Matthew 8,9,10

Was thinking to myself last night, it is getting more challenging to continue writing my blog for Matthew PUP. This time round, we had to tackle 3 chapters of reading plus homework! Jia you, Irene! :)

Last week's lesson ended with "..He was teaching them as one having authority..." from Matt 7:29. This week we look at how Jesus taught with authority of the kingdom in Matt 8-10.

Jesus demonstrated:

1) Authority over illness
In Matt 8:2, the leper came to Jesus and said "LORD, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Here we see Jesus demonstrated GOD's power in healing the leper. He also healed the Centurion's servant and Peter's mother-in-law. Why all these healings? In v.17 we read "This was to fulfil what was spoken through Isaiah... He Himself took our infirmities and carried away our diseases." In this context, it is a fulfilment of OT prophecy pointing to the Messiah, the anticipated One whom the Jews are waiting for to rule over Israel II Sam 7:12-13(Ref: Matt 5:17 Jesus came to fulfil the Law, not abolish it.)

2) Authority over nature
This divine action in Matt 8:26-27 is another clue that Jesus is the Messiah, having authority over winds and sea. In Ps 107:6, 23-25 we learnt that in the ancient days, the people cried out to the LORD; those who go down to sea in ships, have seen the works of the LORD... He spoke and raise up a stormy wind which lifted up the waves of the sea. If Jesus has control over the winds and the sea, He is able also to still the storms in our lives.

3) Authority over demons
We were told in Matt 8:28-34 that two extremely violent, demon-possessed men know and acknowledged Jesus as the Son of GOD, His divinity and that it is not time yet for them to be cast into the lake of fire as mentioned in the book of Revelation. It is sad that many who have experienced Jesus and seen His power but still do not know who He is. Forgive us, Jesus, for many a times, taking You for granted. Open our spiritual eyes and heart towards You and Your work so that we may see You in every aspects of life and know that You are GOD.

4) Authority over sins Only GOD can forgive sins. Matt 9: 2 Jesus said to the paralytic "Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven." The religious leader cannot "tahan" Jesus said "this fellow blasphemes" but Jesus, knows their evil thinking and said ".. so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" v. 3-6. Here Jesus introduced Himself as "Son of Man", another Messianic title.
We will pause here to look at the different colours of faith and also the costs of following Jesus in these 3 chapters before summing up.
Matt 8:10 - Jesus marveled at the great faith of the Centurion. He compares His own kinsmen with this Roman officer and said He has not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.

Matt 8: 26 - Jesus said to the men who got into the boat with Him "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith." Even with Jesus in the same boat, they were afraid of the storm. How about us, GOD said He is always with us, do not worry, why then, do we still doubt Him at times when we face challenges in life? May we intentionally walk with Jesus daily to know and experience Him in our lives that our faith (trust and dependence) in Him will increase.

Matt 9: 2 - ".... Seeing the faith of the paralytic's friends, Jesus said to the paralytic, "Take courage, son, your sins are forgiven." This is a good lesson for us to preserve in prayer for our unsaved loved ones, friends and people whom the LORD bring to mind.

Costs of following Jesus:

Matt 8: 1 - Large crowd (no cost)

Matt 8:10 - Referring to the faith of the Centurion, Jesus said to those who followed Him. We presume this is the same large crowd (no cost)

Matt 8:19 - The Scribe who wanted to follow Jesus (cost of no place to stay; no comfort of life)

Matt 8:22 - Another disciple (cost of immediate obedience)

Matt 8:23 - His disciples who got into the boat (cost of expecting storms in life when we follow Jesus)

Matt 9: 9 - Matthew (cost of his job and money)

Matt 9:27 - 2 blind men (no cost but they received their eyesight)

Matt 10:38 - Anyone (take up his cross; let your life's mission be replaced with Jesus' mission)

As a Christian, even though I have experienced some trials, "persecutions", storms, etc in life, these can never be measured up to what Jesus did for me on the cross. What more can I ask for from Him, having received eternal life and GOD with me in my life's journey on earth. Thank You, Jesus :)

In conclusion, Jesus said He desire compassion, and not sacrifice, for I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." Matt 9:13 and in v. 36 "seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd." Because of His compassion, He said to His disciples, "the harvest is plentiful, but the workers few, therefore to beseech the LORD of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." v. 37-38.

Immediately after Matt 9:38, we see in Matt 10:1 that Jesus summoned His 12 disciples and gave them authority....." I like Jesus' speed at work. He does not need to meet in committees and discuss, then review, then finalize His plans before execution, unlike many church organizations taking years before implementing some plans. Jesus led by example and authorized His disciples; gave them clear instructions, directions and sent them forth. He even warned them of the dangers (persecutions, rejections, etc) they will face but He said "the very hairs of your head are numbered... you are more valuable...do not fear...." V. 30-33 Wow, that's leadership!

What kind of a Man is this?

Son of GOD, Son of Man

You gave up heaven's glory for a sinful world

who do not appreciate what You have done.

Son of GOD, Son of Man

You emptied Yourself of all to fulfil the Law

And yet to find nowhere to lay Your head.

Son of GOD, Son of Man

Thank you for Your compassion, love,

Grace sufficient and everlasting life.

Chorus:

O what sacrifice

O what love

I worship You,

Jesus, my LORD

Blessed 49th to my better half

We celebrated Peter's 49th birthday today at Triple Three

The birthday "boy" with his two precious children.

Pete and Eliza outside 333

The buffet spread here is quite good and we ate till we were satisfied :)

Naan with mutton curry, asparagus with tepanyaki beef, tempura with wagyu beef.


Eliza posting next to a nice Volkswagen at the hotel's carpark.

I baked two Blueberry Cheesecakes and sent them down by taxi to Raffles Town Club on Friday afternoon for Peter's birthday surprise last evening at dinner with the EFC Combined Choir. He did not expect it and was very pleased that a choir of 50+ strong sang him a birthday song.

I also baked him the above heart-shaped Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese frosting. Since today is his actual day, I brought it to church this morning to celebrate with some of the CG members and church friends.

After church the birthday "boy" wanted to go to the range to use the new golf clubs we got him for his birthday. So I accompanied him. While he practiced his golf, I did my Precepts homework on the book of Matthew.

I hope my dear husband had a memorable birthday with so many people singing to him and sending him well wishes. I hope he knows that besides GOD, he is loved and appreciated by many.

Blessed 49th Birthday dear Peter :)

Matthew 6 n 7

Last night a group of Precepts trainers were asked to facilitate our 4th lesson on Matthew because our pastoral team and admin staff were on work cum fun "vacation" in JB.

Matt 6 : 1 started with 'BEWARE of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father, Who is in heaven." Last week's lesson ended with Matt 5: 48 - "you are to be perfect... your Heavenly Father is Perfect." But how??? Jesus taught His disciples in these two chapters to:

1) Practice our identity (our acts of righteousness)

Motive Matters:
a) V.2 In our giving to the poor, do not do it in order to be honoured by men otherwise you would have sacrificed your eternal reward for the praises of men.

b) V.5 do not pray like the hypocrites, to be seen by men but rather pray to your Father in secret. When we pray, we are not to be like the Gentiles who use meaningless repetition with many words. Instead, Jesus modelled for His disciples the LORD's Prayer, where He started first with worship, showing submission to GOD the Father, then our dependence on Him, followed by confession and forgiveness of sins, asking for deliverance and then end with worship again v.9-13

c) V.16 whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face to be noticed by men.

Does the above teaching of Jesus contradict what He taught in Matt 5:16? We are to do everything in secret but in Matt 5:16 it says "Let your light shine before men.... they may see your good works....." This is where the motive matters. When others see our good works they must ultimately "glorify our our Father who is in heaven", not us.

V. 14-15 talks about forgiving others as our Father in heaven forgives us of our transgressions, remembering we are all sinners saved by His wonderful grace.

2) Identify the Challenges

What are the pitfalls and danger zones we have to take note of?
V. 19-20 says do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Reason being the wealth, status, power and stuff we accumulate here on earth are temporal. Only the good works done with the right motive, glorifying GOD have eternal values.

V. 21 - "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." During my youth days, I learnt this song in church and have always been reminded of the words in this song:

Where Your Heart is

I guess it all comes down to where your heart is
It’s there your thoughts
and feelings all begin
But if you never give
your heart to Jesus
You’ll never really have
a part in Him.

If your treasures are in heaven
Then your heart will be there too
And the things you say and do will show Christ’s love
But if your treasures here on earth
Tell me where your heart will be
You’ll never have a part in things above

If your mind’s set on the Spirit,
And you’re walking in God’s light
Then the watching world will see Christ’s love in you
But if your mind’s set on the earth
And the earthly things you do
In poverty you’ll live your whole life through

V. 22 reminds us to have the right focus in life. What do we see with our eyes - they are the lamp of the body.

V. 24 we are warned that the world and her wealth are competing for our allegiance. We cannot serve 2 masters - which one will you choose?

There are 3 reasons why we should not worry in life (V. 25-32)

a) Life is more than food and clothing

b) You can't add a single hour to life by worrying.

c) Do not be like the Gentiles who eagerly seek these things. Why? Because your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things V. 32 and in V. 8 ".... even before you ask Him." Isn't it comforting and reassuring that we have such a wonderful, caring and thoughtful Father who knows our needs even before we ask of Him? Thank you GOD, with You I shall not be in need.

V. 33 "But seek ye first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Prov 3:5-10 tells us to TRUST in GOD, Who gives us our daily bread.

3) Identify the Challengers

Matt 7:15 - Here's another "BEWARE" Of who? False prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. And how do you know if they are real or false? V. 16 n 20 say "You will know them by their fruits."

In V. 1-5 we are taught to judge with discernment from GOD. In Greek "krino" means distinguish and to make a decision. John 7:24 says we are to judge with righteous judgment, in the fear of the LORD. V. 6 sounded weird to us Gentiles but not to the Jews at that time. It means if you use GOD's principles and practice them on the non-believers, then you are like "giving what is holy to dogs and throwing your pearls before swine."

V 7-11 refers to prayer. When we are thirsting and practicing righteousness, seeking first His kingdom, we are driven with an inner desire that manifest into action and direction. Intentionally seeking that relationship with GOD and His righteousness.

V. 12 - Do unto others what you would others do unto you for this was what the Jews were taught in their OT Law and from the prophets.

V. 13-14 talks about the wide gate that is broad that leads to destruction and the narrow gate with the small and narrow way that leads to life, practicing righteousness that surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees.

V. 21- 27 warns us that only those who does the will of GOD, who hears His Word and acts on them will enter the kingdom of heaven, but those who practice lawlessness and does not act on what he hears from GOD's Word will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

V. 29 In all of the above, Jesus taught with authority.

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness

And all these things shall be added unto you

Allelu, alleluia

Man does not live by bread alone but by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God

Allelu, alleluia

Ask and it shall be given unto you. Seek and ye shall find

Knock and the door shall be opened unto you

Allelu, alleluia

Hand knead Bread

NO MACHINE!!!!! I can't believe that I could finally make soft buns without using the machine!! Now I can make my own bread while in the missions field where I may not get to have a bread machine or mixer to knead the dough.. better still, I can use my GOD given hands ;)

Thanks to Annabel, who taught me the technique of bread-making without using the machine. Now I no longer fear handling the wet and sticky dough. In fact, I had so much fun kneading the dough that my bread machine will be placed in the storage for quite sometime ;)

It all started with this lump of wet and yucky looking thingy. I was not able to take my own pictures of the kneading method but after kneading it for about 20 minutes, it formed into the dough you see in the next picture.

After the dough has risen to more than half the actual size, I divided them into small portions.

Cheddar cheese sandwiched between stripes of honeybaked ham. It is really cool to put in whatever filling you and your family like and in whatever combination too. Have in mind to try out this recipe with coffee, nuts, cheese, etc. Hahaha, thinking of it makes me happy :)

The first picture shows those filled with honeybaked ham and cheddar cheese. The round buns in the second picture are filled with tuna and cheese.

Yesterday, I baked one recipe of 2 variations; luncheon meat and tuna with onions.

My son took the luncheon meat bun to camp for his breakfast and one of his camp mates had some to try and was impressed. Said it was as good as the ones he bought from the shops ;)

Matthew 5:13-48

2) Jesus defines our identity. He was talking to His disciples " ... You are the salt of the earth.... you are the light of the world..." Salt never loses its saltiness. The Greek word for tasteless (moraine) can mean to become foolish - in this context, it means becomes flat, losing its true purity and essence. So the application here is be salt, stay salty ;)

Light of the world means be a big beacon of light for Jesus. Don't hide it! "Let your light shine... that they may see your good works and glorify your Father Who is in heaven." I John 1:5-7, Eph 4:6-14 If you are truly transformed and have faith in Jesus, you cannot be living lives in the opposition direction of being a salt and light for GOD.

When I was a in Sunday School, I used to sing this song:

This little light of mine,I'm gonna let it shine

This little light of mine,I'm gonna let it shine

This little light of mine,I'm gonna let it shine

Let it shine,Let it shine,Let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel? No!I'm gonna let it shine

Hide it under a bushel? No!I'm gonna let it shine

Hide it under a bushel? No!I'm gonna let it shine

Let it shine,Let it shine,Let it shine.

3) Jesus defines the Law and its applications Matt 5:17-47. In this portion of the text, we see quite a few of "You have heard but I say to you" - Jesus was telling His disciples that you have heard the views of the world but I say to you the system of the kingdom of heaven is different, dealing with sin in a different manner. For e.g. the OT teaches us that "You shall not murder" - Jesus reveals the real intent of what it really meant, He drives it deeper to see what is in the heart. Another e.g. is "You shall not commit adultery" - Jesus says that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery! It is important to note in v. 17 that Jesus said I did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfil it.
V.38-42 talks about Restitution or Revenge. Jesus is saying, while it is our legal right to be compensated for the wrong doings others have committed against us, we can also exercise forgiveness and give up that right for restitution so that your "righteousness surpass that of the Scribes and Pharisees" v. 20.

Finally, Matt 5: 48 ended with "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Perfect refers to "Teleios" - complete, mature; wanting nothing necessary to complement. Lev 19:2, Deut 18:13, I Pet 1:13-16.

Matthew 5 :1-12

Last Tuesday we looked into truths that endure, principles and teachings applied that literally transform life for the believer. In Matthew 5, we see JESUS defines what a blessed life is, our identity and the law and its applications.

1) JESUS defines what a blessed life really is (v. 1-12)
Imagine you are one of the large crowds on the mountain and you saw and heard what JESUS was teaching His disciples saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see GOD.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of GOD.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great...."

You must be wondering... real or not? In this world where you have to fight for survival, where the wicked seem to triumph; you find no justice, everything seems so unfair, etc. and JESUS said blessed are the "losers" who are poor in spirit, gentle, merciful... and those persecuted! JESUS must be kidding! This is impossible!!
Blessed in Greek means "happiness" We are on a path to a blessed life if we are having a intimate relationship with GOD, living in obedience to what He wants us to do and finding favour with Him despite our circumstances, our position or issues we may have to handle.
The Jews at that time were under the rule of the Romans and were waiting for the Messiah to bring the kingdom of heaven, to free them from their oppressions. What they were expecting was so opposite to what they heard from JESUS when He preached about the kingdom of heaven above. Charles R Swindoll explained the Beatitudes very clearly:
The 8 characters of blessed people; representing the principal graces of Christians are:
1) The poor in spirit - meaning one is humble, lowly and helpless in his own eyes, but puts his whole trust in GOD, spiritually bankrupt, deserving nothing, he turns to the Almighty GOD in total trust. The reward : the kingdom of heaven is promised.
2) Those who mourn - are those who loved with profound devotion, sorrow of a broken heart, sincere caring for others, compassionate, mourning over the wrongs in the world, one's own wrong and sinfulness, etc. Reward: they shall be comforted.
3) The gentle - these are not weaklings or some 'doormats' but people who choose words carefully to soothe strong emotions; like ointment that takes the fever away and sting out of a wound. Reward: they shall inherit the earth.
4) Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness - these are people with a passionate drive for justice, servants engaged in pursuit of GOD, longing to walk with Him and bless Him. Not only a vertical holiness but also looking around, being grieved over corruption, gross lack of integrity, moral compromises that abound, they press on for righteousness. Reward: they shall be satisfied.
5) The merciful - mercy is concern for people in need, offering help for those hurting and suffering. "Chesedh" or mercy means the ability to get right inside the other person's skin. It denotes sympathy which comes from deliberate identification with the other person, see things as he sees, feel as he feels. True servants are merciful. They care. They get involved. They offer more than pious words. Reward: they shall obtain mercy in return. This is exactly what JESUS did for us.
6) The pure in heart - this quality emphasizes on the inner man , the motive, the "heart", doing the right things for the right reason. Being free from duplicity, hypocrisy and/or sham. GOD desires His people to be real, authentic to the core. The Pharisees and Sadducees are:
* Big on rules and little on godliness.
* Big on externals and little on 'internals.
* Big on public commands and little on personal obedience.
* Big on appearance and little on reality.
Rewards : consistent servants who are pure in heart shall see GOD.
7) The peacemakers does not mean people who avoid all conflict and confrontations, or who are passive, who compromise their convictions when surrounded by those who would disagree. A peacemaker is a servant who first is at peace with himself internally, he works hard to settle quarrels - not start them, accepting, tolerant, finds no pleasure in being negative. (Eph 4:3, Prov 14:1, Prov 16:24, Prov 28:25) Reward : shall be called sons of GOD.
8) Those persecuted - this is sure to happen :) Reward: theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Akang datang - Matt 5:13-48 :)