousness by faith in Christ which links believers with Christ and brings His Spirit into them. They become both righteous before God and changed inwardly so that righteous living is possible to them (Rom 3:24; 5:1-5; 8:3; 2 Cor 5:17; Eph 4:22-24). The rest of the Sermon on the Mount contrasts this righteousness which God approves with that which He rejects. Righteous behavior which comes out of a changed heart will be vastly superior to that which is produced by sinners from their own natures. Indeed, what kind of righteousness could sinners ever produce even by their mightiest efforts? See Isa 64:6. 5:21-26 “Murder” – Ex 20:13. The law teachers and Pharisees would have restricted this commandment to the outward act of murder. Jesus speaks of the inner attitudes of the heart which can result in murder, of uttering words murderous in their contempt. He says the wrong sort of anger is like murder in the heart, and the person guilty of it is as much worthy of hell as the literal murderer (v 22). So men should be very careful in any matter, legal or otherwise that could result in anger, hate, the heart given to murderous thoughts. See 1 John 3:15. 5:22 “I tell you” indicates that Jesus is speaking with absolute authority as the

19 MATTHEW 5:41

that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it from you. For it is better for you that one of your parts is lost than that your whole body be thrown into hell.

say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is God’s throne, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King, 36 And you shall not swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your ‘yes’ be yes, and your ‘no’ be no, for whatever is more than this is from the evil one.

31 “It has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you that you should not resist evil, but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. 41 And

33 ”Again, you have heard that it was said to those of olden times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your vows to the Lord.’ 34 But I

desires that rise in their hearts show how sinful they are by nature (see Rom 7:7,8). All Jesus’ teaching in this sermon, including these verses, is pointed at making people “blessed” – people with the qualities of vs 3-12.

does not demand divorce but only permits it. Remember this teaching is for those who have, to some extent at least, the qualities seen in vs 3-12. How can a person with those qualities divorce his wife or cast off a husband for any reason except the most serious offense? And even then there must be no haste to do so, but remembrance that both are sinners whom God has forgiven. Compare 6:14,15. 5:33-37 “Swear” – refers to the voluntary (and often very careless) use of oaths in every day life to convince others that one is telling the truth. See also Jam 5:12. Jesus tells us to be men of our word, absolutely truthful in all we say and promise. As Jesus’ disciples we must never say yes when we mean no, or say no when we mean yes. Lying and deception are hateful to God and have no place in God’s kingdom. See notes at Ps 5:6; 15:2; Prov 6:16-19; Eph 4:15,25; Col 3:9,10. And as God’s children we should never take God’s name in vain or use it lightly, but show proper reverence for His name and all that pertains to Him (Ex 20:7). 5:37 “The evil one” – or it could be translated simply “evil.” Lying, swearing, and using God’s name in vain have their origin in the evil one, Satan (John 8:44), but come also from the evil in people’s hearts and minds. 5:38 Ex 21:24,25; Lev 24:20. That was the rule for the society, for the nation. It was a principle of perfect justice. 5:39-41 “You” in these verses are Christ’s disciples. He is speaking of a principle that should reign in the spiritual kingdom He sets up in His people’s hearts. It has nothing whatever to do with how a nation governs itself. Governments must resist evil (see Rom 13:1-7). The principle here concerns the relationship of Christ’s individual disciples to those who wrong them, not to the state’s relationship to individuals, or to other states. Those in Christ’s kingdom are to show forth the qualities of vs 3-12.

“In his heart” – He is not teaching that those with lustful thoughts might just as well commit acts of adultery. He is not teaching there is no difference between inward thoughts and outward action. Outward acts of sins are far more damaging to others and to ourselves than inward desires. Hate of a brother is evil in itself, but the act of murder goes beyond that and robs the brother of life. Lust is evil, but adultery further pollutes oneself and drags another into sin, with all the evil results that will come from that. If one lusts one might just as well sin outwardly is a lie of Satan. Jesus’ emphasis is on watching the heart as well as the outward action.

In vs 29,30 Jesus is not teaching the literal mutilation of the body as an aid to holiness. He knew, as we do, that it is not physical eyes or hands that offend or lead us into sin, and that gouging out an eye or cutting off a hand would not make us better people or less likely to sin. If the right eye is plucked out, the left remains. If both are plucked out the imagination of the sinful heart remains (15:19,20; Gen 8:21; Jer 17:9). Sin is in the heart and the heart must be dealt with by full repentance and a complete break with the old life. Jesus is speaking in a striking way to emphasize an exceedingly important truth – a person should do anything necessary to keep out of hell, he should cut himself off from any sin, any temptation, any hindrance to entering God’s kingdom. The person who will not do this does not value the kingdom of God as he ought, or fear the anger of God as he ought. Paul taught that lusts and sinful acts were like members of the body and must be put to death. See Col 3:5; Rom 8:13. 5:31 “Divorces” – see also 19:3-9; Deut 24:1. Jesus’ teaching is plain: there is only one reason that makes divorce acceptable to God – sexual immorality on the part of one of the married couple. Even then Jesus

The desire for revenge is deeply rooted in man’s sinful nature. Some people kill others for some insult or slight injury. One purpose of the law of Moses (Ex 21:24,25) was to prevent such a thing and promote perfect justice. Jesus goes further and

MATTHEW 5:42 20

whoever compels you to go a mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others ? Do not even tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore be perfect, just as your Father who is in heaven is perfect.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour, and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who abuse you and persecute you, 45 so that you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just

“Watch out that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. reveals the attitude His people should show in the face of injury and injustice. They are not to demand their rights, or think of self, but consider how to do good to those who injure them.

traditional teaching of the religious leaders in Israel. It was actually contrary to such verses as Ex 23:4,5 and Prov 25:21. We cannot become God’s children by practicing the principle of love, but if we are God’s children, we show that we are such by practicing it (v 45). God loved His enemies (Rom 5:8-10; Col 1:21,22), and He does good to them.

God’s people must resist Satan (Jam 4:7; 1 Pet 5:9), and resist sin in the church (1 Cor 5:11-13; 1 Tim 5:20). But here Jesus is speaking of evil persons who wrong them as individuals. This surely does not mean that Christians should not protect their families and help others who are in danger from evil men. But they are not to fight those who would do them some injury or injustice, or seek vengeance on them. Those in God’s kingdom are not to meet violence with violence, or force with force (26:52).

“Pray for those” (v 44) – Luke 6:27,28. 5:46 Tax collectors were usually Jews who served the Romans (who ruled the Jewish people at that time). Their fellow countrymen considered them traitors. Also they had a reputation for greed. 5:47 Those in God’s spiritual kingdom must act differently, be better, do more than those who are not. If they do not, what evidence is there that they are in it? See v 20. 5:48 This is the only possible standard a perfect God could set before His people. God is to be their model, and not this fallen world. But only sinless people (if any could ever be found) could perfectly live up to it. However, everyone in the kingdom should aim to do so. Perfection in behavior is the goal set before Christians in other places in the New Testament. See 2 Cor 13:11; Col 1:28; 4:12; 2 Tim 3:17; Heb 13:21; Jam 1:4; 1 John 2:1,6. Aiming at perfection is not the same as achieving it – Rom 7:18,25; Phil 3:12; Jam 3:2.

Jesus Himself pointed out the sins of the Jews and resisted the evil they did to God’s house (see 21:12). But He did not resist those who spit in His face and beat His back and crucified Him (though He could have called angels to His aid (26:52,53). Followers of Christ should follow Him in their attitude to personal injuries. See 1 Pet 2:21-23. This passage of Scripture has nothing to do with passive resistance to achieve political purposes. 5:42 The principle is the same as that in the above verse – reject self and represent God’s spiritual kingdom which is one of grace, mercy, love and kindness. Disciples of Christ must think of others and their needs as He did. But should we give to a person who begs for money to buy intoxicating drink or drugs? Or to a crook who makes his living deceiving others? Surely our giving should not cause harm, or actually promote idleness, begging, or evil. The Lord Jesus wants us to be compassionate but not stupid. When people are in real need (6:2), we should help if we can. See 1 John 3:17,18. We may not be able to give what such people ask or all they ask, but we can give something. Compare Acts 3:6. 5:43-47 Love is at the heart of God’s spiritual kingdom. The King is the embodiment of love (1 John 4:8), and His rule is love (John 13:34) and everyone in God’s kingdom must obey this rule. They are to aim at perfection of love (v 48. Compare 1 John 4:16-18). Love is the fulfilling of all God’s law (Rom 13:8-10).

Verses 39-48 reveal certain plain alternatives – who shall rule us, self or God? What principles shall we follow – the principle that self comes first and must be defended, revenged and promoted, or the principle that self must be denied, and God’s kingdom put first? The constant theme of the Sermon on Mount is dying to self and being alive toward God; everything done to please Him, nothing to please self. Great motive power is needed to keep this sermon with its great spiritual demands. What is the only one that will work? See John 14:23,24. 6:1 Men may see the righteous acts or charitable works of God’s people and it is right that they should (5:16). But His people must not do them hoping men will see them and praise them. It is enough that God sees and approves. There must be no hypocrisy in God’s kingdom, no using of religious acts to impress men, gain a name, or get praise.

The Old Testament nowhere said the Jews should hate their enemy, but that was the

21 MATTHEW 6:9

2 “Therefore when you do charitable deeds, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, so that they may get glory from men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your charitable deeds will be in secret. And your Father himself, who sees in secret, will reward you openly.

they will be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and shutting your door, pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 But when you pray, do not use empty repetitions, as the pagans do. For they think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 So do not be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him.

5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners, so that

9 “Therefore pray in this way: Our Father who is in heaven,

“Reward” – references at 5:12. 6:2 Prov 22:9; Acts 20:35; Gal 2:10; Jam 2:15,16; 1 John 3:17,18. Notes and references on giving at 2 Cor 9:15. Christ’s disciples must not call attention to their giving. Standing with a rupee in one hand and a trumpet in the other is not the way for them. That is the way of hypocrites – vs 5,16; 23:5. Hypocrites do not do good deeds simply because it is their duty and privilege to do them. If others did not see or know of them, they would never do any good deeds at all. God will not honor such people, because they are not seeking God’s honor. Compare John 5:44; 12:26; 1 Cor 4:5; 2 Cor 10:18; Gal 1:10; 1 Thess 2:4. 6:3,4 In other words, tell it to absolutely no one, not even to yourself to take pride in it or to praise self. God’s people do not need to keep a record of their good deeds – God will do that. Jesus is emphasizing again that those in His spiritual kingdom must renounce self and live for God alone, ignoring man’s approval or blame. Acts of mercy must not become acts for applause. 6:5,6 Prayer must be for God’s ear alone. It is enough that He hears. Hypocrites are not concerned about God – they want to impress men. They may seem to be worshiping God, but are really worshiping themselves. Public prayer is good, but it has its dangers. It may sometimes be difficult to speak to God without trying to impress others who are listening. This may be one reason for Jesus’ emphasis on secret prayer. It will be more direct, more real, with no temptation to impress others. 6:7 Our praying should be neither mechanical or in ignorance. A name repeated over and over (see 1 Kings 18:26; Acts 19:34), or a formula of words constantly repeated, or piling up words to convince God to listen – such things have no power at all with God. God does not require our babbling to know what we need and give it to us. We do not need to wake Him up, or capture His attention (Ps 34:15; 121:2-5; 2 Chron 16:9). And we need not instruct Him about the things that are necessary for us to have. Christ’s disciples do not have a God who is more persuaded to answer, the more words they speak. 6:8 “Father” – note at 5:16. Some may ask, “if God knows what we need before we

ask, then why ask?” The answer is simple – we are to ask because He tells us to do so (v 9; 7:7; Luke 18:1; John 16:24). It is one of the ways in which God’s people have fellowship with God, experience His joy, and obtain what is needed. It is a way which God uses to teach them many spiritual lessons. It is also a constant reminder that they are dependent on God for everything and that they should acknowledge it. 6:9 The following prayer covers those things which should be of greatest concern to Christ’s disciples. See what great truth, what important requests can be put in simple language and few words. Not everything God’s people will pray for is here – just those things that should daily be in their minds. This prayer is a model, an example, a sample of how they should pray and what they should pray for. We may pray for many things besides those mentioned here, but we should never think we have gotten beyond the requests of this prayer.

The words “this day” and “daily” in v 11 indicate that the requests of this prayer are good and proper ones to make every day, and not just occasionally in church. The plural word “our” indicates that these requests are appropriate for two or more members of a family, or a number of believers, to make together. Perhaps it indicates also that an individual who privately prays alone the lines of this prayer (and this is surely a good thing to do) is to think of others along with himself – his or her family, or friends, or church, or an even wider circle of believers.

“Father” – see the note at 5:16. God’s people are to have God-centered prayers not self-centered ones. And we should approach Him as our loving Father who is ready to listen to us and help us (7:9-11). When we pray we are to think clearly about the One we are speaking to. The words “in heaven” indicate majesty and greatness and transcendence. The Father in heaven is the great Creator of the universe, the allpowerful God who can hear every prayer and do all things according to His own will and purpose.

“Hallowed by your name” – name means God’s nature and character, who and what He is. The desire that God be honored on earth should be the very first concern of every disciple of Jesus. This must come

MATTHEW 6:10 22

hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth,

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, and the power,

as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread.

before personal requests, not merely in prayer, but in life as a whole. Their prayers, desires, deeds and words should all be for God’s glory, just as Christ’s were (5:16; John 8:29; 17:4; 1 Cor 10:31). Is it not probable that many of our prayers remain unanswered because in our asking we do not put God’s honor first in our thoughts and desires?

advance. Disciples are to recognize that their day by day life on earth is totally dependent on God, and look to Him in faith to meet their needs (vs 25-33).

This does not mean that disciples are to stop working and beg God for their food. See 2 Thess 3:10; 1 Tim 5:8. They are to work, but at the same time to recognize it is God’s grace and not their mere working which keeps them supplied. Should the rich, and those who always have large supplies of everything they need, pray this prayer? Certainly. They too need to recognize that they are dependent on God for everything, and that what they have today can be gone tomorrow. See Prov 23:5. 6:12 “Forgive us our debts” – compare this with Luke 11:4, where the wording is “forgive us our “sins.” Why has Jesus given us the same prayer in different words? Perhaps He meant the word “sins” to indicate things we have done, actual trespasses, sins of commission, and the word “debts” to signify what we have failed to do, sins of omission. However that may be, by comparing Matthew with Luke here we can see that debts toward God too are sins. We owe God perfect love and perfect obedience, and come short in our payments. The prayer Jesus taught us is not complete without confession of sin.

“Hallowed” means to be considered holy. God is the absolutely holy one, and those who pray to Him should keep this in mind. We should always want God’s name to be honored and glorified in our own lives, in our families, and among the people with whom we associate. Also, perhaps, this is a prayer that God Himself will hallow His name, that He would bring about conditions among men that they would recognize the holy nature of the one true God, that He would cause people to respect and honor Him. Compare Ezek 36:23. Notes on God’s holiness at Lev 20:7; Isa 6:3; Rev 15:4. 6:10 “Your kingdom come” – this concern also has to do with God, not with personal needs. But if God’s kingdom (4:17) has already come, and Christ’s disciples are in it, why should they pray that it might come? It has come now only in a hidden, spiritual sense in the hearts of His people. This prayer may express a desire for the spread of His kingdom in the world, that more and more people would submit in their hearts to God’s rule. Or, more likely, it may be a prayer for God’s kingdom to come openly and be manifest in all the earth (see 16:27,28; 25:31; Luke 21:31; 22:18, 29,30; Acts 1:6; Rev 11:15; 20:4-6). In this case it would be like praying for the return of the Lord Jesus (Rev 22:20).

Keep in mind that this is a sample of the kind of prayer that all of His disciples should make, not only then, but throughout this whole age of grace. From this we judge that Jesus did not think that any of His disciples would reach a state of sinless perfection on this earth, that any of them would ever be completely beyond the daily need for forgiveness. It is plain that if day by day we need to ask for forgiveness, then day by day, either in what we do or in what we fail to do, or in what we think or desire, we are guilty of sinning and need forgiveness. Jesus would not tell us to ask for something we do not need, that did not relate to us.

“Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” – is it not true that the will of God in heaven is done perfectly, immediately, heartily, joyously, faithfully, constantly? That is how we should want things in the whole earth, including in ourselves as individuals, in our families, and our churches. This prayer will have its complete fulfillment only when the prayer before it is fulfilled. Now everywhere in the earth the will of God is either unknown or resisted, disobeyed and despised. As individuals who pray this prayer we should make it the great concern of our life to know and do the will of God ourselves – Col 1:9; 4:12; Heb 13:20,21; 1 John 2:17; 5:14; Rev 2:26. 6:11 “Our daily bread” – after first praying for the great matters that have to do with God, disciples may turn to requests for their own needs. Bread here signifies the basic necessities of life. Observe carefully that Jesus did not tell us to pray for riches, or even for many days’ needs to be given in

On our proneness to sin and need of forgiveness see 7:11; Rom 7:18,21; Gal 5:16,17; Jam 3:2; 1 John 1:8; 1 Kings 8:46. On forgiveness see notes at vs 14,15; 9:5-7; 12:31; 18:23-35; etc. Observe that we have a right to pray for forgiveness only if we forgive those who have offended us. If we do not forgive them, how dare we think that God should forgive us? 6:13 “Lead us not into temptation” – God does not tempt men to sin. Temptation comes from Satan and from one’s own heart (4:1-3; 1 Thess 3:5; Jam 1:13,14). And we must understand that we are dependent on God alone to keep us safe in time of temptation (1 Cor 10:13).

See David’s prayer in Ps 141:4 – surely a

23 MATTHEW 6:20

to men to be fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly.

and the glory, forever. Amen.

14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

16 “Moreover when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, putting on a gloomy appearance. For they disfigure their faces, so that they may appear

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for

prayer God delights to answer. God does try men (see notes at Gen 22:1; Ps 66:10-12), but that is a different matter. When we pray this prayer we are asking God to act according to His will, and so we are not asking Him to keep us from all trials. We are asking that He lead us not into temptation, that He would not lead us, who are so sinful and weak, in such a way that we fall into the hands of Satan the tempter.

forgiveness by forgiving others. Forgiveness is a gift of God’s grace (notes at 9:57; etc). But who can receive this gift of forgiveness? Only those who repent and turn to Christ (3:2; 4:17; Luke 24:47), those in whom the Holy Spirit is working to produce the kind of people described in 5:312. One evidence of the Spirit’s working in them is that they forgive others.

If people are not willing to forgive others they show they have not been forgiven themselves and have not received God’s grace. And they will never be forgiven until they are brought to repentance and faith in Christ and are changed into the sort of people who forgive others. And for those who are already in God’s kingdom, any refusal to forgive others is a very serious matter. Those guilty of it will experience God’s frown and God’s chastening until they learn to forgive. 6:16 This means a voluntary fast for the purpose of seeking God, disciplining the body for the sake of one’s spiritual life. Compare Ps 35:13; Isa 58:6,7; Joel 1:14; 2:12. That which should be used as a means to help the spiritual life can, if abused, reveal there is no spiritual life to help. To fast in an attempt to get man’s praise is monstrous. Notice Jesus says “when you fast” – He regarded fasting as good and right. He fasted 40 days (4:1) and His disciples would fast (9:14,15). 6:17,18 God rewards not every kind of fasting, but only that done from the right motives. True fasting has to do with a disciple’s secret dealings with God. Others should not even be able to guess what is happening. 6:19 “Treasures” – a word indicating all that men love and count as treasures, whether money or property of some sort, or anything else. The attitude which people should have toward such things appears also in other Scriptures – for example, Luke 12:16-21; 1 Tim 6:6-10,17-19. “Moth”, “rust” and “thieves” speak of the perishing nature of worldly possessions. They may be here today and gone tomorrow. If they are not gone tomorrow we may be; and what are we laying up in heaven which will endure forever? Observe that the Lord strictly forbids His disciples to lay up treasures here. Therefore to do so is disobedience to His instructions (and therefore sin) as well as foolishness. 6:20 “Treasures in heaven” – the rewards God gives His servants (5:12). We store them up by service to God and acts of kindness and mercy to men (19:21; Ps

One more fact we should understand – it is quite possible to pray like this and at the same time have a secret desire to be overcome by temptation and to sin. This, of course, is insincere and hypocritical praying, and in such a case we should not think that God is obliged to answer us and keep us from falling. But when we pray this prayer in the right spirit, we are setting ourselves against all temptation and sin, and against the desire to be tempted. And this we must do to be successful in the spiritual life.

“Evil” – this could also be translated “the evil one,” meaning Satan. The author of these notes thinks that here the translation “evil” is better than “the evil one”, because it is a more general, more inclusive term. It refers to any kind of evil, from any source. The prayer to “deliver us” is the reverse of the previous request about temptation. This is something God will surely do for the trusting, prayerful disciple of Christ. Jesus would not teach us to pray for something it was not God’s will to do. In this prayer Christ wants us to acknowledge that God alone can deliver us from evil within or without or from Satan, that we cannot be delivered by our own strength and wisdom.

In this whole prayer we see the relationship which must exist between God and a disciple of Jesus. God is the mighty one, the loving Father who supplies everything needed; the disciple is weak and needy and must look to God for everything. God is to be honored, not the disciple, His will done, not the disciple’s. All the disciple can do is ask – “give”, “forgive”, “deliver.” Jesus is making abundantly clear our utter dependence on a loving God.

“Yours is the kingdom. . .Amen” – a very fitting conclusion to this prayer, or any prayer. See other notes on prayer at 7:712; Mark 11:24; Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8; Rom 8:26,27; Eph 14:6,7; Col 1:9; 1 Thess 5:18; Heb 11:6; Jam 1:5-8; 5:16-18; 1 John 5:14,15; Gen 18:32. 6:14,15 Compare Matt 18:21-35. This does not mean that men can earn God’s

MATTHEW 6:21 24

yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy, and where thieves do not break in or steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 See the birds of the air. For they do not sow, they do not reap or gather into barns. Yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit to his height?

22 ”The light of the body is the eye. Therefore if your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. Therefore if the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

28 “And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They do not work, they do not spin. 29 And yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not adorned like one of these. 30 Therefore, if God clothes the grass of the field like this, which today is here, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘What will we wear?’ 32 (For the

24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or for your body, what you will put on. Is not the life

112:9; Prov 19:17; 1 Cor 9:25; 2 Cor 9:15; 2 Tim 4:8; Heb 6:10; 1 Pet 5:4). We can do things on earth which will have eternal results. We can live for the sake of eternity rather than for our brief time here. 6:21 The Lord Jesus does not want us to love this world and its treasures, but to set our hearts on heaven. Compare Col 3:1,2; 1 John 2:15-17. There are only two possible kinds of treasures – the perishing ones in this world or the eternal ones in heaven. Which should a sensible person labor for? 6:22,23 This is true in both the physical and spiritual realm, but the Lord Jesus is speaking of spiritual matters. The subject is the same as before – treasures. To fix the eye on something is to desire it. Good spiritual eyes see things as they are and desire the glory of God, the things of the kingdom of light, and the eternal rewards He gives to those who serve Him. Bad spiritual eyes do not see things as they really are, and desire the things of time, the things related to sin, self, and darkness. They see no glory of Christ and no value in salvation (2 Cor 4:4).

serving God, is either deceived or a liar. The service of God is utterly, eternally opposed to the service of anything else (4:10).

Various countries have various gods and idols, but money is the universal idol of the world, the thing that people everywhere love, bow down to, and serve. The believer in Christ must renounce this idol as they do every other idol (compare Col 3:5; 1 John 5:21; Luke 14:33). 6:25-34 These verses too are related to the subject begun in v 19. One reason unbelievers store up treasures on earth is because they want security, and they have no trust in God. Disciples of Jesus are not to be so. Theirs should be a life free of worry (Phil 4:6,7). Of course they should plan, and work, and do what they can to provide for their families (Gen 3:19; 2 Thess 3:10; 1 Tim 5:8). But their trust in God should be such that they are not anxious even about the basic necessities of life – food, water and clothing. If they worry it is because their faith is small (v 30). Believers are not to act like unbelievers, as though they had no heavenly Father to look after them (v 32). If disciples do their part, God will surely do His (v 33). 6:26 Nature can teach us spiritual lessons. See, for example, Ps 19:1-4; Prov 6:6; 30:24-28. The God who is kind to birds will not forget His own children. But even birds do not sit on a limb and expect God to drop food in their mouths. They build their nests and gather the food God provides. 6:29 Solomon was the richest of all Israel’s kings and lived in the greatest luxury and magnificence (1 Kings 10:23; Eccl 2:7-9). 6:30 “Little faith” – on four or more occasions Jesus spoke of His disciples little faith. See also 8:26; 14:31; 16:8; 17:20; Luke 17:5,6. Little faith does not mean no faith. Some have the faith that enables them to receive the forgiveness of sins and eternal life, yet not enough to escape their worries and fears, or to give them confidence in times of danger, or to accomplish seemingly impossible things by God’s grace, or to help others as they might otherwise do. 6:32 God wants His people to be different

The direction in which the eyes of our mind and heart look determines whether we will be filled with God’s light or the darkness of sin. There are only two possible kinds of vision – that which is set on the things of this world, or that which is set on the things of heaven. Compare 2 Cor 4:18; Heb 11:26,27. God will hold us responsible for where we keep our eyes (Luke 11:35). 6:24 The subject is the same as that in vs 19-23.

“Money” – translated from a word which means riches or treasure. It signifies what men consider valuable in this world. The so-called treasures of earth can become a terrible master, a dictator that makes men serve them. They compel men to lie, cheat, steal and lose their souls. There are only two masters possible – God, or Satan who uses the “treasures” of earth to enslave men. See Satan’s attempt to destroy Christ in 4:8,9. Any person, even one who thinks he is a Christian, who is serving money or worldly wealth of any kind, and says he is

25 MATTHEW 7:6

Gentiles go after all these things.) For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Its own trouble is enough for the day.

3 “And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and, look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite! First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

“Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. 2 For with the judgment you judge, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

6 “Do not give what is holy to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, so that they do not trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

from all others, a unique, trusting, happy people, who go after heavenly spiritual things. 6:33 Disciples of Christ have chosen God as their master, not money, not the needs of the body, not anything of earth. They are to set their eyes on Him and His glory (vs 22-24). Their priorities are to be right. Their chief concern should be for God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness. They should care more about that than about their own needs.

the church should not judge evil and exercise discipline. See Acts 5:1-11; 1 Cor 5:1-5,12,13. It does not mean that one should not use discernment. How could we obey the Lord’s words in vs 6, 15 and 20, if we did not look carefully at others and learn what they are like from what we see? Jesus taught us to be kind, but not to be blind.

But we are not to try to take God’s place and condemn others. If we condemn others we will be condemned. In this matter at least, others will treat us as we treat them. More importantly, God Himself will judge us. This does not mean He will condemn His children to hell if they judge others. It means He will judge and chastise us as His children. See 1 Cor 11:31,32; Heb 12:511; 1 Pet 4:17. 7:3-5 As long as we have a harsh critical spirit we are incapable of helping others. Our very attitude is one “plank” we may have in our eye. Our high estimate of ourselves makes us like a blind oculist trying to prescribe glasses for others. Jesus calls such people “hypocrites” because those who judge others are guilty themselves (Rom 2:1), and have not faced themselves or judged themselves as they ought. God has not sent His children into the world as judges but as witnesses (Acts 1:8). Each disciple of Christ should think that others are better than himself – Phil 2:3. If we do that we will not condemn them. 7:6 Jesus means there are some people in the world who in their behavior are like pigs and dogs – they want to roll in the mire of sin and indulge in moral filth (by “dogs” He meant the street scavengers of villages that we see in many parts of the world, not household pets). They are not interested in repentance or God’s kingdom. Compare Ps 22:16; Isa 56:11; Phil 3:2; 2 Pet 2:22; Jude 10; Rev 22:15. Such people are thoughtless and greedy, and oppose truth and righteousness.

To seek for God’s kingdom cannot mean that disciples should try to enter it, for they are already in it. It means to seek the good of God’s kingdom, its glory, its power and the rule of God more and more in themselves and in other people. Compare Rom 2:7. What is it to seek for God’s righteousness? It does not mean to seek justification, because believers are already justified (Rom 5:1). It means to make His righteousness one of our chief concerns, to seek to be righteous in our personal lives as God is righteous, to have the right style of living that only He can produce in us (note at 5:6), to see His righteousness fulfilled in others and in our relationships with others. Those who put God first in all things will find that God takes care of them and gives them all they need (Phil 4:19). 6:34 Compare Phil 4:6; 1 Pet 5:7; Ps 23:1. There are four good reasons seen here in Matt 6:25-34 why believers should not worry.

First, the Lord Jesus three times forbids it (vs 25,31,34).

Second, worry is completely useless (v 27).

Third, worry makes believers act like unbelievers (v 32).

Fourth, believers have a heavenly Father to look after them and give them all they need (vs 30,33).

A fifth reason is implied – worry dishonors God. It is as if a person is saying “my heavenly Father is unable or unwilling to look after me.” God does not deny that needs will occur or that troubles and difficulties will come. He only tells us to live one day at a time and have confidence in Him. See also John 14:1; Phil 4:6,7. 7:1,2 “Do not judge” – compare Rom 14:1-4,10-13. This refers to judging in the sense of condemnation – harsh, severe, unloving criticism. It does not mean that

His people are to discern such, and refrain from giving them holy truth or wisdom’s pearls – until they repent, if such a time ever comes. Does this mean God’s people should not preach to the unconverted? Of course not (Matt 28:19,20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46,47). But they must be discriminating and careful – wise as serpents and harmless as doves, knowing when to speak and when to be

MATTHEW 7:7 26

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

good things to those who ask him? 12 Therefore, in everything, whatever you want people to do to you, do the same to them. For this is the Law and the Prophets.

9 “Or which one of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there are who go in through it. 14 Because narrow is the gate, and strait is the way that leads to life, and few there are who find it.

silent, and what to say and what not to say to various kinds of people (10:14,16. Compare Luke 23:8,9; Acts 13:46; 18:6). 7:7,8 Jesus gives these great promises to God’s children. They are in the context of this Sermon on the Mount where we are already told what good things we should ask for and seek (6:9-15,33). So our praying should be in accordance with all that. The Bible does not give us sweeping promises that God will give us anything we ask for even if He knows it is bad for us. We should ask God for those things which will enable us to live according to His teachings. And for this we need a continual supply of God’s grace to us, the power of the Holy Spirit, a pure, undivided heart, etc.

sinful natures is not the same as saying that they are living in sin. Our natures our evil, but we need not be evildoers. Christ’s disciples have a new holy nature along with the old (Eph 4:22-24), and by God’s grace they can get the victory over their evil natures and live for Him (Rom 6:12-14). 7:12 The Lord Jesus revealed how gracious God is. He is a loving Father always giving good things and seeking our highest good. Now Jesus tells us to do likewise. This is not a mere rule to follow; it is a spirit of love to have. We must be what we should be before we can do what we should do. “Law and Prophets” means the whole Old Testament (5:17). The essence of the OT is seen in 22:35-40; Rom 13:8-10. 7:13,14 Both the gate and way are narrow and restricted. Those who enter cannot take with them all the “baggage” of the world. Sin and selfishness and egoism, other gods and other ways must be left behind. Compare 5:29,30.

The words “seek” and “knock” indicate persistence in prayer. We should keep on seeking until we find, keep on knocking until God opens the door. Of course these verses do not teach us to ask men for what we need. Quite the opposite. We are to ask God. See also Ps 34:10; 69:32; Jer 29:13; Hos 10:12; Luke 11:5-11; 18:18; 1 Thess 5:17. 7:11 “You then, being evil” – this is Jesus’ word to His own disciples (Peter, James and John were there, and the other apostles. See 5:1,2). They were certainly no worse than other people – indeed, they were among the best people on earth. But Jesus is describing them as they were in the eyes of a holy God, and so He calls them evil (compare 19:17; Ps 14:1-3). Jesus was emphasizing the sinfulness of all men, including His own people. Wrong thoughts, bad desires, foolish and improper acts, failure to obey all of God’s commands – all this is evidence of evil natures. And the disciples were not sinless in thought, word, and deed.

Entering the narrow way requires repentance (3:2; 4:17), denial of self (16:24-26), humbling of self to go God’s way (5:3-5), and a willingness to accept the rule of the one true God in one’s life (v 21; 6:9,10,33).

The narrow gate is the only way into God’s kingdom, and the Lord Jesus Himself is both the “gate” and the “way” – John 10:7-10; 14:6. So faith in Him is the absolutely essential thing – John 3:36; 8:24; Acts 4:12; 16:31; Rom 3:21-25; Gal 2:16; Eph 2:8,9. True faith in Christ will be joined with repentance, self-denial, and a willingness to submit to God. If these things are absent can faith be genuine? (See the note at Acts 22:10).

God’s “narrow” way leads to life – spiritual life, eternal life with God – John 1:12,13; 3:16; 5:24; 6:47. But compared with the multitudes of earth “few” ever find this narrow way. This is because few will desire it or search for it, few are willing to repent, humble themselves and trust the Lord Jesus alone. The few who find God’s way are those who want it above everything else, who cannot rest until they find it. And this is a result of God’s work in their hearts.

If anyone thinks he is superior to the original disciples, is he not making a huge mistake? Compare 6:12; Rom 3:9; 7:18,25; Gal 5:17; 1 Tim 1:15; Jam 3:2; 1 John 1:8; 1 Kings 8:46. When we approach God in prayer, we must not come with elevated views of our own righteousness (like the Pharisee in Luke 18:10-12), but conscious of the weakness and sinfulness of our natures, and aware that if we receive anything from Him it is because of His grace and mercy.

Most people are in the “broad” way. This is the way of the world, the way of sinners, the way of the worship of many gods, or none, the way of living according to one’s sinful nature, the way of doing what pleases self without concern for what pleases God, the way of ignorance of the truth, the way of rejecting the Lord Jesus who is the true way

Observe one more thing here. Jesus did not call His disciples “evildoers” as He did false prophets (v 23 – a different Greek word is used here). To say that His disciples have

27 MATTHEW 7:23

15 “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a rotten tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not produce good fruit is

cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore, you will know them by their fruits.

21 ”Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons, and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 And then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew

(Deut 11:28; Jud 2:17; Ps 1:6; Prov 14:12; 21:2,8; Eph 4:17-19; Col 3:5-7). The end of that way is destruction. That means spiritual death, separation from God, and the lake of fire (3:10; 5:30; 25:46; Luke 16:22-24; 2 Thess 1:8,9; Rev 20:15; 21:8). The Lord Jesus tells men to enter the narrow gate – not to admire it, or speculate about it. His disciples had already entered. Here He speaks to those who had not entered and calls them to make a decision, a decision based on all He had been teaching. Compare Ezek 18:30-32. See Luke 13:24.

They may use the word “Lord” when referring to Jesus, but they will not do what he says. Verse 21 does not mean that salvation can be gained by good works. God’s will is that men should repent, put their trust in the Lord Jesus, submit to Him and do what He says (17:5; John 6:29; Acts 17:30; Rom 10:9,10. See the long note at Acts 22:10). False prophets do not do this. That which rules their lives is not the will of God but their own wills. They may speak much about the kingdom of God but they are not in it.

Many false prophets are deceived (v 22). They may think they are teaching the truth, but usually they do not know the truth, and are not trying to find the truth. They think the fact that they are prophesying and doing miracles is proof that they are in the kingdom of God. They will learn the true state of things on “that day” – the day of God’s judgment.

“Strait” – this word does not mean “straight,” but “affording little space” or “confined in area.” It is translated from a Greek word that means “restricted” or “pressed together” or “confined.” It is a different word than the one translated “narrow” in this verse. The way of Christ is certainly wide enough and large enough for all who truly want to be in it and who will submit to Him in faith, but too narrow, too restricted, too difficult for anyone else. 7:15-20 The Lord tells us to watch out for false prophets because they may not be obvious. They may have the appearance of genuine servants of God (sheep’s clothing), but they are servants of Satan. See 2 Cor 11:13,14. Their teaching and ways are destructive (they are like wolves, the natural enemies of sheep – John 10:12; Acts 20:29,30). Their fruit (their teaching and their activities which are a result of their teaching) will reveal what they are, and the disciples of Christ who have discernment will know what they are. Their nature will be manifest in what they say and do not say, in what they do and do not do. If they continually bear bad fruit they cannot be good trees.

Let us learn now that the ability to preach sermons is no sign of holiness, being able to do miracles is not evidence of salvation. Is it possible for those who are not true servants of God to prophesy, to give God’s message to men, to perform miracles? Yes, it is possible. Judas Iscariot was a thief and like a demon (John 6:70,71; 12:6), and was no child of God. But he received power and authority from Christ like the other apostles (10:1-4). Balaam prophesied and proclaimed beautiful truth, but was an evil man (Num 22:1-7; 2 Pet 2:15. Another illustration of this is in John 11:49-52).

Here in Matthew 7 observe in v 23 that Christ will not deny what these false prophets will say. He knows very well that it is possible to be without salvation, and still be able to call Him “Lord” and do miracles in His name. Jesus will not say to them “I once knew you but I don’t know you now.” His words are “I never knew you.” In other words, these false prophets were never His sheep, never belonged to Him, were never God’s children (John 10:14,27).

The warning to watch out for false prophets comes just after Jesus’s exhortation to enter the narrow way. False prophets will teach things contrary to the teachings of the Lord Jesus. They will present other ways and will try to keep people from entering the narrow way (23:13). Their end will be in accordance with their works (v 19; 3:10; 2 Cor 11:15). On false prophets see Jer 14:14,15; 23:25,26; Ezek 13:1-9; Matt 24:11,24; Rom 16:17,18; 1 Tim 4:1,2; 2 Tim 4:3,4; 2 Pet 2:1; 1 John 4:1; Jude 4. 7:21-23 “Lord” – see notes at Luke 2:11; Phil 2:10,11. Here the subject is the same as in the previous verses – false prophets.

Christ will call them “evildoers.” The Greek words here mean those whose deeds are “lawless”, those who do not follow righteous principles of behavior, those who transgress the ways of God. Even any good deeds they might do are done with the wrong motive. Selfishness is at the heart of all their actions, and since selfishness is evil, then what they do is evil. Such people have not learned a very basic lesson of the Bible – what they do is not as important as what

MATTHEW 7:24 28

you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’

came down, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house. And it fell, and great was its fall.”

24 ”Therefore, I will compare everyone who hears these words of mine, and does them, to a wise man who built his house on a rock. 25 And the rain came down, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, for it had its foundation on a rock. 26 And everyone who hears these sayings of mine, and does not do them, will be compared to a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 And the rain

28 And when Jesus had finished speaking these words, it happened that the people were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.

When he had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him.

they are. Character is more important than outward activity. If we are right on the inside, then our outer actions will also be right. But our outer actions may seem to be right to men when actually we are not right inside.

“house” is going to be tested. “Rain”, “floods” and “winds” will test every part of it, and when it is tested the foundation on which it is built will be revealed. Oh, what a storm struck Job (Job chapters 1 and 2). How Jeremiah was battered (Lam 3:1-24). See what a wave struck Peter (Luke 22:5462). What rough weather Paul faced (2 Cor 6:4-10; 11:23-29). See too the storms of Ps 66:10-12 and Heb 11:36-38. But if a man has built solidly on Christ his house will stand, nothing can destroy it. If it is not built on Christ nothing can save it.

Those who do their works only for themselves will find in the end that all they will have is themselves – not Christ, not God, not salvation. A terrible end for such people is indicated by the words “Depart from me” – 25:46; 2 Thess 1:8,9. 7:24-27 In verses 15-23 we see Christ’s condemnation of false prophets. In these verses we have a warning against false hearers – those who hear the truth but do not obey it. Here a distinction is made between the wise and the foolish (see also notes on Proverbs 9:1-18). In this illustration both types of people have some of the same desires and aims – both types build a “house.” Perhaps the word “house” signifies a person’s whole life, especially his or her life as it relates to Christianity. The foolish man may be very wise when it comes to matters of the world or finance or politics or such things. But in matters of religion he is a fool.

Rain, wind, and flood may also speak of future judgment when every house will be tested and every foundation exposed. Many religious houses that people take pride in will fall in that day with a great crash. The reason is they were not built on Christ’s teachings here in the Sermon on the Mount (v 26). Christ did not give His teaching in this Sermon or any other teaching, that we might merely admire it or listen to it, or speak or write about it, but that we might act according to it. If we do not do so, disaster is the only possible result. Let us make sure “our house” is built solidly on Him, that we trust Him only, love Him truly, and obey Him heartily. 7:28,29 The reason for the amazement of the crowd was not simply in what Jesus said, but the way He said it. He did not quote this or that teacher as the authority for His teaching. He spoke with the authority God the Father have Him. See in 5:22,28,32, 34,39,44 the phrase “I tell you.” Compare John 7:16,17; 12:49,50. In God’s kingdom He presents Himself as Christ the Messiah of Israel (5:17), as Lord, Son of God, and Judge (7:21-23). Now in all matters concerning God’s kingdom, in the whole field of religion, in all that relates to the destiny of men, in heaven and on earth, He is the absolute authority (28:18; John 17:2; Phil 2:9-11). 8:1 This is a chapter of miracles. In it the Lord Jesus shows His authority and power

The big difference between the houses the two men built is in the foundation. The foundation is a part of a house which may not be seen outwardly. Often it is hidden in the ground, and from there it supports the whole house. In the deep places of the heart of the wise man is the desire to obey the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit has enabled him to recognize his spiritual poverty and has humbled him. He has given him a thirst for righteousness. He prays sincerely that God’s will be fulfilled in his life. The wise man has trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ and shows by his obedience that he has trusted Him.

But in the hidden places of the heart of the foolish man there is not this desire to obey Christ. So naturally he does not put into practice what Christ teaches. He has no inward drive to do so. His religion is entirely a surface thing without depth. The foundation of such a person’s life is shifting sand. The only foundation for a genuine Christian life is Christ (1 Cor 3:11). The foolish man does not even consider building his “house” on this one foundation. The foundation he chooses is his own thoughts, or impressions, or feelings, or his own religious ideas or doctrines.

over human diseases (vs 1-17), in the matter of spiritual life (vs 18-22), over the forces of nature (vs 23-27), in the unseen world of spirits (vs 28-34). All this is abundant evidence that He was just who He said He was–the Lord from heaven (John 3:13; 8:23). Christ’s miracles showed forth His glory – John 2:11. They were evidence that God the Father had sent Him and that He was one with God (John

Jesus indicated here that every person’s

↑ Back to top