Part One
The very first question in Matthew is found in Matthew 2:2: “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?” About thirty-three years later the Lord Jesus Christ was hanging on the cross of Calvary. Note what was written above His head: “And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
Matthew 27:37
“Jesus Christ the King of the Jews.”
Now let us compare:
Matthew 1:1
“The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
And:
Acts 2:22
“Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.”
Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of David the King. He was the son of “father” Abraham. From Judah through David we find the royal line. Judah was Abraham’s great-grandson. Jesus Christ was born in the house of David, of the seed of David, in the city of David, to occupy the throne of David. In Matthew Jesus Christ is called “the Son of David” or “David’s Son” eight times. In Matthew, Christ is called “the Son of man” 31 times. He is called “the Son of God” 9 times. He is called “Jesus Christ 6 times. Once He is called “Jesus of Nazareth.”
Nazareth was a city despised by the Jews. Note the question:
John 1:46
“And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.”
“Jesus of Nazareth” was a title of reproach.
Note:
Matthew 2:23
“And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene:”
Note:
Luke 4:16
“And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.”
Jesus of Nazareth was a man approved of God; that is, He was put on display by God. Where? In the midst of Israel. How? By miracles, signs and wonders.
Acts 10:38 and 39
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree.”
Note this Divine approval was in Jerusalem and in the land of the Jews.
In this connection we should carefully not the words of the Lord Jesus Christ recorded in:
Matthew 15:24
“But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” As we study the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Jews, in Matthew, let us keep in mind several other Scriptures.
“Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.” Romans 15:8.
“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.” Galatians 4:4.
“For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.” Hebrews 2:16.
“Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.” Hebrews 10:9.
Jesus Christ, in Matthew, was truly a minister of the circumcision confirming promises which God, by His Prophets, made unto the Israelites. Note the words of the Lord Jesus Christ in:
Matthew 5:17
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”
Now read:
Matthew 23:1 to 3
“Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.”
In Matthew we shall learn that Christ was made under the law to redeem them that were under the law. This is very much like the truth presented in:
Acts 5:31
“Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”
In Matthew, we learn the truth of John 1:11: “He came into his own, and his own received him not.”
Now let us develop the truth of Matthew in the light of the following statements:
Matthew 3:1 and 2
“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”.
Matthew 4:17
“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 10:5 to 7
“These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 21:43
“Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.”
Three times we read, “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Then after this is stated the last time, we read, “the kingdom of God shall be taken from you.”
Now note:
Mark 1:14 and 15
“Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
Here we learn that sometimes “the kingdom of God” and “the kingdom of heaven” are used synonymously. The expression “the kingdom of the heaven” or “the kingdom of the heavens” is used more than 30 times in Matthew. We find in Matthew “the kingdom of heaven is like, or likened unto” 9 times. “The kingdom of God” is found 4 times in Matthew. The King was at hand with His kingdom.
THE KINGDOM AT HAND—THE GRACE AT HAND
Compare with:
Titus 2:11
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.”
Now let us note the different things “at hand” from Matthew until Paul’s death:
“The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2.
“My time is at hand.” Matthew 26:18.
“The hour is at hand.” Matthew 26:45.
“The kingdom of God is at hand.” Mark 1:15.
“The Jews’ Passover was at hand.” John 2:13.
“The Lord is at hand.” Philippians 4:5.
“The day of Christ is at hand.” II Thessalonians 2:2.
“The time of my departure is at hand.” (Paul’s) II Timothy 4:6.
“The end of all things is at hand.” I Peter 4:7.
For Israel “the kingdom of God,” or “the kingdom of heaven,” was at hand. From Israel the kingdom of God was taken away.Then we read these words in:
Romans 10:12 and 13
“For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
And we read in:
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
In:
Colossians 1:12 to 14
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”
and
II Peter 1:11
“For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
We learn from these Scriptures that there are different aspects and phases of “the kingdom of God.” We also learn the Lord declared that “the kingdom of God” would be taken away from Israel. He was not saying that salvation would no longer be offered to individual Israelites.
This leads us to two statements:
First. Unless we learn that the Lord Jesus, in Matthew, was not only offering salvation to individual Israelites, but that He was also presenting the kingdom to the Nation Israel, we shall not be able to intelligently interpret, appropriate, and apply some of the kingdom teachings of the Messiah.
Second. If we carefully read Peter’s question for the apostles and the Lord’s answer in Matthew 19:28, we can better appreciate the question of the apostles in Acts 1:6.
Matthew 19:28
“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
Acts 1:6
“When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying. Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?”
We must realize that there is a difference between the messages of Matthew 10:5 to 7 and Titus 2:11 and 13.
Matthew 10:5 to 7
“These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Titus 2:11 to 13
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
“The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” “Go only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
“The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” “Looking for that blessed hope.”
Now let us again read:
Romans 15:8
“Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.”
And:
Hebrews 10:9
“Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.”
Now for these two interesting questions:
1. “Did Jesus Christ come to perpetuate an old religion or to establish a new religion?”
2. “Is Christianity, as taught by the Apostle Paul, the flower and fruit of Judaism?”
Note what the Lord Jesus, in Matthew, states concerning new wine in old bottles:
“Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.” Matthew 9:17.
Note again the words in:
Matthew 5:17 and 18
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
A careful study of the sayings and doings of Christ, in Matthew, will teach us that Jesus of Nazareth was born under the law; that He was trained according to the Jewish religion in a Jewish home. In Matthew 23:1 to 3, we learn that even unto the end of His ministry in the land of the Jews He recognized the authority of those who sat in the seat of Moses. He did not unseat them until after His death and resurrection. Although living under the Old Covenant He presented the principles of the New Covenant, and preached the kingdom gospel.
Part Two
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
“FROM THAT TIME”
At the time Christ began His public ministry we read these words: “FROM THAT TIME Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17.
About three years later, after Christ had presented His Messianic claim and His Divine credentials and the rulers of Israel had rejected Him, we read: “FROM THAT TIME forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.”
Matthew 16:21.
We here see that there seems to be a very definite division in Matthew’s Gospel marked by these words, “from that time.”
When the Lord Jesus began His ministry and message as indicated in Matthew 4:17, He had moved from Nazareth to Capernaum.
Capernaum was on one of the principal roads, a strategic center of the holy land, visited by thousands. Later on the Apostle Paul made his headquarters in such cities as Antioch, Corinth, Ephesus and Rome. These were all strategic centers. After the testimony of the Lord Jesus in Capernaum, note what He said concerning the judgment of that city compared with the judgment of Sodom:
Matthew 11:23
“And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.”
Here we have some conception of the mighty works done by the Lord in Capernaum. And let us remember that we have no record of many of the sayings and doings of the Lord Jesus Christ:
John 20:30
“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book.”
John 21:25
“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.”
When we learn that we have a record of just a few of the many teachings and miraculous works of the Son of God, how we should study over and over every word that we have in the Divine record until our minds and hearts are filled to overflowing.
Now let us note the record in Matthew, from Matthew 1:1 to the time the Lord Jesus made His home in Capernaum (Matthew 4:13) and proclaimed His message of Matthew 4:17. Note again: “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
In Matthew 1:1 to 17 we have the genealogy or ancestors of Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus, from Abraham to Joseph and Jesus, forty-two generations. By way of contrast: in John’s Gospel Christ says, “BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS, I AM.” John 8:58.
Note:
John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Christ was in the form of God ages before Abraham was born. Then Jesus Christ was born as Abraham’s seed. Hebrews 2:16 and 17.
In Luke 3 we find the ancestors of Mary back to Adam. In the genealogical record in Matthew One, we find four women mentioned, “Thamar” (verse 3), “Rachab,” (verse 5) “Ruth” (verse 5), “Bathsheba” (verse 6). The godly Israelitish women are not listed with the men of that nation. But these four women are mentioned to teach us the truth of I Peter 5:10, that God is the God of all grace. Thamar and Rachab were harlots. Ruth was from the Moabites, the people under the curse of God. Bathsheba was the wife of a Hittite. If you will study the Old Testament Record of these four women, you will have an interesting study.
Let us remember that Gentiles became Jews by religion.
Note this statements in:
Esther 8:17
“And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.”
Here we note that Persians became Jews, in order that they might enjoy the favor and blessing of God, and communion with His people. Gentiles had to become Jews by religion.
Although Joseph was not the father of Jesus, he was the husband of Mary who was the mother of Jesus. Jesus had the legal right to David’s throne as the King of Israel. In Luke Three we learn that He had the birthright. He certainly had the Divine right in fulfillment of Isaiah 9:6 and 7. He was the Seed of David, the Seed of Abraham, born in the House of David, in the City of David.
Surely the Scriptures teach that the throne of David is to be occupied in the coming Kingdom age. Ezekiel 37:24.
THE VIRGIN BIRTH
Let us note again Genesis 3:14 to 16. In these verses we read “the Seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.”
Now note:
Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
And:
Galatians 4:4
“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.”
MATTHEW TWO
Here we have the visit of the wise men from the east. Herod wanted the wise men to tell him when they had located Jesus, the Holy Child. Herod said he too wanted to worship Jesus. Note how the wise men were led to Bethlehem and what they did when they found Mary and Jesus:
Matthew 2:9, 10, 11, and 12
“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.”
Then Herod was angry and sent his soldiers to murder all the little children under two years of age in and near Bethlehem. Joseph had been told by the angel of the Lord to take Mary and Jesus into Egypt and there He remained until Herod was dead. There is no Scriptural or accurate historical record of anything that Jesus did in Egypt.
We shall note in our study of Luke just one or two incidents in the childhood of Jesus. But for some reason the Holy Spirit has not told us very much about the childhood of Jesus. There has been much speculation and conjecture and some have minutely described His education in the Jewish schools and His carpenter work with His father, but this may be more fiction than fact.
We note, with interest:
Luke 4:16
“And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read.”
Here we have the Scriptural statement that Jesus had been taught the religion of the Jews and had worshipped in the Jewish congregation on the Jewish Sabbath.
Now note:
Matthew 2:23
“And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.”
FROM NAZARETH TO CAPERNAUM
Matthew 4:13
“And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim.”
THE MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
Note the statement of John the Baptist in:
John 1:31
“And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.”
and the statement of Paul concerning John the Baptist in:
Acts 13:24:
“When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.”
Then note the words of the resurrected Christ in:
Acts 1:5
“For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”
Note also the ministry of John the Baptist stated in:
Luke 1:16 and 16
“For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.”
And:
Luke 1:80
“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.”
Christ later stated that John the Baptist was the Elijah of Malachi 4:5 and 6 if Israel had so accepted Him.
Malachi 4:5 and 6
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”
Note Matthew 11:14, “If ye will receive it, this is Elijah, which was for to come.”
Christ said, John was the greatest man born of woman “For I say unto you, Among those that are born of woman there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke 7:28.
Note John’s message: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance.” Matthew 3:11. John preached to Israel. Israel was still protected and preserved as a nation under the Abrahamic Covenant. Israel was under the Old Covenant when John preached to them. They were still worshipping in the Jerusalem temple and still observing the feasts of Jehovah, according to Leviticus 23. Their sins were still being covered on the day of atonement by the sacrifices presented by their high priest.
Note:
Luke 16:16
“The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.”
Some have tried to prove by this that the beginning of John’s ministry brought an end to the reign of law, the end of Israel’s Old Covenant. But this is not at all true. The law stood until the veil in the temple was rent at the time that Christ died on the cross.
Let us note Hebrews:
Hebrews 10:9 and 10
“Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Note again:
Hebrews 10:19 and 20
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the vail, that is to say, his flesh.”
Note again:
Colossians 2:14
“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.”
In these and other Scriptures we learn that Christ took the law out of the way on the cross.
THE TWO BAPTISMS OF THE LORD JESUS
Matthew 3:13 to 17
“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And to a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 20:18, 22, and 23
“Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death.” “But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.”
Luke 12:50:
“But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!”
In reading the account of the baptism of the Lord Jesus by John the Baptist, it is well to remember the truth of:
Hebrews 2:16 and 17
“For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”
As we read of the baptism of Christ on the cross unto death, we think of Romans 6:3:
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?”
Whatever mode or formula of water baptism may be used, the all important baptism is the Divine baptism unto the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Every Bible Christian is identified with Christ in His death baptism, His burial and His resurrection. Only the omnipotent God can place the believing sinner in Christ and baptize him into the One Body. Ephesians 4:4 and 5.
“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST
In Genesis 3:1 to 21, we have the record of the temptation and fall of the first man.
Note:
Genesis 3:6
“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”
Note also:
I John 2:16 and 17
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
As Satan approached Eve in the three-fold appeal, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, he did likewise with Christ.
Note:
Matthew 4:1 to 11
“Then was Jesus let up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him; All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him. and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”
Later on Christ uttered these words: “Or else, how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.”
Matthew 12:29.
Satan is the strong man. Christ was able to conquer and bind him. Note Hebrews 2:14 and Colossians 2:15.
Then note:
Luke 10:1
“After these things the Lord appointed other seventy Also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.”
Luke 10:17 to 19
“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold. I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Now note:
John 12:31
“Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”
John 16:8 and 11
“And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.”
The Lord Jesus Christ is the only One Who can deliver the sinner from the power of Satan. Note the instructions to the Christian found in:
Ephesians 6:10 and 11
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM
“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” Matthew 4:23.
When Jesus proclaimed “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17) He was preaching “THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM” and he was “healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”
Note the instructions of Christ to the twelve apostles: “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:7 and 8.
There is not the slightest suggestion here that Christ and His apostles were preaching that the Saviour was to die on the cross and that sinners would be saved by faith in His shed blood. Such a message is the gospel by which sinners are today saved. But this is not “the Gospel of the Kingdom,” which Christ and the Twelve and the Seventy were preaching.
Note the reaction about two years later when Christ did tell His chosen disciples that He was going to die:
Luke 18:81 to 34
“Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death; and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.”
“They understood none of these things” concerning the death and resurrection of Christ, although they had been preaching the Gospel for many months. What Gospel? The word “gospel” is a general term and must be qualified or defined specifically to know what is implied in the use of the word. It means “good news”. So far as the individual sinner is concerned, no one was ever saved on any other grounds than the shed blood of Christ. But “gospel” in the Bible means more than one thing.
But now let us compare:
Luke 9:2 and 6
“And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.”
With:
I Timothy 1:11
“According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.”
And:
I Timothy 5:23
“Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.”
And:
II Timothy 4:20
“Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.”
The ministry of physical healing had a very prominent place in “the Gospel of the Kingdom.” But we note in connection with the Gospel, which Paul called “MY GOSPEL”, even the most faithful saints were not miraculously healed.
When “the Gospel of the Kingdom” is mentioned in the Bible, the Nation Israel is in view. Let us again be reminded that in the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, not only was salvation offered to individual Israelites, but the Kingdom of Heaven was presented to the nation.
QUESTIONS—LESSON TWENTY-FIVE
QUESTIONS—PART ONE
1. WHAT IS THE FIRST QUESTION IN MATTHEW?
2. WHOSE SON WAS JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 1:1?
3. WHY WAS THE SAVIOUR CALLED “JESUS OF NAZARETH?”
4. IN WHAT SENSE WAS CHRIST A JEW? KING OF THE JEWS?
5. TO WHOM AND HOW WAS JESUS OF NAZARETH APPROVED BY GOD?
6. WHAT WAS CHRIST’S MINISTRY ACCORDING TO ROMANS 15:8?
7. UNDER WHAT WAS CHRIST BORN ACCORDING TO GALATIANS 4:4?
8. QUOTE JOHN 1:11.
9. WHAT MESSAGE WAS PROCLAIMED BY JOHN THE BAPTIST, THE LORD JESUS AND THE TWELVE? TO WHOM?
10. QUOTE MATTHEW 15:24.
11. WHAT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST IN MARK 1:15 “THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND” AND MATTHEW 4:17 “THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND?”
12. WHAT WAS THE LORD TO TAKE AWAY FROM ISRAEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 21:43?
13. INTO WHAT KINGDOM ARE BELIEVERS TODAY TRANSLATED ACCORDING TO COLOSSIANS 1:13?
14. WHAT WAS AT HAND ACCORDING TO TITUS 2:11? IS THIS STILL AT HAND?
15. IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN AT HAND AS IT WAS IN MATTHEW 4:17?
16. WHERE ARE THE TWELVE APOSTLES TO SIT AND WHEN, ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 19:28?
17. STATE THE TRUTH OF ROMANS 10:12 AND 13.
18. WHAT WAS CHRIST TO DO AND WHAT DID HE DO ACCORDING TO HEBREWS 10:9?
19. WHAT TWO-FOLD PROGRAM WAS GOD CARRYING ON WHILE JESUS OF NAZARETH WAS HERE ON EARTH?
20. DID JESUS CHRIST COME TO PERPETUATE AN OLD RELIGION OR TO ESTABLISH A NEW RELIGION?
QUESTIONS—PART TWO
1. TO WHAT CITY DID CHRIST MOVE TO CARRY ON HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY?
2. IN WHAT LANGUAGE DID CHRIST COMPARE THE JUDGMENT OF CAPERNAUM AND SODOM?
3. MARKED BY THE WORDS, “FROM THAT TIME” WHAT WAS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHRIST’S MESSAGE IN MATTHEW 4:17 AND MATTHEW 16:21?
4. HOW MANY GENERATIONS IN THE ANCESTORS OF CHRIST ARE MENTIONED IN THE FIRST CHAPTER OF MATTHEW?
5. WHAT SIGNIFICANCE IS ATTACHED TO THE FOUR WOMEN MENTIONED IN THE GENEALOGY OF JOSEPH IN MATTHEW 1? NAME THE FOUR WOMEN.
6. WHAT DID THE GENTILES BECOME IN ORDER TO GET GOD’S DIVINE BLESSING IN THE OLD TESTAMENT TIMES?
7. COMPARE THE ANCESTORS OF JOSEPH IN MATTHEW 1 AND THE ANCESTORS OF MARY IN LUKE 3. STATE THE DIFFERENCE.
8. IN WHAT VERSE OF MATTHEW 1 IS THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST MENTIONED?
9. WHAT VERSE IN ISAIAH 7 WAS FULFILLED WHEN THE NAME IMMANUEL WAS GIVEN TO JESUS CHRIST?
10. HOW WAS CHRIST MADE ACCORDING TO GALATIANS 4:4?
11. STATE A FEW FACTS CONCERNING THE WISE MEN’S VISIT TO THE MANGER OF JESUS AND THE STAR THAT LED THEM.
12. WHAT DID HEROD DO BECAUSE OF HIS ANGER? WHAT SCRIPTURE WAS FULFILLED BY THE MURDER OF THE BABES?
13. IN WHAT MANNER DID JOHN THE BAPTIST FULFILL MALACHI 4:5 AND 6?
14. WHAT WAS JOHN’S BAPTISM MESSAGE? WHAT SIGNIFICANCE?
15. TO WHOM DID JOHN THE BAPTIST PREACH? HOW GREAT WAS HE?
16. WHAT IS SAID ABOUT CHRIST’S SABBATH HABIT IN LUKE 4:16?
17. STATE A FEW FACTS CONCERNING CHRIST’S TWO BAPTISMS.
18. GIVE THE STORY OF CHRIST’S TEMPTATION BY SATAN. AND HOW HIS POWER WORKED IN THE MINISTRY OF HIS APOSTLES.
19. STATE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM” AND PAUL’S “MY GOSPEL.”
20. IN WHAT SENSE, IF ANY, IS CHRIST NOW WHAT HE WAS (ROMANS 15:8) A MINISTER OF THE CIRCUMCISION?