Daily Writing

Wednesday, 25 March 2026

For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. Matthew 18:11

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“For He came, the Son of Man to save the ‘having been lost’.” (CG)

In the previous verse, Jesus admonished the disciples not to disesteem one of the least of these, noting that their messengers in heaven see the appearance of His Father in heaven. Having noted that, He begins words which explain who “the least of these” refers to. It should be noted that most modern translations omit this verse or footnote it as being missing from many texts. He says, “For He came, the Son of Man to save the ‘having been lost’.”

Scholars argue over which texts are best and why this verse is or is not authentic. The words appear genuine enough, setting the stage for the next three verses. Without being dogmatic, they are worthy of evaluation because of this. In the Bible, there are several times that explain why Jesus came.

For example, in Mark 1:38, Jesus notes that He came to preach to the cities of Israel. In John 6:38, Jesus said He came to do the will of Him who sent Him. In John 10:10, He said He came that His people may have life, and have it more abundantly. Each reason given for Jesus’ coming helps us to see more clearly the greater plan of redemption that God has set forth for the people of the world.

In the case of Matthew 18:11, the reason is to save what has been lost. If Jesus were talking only of little children in the previous verse, it would mean that little children were lost and needed to be saved. If He is referring to those who are like little children, which the context demands, it still means that little children, of whom the one with Him is the example, are lost and need to be found, but they serve as an example of any person who demonstrates childlike faith toward His message.

The point then is based on what He just said. Jesus came to save humanity. How can the disciple disesteem “the least of these” when they are the very reason for His coming? Philippines 2:1-11 first refers to what it should be like to be in Christ, esteeming others better than themselves and looking out for others’ interests.

This is because Jesus left the glory of heaven and came in the likeness of men. Paul says, “taking the form of a bondservant.” If He was willing to do this, then how can we disesteem those He came to save who were lost in the wilderness of sin?

Life application: Myer’s New Testament Commentary says of this verse that it “is not genuine.” What if it is? Reliable texts include it. And the sentiment is in line with Luke 19:10, which says, “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

If Matthew 18:11 was simply copied from Luke 19:10 as a means of reconciling the two gospels, why would the scribe leave off the words “to seek” found in Luke’s version? When there is doubt, the best option is to evaluate the verse anyway, note that there is a conflict between texts, and not adamantly assert something that may not be correct.

God’s word is too precious to fiddle with. Rather, it should be carefully handled and treated with the utmost respect. It is ok to not know everything and to admit it rather than be wrong about a matter.

Whatever side you lean towards in an issue like this, be willing to admit you were not there when Matthew penned the original. Defend your stand, but don’t adamantly assert without absolutely sure evidence to back up your claim.

Lord God, help us to always treat Your word with the utmost respect, cherishing it and carefully relaying its sacred content to others. Be glorified in our care for this precious word. Amen.

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 18:10

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“You see – not you should disesteem ‘one, the least of these’. For I say to you that their ‘messengers in heavens’, through all, they see the appearance of My Father, the ‘in heavens’.” (CG)

In the previous verse, Jesus spoke about what to do if your eye ensnares you. It should be plucked out and cast from you, noting that it is better to enter into life one-eyed than to be cast into the fire of Gehenna. He now starts a new thought, saying, “You see – not you should disesteem ‘one, the least of these’.”

The context needs to be remembered. Jesus called for a little child, setting him in the midst of the disciples. He then noted that unless they were to become like little children, they would by no means enter the kingdom of the heavens.

He then noted that receiving one little child like that in His name receives Him. As such, the context refers to those who have childlike faith, not literally all little children. Those who trust God, not in themselves or their own supposed great deeds, are those who possess that childlike faith.

This then clears up any erroneous thoughts about Jesus’ next words, “For I say to you that their ‘messengers in heavens’, through all, they see the appearance of My Father, the ‘in heavens’.”

Understanding the context, Jesus is not saying that every little child has a “messenger in heaven.” It is great for sermon material and for promoting liberal agendas (well, except abortion), but it does not square with the context of what Jesus is saying.

Those who have messengers in the heavens are those who are redeemed by God because of their childlike faith. This notion will be fully supported by the completion of this train of thought in the next four verses.

Life application: Care needs to be taken in understanding what is happening in the world as God works through His plan of redemption. People are not saved at birth and then up until a certain age, at which time they become unsaved.

Nor do they have an angel looking over them until some point in time when the angel stops tending to them. All people are born in sin, separated from God because of that sin. Jesus came to restore the relationship between fallen man and His Father.

Until one yields himself to God through Christ, the enmity remains. For those before the cross, this applied to those who trusted in the coming Messiah. Now that Christ has come, no person is saved until he or she receives what Jesus did. This is all-inclusive.

Salvation is not determined by age, cultural background, family, wealth, or any other such thing. Salvation comes by faith in Christ. In 1 Corinthians 7:14, we find that God has graciously sanctified the children of believers. However, there is a point known to Him when those children must choose Jesus.

We need to be responsible in our discussions of what God is doing in the world. People need Jesus, all people. We cannot let this issue fall by the wayside. For example, calling the Jews “God’s people” does a catastrophic disservice to them (See Romans 9-11).

A few simple questions to be considered: Is Jesus God? Yes. Did Israel reject Jesus? Yes. If they have rejected Jesus, who is God, then they have rejected God. Supporting Israel is not the same as coddling them. They need to be told of the danger they are in.

Likewise, it is not appropriate to incorrectly explain verses like Matthew 18:10 and claim that all babies have an angel looking out for them. That will inevitably provide false assurances to those who need to tell children about Jesus.

Be prepared to defend the truth of the gospel. All people need Jesus. Without Him, none can be saved. Israel, the nation, has rejected Jesus. Until they collectively acknowledge Jesus, they are not saved, nor are they God’s people in regard to salvation and a right relationship with Him.

Infant baptism is unscriptural and provides false security to those who adhere to this rite. The list could go on and on concerning this most important of issues. Jesus! From the youngest person to the oldest, all need Jesus. The nation of Israel needs Jesus. Get the word out! The world needs Jesus.

Lord God, thank You for Jesus. Without Him, there would be no hope. But with Him in our lives, we have hope and assurance. Praises to You, O God, for what You have done. Amen.

Monday, 23 March 2026

And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire. Matthew 18:9

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And if your eye, it ensnares you, you pluck it, and you cast from you. It is good – you enter one-eyed into life, or having two eyes to be cast into the ‘Gehenna the fire’.” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus noted that if a person’s hand or foot causes him to sin, he should cut it off and cast it away, noting that it is better to enter life maimed or crippled rather than be cast whole into the eternal fire. He next says words similar to Matthew 5:29, beginning with, “And if your eye, it ensnares you, you pluck it, and you cast from you.”

The eye is a factor in many types of sin. Without eyes, one would not see the beautiful face or shape of a woman and lust after her. Without eyes, a person wouldn’t see the difference between his car and his neighbor’s. Blind people can still covet, lust, commit adultery, etc., but the eye is one part of such things.

If the eye were the only problem, removal would be the solution. As with the previous verse, however, eventually everyone would be walking around blind. This is the severity of living under the law. Ultimately, it is the law that brings about offense. As Paul said –

“What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, ‘You shall not covet.’ ⁸ But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. ⁹ I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. ¹⁰ And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. ¹¹ For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. ¹² Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.” Romans 7:7-12

If there were no law, there would be no offense for a violation of the law to come about. This doesn’t mean the law is bad. What it does mean is that the law stands against us and witnesses against us.

Sin is the problem, but law is what brings about sin. As Jesus was speaking to those under the law, they had choices to make concerning sin. If the right choice was made, things might go well for them, as He next notes, “It is good – you enter one-eyed into life, or having two eyes to be cast into the ‘Gehenna the fire’.”

A new word is seen here, monophthalmos, one-eyed. It is derived from monus, sole or single, and ophthalmos, eye. Though not directly stated, Jesus’ point is that there needs to be a remedy to the problem with sin. It would be unrealistic for a person to actually pluck out one eye, thinking it would take care of his sin problem. Rather, there is still the second eye that will cause the exact same problem.

Jesus is schooling the world on what is actually needed. One step at a time, we are being led to the cross where sin is atoned for, law is removed, and there is restoration with God.

Life application: How nice it would be if the Bible were to be read and considered in context by all people. There would not be churches full of people who were trying to merit God’s favor through Sabbath observance, dietary restrictions, feast observances, and so forth.

The people of the world would revel in the cross of Christ, thank God for the freedom that is granted through His death, and rejoice in the hope of eternal life because of His resurrection.

Instead, though many claim they are saved by grace through faith, they sit in churches scared of losing their salvation, wondering if they have done enough to merit His grace (what a contradictory thought!), and biting their nails over the next possible infraction that will see them eternally condemned for failing to meet the measure that the law demands.

Don’t be such a person! Realize that the cross is the end of the matter. Total peace and harmony are realized when one comes to God through it. Trust the gospel and keep on trusting it. This is the sweet spot in God’s wonderful plan of redemption.

Lord God, thank You that the enmity is ended and that peace and contentment are restored to us once again. Thank You for what the cross truly means to this fallen world. May many come to fully realize its significance and cling to its marvelous glory. Amen.

Sunday, 22 March 2026

“If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. Matthew 18:8

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And if your hand or your foot, it ensnares you, you exscind them, and you cast from you. It is good – you enter into life lame or crippled, or two hands or two feet having, be cast into the ‘fire, the perpetual’” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus gave woe to the world because of snares. Moreover, He gave woe to the man through whom snares would come. He continues now, saying, “And if your hand or your foot, it ensnares you, you exscind them, and you cast from you.”

The precepts of this verse and the next are similar to Matthew 5:29, 30. This one more closely aligns with Matthew 5:30. As noted there, the words of Jesus need to be taken in their proper light. If a person has been ensnared by his hand or foot, the sin has already been committed. It would not be profitable to cut off a body part in such an instance.

Understanding the hyperbolic nature of the words, Jesus continues, saying, “It is good – you enter into life lame or crippled, or two hands or two feet having, be cast into the ‘fire, the perpetual’.”

A new word is seen here, aiónios, perpetual. It is used of past time as well as past and future time. It signifies that which is eternal in nature. The words clearly indicate that there is a final judgment for all people. It is a judgment that is both real and eternal in nature. Without Jesus, a sin against the infinite God requires an infinite purification.

Jesus’ point is that there is a problem in a person’s life that must be addressed. If it is not dealt with, there will be eternal consequences. Israel is being schooled on the ramifications of failing to meet the demands of the law.

As no person can perfectly meet what the law requires, there must be a total separation from God. But, in Christ, His satisfaction of the law is imputed to those who come to Him, trusting that what He did is sufficient for their salvation.

Life application: If Jesus’ words were to be taken literally with every such snare in a person’s life, nobody would have hands or feet. As such, nothing would ever get done. People would be busy cutting off body parts until there were none left to cut.

But this is the severity of the law. His point is that it certainly is better to take such strong action than to be cast into the Lake of Fire. But remember, cutting off a hand or foot cannot atone for one’s sin. As the sin has been committed, it would be a pointless gesture.

Further, there is already the issue of inherited sin that needs to be dealt with. In and of himself, there is nothing a person can do about that. Despite this, it is an infection that must be dealt with for reconciliation with God to take place.

As reconciliation requires atonement, and only a perfect Substitute can atone for sin, the need for Jesus becomes crystal clear. People need Jesus. No other path can restore man to God. And more, after the cross, once sin is atoned for in those who have received the gospel, forgiveness for all such matters has been obtained.

Thus, no such infraction can ever be charged against a person in Christ again. He is under grace, not law. Without law, there can be no imputation of sin. In one fell swoop, all such matters are dealt with through the death of Jesus Christ for those who trust Him.

Lord God, when all hope was lost, You stepped in and restored it. In our state of assured condemnation, You brought about salvation. And in our pending judgment, You gave us reconciliation. Thank You, O God, for what You have done through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Saturday, 21 March 2026

Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! Matthew 18:7

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“Woe – the world, from the snares! For necessity, it is, the snares to come. Moreover, woe – the man, that, through whom the snare, it comes” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus noted that it would be better for a person who causes one of these little ones to sin, to have a millstone hung around his neck, and be drowned in the depths of the sea. To further that thought, He next says, “Woe – the world, from the snares!”

The snares refer to what He has been speaking of, meaning people causing the little ones to sin. It is a fallen world, and snares like this are inevitable because of it. Jesus uses the noun form, skandalon, of the verb, skandalizó, to ensnare, which He just used in the previous verse. The fact that such snares are inevitable is seen in His next words, “For necessity, it is, the snares to come.”

A new word, anagké, a compelling need, is seen. It is derived from two words, meaning each and arm. One can think of a person throwing up both arms in distress. HELPS Word Studies says, “calls for timely help, i.e. strong force needed to accomplish something compulsory (absolutely required). This kind of situation is typically brought on by great pain or distress.”

Jesus doesn’t explain why this is a necessity. Rather, He states it as a truth and expects His disciples to take it as an axiom that it is so. As it is a fallen world, the events of a fallen world can and will occur. However, Jesus next makes a strong point about the intermediate source of such things, saying, “Moreover, woe – the man, that, through whom the snare, it comes.”

Despite snares being inevitable, it in no way absolves the person through whom the snares come. This is particularly so when it is intentional. But even unintentional sin is sin. When one causes another to fall into sin, there is a great weight of guilt placed upon the person causing it. How much more is this the case when it deals with someone who is innocent in their faith!

Life application: The question concerning the fallen world through which snares inevitably come is, “What caused the world to fall in the first place?” It is true that this was because of disobeying the Lord’s command in the Garden of Eden. But what brought that about in the first place?

Jesus is schooling the disciples on what is going on in the world. Indeed, it is what has been going on in the world since the very beginning. The Lord introduced a law. If He did not do this, there could be no violation of the law.

But once the law was given, as Paul says, “sin revived and I died” (Romans 7:9). Once the world fell, the state of committing sin was inevitable. Fallen man’s propensity is to do the fallen things that can be expected in a fallen world.

Man did not have to sin, but the devil was there, prompting him to do so. He was the one through whom the snare came. He used the fact that there was a law to bring about sin in man. The same is true today, both in religion and in regular life.

For example, the law may say, “No one under 18 years of age may drink alcohol.” To do so would be a violation of the law. However, someone may say to his younger friend, “Here, have a beer. It’s fun, and you will love it.” The older friend has been the intermediate cause of the younger person violating the law.

Now imagine someone in a church going even further. For Christians, the law is removed. As Paul noted, believers are not under law but under grace. Therefore, we cannot violate law because there is no law to violate. However, the person says, “Oh yes, you must observe the Feasts of the Lord found in the Old Testament.”

The person he tells this to is not schooled in proper theology and says, “Oh, I didn’t know that.” And so, the poor schlub starts observing the feast days. He has placed himself back under law.  But the fact is, no person today can observe the feasts as mandated in the law. There is no temple, there are no sacrifices, and most of the world cannot get to Jerusalem, even if those other things existed.

They are imperfectly observing a law that demands perfect obedience. Think of the transgressions that come about through such a pitifully observed mandate of the law! This is the point Jesus is making. Woe to the person through whom the snare, it comes. Such people are doing Satan’s bidding.

And so, the person who incorrectly schooled this poor sap will be held accountable for his vile actions. Christ fulfilled the law. To reinsert what Christ fulfilled is not honoring of God at all. It is dishonoring of what He did in and through Jesus.

Pay attention to what God has done and is doing. We need to trust in Jesus and not get led astray by such perverse and evil teachings as those that tear us from God’s tender mercies as found in Jesus Christ.

Lord God, help us to rightly pursue You all the days of our lives. Give us sound instructors who will not lead us down paths of unrighteousness. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.