Matthew 7:1 ¶ Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
“judge” = to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish
This seems to be a verse that many pagans like to use against Christians. The difficulty comes in distinguishing between proper judging with discernment vs. judging with condemnation. The application here, I believe, is in condemning others for their sin. In other words, if you are quick to condemn others, they will be quick to condemn you; if you are strict in your standards for condemnation, you will be judged by strict standards for your own life choices. Oftentimes, pagans expect Christians to live by even higher standards than many Christians establish for themselves.
As we go into the following verses, I think it becomes clear that the main point of this particular teaching is to avoid hypocrisy. Again, this goes back to our motives and the attitude of our heart. The objective is not to be a hindrance to others growing in the faith or coming to saving faith. Paul addressed this principle in his letter to the Romans.
Romans 14:12-13 “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.”
Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
Jesus illustrates His teaching on judgment with a word picture. He basically says, “You are pointing out a twig in your brother’s eye while ignoring the big board in your own eye. That is hypocritical. First, get rid of the big board in your eye, and then you will better understand how to help your brother get rid of the twig in his eye.”
The discernment being addressed here is in reference to discerning the sin in your own life and being willing to repent of and forsake that sin. Getting rid of sin in your own life results in clearer vision. Getting rid of our sin causes us to come face to face with our need for God’s love, mercy and forgiveness. This prepares our heart to deal with others in love, mercy and forgiveness.
Important to note is that Jesus is not telling us not to confront others with their sin; He is telling us to deal with our own sin first. Then we are to help others without hypocrisy. Jesus gives us a good standard in the gospel of Luke.
Luke 6:31 “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
As I went on to the next verse, it caused me to come back to this section. It seems that the main application here is regarding your actions toward a “brother,” a fellow believer. Although the Greek word for brother is inclusive of mankind in general, the context when taken with the following verse would seem to be more in reference to interaction with someone in the kingdom.
Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
“dogs” = Easton’s: As the dog was an unclean animal, the terms “dog,” “dog’s head,” “dead dog,” were used as terms of reproach or of humiliation.
Psalm 22:16 “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.”
“swine” = Easton’s: …regarded as the most unclean and the most abhorred of all animals.
Isaiah 65:4 “Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels….”
2Peter 2:22 “But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.”
This verse clarifies that we are to be discerning about our interactions with others. We are not to share our spiritual treasure with those who won’t treasure it. This actually makes me think of the debates that occur between believers and atheists or “pro choice” proponents or those who reject scripture as God’s word, etc. Debate for debate’s sake accomplishes nothing. It just provides a platform for the believer and the treasure he is defending to be mocked and degraded. On the other hand, we should not decline to be ready “to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” (1Peter 3:15) This requires discernment regarding those who hate God and His truth vs. those who are seeking the truth.
I want to be clear that I am not condemning programs that offer an opportunity for learned men on both sides of an issue to be presented in a respectful manner. In such audiences there are true seekers as well as mockers. You don’t avoid declaring the truth for fear of attack. Jesus clearly exampled that truth. I think, however, that participation in such formats should be thoughtfully and prayerfully considered.
Matthew 7:7 ¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Matthew 7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
All of a sudden the location of these verses makes a lot more sense to me. In the matters of revelation of our own sin and discernment of “dogs and swine” and understanding of the truth, the Lord is declaring that all we have to do is ask the Father from a sincere heart.
James 4:3 “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”
It’s easy to verbalize a request to the Father. Jesus expressly grouped “asking…seeking…and knocking” to illustrate perseverance as an indicator of the condition of the heart—Is the request sincere? I like the CJB translation of these verses.
Keep asking, and it will be given to you; keep seeking, and you will find; keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps asking receives; he who keeps seeking finds; and to him who keeps knocking, the door will be opened.
Any time we approach God with a sincere heart seeking His truth and/or provision, we will receive. Again, we have to guard against preconceived ideas of expectation as to how and when He will answer. We just need to ask in faith with confident expectation of His answer.
Mark 11:23 “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”
In thinking through this section again, it seemed important to clarify that those who are part of God’s kingdom and recognize Him as Lord would only approach Him with requests that are according to His revealed will. This would rule out presumptuous prayers that position God as “Santa Claus” to provide the desires of our flesh.
John 15:7 “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
1John 5:14 “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us….”
Matthew 7:9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
Matthew 7:10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Again, Jesus illustrates the truth using a father and son. My paraphrase—“Who among you would give a stone in response to his son’s request for bread? Or a serpent in response to his request for a fish? You, all of whom are sinners, know how to give good gifts to your children. Don’t you think that your Father in heaven, who is holy and righteous, can be counted on to give good things to His children?”
In Luke’s gospel the Lord goes on to identify good gifts as the Holy Spirit, the source of the believer’s empowerment and provision that indwells every believer for preservation and security until the time he/she is in possession of his/her full inheritance as a joint heir with Christ.
Luke 11:13 “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”
1Corinthians 3:16 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
Ephesians 1:13-14 “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”
It is through the Holy Spirit that God “gifts” every believer.
1Corinthians 12:4-11 “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”
It is the Holy Spirit that teaches us to understand God’s word.
John 14:26 “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things….”
John 16:13 “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth….”
1 John 2:27 “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”
Matthew 7:12 ¶ Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Conclusion to this section: Live according to the golden rule as quoted above from Luke and as stated in this verse. The modern version—Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Why does Jesus say that this is the teaching of the law and the prophets? Because (also as quoted previously) the law tells us to “love your neighbor as yourself.”
Leviticus 19:18 “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Enter what? The context of the teaching is the kingdom of heaven, God’s kingdom. I thought the Greek for the word straight was thought-provoking:
“narrow (from obstacles standing close about)”
In other words, the way that leads to life is a narrow one that is surrounded by obstacles that would prevent our staying on that path. The way that leads to destruction is spacious and obstacle free. The Greek for find is also enlightening.
“get, obtain, perceive, see”
In other words, it will take some discernment and desire to identify the narrow way. It’s not hidden; it is, however, beset with obstacles and not a popular route. You’ll find yourself going against the crowd along the way. There will be few that find and choose to follow this road in comparison to the many that will be content to follow the easily traveled road to destruction.
It just hit me that the way/road leads to the gate that provides entrance to life or destruction. Once in the gate, the believer will find that his life is full and abundant, spacious and secure, and blessed with all the treasures of the kingdom. Those who enter the gate that leads to destruction will find their lives empty, confining and full of misery. Both gates give entry to one’s eternal existence.
Matthew 7:15 ¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Matthew 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Matthew 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Matthew 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
For the first time I am actually understanding more of the flow of these verses. The false prophets in sheep’s clothing are obstacles on the narrow way in the life of the believer and those who are seeking the truth. The Greek for “false prophets” makes reference to “religious impostors”; in other words, they are pretending to be what they are not in order to deceive others. The Lord often references His followers as sheep.
Psalm 100:3 “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made usand not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”
John 10:26-27 “But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me….”
These false prophets are masquerading as followers of the Lord, and they want to satisfy their hunger by destroying sheep. The Lord then anticipates the obvious question—“How can we identify a false prophet among the sheep?” Jesus reveals that what they produce will identify them. A good tree produces good fruit. You can’t gather grapes or figs from thornbushes. A rotten tree produces bad fruit. The Lord is saying that false prophets, ravening wolves, are corrupt trees; true believers, God’s sheep, are good trees. The bad trees are going to be cast into the fire.
Revelation 20:15 “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
The Lord then emphasizes again that it is what is produced through the “ministry” of these false prophets that will identify them. I remember a statement Jon Courson gave in one of his teachings. My paraphrase: If it eats sheep, it’s a wolf.
Matthew 7:21 ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
These are very serious verses that should cause each one of us to carefully examine our lives. The first thing I notice is that Jesus is identifying Himself as “Lord,” the supreme authority or master. He then says that not everyone that addresses Him as “Lord” will get to enter the kingdom of heaven. In other words, you can know who He is without truly serving Him as Lord. He is very clear in stating that those who DO the will of His Father in heaven are the ones who qualify to enter the kingdom. I can hear many shouting—“But salvation is a gift.” That is true. True faith, however, is proven by obedience to the will of the Father. The book of James clearly addresses this truth.
James 2:17-22 “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
Jesus then acknowledges that there will be some who will claim to have prophesied in His name, cast out devils and performed miracles; yet, He will tell them that He never recognized them as His followers. He then identifies these people as “workers of iniquity.” This again goes back to the false prophets in sheep’s clothing; there are many who “claim” the name of Christ falsely. This also tells me that miracles can be performed by false prophets. This makes me think of other verses
Matthew 24:24 “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
2Thessalonians 2:8-9 “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders….”
I think we tend to forget that Satan is capable of miraculous things within the parameters allowed Him by our Sovereign God. The story of Job vividly depicts this truth.
Job 1:8-2:7 “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house: And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house: And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee…. Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD…. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.”
This illustrates that Satan has power to utilize evil men in his schemes, to make fire fall from heaven that is wrongly attributed to the actions of God, to cause a tornado to wreak destruction in a specific spot, and to cause Job to develop boils all over his body. The scripture is very clear that he was only allowed to act within the parameters established by God. Scripture is also very clear in declaring Satan to be the god of this world.
2Corinthians 4:3-4 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
Ephesians 2:2 “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience….”
Revelation 12:9 “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”
I think one of the greatest tools used by the forces of Satan is deception.
2Corinthians 11:14-15 “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
We tend to believe what we see and experience. We need to remember that what we see and experience can be deceiving. I believe that anything we see, hear or experience that doesn’t line up with God’s word in every way is a tool of deception in the hands of the enemy. It may appear to be good and harmless, but it will lead us down the path of regret and will eliminate our ability to be effective in ministry before our Father in heaven.
“that day” (v22) – This indicates that there is a future day of reckoning for all before Jesus, Who is pictured here in the position of Judge. Other scripture clearly declares that the Father has delegated all judgment to the Son.
John 5:22 “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son….”
Romans 14:10 “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”
2Timothy 4:1 “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom….”
Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Matthew 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Matthew 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Matthew 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
“Therefore” – Considering everything I’ve told you….
Jesus is basically saying (my paraphrase): If you have listened carefully to what I’ve told you and live accordingly, you are like a wise man who builds his house on a well placed, strong foundation so that it can’t be destroyed by the powerful forces of nature. If you have heard what I have said and choose to ignore the instruction, you are like a foolish man that carelessly built his house on a poor foundation and will easily be completely destroyed by the forces of nature. In other words, living according to God’s will through faith in Jesus will enable us to weather the storms of life and emerge safe and secure through the provision of the Holy Spirit. If, however, we ignore God’s will as revealed in His word, the storms of life will destroy us because we will be without God’s provision of the Holy Spirit.
We know that as believers, the foundation of our faith is the rock Jesus Christ.
Deuteronomy 32:3-4 “Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.”
1Samuel 2:2 “There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.”
Psalm 89:26 “He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.”
1Corinthians 10:4 “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.”
1Peter 2:5-8 “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.”
Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
Matthew 7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Jesus came to the end of His teaching. The people were amazed because He taught them as the authority behind the truth He was teaching. (Note that at this point His audience consisted of more than His disciples.) He wasn’t teaching from scripture about God’s authority, which is how the scribes taught. The scribes would be comparable to our pastors and seminary instructors today. They can only teach according to their understanding of God’s truth. Jesus was the author of that truth, and could teach it with authority within the right context with the proper application and intent.
Matthew 8:1 ¶ When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
After Jesus came down from the mountain from which He had taught His disciples about the kingdom of heaven—the truth about sin, the importance of obedience in humility, the benefits of serving God for His glory—not one’s own, the importance of examining our motives, the right way to pray, etc.—great multitudes continued to follow Him.
Matthew 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
Matthew 8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
Suddenly, a leper presents himself in worship (the Greek indicates on bended knee) before Jesus and requests healing. He not only requests healing but also declares that he knows Jesus can heal him if He wants to. I really relate to this leper. This is how I approach Jesus so often, “I know You can, but I don’t know if You want to…and I don’t want You to unless it is what is best for ___________________ according to Your purposes…and I want Your best for ___________________ good and Your glory.”
Then an amazing thing happens, Jesus touches the leper with His hand as He tells the leper that He is willing; immediately the man’s leprosy disappeared. Lepers were supposed to stay away from people in special colonies outside the gates of the city; they were supposed to announce their presence by crying out, “Unclean.” No man would touch a leper because that would make him unclean. I believe the moment Jesus touched the man he was clean.
Jesus wasn’t looking for fame or recognition; He told the man not to tell anyone what He had done. He instructed the man to go to the priest and offer the gift commanded by Moses in the law (Leviticus 14) and let them see for themselves that he had been healed. Mark adds a little bit more to the story.
Mark 1:45 “But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.”
I don’t think the man was trying to dishonor Jesus; I think he just couldn’t contain his joy.
Matthew 8:5 ¶ And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
Matthew 8:6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
Matthew 8:7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
When Jesus came into the city of Capernaum after the healing of the leper, a Roman centurion approached Him on behalf of his servant that was at home sick of the palsy (paralyzed) and suffering greatly. Luke informs us that the servant was “ready to die.”
Luke 7:2-5 “And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.”
I think it is also important to note that the centurion addressed Jesus as “Lord.” This is an address of great respect and humility from an officer in the Roman army.
Luke also tells us that the centurion approached Jesus through the Jewish elders of the city. These elders encouraged Jesus to help the man because he loved the Jewish people and had even built them a synagogue.
Jesus immediately offered to go to the centurion’s home to heal the servant in spite of the existing laws. The centurion was a Gentile; and, according to Peter when he visited Cornelius, Jews were forbidden to visit the homes of Gentiles.
Acts 10:28 “And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation”
This was actually part of Jewish tradition and not God’s law. The centurion quickly declared himself unworthy that Jesus should enter his home. He declared his confidence that if Jesus would but speak the word, his servant would be healed. He understood authority because he was a man under authority and also had soldiers under his own authority. Using that authority, he could tell a soldier, “Go,” and he would go, and to another soldier, “Come,” and he would come, and to his servant, “Do this,” and he would do it. He believed that the authority of Jesus extended to the supernatural.
Yes, there is a discrepancy in the two records of this miracle; but the primary facts are included in both. Does this mean the scripture cannot be trusted? No. It’s no different than hearing two witnesses in court testify to the facts of a case. Different things stand out to each witness. Luke’s writing always includes much detail. Coffman offers the following explanation: “…of the so-called discrepancies, it may be said that there are none when proper allowance is made for the common practice of ascribing to one person the deeds he actually did through an agent, or the omission of details, or addition of details, by one narrator as compared with another. Such things are the only sure evidences of independent witnesses, casting no suspicion of inaccuracy, but rather corroborating and proving the validity of the account.”
Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
Jesus was amazed at the words of the centurion and declared to those following Him that he had not found so great faith even among the Jews. He went on to prophesy that “many” Gentiles would come from east to west—the breadth of the earth—to sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom. This was not a new revelation.
Genesis 12:1–3 “Now the LORD had said unto Abram…And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
Isaiah 42:1 “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.”
Isaiah 42:6–7 “I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.”
By the way, this is a declaration that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob still live and will be a part of the kingdom.
Sadly, in spite of a history replete with miracles and fulfilled prophecies to affirm the truth of God’s word, power and authority, there would be descendants of Abraham who would not be allowed in the kingdom. In fact, they would be cast out into outer darkness and eternal suffering.
Then Jesus informed the centurion that his faith had resulted in the healing of his servant. Matthew emphasizes that the servant was healed that very hour.
Matthew 8:14 ¶ And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.
Matthew 8:15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.
It would seem that Jesus stayed at Peter and Andrew’s home when they were in Capernaum.
Mark 1:29 “And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.”
Coming home one day, he saw that Peter’s mother-in-law was in bed sick with a fever. All Jesus did was touch her hand and the fever was gone and her strength restored. She immediately got up and began attending to their needs.
Side note: Isn’t it interesting that Peter, whom Catholics recognize as the first pope, was a married man; yet priests and popes are required to be unmarried and celibate?
Matthew 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
Matthew 8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
Once word got around that Jesus was in town, many showed up outside Peter’s house seeking healing. Jesus healed each and every one. Some were possessed by devils and others suffered various physical infirmities. Once again Matthew makes note that all Jesus did was in fulfillment of prophecy.
Isaiah 53:4 “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows….”
In context, the passage in Isaiah is describing the Messiah; and any Jewish reader of Matthew’s gospel would have understood that he was declaring that Jesus was the Messiah.
Matthew 8:18 ¶ Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.
Jesus realized that for Him and His disciples to get any rest they would have to get away. So, He issues the command for them to go across the Sea of Galilee to the other side.
Matthew 8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
“A certain scribe” piped up and declared that he would follow Jesus wherever He went. Jesus didn’t say, “Come on.” He told the man that to follow Him would require sacrifice. He didn’t even have a home to call His own. He didn’t seem concerned about acquiring possessions. Isn’t it interesting that those recognized as the most popular church leaders today are intent upon accumulating all the wealth they can?
Matthew 8:21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
The wording in Luke 9 of this account is a bit clearer: “And he [Jesus] said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.”
The scribe came volunteering to follow Jesus; this man was invited to follow Jesus. This man doesn’t want to tell Jesus “no” outright, so he asks permission to come after his father dies. Jesus doesn’t hesitate; He tells the man that the dead (spiritually) can bury the dead (physically).
This sounds harsh, but the truth is that it was more important to get out and preach the truth of the kingdom of God than it was to bury the dead. Only men of faith can preach the kingdom. Those who are dead in trespasses and sins will remain that way for eternity if they don’t repent of their sin and place their faith in the Messiah to attain eternal life and entrance to His kingdom.
I also couldn’t help but think of something Jesus said that is recorded later in Matthew.
Matthew 10:37 “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
This mother has to look in that mirror long and deep and often.
Matthew 8:23 ¶ And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
Matthew 8:25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
Matthew 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
Finally, Jesus gets in the ship with His disciples to go across the sea to the other side as previously commanded. Once they were out to sea a great storm arose and waves came crashing over the ship. Jesus was sleeping right through it all; however, the disciples were afraid and sure they were about to die. They finally woke Jesus up and told Him they were going to die. Jesus was disappointed. He asked them why they were so afraid and had such little faith. Still, He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and the storm stopped.
The disciples were amazed. They still didn’t get it. They couldn’t believe that this “man” could command the winds and the sea to do His will. On the one hand, they had followed Jesus in the belief that He was the Messiah. They had seen Him work many miracles. It makes me think that they did not understand that not only would the Messiah be a descendant of David, He would be God in the flesh, Emmanuel, “God with us.” I don’t think they fully grasped that truth until after His resurrection.
Matthew 8:28 ¶ And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
Matthew 8:30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
Matthew 8:31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
Matthew 8:32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
Mark adds some information to the event.
Mark 5:6–10 “But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country…. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.”
The ship landed on the far shore in the country of the Gergesenes (Gadarenes in Mark and Luke and most translations of Matthew), one of the cities of the Decapolis. They encountered two men possessed with devils coming out of the tombs and preventing travel to the city. One of the men must have been very dominant since the other two gospels focus entirely on him. Though the men had never met Jesus, the devils that possessed them recognized Him right away as the “Son of God.” Mark notes that one of the men fell down in worship before Jesus. Jesus commanded the unclean spirit to leave the man, and the spirit charged Him in the name of the most high God not to torment him. Jesus didn’t lose His temper; he asked the devil his name. The devil replied “Legion,” because they were many.
The devils wanted to know if Jesus had come to torment them before the appointed time? Luke also adds another interesting bit of information.
Luke 8:31 “And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.”
The “deep” is a reference to the “abyss…bottomless pit,” a place we learn more about in Revelation, the place from which the demon locusts ascend that will torment men for five months during the last seven years on earth before Jesus returns as King of kings.
This says a lot to me about the spiritual warfare that is ever at work in the invisible part of our reality. These devils often enter our visible reality by possessing the bodies of those vulnerable to them. Note that the devils recognized the authority that Jesus held over them. It is also interesting to note that they were aware of an appointed time of coming torment and that Jesus would be the source of that torment.
Matthew notes that a herd of pigs were feeding in an area “a good way off.” The devils asked Jesus not to send them to the abyss, but to allow them to possess the herd of pigs. He let them. The pigs (all 2,000 of them per Mark) responded by running wildly down the hill into the sea and drowning.
That has always made me wonder. Why did they want to possess the pigs to begin with? I guess just like their leader, Satan, they like to “steal, kill, and destroy.”
John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
Matthew 8:33 And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.
Matthew 8:34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
The men in charge of the pigs immediately ran to the city to tell everyone what had happened—about the pigs and the possessed men. The whole city decided to go out and meet Jesus and beg Him to leave.
Again, Luke adds information.
Luke 8:35–37 “Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.”
Instead of being happy for the miracle that had restored the men to their right minds, they were afraid of the power that Jesus possessed that could bring about such healing. They not only asked Jesus to leave, but also asked Him never to come back again.
Mark adds a bit more information.
Mark 5:18–20 “And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.”
One of the men that had been healed wanted to become one of Jesus’ disciples. Jesus told him that he could better serve Him by going home and telling all his friends all that God had done for him and how He had shown him such grace and mercy. The man didn’t argue; he left and began declaring throughout the Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him. People were amazed when they saw him and heard his story.
Should we not follow this man’s example? We should take advantage of every opportunity to share with others all that Jesus has done for us.