Study of the gosple of Matthew (#8)

Jesus makes it clear those who follow Him will be persecuted so bow up and be ready for it. We are to defend ourselves if physically attacked but otherwise do not respond to violence. Jesus said even family will turn against you. Be faithful until the end and the kingdom of God awaits you.  If you suffer persecution it’s because God allows it up to a point. God has numbered your days and no amount of persecution can cut short the number of days God has allotted you. Everyone who has ever lived will one day know the truth of the gospel and kneel before the throne of Jesus Christ on the great Day of the Lord.

By claiming to be the Lord of the Sabbath Jesus was identifying Himself as God Almighty. Restoring a withered hand in the synagogue was an act of creation which further identified Jesus as God. When Jesus cast out demons He was proving that the kingdom of God was overthrowing Satan’s kingdom.  Those who are humble will be great in heaven and vice versa. Many of those we expect to be exalted in heaven will be on the bottom rung. Heaven will be full of surprises. Jesus confirms that angels are assigned to protect both people and nations.

For example, the archangel Michael is the protector of Israel. Angels not only protect us, they intercede with God on our behalf. Angels number in the millions and spiritual warfare is going on around us continually.  The gospels are “Cliff Notes” on the life and ministry of Jesus and you should know them inside and out. God touches only on those items needed to sustain the narrative so we understand the basic story and then God adds truths about the kingdom He wants us to know. The gospels are summary outlines that jump around a lot but somehow the reader gets the picture. God doesn’t do fluff. Everything in all four gospel accounts is there for a specific purpose.