The Book of Matthew - Part 08

The lesson on September 22, 2024 was part 8 of “The Book of Matthew” study. This lesson continued in Matthew 5 because it is important to cover the doctrine that specifically is addressed to Jesus’ disciples he had gathered at that time (the full twelve wasn’t gathered until Matthew 10:1) and the Jewish believers that had come to the mountain. This chapter is filled with doctrine specific to those groups and not to the gentiles. Much confusion happens if you take this doctrine out of context and try to apply it to our calling for today. If you keep Matthew 5 in the context of how Jesus was fulfilling the Law and teaching his followers to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, it is clear as to what Jesus was teaching. We took time to learn what the word “Raca” means as well as the reference to hell fire. It is important to study these words, particularly in the usage of the word “hell” because that is not the “traditional Christian hell”, but rather it is “Gehenna”, which is a smoldering pit that bodies where thrown into vs. a nice burial. We learn that the state of Israel’s teachers were corrupt and their way to receive the word was by listening what was taught in the Synagogues. Jesus was teaching on the weightier parts of the Law, particularly “love”. God looks upon the heart and Jesus was teaching them how they needed to behave and become that Kingdom of Priests. It is so important to follow the principles of right division. Our calling is revealed by the Apostle Paul in his post Acts prison ministry not in Matthew 5 where it is all regarding Israel and the fulfillment of the law.

The scripture reading was from Matthew 5:21-26 KJV “21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. 25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. 26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.”