Matthew (Written)

Thursday, 19 June 2025

Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities. Matthew 11:1

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 it was, when Jesus, He finished through-arranging His twelve disciples, He departed thence to teach and proclaim in their cities” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus finished up His words to the apostles concerning their commission to go forth and preach the gospel. Chapter 11 begins with, “And it was, when Jesus, He finished through-arranging His twelve disciples.” Of the words, “And it was, when Jesus, He finished…” The Pulpit Commentary notes –

The same formula recurs in Matthew 7:28; Matthew 13:53; Matthew 19:1; and Matthew 26:1. In all five cases, it marks the end of important speeches.

Because of this, we know that the direction of thought will make a change, and it does. In Matthew’s note, a new word diatassó is used. It is from dia, through, and tassó, to arrange, assign, appoint, etc. Thus, it speaks of thoroughly arranging a matter. It thus gives the sense of Jesus having completely instructed His apostles, preparing them for what lay ahead. With them properly and thoroughly instructed, it next says that “He departed thence.”

Where “thence” is, cannot be defined. The last hint of any location they were at was as Chapter 9 was ending –

“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. ³⁶ But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. ³⁷ Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. ³⁸ Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” Matthew 9:35-38

Thus, this instruction probably came at some unrecorded point along their travels throughout the Galilee. With that noted, another difficult set of words arises, noting that He left there “to teach and proclaim in their cities.”

The words themselves are not complicated, but it begs the question, “Who is ‘their’ referring to?” The nearest personal antecedent would be the twelve disciples. As such, one would think it would be either the towns where they had gone to or maybe the cities where they were from. However, it may be Matthew making a general statement about the cities of the Galilee. This is how Vincent’s Word Studies and some others take the words.

Life application: Jesus carefully instructed those He was sending forth so that they would be prepared for what lay ahead. Some of His instructions apply to things that would happen in the distant future in relation to Israel, demonstrating that His words carry beyond the immediate disciples listening to His instruction.

However, they are words that apply to evangelizing Israel. The context needs to be maintained. If not, people will incorrectly insert themselves into the narrative, and faulty connections will be inevitable. Continue to remember this as Matthew and the other synoptic gospels are read.

There are various truths that Jesus will state at times that apply in any situation and to anybody. But the specific directions and prophesied events He speaks of apply to Israel, not the church. By keeping this in mind, His words will always fit harmoniously with the rest of the New Testament.

When the church is inappropriately inserted, there will be conflicts between what Jesus says and what is presented later in the epistles. Israel, as a nation, eventually rejected Jesus. They will be exiled and receive the curses of the law until a set time when they will be regathered. At some point, the church will be removed, and the attention of the Lord will predominantly be on Israel once again.

With Israel back in the land, we can assume that this change is coming sooner rather than later. Although the day is unknown and will come without any advanced notice (1 Thessalonians 5:1), it will come. Until then, remember that Israel is not the church nor has it been replaced by the church. With this understanding, there will be no contradictory thoughts between Jesus’ words and those of the epistles.

Lord God, one step at a time, You are working through history to bring all things back to the state of perfection that was lost so long ago. Help us to see clearly how You are doing these things and to rightly divide Your word according to this marvelous plan. Yes, Lord, give us insights into these wonderful things. Amen.

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42

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 whoever, if he should give drink to one of these least a cup of cold water, only in a disciple’s name, amen, I say to you, no – not he should lose his reward” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus told the apostles that receiving a prophet means receiving a prophet’s reward, and receiving a righteous person means receiving a righteous person’s reward. Stepping down another level, He continues with, “And whoever, if he should give drink.”

Here is a new word, potizó. It signifies to give a drink or irrigate, being derived from pinó, to drink. The word is similar to potabilis, the Latin etymological root of our modern-day word potable, a word signifying fit to drink. This giving of drink is next said to be “to one of these least.”

Another new word is used, mikros, little or least. It can refer to people who are little in society or within the family (as in the little brother of…), it can be used to identify the smallest type of seed, the smallest in stature, or a little in distance.

The gradations of authority thus far tell us that “these least” is not merely referring to little children, but to anyone who is undeveloped in theology but who bears the name of Christ –

Receives Me -> receives -> Him who sent Me.
Receives prophet -> receives -> prophet’s reward.
Receives righteous -> receives -> righteous man’s reward.
Receives these least ->…

The meaning of these least may be inclusive of children, but that is not the main intent, as if Jesus were saying little children were innocent. The intent is that it refers to anyone, child or adult, who bears His name.

Jeremiah was only a youth when called (Jeremiah 1:7), but he was a prophet of the Lord. A plumber may not understand deep theology, but he can still say, “I am a Christian and I love Jesus with all my heart.” Of this little individual, it next says, “a cup of cold water.”

Both words are new. The first, potérion, signifies a cup. It is also derived from pinó. Being a cup, it gives the sense of a full cup of water. The second word, psuchros, is an adjective signifying chilly or cold. It can be literal, or it can refer to being cold-hearted or cold in attitude. The latter is reflected in the words of Jesus in Revelation 3:15 when he told those at Laodicea that He wished they were either hot or cold. As for His words now, He continues with, “only in a disciple’s name…”

The word only is referring to the little one just described. If a person gives a cup of cold water in a disciple’s name, meaning a disciple of Jesus. Then Jesus finishes with, “amen, I say to you, no – not he should lose his reward.”

The sense here is that the plumber has said he is a Christian. He is a disciple of Jesus. Someone might say, “Don’t give him a thing. No job, no recommendation, and not a cup of water.” But someone hearing might say, “He has identified with Jesus. I am now identifying with Jesus by helping him with this cup of cold water. He isn’t Jesus, he isn’t a prophet, he isn’t a righteous man, but he is still a follower of Jesus and is deserving of my help.” Such a person will receive his reward for the act of kindness to this least of Jesus’ disciples.

Life application: In Israel, outside of the Holocaust memorial, there is a garden called the Righteous Among the Nations Garden. Trees are planted in the name of someone who has somehow helped the nation of Israel.

This is a nice memorial, and it stands as a witness to those who have made some sort of contribution or sacrifice for the Jewish people. It is right that Christians support the nation because God’s word promises they will someday be brought into the covenant and restored as His particular people. Those who understand this and support the nation for this reason should be applauded.

Despite this, the Jews as a people rejected Jesus. Those who have not accepted Him will be eternally separated from them. There is no salvation just for being a Jew. On the other hand, there is salvation for everyone who has believed the true gospel, which is based on the true Jesus, as described in the Bible. The righteous among the nations, according to the Bible, are those – Jews or Gentiles – who have received Jesus Christ by faith.

Those who have received Him and those who have identified with Him, even to the least of them, will receive their reward for doing so. Not a single act of beneficence will be left unrewarded. While earthly trees are planted to remember deeds for helping the Jewish people, God will bestow heavenly blessings upon those whose deeds have been directed to followers of Christ.

God is perfectly just and perfectly fair. Those who are in Christ are a part of Him and are in intimate union with God because of Him. In identifying with His followers, one identifies with Him. Be assured that if this is so, how much more is God watching over you!?

If you are suffering from financial distress, cancer or some other physical affliction, family disharmony, or any other thing that is eating at your soul, don’t think God has forgotten you. He has not. He is there with you, allowing whatever has come about for His own purposes. Be assured of this. Life is tough, but eternity lies ahead. Because of Jesus, you are remembered and will be forever tended to by your heavenly Father.

Lord God, help us to have an eternal and heavenly perspective in our minds. It is tough, especially when the world is bringing us down. But we know that by fixing our eyes, hearts, and minds on You, we can make it through until the day You call us to Yourself. Help us in this, O heavenly Father. Amen.

Matthew 10 (CG)

10 And having summoned His twelve disciples, He gave them authority – unclean spirits, so to eject them, and to cure every disease and every malady. ² And the twelve apostles, the names, they are these: First, Simon, being called Peter, and Andrew, his brother. James the ‘of Zebedee,’ and John, his brother. ³ Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew, the taxman. Jacob the ‘of Alphaeus,’ and Lebbaios, having been denominated Thaddaeus. ⁴ Simon the Kananaios, and Judas Iscariot, the ‘also having betrayed Him.’

⁵ These, the twelve, He sent – Jesus – having notified them, saying, “Into Gentiles’ way, not you shall go. And into Samaritans’ city, not you shall enter.” ⁶ And you rather go to the sheep, the ‘having been lost’ – house, Israel. ⁷ And going, you proclaim, saying that ‘It has neared – the kingdom of the heavens.’ ⁸ Being feeble – you cure, leprous – you cleanse, dead – you rouse, demons – you eject. Freely you received, freely you give. ⁹ Not you shall acquire gold nor silver nor copper into your girdles, ¹⁰ nor pouch in the way, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staff. For the toiler, he is worthy of his food.

¹¹ And into what city or village you shall enter, you inquire who in her, he is worthy. And there you remain until if you shall depart. ¹² And entering into the house, you greet it. ¹³ And indeed, if the house, it should be worthy, it came – your peace – upon it. And if not it should be worthy, your peace, it returns to you. ¹⁴ And who, if not he should receive you nor he should hear your words, departing the house or that city, you out-swing the dust of your feet! ¹⁵ Amen! I say to you, it will be sufferable – land Sodom and Gomorrah – on judgment day than that city.

¹⁶ You behold! I, I send you as sheep in wolves’ midst. You become, therefore, sagacious as the serpents and simple as the doves. ¹⁷ And you caution from the men. For they will deliver you to the councils, and in their synagogues they will flog you. ¹⁸ And also upon governors and kings, you will be brought because of Me for a testimony to them and the Gentiles. ¹⁹ And when they should deliver you, not you should be disquieted how or what you should say. It will be given for you in that hour what you should say, ²⁰ for you, you are not those speaking, but the Spirit of your Father, the ‘speaking in you.’

²¹ And brother, he will deliver brother to death, and father, child. And children, they will over-stand up upon parents, and they will kill them. ²² And being hated, you will be by all through My name. And the ‘having endured to the end,’ he – he will be saved. ²³ And when they should pursue you in this city, you flee to the other. Amen! I say to you no, not you should have completed the cities of Israel until if He should come, the Son of Man.

²⁴ A disciple, he is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his lord. ²⁵ The disciple – sufficient that he should become as his teacher, and the servant as his lord. If they called the house-master Beelzebul, how much more those – his household! ²⁶ Therefore, not you should fear them. For nothing, it is, having been covered which not it will be revealed, and secret which not it will be known.

²⁷ What I tell you in the darkness, you speak in the light, and what to the ear you hear, proclaim upon the roofs! ²⁸ And you fear not from those killing the body, and the soul not being able to kill. But more you fear the ‘being able also soul and body to destroy in Gehenna.’ ²⁹ Not are sold two sparrows – assarion? And one from, them not it will fall upon the earth without your Father. ³⁰ And you! Even the hairs of the head, they are all having been enumerated. ³¹ Therefore, not you should fear, many sparrows you excel – you!

³² All, therefore, whoever he will assent in Me before men, I will assent – I also – in him before My Father, the ‘in the heavens.’ ³³ And if, whoever, he should deny Me before men, I will deny – I also – him before My Father, the ‘in heavens.’

³⁴ Not you should deem that I came to cast peace upon the earth. Not I came to cast peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I came to sunder man against his father, and daughter against her mother, and bride against her mother-in-law, ³⁶ and the man’s enemies – his household. ³⁷ The ‘affectionating father or mother’ above Me, not he is worthy of Me. And the ‘loving son or daughter’ above Me, not he is worthy of Me. ³⁸ And who not, he receives his cross and he follows after Me, not he is worthy of Me. ³⁹ The ‘having found his soul,’ he will lose it, and the ‘having lost his soul’ because of Me, he will find it.

⁴⁰ The ‘receiving you,’ Me receives. And the ‘Me receiving,’ he receives the ‘having sent Me.’ ⁴¹ The ‘receiving a prophet’ in a prophet’s name, a prophet’s reward he will receive. And the ‘receiving a righteous’ in a righteous’ name, a righteous’ reward he will receive. ⁴² And whoever, if he should give drink to one of these least a cup of cold water, only in a disciple’s name, amen, I say to you, no – not he should lose his reward.

Tuesday, 17 June 2025

He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. Matthew 10:41

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).

“The ‘receiving a prophet’ in a prophet’s name, a prophet’s reward he will receive. And the ‘receiving a righteous’ in a righteous’ name, a righteous’ reward he will receive” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus said, “The ‘receiving you,’ Me receives. And the ‘Me receiving,’ he receives the ‘having sent Me.’” In a similar manner, He now steps down the level of reception, saying, “The ‘receiving a prophet’ in a prophet’s name, a prophet’s reward he will receive.”

This is obviously referring to a true prophet of the Lord. Although the reciprocal could still hold true. Someone receiving a false prophet, if taken in and accepting of his message, will eventually receive the false prophet’s same fate. But that is not the intent here.

Of the prophet, in the Old Testament, he was the highest form of believer in God, having a word issued from God through Him. Although not necessarily an ambassador, he is one who speaks the word of the Lord. In Genesis 20:7, Abraham is specifically said to be a prophet of God. Moses notes he is a prophet in Deuteronomy 18:18.

In receiving such a person, there is an acknowledgment that what the prophet receives, the person will also receive. Although Jesus is probably referring to the reception of rewards in the next life, it is a truth that accompanied some in their earthly lives.

In 1 Kings 17, the widow of Zarephath received Elijah. In turn, she received a supply of food during the drought that consumed the land. In Jeremiah 39, Ebed-Melech tended to Jeremiah the prophet, and the Lord promised to deliver him during the terrible siege upon the city.

Likewise, in Jeremiah 45, Baruch the scribe was given words of assurance from the Lord for his faithfulness to the word of the Lord through Jeremiah. As for a later prophet’s reward, meaning at the resurrection, one is recorded in Daniel 12 –

“But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.” Daniel 12:13

Based on Jesus’ words, it can be assumed that those who are saved and raised at the resurrection, and who received Daniel, would receive a similar inheritance. Next, Jesus says, “And the ‘receiving a righteous’ in a righteous’ name, a righteous’ reward he will receive.”

This is another step down the ladder, going from the prophet to the righteous. The categories are set, just as they are in the list given by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:28. This demonstrates the wisdom of God in apportioning out His gifts and His grace in various ways.

As for the righteous, the Bible, even during the times of the law, identifies them as those who are of faith. This is made explicit in Hebrews 11, where those of faith are spoken of as righteous. Rahab the harlot received the spies and received her reward because of that. As in the prophet, it can be assumed that this truth goes beyond this life, though.

Those who receive the righteous, holding to their standard themselves, will receive the resurrection of the righteous and what it entails. Jesus is making a point about rewards. This thought will continue in the next verse.

Life application: In Matthew 11:11, Jesus says –

“Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

One reason for Jesus’ word is certainly that a person who has entered the kingdom of heaven, meaning that which is promised through the Messiah, has received all of what has been spoken of since the beginning, as outlined in the received word.

In receiving the word that speaks of God’s plan, we have received the prophet through whom that word came. In receiving the words of the writings of the gospels, we have received those who authored those books. And in receiving the words of the apostles as written in the epistles, we have received those apostles who penned them.

But people receive the words at various levels of faith. There are those who say they believe Paul was an apostle, but they don’t accept everything he says. For example, they may attend a church with a female pastor, something Paul’s writings forbid.

This will not affect their salvation (assuming they are truly saved), but it will affect their rewards. They have not truly received Paul in the fullest sense. The judgment seat of Christ is something that lies ahead for all believers. Our eternal rewards and losses will be based on our faith and our deeds done in faith.

This must be inclusive of how we receive and apply the word of God to our lives. What level of understanding are you willing to attain concerning God’s word? The church you select, the Bible studies you attend, the manner in which you accept the doctrines contained within the word, etc., are certainly all a part of how God is evaluating you.

Many in the world have never had a copy of the Bible. They lived by faith but without a fuller understanding of the word. Many today hunger for a copy of the word in their own language, waiting years to receive a translation to hold and cherish.

In Western countries, we have innumerable translations available at our fingertips. And yet, who among those who believe has read even a single translation from beginning to end?

The more you are willing to receive, the greater will be the return on your investment of time, doctrine, and closer fellowship. Be sure to make the word an integral and intimate part of your life.

Heavenly Father, help us to think clearly about how we tend to Your word. It is our connection to understanding You and what You have done in the stream of human existence, culminating in the coming of Christ Jesus. How can we ignore such a gift? May it not be so in our lives. Amen.

Monday, 16 June 2025

“He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. Matthew 10:40

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).

“The ‘receiving you, Me receives. And the ‘Me receiving,’ he receives the ‘having sent Me’” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus noted that “The ‘having found his soul,’ he will lose it, and the ‘having lost his soul’ because of Me, he will find it.” Now, He will give a few verses to explain relational interactions, especially in regard to a state of rewards for those interactions. He begins with, “The ‘receiving you,’ Me receives.”

The words convey the thought of an ambassadorship. When one is an ambassador, he is sent on behalf of his leader, be it a king, president, dictator, etc. When a nation receives such an ambassador, it is an acknowledgment that he has received the one sending him. Paul speaks of this in 2 Corinthians 5 –

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. ²¹ For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:20, 21

Paul is saying that he was sent on behalf of Christ Jesus. In receiving him and his message, the individual (family, church, etc.) receives Jesus. This is because Paul’s message is the message of reconciliation between God and man through Christ. That continues to be seen in Jesus’ next words, “And the ‘Me receiving,’ he receives the ‘having sent Me.’”

God sent Jesus as His representative on earth. When one accepts Jesus, by default, he accepts God. Obviously, because of the incarnate nature of Jesus, the truth is more nuanced than in other such situations, but it is a truth that Jesus refers to elsewhere –

“Then they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?’
²⁹ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.’” John 6:28, 29

God sent Jesus with a message. It is a message that was conveyed both verbally and through demonstrable acts. In believing Jesus’ claim that He is the Messiah, one accepts God’s sending Him as the Messiah. In other words, in believing in the Son, one believes in the Father who sent Him.

The opposite is true as well. When one rejects the Son, he rejects the Father. There is no relationship between the two because of this. For example, in the case of the Jews who have rejected Jesus, they are called “a synagogue of Satan” by Jesus. They are not worshippers of God but are rather followers of Satan.

This is true with anyone who hears the message and rejects it. They belong to the devil and they remain of the devil through their rejection. John explains this in his first epistle, saying –

“He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. ⁹ Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” 1 John 3:8, 9

Life application: If you tell people they belong to the devil, you will get all kinds of reactions out of them. Some will laugh and tell you they are fine with God. Some will punch you in the nose for dissing them. Some will be shocked at your arrogance. If you do it at work, you might get everyone angry at you and fired as well.

As such, the best way to approach the issue, even though it is true, is to start by telling them what Jesus came to do, who He is (meaning His nature which is fully Man and fully God), explain why God sent Jesus (such as citing 1 John 3:8, 9), and telling them that this is what the Bible proclaims.

There is a disconnect between God and man because of sin. When man fell, the devil gained control over man’s destiny. God sent Jesus to correct that and reclaim the right to men’s souls. The incredible part of this is that He then gives us the choice to accept the proposition, believe, and be saved, or we can reject it and remain dead in our sins.

Upon our physical death, the separation will remain forever. God has made the first move. He has sent Jesus while we are at enmity with Him. He is not going to force the choice on us. Rather, the offer is made. Be sure to explain the catastrophic situation man is in without Jesus.

There is no need to be pushy, arrogant, or accusatory. Just lay out what the Bible says, explain to them the remedy, and appeal to them not to delay in their decision.

“For He says:
‘In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2

Heavenly Father, may we not withhold the good news of Jesus when we can easily share it with others. Without it, there is no hope for the lost soul. Give us hearts that feel pity at the plight of such people and the desire to speak! May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.

Sunday, 15 June 2025

He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 10:39

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).

“The ‘having found his soul,’ he will lose it, and the ‘having lost his soul’ because of Me, he will find it” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus noted that he who did not take his cross and follow after Him was not worthy of Him. Now, to build upon that, He says, “The ‘having found his soul,’ he will lose it.”

The words at first seem paradoxical. However, Jesus is using the thought of the psuché, the soul, in two ways at the same time. The word itself was introduced in Matthew 2:20. It is derived from psucho, breath. The meaning is based on the context, and it can mean the breath of one’s life, the seat of affection, the self, a human person, or an individual. The word corresponds to the Hebrew word nephesh.

In the case of Jesus’ words, He indicates that a person who has found his soul, meaning his earthly self, will wind up losing his soul, meaning his eternal self. Finding one’s earthly self involves looking after oneself, getting the best out of life, advancing in one’s career, or whatever motivates a person to ingratiate his existence apart from God’s guiding hand.

The problem with this type of life is two-fold. The first and main consideration is that it leaves God, the Creator, out of the picture. It ignores man’s responsibilities to Him and sets one’s course for self-directed aims. The second problem with this is obvious to all and yet it is ignored most of the time. Man is destined to die.

As this is so, all self-directed advances and aims have an end because the self has an end. Jesus says elsewhere –

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26

This is Jesus’ intent. The person finds his soul, the epitome of self-satisfaction and aggrandizement, maybe even living to the point of hedonism, but because he has left God out of the equation, he winds up losing his soul. On the other hand, Jesus next says, “and the ‘having lost his soul’ because of Me, he will find it.”

The “because of Me” is the key point of His words. Many scholars and philosophers have stated words similar in thought to Jesus’ words –

Plato said, “O my friend! I want you to see that the noble and the good may possibly be something different from saving and being saved, and that he who is truly a man ought not to care about living a certain time: he knows, as women say, that we must all die, and therefore he is not fond of life; he leaves all that with God, and considers in what way he can best spend his appointed term” (“Gorgias,” 512). (via Vincent’s Word Studies).

Euripides said, “Who knows if life be not death, and death life.” (via Vincent’s Word Studies).

The Pulpit Commentary notes, “In Talm. Bab., ‘Tamid,’ 32a, Alexander the Great asks ‘the elders of the south’ ten questions, among them, ‘What shall a man do that he may live?’ They answer, ‘Let him put himself to death.’ ‘What shall a man do that he may die?’ ‘Let him make himself alive.’”

Such sayings are found in cultures around the world, and many live lifestyles that bear this concept, such as those living as monks or in asceticism, stoicism, etc. The problem with such lives is that such people are still set to die. Without the “because of Me” of Jesus’ words, their end is the same as the others. The main difference between them and those in the first half of Jesus’ words is that those in the first category probably had a lot more fun in the process.

Jesus is telling His disciples that the pursuit of God in Christ is the key to finding one’s soul, meaning his eternal existence in the presence of God.

Life application: It is common for Christians to use Jesus’ words here and in similar passages to give up various earthly delights, to reject wealth, to live in hovels when they could live in a mansion, etc.

Some, such as the Judaizers and Hebrew Roots Movement adherents, live for self while claiming they are living for God. They do this by living by precepts of the Law of Moses instead of living in Christ. Their religion is self-directed because it has rejected the fulfillment of the law by Jesus.

Many such paths of existence in Christianity are unbiblical. For example, concerning wealth, Paul says –

“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. ¹⁸ Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, ¹⁹ storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Paul did not say that rich people need to give up their wealth. He instructs them how to use it in a godly manner. People who are attempting to “find life” since the completed work of Jesus need to simply believe in the full, final, finished, and forever work of Christ. That is how one finds his life. Trust. Believing the gospel and trusting God that it is true by faith is how one finds life.

Jesus’ words in this verse in Matthew have a context. Our instructions for finding life now, because of His completed work, have a new context. Don’t stop part of the way in the redemption story. When you get to the cross and resurrection, you have come to the point where God has brought you for life. Find life by finding the risen Savior and trusting in Him.

Heavenly Father, our lives are short, and we often focus way too much on making the best of our days without considering You in the process. Forgive us for this. Help us to include You in our every thought and action. Whether we are rich or poor, healthy or sick, single or married, or in any other way, may our priority be to include You in our lives and interactions! Amen.