Become a Creator today!Start creating today - Share your story with the world!
Start for free
00:00:00
00:00:01
The Truth of The Matter is- Episode: 188 Not What You Expected?
22 Plays6 days ago
Here on The Truth of the matter is I do my best to post once a week. However as a student of God's Word I found myself taking an additional week of study. As I come back to you today I am filled with Joy because I have so much to share with you that God revealed to me in my personal time with Him. Continuing with the Gospel of Matthew series today we unpack Matthew 11:7-10. My suggestion as always is to take notes of the passages that I use as support in explaining certain points that I make throughout the podcast. The goal is to become a student of God’s Word and sometimes that means recognizing the Patterns, principles and precepts. I hope this blesses you as much as it has blessed me.
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction and Reflections
00:00:48
Speaker
Welcome to the Truth or the Matterist podcast. I'm your host Jonathan and this is episode 188. Let's begin by recognizing and appreciating all of our new and consistent listeners.
00:01:12
Speaker
We thank you all in advance for continuing to press play at your own convenience, and I pray that this podcast, regardless of the episode that you press I'm glad to be back, and obviously, here on The Truth and the
00:01:41
Speaker
I realized that episode
00:02:22
Speaker
interview people. I enjoy the Bible study reflection episodes that I do. with others and I also enjoy the time that I sit with you all and share with you what I believe God has revealed to me.
Scriptural Alignment and Apology
00:03:03
Speaker
I share with you is not only accurate, what can be proven in scripture. And so that is the reason why it was not an episode out last week. I do apologize, but I also want to make sure that what comes out of my mouth supports what's written in scripture. And so I must say,
00:03:26
Speaker
that as always here on the truth of the matter as well i guess we'd like to begin with a question and that is how has the lord been a blessing to us this past week and i must say over the last two weeks it seems as though god has assigned me to several divine meetings and what i mean by divine meetings is that God has placed me in certain environments or situations where his love needs to be expressed or his truth needs to be shared or
00:04:07
Speaker
A situation needs a different temperament.
Experiencing God's Love in Action
00:04:12
Speaker
And so it's always been an honor to be in a different environment, to bring about those things as first way God blessed me was when I was on a breakfast run.
00:04:33
Speaker
and Beth's die. This is in Brooklyn, New York. And it was right in front of a diner where I was double parked and a gentleman And it just so happened to be that I was in the right place and at the right time. And I was there to assist him so that he could not only start his car, but obviously go about his business and I was glad to be a part of a solution in his circumstance.
Recognizing Daily Blessings
00:05:10
Speaker
Another time later in the week, I want to say about Wednesday, I was food shopping and there was a shorter woman who was watched her request some help.
00:05:51
Speaker
I was walking in a parking lot after doing a Bible study with the seniors that I do. And I was able to prevent a potential car accident. It was one car attempting to leave the parking spot. And there was one car who was looking for a parking spot. And immediately it was brought to my attention where I visually saw that if I didn't interfere, if I didn't say anything,
00:06:20
Speaker
that there was gonna be a terrible accident right there in the parking lot. And so the driver was coming towards me. I told her to speed up, right? I pretty much indicated to her that she needed to speed up. And it was in that moment that I saw that the car that was leaving the parking spot had just missed the car that I directed to speed up.
00:06:51
Speaker
And, you know, it was just a breath of air that I almost lost. It was too close for a call. And so I don't believe in coincidences. I believe that in any of those environments that God placed me in, in any of those environments,
00:07:18
Speaker
that I was in, I was there for a particular reason, right? I was there to help and be a blessing to someone else, right? So again, I was not in any of those environments just to be there. I was in those environments because God wanted me to be there. I was in the right place at the right time and he used me as his instrument for righteousness to see to it that the needs were met of complete strangers, by the way, right? Complete strangers. And yes, I know in some cases, right, these acts of kindness may seem small, but I thank God for using me as a useful fit to help them, right? I just love being an ambassador and representative of God, no matter how big or small the task and of course to serve.
Prayer for Understanding
00:08:16
Speaker
Now, of course, the reason why I always begin this podcast with reflecting is because I believe that God is continuously blessing us each and every week. I honestly believe that God can bless the believer and unbeliever. I believe that God deserves the glory, the honor and the praise. And if you sit back and observe, you will see what God has been up to on your behalf. I'm talking about your life.
00:08:46
Speaker
And what we don't do enough of is, of course, reflection. So I say, reflect daily, and then you will notice the presence of God with you daily, right? It just requires you to pay close attention to the details of your life. And if you begin to reflect, you will start to easily notice that God is blessing you and that God is looking out for you. So, of course, I say, give it a try and see His grace and mercy over your life.
00:09:16
Speaker
in the little things. Amen. All right. Amen. Now let's begin obviously with prayer. You want to do that first and foremost, heavenly father in Jesus name. I thank you for grace and mercy.
00:09:32
Speaker
I thank you also for traveling mercies. I thank you for your written word and your living word. And so as we go into your written word today, bless our eyes to see what your truth is. Bless our hearts to receive your truth and our minds to be open and honest to accepting
00:09:56
Speaker
your truths. I pray that we apply it with sincere intentions and motives. I pray that anyone who encounters your word will always find that not only does it reveal the truth, but that it leaves a mark of curiosity and hunger to learn and want to ask questions for understanding and clarity. And if you agree with me today,
00:10:25
Speaker
if you agree with this sentiment, please say in Jesus name we pray.
Gospel of Matthew Series: John the Baptist
00:10:30
Speaker
Amen and amen. So continuing with the gospel of Matthew series, we're gonna take a look at Matthew chapter 11, and we're gonna look at three verses, verses seven through 10. As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John.
00:10:52
Speaker
What did you go into the wilderness to see? A wreath swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are kings palaces.
00:11:11
Speaker
Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written. I will send my messenger ahead of you who will prepare your way before you.
00:11:28
Speaker
Now, I found this portion of the text in Scripture to be very interesting and informative. And in my personal time with the Lord for the last weeks, there was a lot that I wanted to reveal because the Lord revealed a lot to me. And when I say He revealed a lot to me is that when I read any portion of Scripture, of course, I take it at face value. But I also dig deeper. I look up terms.
00:11:55
Speaker
I compare what's being said and I look for the patterns that are within scripture. Remember, the Bible is full of patterns, principles, and precepts. I look for precepts, I look for patterns, right? And I try to identify what is the indication of this statement. Why is this being said here? Some cases I don't know. Other cases it requires dig it. That's why I always talk about the importance of Matthew 7, 7 acts that you shall receive, seeking, you will find, knock and the door will be open to you. But I speak specifically about the importance of the translation in the NLT. It says, keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking, which means the first time you do it, that doesn't mean you stop, but there has to be a continuation, a drive, a hunger to want to understand
Contrasting Worldly Views and Biblical Teachings
00:12:52
Speaker
Right? And in that desire, I believe God meets you there. And that's where in some cases you experience revelation on knowledge. He reveals and opens your eyes to something different. And so again, the Lord revealed a lot to me.
00:13:11
Speaker
which is why I couldn't talk about these passages within the first week because there's always a sense that anytime I put something out if I feel as though there's more to it then it requires more study if I feel is all that I have to say on a matter is all that i have to say on a matter then confidently i go and i say that now there's always going to be times when you read any chapter any book in the bible that god is going to reveal other things to you along the way different than what you had discovered the first time you read it right you have to leave room for growth and development you have to leave room for wisdom that you
00:13:53
Speaker
that God imparts on you to do to your experiences, also do to your understanding. And so this is why I am feeling joyful. I am also looking forward to sharing these discoveries with you today. I'm honored to share these discoveries with you today. So let's begin with verse seven. In my opinion, you know what Jesus did was honorable.
00:14:18
Speaker
Right? As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus went on to praise John. If you really dive into what Jesus had to say, instantly you will notice how profound the statements were. But again, they were under the surface. Not on top of the surface, but under the surface. Instead, of required it requires deep thinking. And this is why it's taken me a while to reveal this. So let's unpack this, right? When we look at verse 7, Jesus poses two questions to the people concerning John the Baptist. What did you go out to the wilderness to see, right? And he follows up with an example and a form of a question.
00:15:04
Speaker
So he provides an answer and a form of a question. For instance, this is what he says. He says, a reed swayed by the wind. And in my alone time with God, I began to unpack the meaning and the purpose of a place called the wilderness.
00:15:30
Speaker
So again, we look at verse seven, what did you go out into the wilderness to see? And he makes us it a suggestion, a read swayed by the wind. So that led me to want to understand a place like the wilderness.
00:15:50
Speaker
The wilderness on a surface is a place where not many things are able to survive. right, you don't find much moisture. And when I do visualize the wilderness, I visualize animals, like lizards. ah visualized plant like cactusses I I visualize the presence, like the sun. And I think of the wilderness as an uncultivated, uninhabited, and un and an inhospitable region. I'm gonna say that one more time.
00:16:26
Speaker
When I think of the wilderness, I think of the wilderness as a uncultivated, uninhabited, and an in-hospital region. And so, on the surface, there is nothing positive at first glance when I think about the wilderness. What is unique about the Bible is that it presents a different outlook on how we see things surfacely.
00:16:54
Speaker
So a matter of fact, in some cases we see things that at first seem negative, right? Unnecessary, not warranted. And so some of the examples that come to mind are suffering, right? The world believes we should limit
Wilderness as Spiritual Preparation
00:17:17
Speaker
suffering. And if we can possibly get rid of it, if it were possible, we should.
00:17:21
Speaker
right Some claim that God doesn't exist because how could a loving God who cares for you and loves
00:17:50
Speaker
something different in regards to suffering, right? Let's go to James chapter one, verses two through four. It says, consider it pure joy. Some translations say, count it all joy.
00:18:02
Speaker
right my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance let perseverance finish his work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything so the world says limit the suffering the word of god says consider it pure joy or accounted joy. When you face trials of many kinds and in those trials, suffering does transpire.
00:18:37
Speaker
Right? Here's another text, Romans chapter five verse three to five. We also glory in our suffering. Hear that? Because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, character, hope and hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
00:19:02
Speaker
So what does the word of God says? It says glory in our sufferings because of we know that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope. Here's Here's another thing that comes to mind. In the world, what is often encouraged is the idea of seeking revenge.
00:19:31
Speaker
But the biblical worldview summarizes revenge in a different light and outlook. Romans chapter 12 verse 19 says, dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For scripture says, I will take revenge. I will pay them back, says the Lord.
00:19:57
Speaker
In the world today, there's an attitude that you should be the person who has the last word, right? A tit for tat mindset. One other way of saying it is there's a desire to go back and forth over things that don't help But the biblical worldview encourages what we shouldn't do.
00:20:23
Speaker
And that is go back and forth. As a matter of fact, first Peter chapter three verse nine says, do not repay evil with evil and so with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing because to this you will call so that you may inherit a blessing. Follow me so far. There's also those that are in a world who love their friends and family, but hate their enemies. What does the biblical worldview say? Well, in the gospel Luke chapter six, verses 27 to 28, it says, but to you who are are listening, I say, Jesus, I say, love your enemy, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
00:21:22
Speaker
Here's a good one. Here's the last one that I'm thinking of. People in the world believe that there are many paths that will lead them to heaven. But the biblical worldview says something different. As a matter of fact, Gospel of Matthew, right, where actually diving into the Matthew series. The gospel of Matthew chapter 7 verses 13 through 14 says, enter through the narrow gate, for the wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow, the road that leads to life and only if you find it. Gospel of John chapter 14 verse 6 says, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except
00:22:09
Speaker
through me. So the world suggests that there are many paths to heaven, but the biblical worldview points to there only being one path to heaven.
Strength of John the Baptist's Convictions
00:22:25
Speaker
Hence explains the narrow gate. Hence displays Jesus saying that I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. So I provided these examples so that you can clearly see that there's a difference between the world's perspective and point of view and God's perspective and point of view. So when a Bible talks about wilderness, it's a place actually where God prepares people for their next chapter in their lives. Right here are some examples that actually came to mind.
00:23:01
Speaker
Moses, right? Moses encountered God at Mount Sinon in the wilderness. Elijah experienced God's still small voice in the wilderness. God spoke to Abraham in the wilderness, right, as he left his idolatry society.
00:23:51
Speaker
to do ministry for three and a half years. So for three years. And of course, John the pertaining to Israel again. Here's a passage that tells us about the mind of the Lord.
00:24:21
Speaker
as it pertains to Israel.
00:24:27
Speaker
Deuteronomy chapter 8 verse 2 says, and you
00:24:49
Speaker
let's adjust the question that Jesus poses in the form of an example. What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A read swayed by the wind. So of course I did some research. The phrase a read
00:25:08
Speaker
Shaken by the wind is a metaphor for a person who is easily influenced by others. Or you can say that person lacks conviction. I'll say that again, the phrase, a re-shaken by the wind is a metaphor for a person who is easily influenced by others or that person lacks conviction.
Truth's Liberating and Confrontational Power
00:25:28
Speaker
right The truth of the matter is what we can tell you about John is that John was not easily swayed.
00:25:34
Speaker
by eternal pressures. Instead, John, not only was called by God, but had a clear message to disseminate to the masses. So what we do have in scripture, right, if ah if scripture is full of patterns, principles, and precepts, I have a clear example of someone in the scriptures, right, who was influenced by others.
00:25:58
Speaker
And for that, let's go to the Gospel of Mark chapter 6. And we're going to look at verses 14 through 29. Herod, Antipatous, the king soon heard about Jesus because everyone was talking about him. Some were saying this must be John the Baptist raised for the dead. That is why he can do such miracles. Others said he's the prophet Elijah.
00:26:26
Speaker
Still others said he is a prophet like the other great prophets of the past. When Herod heard about Jesus, he said, John, the man I beheaded, has come back from the dead. For Herod has sent soldiers to arrest and imprison John as a favor to Herodot. She had been his brother, Philip's wife, but Herod had married her.
00:26:53
Speaker
John had been telling Herod it is against God's law for you to marry your brother's wife. So Herodotus bore a grudge against John and wanted to kill him.
00:27:06
Speaker
Without Herod's approval, she was powerless. For Herod respected John, and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Interesting. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.
00:27:27
Speaker
Wow, Herodot's chance finally came on Herod's birthday. He gave a party for his high government officials, army officials, and leading citizens of Galilee. Then his daughter, also named Herodot, came in and performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod and his guests. Ask me for anything you like, the king said to the girl, and I will give it to you.
00:27:58
Speaker
He even vowed I would give you whatever you ask up to half my kingdom. She went out and asked her mother, what should I ask for? Her mother told her, asked for the head of John the Baptist. So the girl hurried back to the king and told him, I want the head of John the Baptist right now on the tray. Then the king deeply regretted what he had said, but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests,
00:28:29
Speaker
He couldn't refuse her, so he immediately sent an executioner to the prison to cut off John's head and bring it to him. The soldiers beheaded John in the prison, brought his head on a tray and gave it to the girl who took it to her mother. When John's disciples heard what had happened, they came to get his body and buried it, and they tuned.
00:28:56
Speaker
And so this text is a clear indication and example that Herod fell victim to making a vow that he later couldn't change his mind on. You see, remember scripture says in Proverbs chapter 20 verse 25 that it is a trap to dedicate something rashly only later to consider one's vow? If we look at verse 26 in Mark 6.26, it says, then the king deeply regretted what he had said.
00:29:22
Speaker
But because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn't refuse her. You know, another takeaway is that truth can either set you free or hurt your feelings or lifestyle. Again, truth has the power to either set you free or hurt your feelings in the process, including your lifestyle.
00:29:46
Speaker
Right? The truth of the matter is truth has the ability to either liberate you or actually hold you accountable. Again, truth has the ability to either liberate you or hold you accountable. The truth in every case has the potential to truly be confrontational.
Authenticity and Sincerity in Teachings
00:30:08
Speaker
Alright, check this out, right? If we go to Mark 6 18 through 20, right? Obviously, we just read this, but I'm pointing some things out to you. John happened telling Herod, it is against God's law for you to marry your brother's wife.
00:30:24
Speaker
So what did John do? He laid down the law. He pointed out his wrong. He's holding him accountable to this law. Verse 19. So Herod has bought a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. Why does she bought grudge? Because not only does she know he was right, but she didn't like what she heard. You see, but without Herod's approval, she was powerless for Herod.
00:30:51
Speaker
Respected John Knowing that he was a good and holy man. He protected him Right in some cases when someone has a desire to tell you the truth You want those people around you?
00:31:07
Speaker
Why? Because you know they're going to keep it 100. You know they're not going to withhold information. Actually, there's a passage that just came to me. I think it's Jehoshaphat. If you go to 2 Kings, I believe, there's a story about the prophets who kept lying to the king. And there was a prophet who always told the truth. And guess what? Some of the rulers didn't want him around.
00:31:32
Speaker
Why? Because he would tell the truth. And most of the things he did say came true. So you know what used to happen? They used to keep people, they used to keep prophets that weren't truth tellers around so that the kings would feel good. Passage just came to me, right? I think that's pretty cool. Man, I wish I had included that chapter in verse with what I'm saying to you. But I digress, that happens sometimes. Verse 20.
00:32:00
Speaker
For Herod respected John, and knowing that he was good and a holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed when he talked with John, but even so he liked to listen to him. Right? So even when truth confronts you,
00:32:19
Speaker
It hurts, especially if it's going against what it is that you're doing. But then what's also amazing is that he liked to listen to what John had to say, even though the truth in some cases was a mirror that reflected his own self.
00:32:37
Speaker
and So I thought this section of the passage was profound because that goes to tell you that some people will love the truth you tell as long as it does not pertain to them. Because if it does, the skeletons in their own closet will be revealed. Powerful stuff. So continuing with Matthew 11, let's go to verse 8. Jesus says in verse 8,
00:33:01
Speaker
If not, what did you go out to see? right Obviously he's talking about a wreath shaken by the wind and then he says, if you didn't go out to see that, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes. Know those who wear fine clothes are kings and palaces. Now this is interesting. right What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothing.
00:33:24
Speaker
No, those who wear fine clothes are kings and palaces. Now, there's a specific reason why Jesus points this out. And I want to look at the Gospel of Matthew. So obviously we're in the Gospel of Matthew series, but for this particular purpose, I want to move ahead and actually look at chapter 23 verses one through seven, because it gives us context to this statement.
00:33:48
Speaker
Then Jesus said to the crowds and his disciples, the teachers of the religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach. They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift their finger to ease, to ease in the burden. Everything they do is for show.
00:34:19
Speaker
On their arms, they wear extra wide prayer boxes with scripture verses inside. And they wear bowls with extra long tassels. And they love to sit at the head tables at banquets, in the seats of honor, in the synagogues. They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces to be called rabbi.
00:34:48
Speaker
The important part here is the deception of great attire and the visualization of royalty. Right? Look at verses five and six again. everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with scriptures verses inside and they wear rows with extra long tassels and they love to sit at the head table at banquets in the seats of honor and synagogues and this is pretty much addressing Matthew.
00:35:22
Speaker
Chapter 11 verse 8, right? What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are kings and palaces, right?
00:35:37
Speaker
I was curious about this also. I looked up what a tassel is, right? And a tassel is is a dangling argument made by laying parable, a bunch of cords or threads or even lengths and fastening them at one end. And I believe we have those on our graduation hats. I'm not mistaken for those who've ever graduated in middle school and high school and college. We have those.
00:36:06
Speaker
Those are what tassels are now after reading Matthew 23 7 which says I'm gonna read this portion they love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces and They desire to be called rabbis that had me thinking of what Paul said You know why he was in jail and it actually sparked the question for me What is your motive? Behind Your purpose
00:36:38
Speaker
And your mindset, like the reason you do what you do. Is it for fame? Is it for fortune? Do you have a passion? Do you love what it is you do? And so Paul said this interestingly in Philippians chapter one verses 15 to 18. He says, it is true.
00:37:01
Speaker
right So he's acknowledging this. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preached Christ had a selfish ambition, not sincerely supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
00:37:25
Speaker
But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this, I rejoice. Yes, I will continue to rejoice. So Paul here is speaking about the advancement of the kingdom and acknowledging that the motives behind why people do things are all over the place, right? But he rejoices in the fact that Christ is being celebrated. He's being preached. He's being acknowledged. And I agree with him.
00:37:55
Speaker
The issue, however, is that in the Gospels, Jesus is rejected, right? The rejection of Jesus is happening, right? And this is happening to the very people he claimed to tell about himself, right? And he came to which was his own and they did accepted him not, right? So that was the issue. The issue was,
00:38:23
Speaker
the very scriptures that testified about him, their eyes weren't open enough to acknowledge it. So much so that their rejection allowed the gift that Jesus was trying to give to the fair to to his own people then became giveable to even the Gentiles.
John the Baptist's Role in Jesus' Ministry
00:38:42
Speaker
Amen for that.
00:38:44
Speaker
Let's go to Mark chapter 12 and I want to read verses 38 through 48. This is still unpacking the purpose of Matthew 11a. It says, Jesus also taught, beware of these teachers of religious law for they like to parade around and flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplace, and how they love the seats of honor in synagogues and the head table at banquets, yet they are shameless cheat widows.
00:39:20
Speaker
Right. Yet they are shamelessly cheating widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, it will be more severely punished. And this has to just do with the whole idea and the concept of being a hypocrite. Right. Visually being seen as holy, but behind the scenes you're doing people wrong. Right.
00:39:49
Speaker
behind the scenes, you're robbing people. You're a con artist, right? You're a fraud.
00:40:06
Speaker
And the popular belief even to today is that some people who wear soft clothing and live in luxury, right? That our pastors do so not because they love what they do, or even care about the people they do it for. But instead, it's not that they wanna help, but that they do it for the perks. Is it true with some? Sure.
00:40:32
Speaker
What I say is true for all? No, I would never use a broad brush to paint everybody and everybody in the same light and talk about everybody in the same narrative. No, I don't think that's deserving of... ah that says I don't think we should do something like that. So I disagree with that.
00:40:57
Speaker
Now, so when we go back to a Matthew 11 eight, Jesus is contrasting the religious leaders with John the Baptist who actually lived in the desert and hard clothing.
00:41:12
Speaker
I believe Jesus wants us to see the difference between John the Baptist and the rabbis who were swayed by public opinion. When you think about it, this is how some rabbis were brought and persuaded by personal vendettas because some rabbis love to be celebrated and honored and seen in high establishments.
00:41:34
Speaker
in the text that I have read to you today. Let's finish verse 9 and verse 10 obviously in Matthew 11. 9 through 10 reads, then what did you go out to see?
00:41:50
Speaker
A prophet? Yes, I tell you. And more than a prophet, this is the one about whom it is written. I will send my messenger ahead of you who will prepare your way before you." So the passage that I thought about immediately comes out of Malachi chapter 3 verse 1 through 2 and it says, look I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord your seeking will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant who you look for so eagerly is surely coming, says the Lord of Heaven's armies.
00:42:32
Speaker
But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes." Now I believe that Jesus spoke about John.
00:42:56
Speaker
And he wanted to emphasize that true spiritual insight and prophetic authority are not dependent on material wealth or external appearances. and Okay. That's deceit. That's also so malicious propaganda.
00:43:20
Speaker
Instead, Jesus wants us to understand that spiritual insight is marked by a man who had a clear message from God to share. There's a passage that came to mind in the gospel of John chapter 3 verse 30 and it says, he must increase I must decrease. He must increase, but I must decrease. He must increase, but I must decrease. Another translation puts it this way. He must become greater. I must become less.
00:44:00
Speaker
The meaning of this, I think, reflects the principle of humility and the submission to God's will. I believe John the Baptist's disciples knew what was transpiring and they were worried.
00:44:18
Speaker
But you know who wasn't worried? John the Baptist. Because John the Baptist's ministry began before Jesus' ministry and many people followed John. But now the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant must happen. John acknowledged his role was to prepare the way for Jesus Christ.
00:44:44
Speaker
And so
00:44:49
Speaker
He admitted that he fulfilled his mission and what God called him to do here on earth.
Encouragement for Biblical Study
00:44:59
Speaker
I really believe that. I believe not only did he come to grips with that, but I think eventually his disciples came to the knowledge of understanding that.
00:45:12
Speaker
And so we'll finish with this passage of scripture right here. Matthew, again, chapter 20, verses 26 through 28, it says, for even the son of man came not to be served, but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.
00:45:30
Speaker
You know, the gospel that displays Jesus as servant is Matthew, which was written to the audience of the Romans. And his gospel focuses on Jesus' miracles. And so when I read verses 9 through 10,
00:45:56
Speaker
John the Baptist wasn't just a prophet. He was more than a prophet because of the example that he set. He set an example of what it means to do ministry, what it means to set up somebody else's platform, right? So that they can eventually progress.
00:46:21
Speaker
He set the stage for Jesus to do a sting.
00:46:27
Speaker
right? And so there's something unique about that portion of the text that speaks more to how ministry ought to go in churches. That's a whole other conversation for another day. But it speaks as forging a path for someone new, kind of like what I believe in some cases, poor was doing for Timothy.
00:46:51
Speaker
He was teaching him, he was preparing him because he knew eventually he would go. And so not only did Timothy write these things down, but I think this was also a teaching moment. Also again, for an example, for many of us. And so on that note, I pray and I hope that what I have shared with you today was a blessing.
00:47:17
Speaker
And I hope that you are encouraged to go back and review some of the passes that I shared with you and the connections that I've made because I believe as the Bereans did is our It's, things are set up beautifully for us to be students of the word. And that requires us to study ourselves, approves onto the Lord and rightly divide his word.
Devotional Reflections on Psalms
00:47:44
Speaker
And on that note, we're gonna jump right into devotional time. Psalms 34, verses 17 to 18 reads, the righteous cry out and the Lord hears them. He delivers them from all of their troubles. The Lord is close.
00:48:00
Speaker
to the broken heart and saves those who are cursed in spirit. You know, the truth of the matter is when we are troubled and uncertain and our hearts weigh on us heavy, God hears our cries and is near to us. And I believe he delivers us from our troubles and saves those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. And I believe we can find peace in his closeness during difficult and uncertain times.
00:48:33
Speaker
Here's a short prayer to close out today. Father God in Jesus name, when facing uncertainty, we often lack wisdom and clarity on the right path forward. Lord, you told us in Proverbs chapter three, verses five through six, to trusting you with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding, but in all your ways submit to you and you will make a path straight.
Closing Prayer and Parting Blessing
00:48:58
Speaker
And so Lord, I pray and I ask that you help us to remain obedient.
00:49:02
Speaker
to remain obedient as students in your word to remain obedient as those who wait patiently for your revelation and your knowledge so that we can move in purpose that aligns with your will in Jesus name we pray amen and of course until next time the truth of the matter is podcast says be careful be vigilant be watchful as we depart from one