Matthew (Written)

Sunday, 12 January 2025

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “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 you, amass – yourselves – treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor an eating – it evaporates, and where stealers – they tunnel not, nor they steal” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus noted that His disciples shouldn’t amass for themselves treasures upon the earth. Now, He explains where amassing treasures is appropriate, beginning with, “And you, amass – yourselves – treasures in heaven.”

In the previous verse, Jesus said to not amass treasures “upon the earth.” Now He says to amass them “in heaven.” The realms are different, and the way to amass them in each of those places also differs.

Regardless of what dispensation a person lives, the only way to accomplish what Jesus says is through faith. Nothing earthly can be taken to heaven. Nothing done on earth meets the bar of heavenly rewards unless it is done in faith.

This is the primary lesson of Hebrews 11 where people from various dispensations are all rewarded for their faith. The actions were merely an outcropping of faith. It is faith, and faith alone, that bridges the span between the earthly and the heavenly realms in this regard.

To understand this, think of some prominent person who gives away a great deal for various charities, maybe Bill Gates. He has donated an extraordinary amount to AIDs research, for example.

His charitable foundation has totaled grant payments of $77.6 billion dollars. And yet, he is not a man of faith. As such, he has not amassed a single treasure in heaven. And more, if he doesn’t come to Jesus before he dies, he will be chucked into the same Lake of Fire where Adolph Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, and all of the other “bad” people of the earth will go. There is no buying one’s way into God’s favor.

However, when deeds are done in faith, rewards are stored up for that person in heaven “where neither moth nor an eating – it evaporates, and where thieves – they tunnel not, nor they steal.”

In these words, Jesus has restated the same words as the previous verse but changed them according to the situation. The two verses, side by side, show the contrast –

You amass, not – yourselves – treasures upon the earth, where moth and an eating – it evaporates, and where stealers – they tunnel, and they steal.

And you, amass – yourselves – treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor an eating – it evaporates, and where stealers – they tunnel not, nor they steal.

These words of Jesus, though spoken under the law to His disciples, carry the same truth as those in the church today. Paul explains when and how these “treasures” will be received as rewards by those in the church in 1 Corinthians 3 and 2 Corinthians 5.

Those who live by faith and act in faith are saving up rewards that will be handed out at the Bema seat of Christ. Nothing done in faith will lose its reward.

Life application: As noted above, Hebrews 11 explains how something earthly becomes a source of reward in heaven. The precept is explained and then repeated time and again –

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ² For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
³ By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:1-3

This is then followed by line after line of examples of faith: By faith Abel / By faith Enoch / By faith Noah / By faith Abraham / By faith Sarah / By faith Abraham (again) / By faith Isaac / By faith Jacob / By faith Joseph / etc.

But what does Paul say in Romans and Galatians? He demonstrates that law and faith are mutually exclusive –

“For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. ¹⁴ For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, ¹⁵ because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.” Romans 4:13-15

“What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; ³¹ but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. ³² Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.” Romans 9:30-32

“…knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.” Galatians 2:16

“But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for ‘the just shall live by faith.’ ¹² Yet the law is not of faith, but ‘the man who does them shall live by them.’” Galatians 3:11, 12

If you are attempting to merit God’s favor through law observance, you have set aside grace. You will receive no rewards, no treasures in heaven, for your conduct. Because you are not living by faith, even if you were once saved by faith, you should expect no rewards at all for your faithless life as you arrogantly set aside the grace of God found in Jesus Christ. Live by faith, put away your deeds of the law, and start amassing treasures that are truly heavenly.

Heavenly Father, how dull we are to assume that we can outdo Jesus through law observance. He has done it all! He has fulfilled the law! In Him, we are imputed His righteousness. Why would we look for another righteousness that is not of faith? How dull we are. Help us to not be so dull. Amen.

Saturday, 11 January 2025

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; Matthew 6:19

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “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 amass, not – yourselves – treasures upon the earth, where moth and an eating – it evaporates, and where stealers – they tunnel, and they steal” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus explained what was correct concerning proper fasting. He finished that thought with the idea of being rewarded by the Father. Now, He builds on that, beginning with, “You amass, not – yourselves – treasures upon the earth.”

The rewards from the Father are where the true treasures lie. What we amass here is earthly and, thus, temporary and fleeting. In this clause, He introduces a word into the New Testament, the verb thésaurizó, to store up, treasure up, save up, etc. A single English word that carries these ideas is amass.

This verb stems from the noun thésauros which was first used in Matthew 2:11 and which is used again here, translated as “treasures.” One can see the etymological connection of both words to our modern word thesaurus. Of this verb, the Strong’s Lexicon says –

“In the ancient Greco-Roman world, wealth was often measured by one’s ability to accumulate and store goods, such as grain, precious metals, and other valuables. The concept of storing treasures was not only a practical concern but also a reflection of one’s status and security. In the Jewish context, treasure could also refer to spiritual wealth, such as wisdom and righteousness, which were seen as more enduring than material wealth.”

Nothing has changed in this regard. People amass wealth in various ways as if it is a means to an end. But there is no useful end when such things cannot be taken beyond the day of one’s death. Jesus is telling His disciples not to treasure up such treasure upon the earth. One of the problems with such wealth is that such is “where moth and an eating – it evaporates.”

Two more new words are found here. The first is sés, moth. It is believed to come from the Hebrew word meaning moth, sas, which is found only in Isaiah 51:8. The second new word is brósis, a word almost always translated as “rust,” but that is an explanatory paraphrase. This word is derived from the verb bibróskó, to eat. Thus, it signifies the food one eats. The noun form would be “eating” as in “That durian fruit is a delicious eating.”

Jesus is telling the disciples that moth and an eating will cause the wealth to evaporate. It is the same word, aphanizó, that was used in verse 6:16 to describe the pall-like faces of those who fast for everyone to see. Jesus finishes the words of this verse, saying, “and where stealers – they tunnel, and they steal.”

Again, three new words are found in this single clause. The first is kleptés, a stealer or thief. Next comes the word diorussó, to dig through or break through. Of this word, Strong’s Lexicon says –

“In the ancient Near East, homes were often constructed with mud-brick walls, which could be relatively easily breached by thieves. The act of ‘digging through’ a wall was a common method for burglars to enter a house and steal valuables. This cultural context highlights the vulnerability of earthly treasures and the need for vigilance.”

As such, a single English word that properly conveys the intent is the verb form of “tunnel.” When one tunnels through a wall, he gains access to the treasures inside. And that leads to the third new word, the verb kleptó, to steal. It is the basis of the noun kleptés, a stealer, that was just used.  One can see the etymological root of klepto, kleptomaniac, and other associated words that we use today.

Jesus is explaining to His disciples the futility of storing up things that can be stolen away through the physical corruption of the items or the moral corruption of others who are bent on taking such for themselves.

Life application: Jesus has told His disciples that they should not store up wealth for themselves. And yet, elsewhere, 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 does not say they cannot have wealth, but not to be haughty or trust in their wealth. This sounds like a contradiction to Jesus’ words about not storing up wealth. But the context says it is not. Jesus is not commanding us to not have wealth.

He is instructing on what is of value. He will do this throughout the synoptic gospels, speaking to those under the law about what should be the priorities of life. When He dies in fulfillment of the law, the age of Grace will come through the New Covenant. The things that are impossible for man under the law are set aside.

The man who is not under law but under grace should have the proper priorities to act responsibly, understanding that he was saved by grace and that this world is a temporary steppingstone to the true riches that lie ahead. The resurrection of Jesus Christ assures us of this.

O God, we are grateful for every blessing You bless us with in this life. Some of us may have great wealth, but help us to remember that such things are not where our hope lies. It is all temporary and fleeting. Our true hope lies in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which reminds us that we, too, will be brought to You through His work on our behalf. Help us to always live with this in mind. Amen.

Friday, 10 January 2025

so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Matthew 6:18

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “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).

“That not you may appear to men fasting, but to your Father, the ‘in the secret,’ and your Father, the ‘seeing in the secret,’ He will reward you in the manifest” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus noted that when one fasts, he should anoint his head and wash his face. This is so “that not you may appear to men fasting.”

The point of fasting is for afflicting oneself or denying oneself for one of various reasons, but other than for health issues, it is usually centered on a spiritual matter. Thus, to have others know that you are fasting defeats the purpose of fasting. It becomes a self-centered “look at my piety” type of thing.

Therefore, to make oneself appear normal or even joyous then hides the fact that one is fasting, while at the same time, it keeps the people around that person upbeat. There is no reward to be gained from them or their knowing. However, God knows the intent of the heart. And so, when one is fasting it may not be known to others, “but to your Father, the ‘in the secret,’” it will be known.

Such things, because they are based on something that is important to the person in the presence of God, will not be unknown to Him. He is the One who reads the hearts and minds of man, as the Bible notes several times. Therefore, because He sees what is done in secret, Jesus next says, “and your Father, the ‘seeing in the secret,’ He will reward you in the manifest.”

As the fasting referred to here is for a spiritual matter, the one fasting can be assured that the petition that was set forth is noticed by God. It will be responded to accordingly. Saying it will be rewarded in the manifest, meaning openly, doesn’t have to mean in front of others or in a way that is recognized as such at this time.

Rather, if fasting is for humbling oneself because of sin, the person can be sure that the sin has been dealt with by God, and the pardon will be granted. Thus, at the judgment, there will not be sin imputed for the wrongdoing.

Something along these lines would fully satisfy the thought of having the purpose of fasting being rewarded openly. This appears to be exactly what was on the mind of David in Psalm 32 –

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.
² Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
³ When I kept silent, my bones grew old
Through my groaning all the day long.
⁴ For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah
⁵ I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
⁶ For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You
In a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters
They shall not come near him.
⁷ You are my hiding place;
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah” Psalm 32:1-7

A person under the law, by the very nature of the law, is imputed sin. And yet, David is stating that there is the non-imputation of sin in his case. That must have come about through a contrite heart. One can assume that David may have even fasted along with his contrition. This is the type of thing Jesus is saying now.

There was nothing open and external for others to see, and yet the non-imputation of sin is something that is open and evident to David. Further, it will be seen as such at the final judgment.

Life application: It is common for people to want to be seen and noticed. It is why many strive to be actors, politicians, etc. But people want to be noticed even beyond that. And so, we will identify ourselves by the famous people we have met. It can become a comparison party at times. “I once met the president of Uruguay.” “How cool for you. I met the Prime Minister of the UK! I got a photo with him!” “That’s great for both of you. I got to have dinner with the President of the United States!”

It is as if our level of importance is elevated by the important people we have met. And yet, without Jesus, we have no true and lasting importance at all. Nobody being cast into the Lake of Fire is going to brag about having met the Pope. If we want our true level of importance brought forth, we can say, “Yes, that’s great for all of you, but I met the King of the Universe – Jesus.”

What we did “in the secret” by believing in Jesus in our hearts is the thing that will be truly rewarded “in the manifest.” As this is so, and we know it is true, the other things we do in secret will also be rewarded openly. Let us not seek after vainglory, but rather, let us have hearts that are always geared toward pleasing the Lord.

How wonderful it is, O God, to have the knowledge that we are saved through the shed blood of Christ Jesus our Lord. We didn’t see Jesus die, but we believed the word that we heard. Help us to live by that same faith now as we continue our walk toward glory. Amen.

Thursday, 9 January 2025

But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, Matthew 6:17

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “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 you, fasting, you anoint your head, and your face – you wash” (CG).

Jesus just stated words concerning how the hypocrites fast, noting that in their hypocrisy, they have received their reward. Now, instructing His disciples on how fasting should be conducted, He says, “And you, fasting, you anoint.”

The word aleipho, to anoint, is introduced. Of it, HELPS Word Studies says, “Anointing … usually applied olive oil on the face, to refresh a guest. Oil was also applied to the feet to soothe and show honor (courtesy, respect). Anointing shares a “penetrating comfort” to impart strength and healing (joy).” They also say that “Anointing brought healing and relief and hence became synonymous with gladness (festivity).”

This is the idea behind these words of Ecclesiastes –

“Go, eat your bread with joy,
And drink your wine with a merry heart;
For God has already accepted your works.
⁸ Let your garments always be white,
And let your head lack no oil.” Ecclesiastes 9:7, 8

What seems contrary to the idea of fasting, which is often associated with mourning, Jesus tells His disciples that they should outwardly display a sense of joy. As noted in the previous commentary, the only fast mandated in the law was that of the Day of Atonement –

“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ²⁷ ‘Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. ²⁸ And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God. ²⁹ For any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day shall be cut off from his people. ³⁰ And any person who does any work on that same day, that person I will destroy from among his people. ³¹ You shall do no manner of work; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. ³² It shall be to you a sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict your souls; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall celebrate your sabbath.’” Leviticus 23:26-32

The afflicting of the souls was inclusive of fasting. Though anointing oneself, a symbol of joy and blessing, is seemingly contrary to the idea of fasting, when taken in light of this mandate of the law, it makes perfect sense. The Day of Atonement was the day when sins were atoned for.

God was graciously granting a covering and, thus, a release from their sins. Though afflicting one’s soul through fasting, it was also a day of the highest joy of all. This day anticipated the cross of Jesus Christ and the permanent removal of sin. It is the atonement in which Christians have rejoiced over for two millennia.

Being that the Day of Atonement was the only mandated fast of the law, any other fast would pale in comparison. Thus, one’s actions on this day set the benchmark for any other fasting that would take place. Therefore, Jesus next says to each disciple to “anoint your head.”

This is just what Solomon pointed out as a symbol of joy and being merry. Instead of walking around morbidly, a person should shine from the joyful oil that comes even with a heavy heart or an empty stomach. Further, He says, “and your face – you wash.”

Unlike the hypocrites who masked their faces, looking like the pall of death had come upon them, Jesus tells them to have a clean and bright countenance. Being of a happy countenance indicates one’s belief that all is ok. In understanding that God is in control, even on days of affliction or mourning, it is a way of showing the world that one actually believes this is so.

Life application: If you are on social media, it is often the case that you will see people who constantly moan about their situation. They are downers who will only bring others down. They are looking for sympathy and attention.

There are people that will reservedly note that there is trouble in their lives but will not dwell on it. There are also people who are positive all the time, even when you know that they have had trials, they are still upbeat.

Everyone has a different reason for how they project themselves. But if you know that people who are upbeat in an outward fashion, even when they may be suffering, calm your soul, then think about how you can calm others by presenting a similar attitude.

Do your best to show a cheery side towards others. It can be infectious and, despite your own troubles, you may cheer up someone who is worse off than you. This is good, and every good deed you do in faith as a Christian will receive its reward.

Glorious Lord God, help us to be positive and cheerful in this world, knowing that we are saved through the precious blood of Christ. May our joy in Your salvation radiate out to others so that they will want the same joy that we possess. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Wednesday, 8 January 2025

“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. Matthew 6:16

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “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 when you may fast, you be not just as the hypocrites, sullen-faces. For they mask their appearance that they may appear fasting to men. Amen! I say to you they obtain their reward” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus spoke about forgiving others. Next, He turns to another issue, beginning with, “And when you may fast.”

Fasting was already mentioned at the time Jesus fasted for forty days. The word signifies abstaining from food for religious or spiritual reasons. In the law, the people were to deny themselves on the Day of Atonement. This included not eating.

Later, there were several national days set aside as fasts based on events that took place in Israel’s history. Zechariah 7:1-7 refers to periods of fasting. Other fasts are noted in the Old Testament when the people were called to humble themselves before the Lord. In Luke 18:12, one of the Pharisees noted to the Lord that he fasted twice a week.

As for Jesus’ words about fasting, He continues with, “you be not just as the hypocrites, sullen-faces.” He uses the word skuthrópos, an adjective derived from two words signifying sullen and face (countenance).

Being plural, He is lumping all the hypocrites into one basket. They are hypocritical sullen-faces. Next, He explains why they shouldn’t be that way, saying, “For they mask their appearance that they may appear fasting to men.”

The verb aphanizó is used. It is derived from aphanés which means something not seen or not manifest. Thus, this verb form means to make unseen or render unapparent. To get the sense of the word, its use in James 4 may help –

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; ¹⁴ whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes [aphanizó] away.” James 4:13, 14

Probably, the idea is that when people are sick or miserable (whether actual or fake), their faces are expressionless. Thus, this probably isn’t people disfiguring their face, as if in pain, but rendering it pall-like, as if in near death. Along with that would come the “Ohhh, I’m soooo hungry.”

The whole thing would be a show for others to see and then consider how pious the person is to suffer in such a way. Of these people, Jesus says, “Amen! I say to you they obtain their reward.”

These people got what they wanted, attention from men. There was no point in actually fasting at all. But more, anyone can fake fasting and walk around pretending like he hasn’t eaten. So, not only do such people lose out on any rewards for their fasting before God, they also are not intelligent enough to know that they are also losing out on a nice meal for no reason other than presenting a show before others.

Life application: In Zechariah 7, it says –

“Now in the fourth year of King Darius it came to pass that the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, on the fourth day of the ninth month, Chislev, ² when the people sent Sherezer, with Regem-Melech and his men, to the house of God, to pray before the Lord, ³ and to ask the priests who were in the house of the Lord of hosts, and the prophets, saying, ‘Should I weep in the fifth month and fast as I have done for so many years?’
⁴ Then the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, ⁵ ‘Say to all the people of the land, and to the priests: “When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months during those seventy years, did you really fast for Me—for Me? ⁶ When you eat and when you drink, do you not eat and drink for yourselves? ⁷ Should you not have obeyed the words which the Lord proclaimed through the former prophets when Jerusalem and the cities around it were inhabited and prosperous, and the South and the Lowland were inhabited?”’” Zechariah 7:1-7

The Lord isn’t fooled by people’s external actions. He knows very well the attitude of the heart. The hypocrites of Israel should have known the words of Zechariah 7 and taken them to heart. But they only cared about doing their deeds before men. It demonstrates a complete lack of faith in the Lord. If He is the Lord, then they would know He knew their thoughts.

Thus, their actions demonstrated that they didn’t really believe in the Lord, or they didn’t believe that the Lord actually was capable of knowing the intent of their hearts. Either way, without faith, it is impossible to please God. Because of their lack of faith, their only reward came from showy appearances before others. What a dry and vapid existence.

Let us have faith that what we do and even what we think is known to the Lord. When we have such faith, we will hopefully align our actions, our words, and our thoughts with what is right in His eyes.

Lord God, help us to have faith, and in having faith, may we do what is pleasing to You and right in Your eyes. May we not be arrogant or hypocritical in our hearts. Instead, may what we do externally be a reflection of what is going on in us internally. Yes, Lord, help us in this. Amen.