Daily Writing

Tuesday, 1 July 2025

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. Matthew 11:13

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 all the prophets and the law, until John, they prophesied” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus told those with Him, “And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of the heavens, it is forced, and forcers, they seize it.” Now, He continues, saying, “For all the prophets and the law.”

The word “for” is given to explain the previous verse. The coming of Jesus as Messiah, which signified the coming of the kingdom of the heavens, was prophesied in advance. It was the great anticipation of the people. This is so obvious from Scripture that even the Samaritans understood it –

“The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When He comes, He will tell us all things.’
²⁶ Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He.’” John 4:25, 26

With such high anticipation, when John came on the scene proclaiming that the kingdom was at hand, the people rushed towards the news, forcing themselves into the body of others desirous of obtaining the promise.

As for the term, “the prophets and the law,” it is a thought repeated eleven times in the New Testament. However, this is the only time it mentions the prophets first. The reason for the change is that Jesus is focusing on John’s prophetic ministry first and foremost.

The law anticipated the coming of the Messiah in an almost innumerable number of times in types and shadows. It also has explicit references to Him, such as the Prophet noted in Deuteronomy 18:15-22.

However, Moses was a prophet as well as the lawgiver. It is the words of the prophets, including the giving of the law, that anticipated the coming of the Messiah. That line of prophets is referred to by Jesus next, saying, “until John, they prophesied.”

Jesus is clearly stating that the role of the prophet heralding the coming of the Messiah ends with John. Prophecies continue in the New Testament, but the words pointing to Jesus’ coming find their termination with John.

In Revelation 11, it says –

“And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” Revelation 11:3

These two witnesses of the future will testify to the Messiah who has come. They will be a witness to Israel and the world at large that what is recorded about John here is the truth. His prophecies and proclamations focused on the entrance of the new dispensation that was about to be revealed.

Life application: In the book of Hebrews, the author provides minute detail concerning the effects of Jesus’ work. He is so specific and so pinpointed in his words that it is incredible that people who read the book cannot seem to grasp what is being conveyed.

For example, the Hebrew Roots Movement adherents call what Jesus did a “renewed covenant,” not a New Covenant. The implication, followed by explicit teaching by them, is that the Law of Moses is renewed and adherents must abide by it.

In Hebrews 7 (for example), the author clearly teaches against such a ridiculous thought –

“Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? ¹² For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. ¹³ For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.
¹⁴ For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. ¹⁵ And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest ¹⁶ who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. ¹⁷ For He testifies:
‘You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.’
¹⁸ For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, ¹⁹ for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” Hebrews 7:11-19

This is one of several examples of the clear and precise teaching by the author that completely refutes the heresy of Mosaic Law observance. The words are black ink on white paper, and their intended meaning will be evident to anyone willing to pick up the book and read it.

The law prophesied of its own termination. The prophets referred to that coming day multiple times. John called out that the time for Messiah to come had arrived. And yet, here we are, over two thousand years later, missing the mark on who Jesus is and what He accomplished! Pay heed to the word. For those who find Jesus, it is life. For those who find law observance (because they failed to heed what is said), there will be condemnation.

“You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.” Galatians 5:4

Lord God, how can our world be so filled with Bibles, the most published book in all of human history, and yet be so illiterate in what it says? Help us to be willing to put in the time and effort it takes to read, study, and understand this precious gift. May we not be negligent in seeking out its glorious pages that tell us of Jesus and what He has done for us. Amen.

Monday, 30 June 2025

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew 11:12

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 from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of the heavens, it is forced, and forcers, they seize it” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus noted the greatness of John among humanity, and yet the least in the kingdom of the heavens was greater than he. He now continues with, “And from the days of John the Baptist until now.”

The “days of John the Baptist” refer to the beginning of his ministry. This was recorded in Matthew 3 –

“And in those days, comes John the Baptist, proclaiming in the desolate of Judea, ² and saying, ‘Reconsider! For it has neared – the kingdom of the heavens!’ ³ For this he is, the ‘having been spoken by Isaiah the prophet,’ saying, ‘A voice hollering in the desolate, “Prepare the Lord’s way. Make straight His paths.”’” Matthew 3:1-3

From that time, until the time of Jesus’ words while speaking to those present, He says that “the kingdom of the heavens, it is forced.”

A new verb, biazó, is seen here. It signifies to force, as in to advance forcefully. It is only found here and in Luke 16. In this verse, scholars debated whether it is in the middle or passive voice. It seems likely that it is passive.

One can think of the kingdom as a castle that is being forced upon by an advancing army. John’s words said, “Reconsider! For it has neared – the kingdom of the heavens!” With that, the people came and they were immersed by him in the Jordan.

They were, as it were, forcing their way into what was referred to. Think of a long-anticipated Hollywood movie. Without advance notice, it is sent out to all the movie theaters with a person standing outside at each and saying, “Pull out your wallets! The biggest hit movie of the century has arrived!”

Upon hearing that, the movie theater is forced as people clamor to get in. This is the sense of what is presented. Understanding this, Jesus next says, “and forcers, they seize it.”

Another new word is seen here, biastés, a forcer. It is found only here in the New Testament and is derived from the verb biazó, just used. Both words come from bios, a primary word signifying life, meaning the present state of existence.

One can see the etymological root of our modern-day words such as biosphere, biology, etc. In Jesus’ words of this clause, it is as if the movie theater is overwhelmed, and those who were able forced their way in. This is the sense of His words concerning the kingdom. John has “prepared the way of the Lord.” This was his honor, and it is what prompted Jesus to say, “not he has risen in ‘born of women’ greater than John the Baptist.”

Unlike some translations, there is nothing violent or hostile in the thought. Rather, Jesus is expressing that there is a surge of hope and anticipation as people rush to receive what John first set forth as the arrival of the kingdom.

Life application: The words of Jesus in this verse continue to be experienced in the hearts of people around the world to this day. Evangelist Ed Hinson once spoke of having preached in Africa. The crowd included a very large and intimidating person holding an AK-47.

Ed noted that this was the last person he could imagine who would be interested in what he had to say. However, he spoke of Jesus and the gospel. As he did, the man broke into tears, receiving Jesus and being added to the roles of the redeemed of heaven.

Instead of force against a military camp, his heart forced its way through the otherwise impregnable walls of heaven, finding access through the shed blood of Christ.

It is good to look back and remember the time when we heard and believed the good news. Life took on a new direction, carried a new sense of purpose, and had a new value that was never before contemplated.

When we consider the event in our own lives, we can hopefully determine to see that come about in the lives of others. Be sure to hand out tracts, speak about Jesus, and even get on the rooftops and shout out about what He has done in your life.

People need Jesus.

“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

Lord God, how thankful we are that Jesus has come to grant access to heaven for those who are willing to believe the good news. Help us to be willing to share what we know with those who have yet to accept what You offer through Him. May we not be negligent in this wonderful honor we have in sharing the word. Amen.

Sunday, 29 June 2025

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. Matthew 11:11

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).

“Amen! I say to you, not he has risen in ‘born of women’ greater than John the Baptist, but the least in the kingdom of the heavens, he is greater than he” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus cited a portion of Malachi 3:1, indicating that John was the first messenger being referred to in that prophecy, being the one sent before the Messiah to prepare His way. Now, still referring to John, He continues with, “Amen! I say to you.”

Jesus is making an emphatic declaration concerning John. It will be a point that those around Him would hear and find amazing and yet satisfying, even if they didn’t fully understand what He was speaking of. Having said this, He continues with, “not he has risen in ‘born of women’ greater than John the Baptist.”

The term “born of women” is a way of identifying humanity. All humans since the creation of Adam and Eve have been born of a woman. As such, Jesus is referring to this common human nature. It is reminiscent of the words of Job –

“Man who is born of woman
Is of few days and full of trouble.
² He comes forth like a flower and fades away;
He flees like a shadow and does not continue.” Job 14:1, 2

The “he has” in Jesus’ words and the “Man” in Job’s words refer to both men and women. The masculine stands for both in such statements. Therefore, it is not limited to men but is inclusive of all of humanity.

No person born to the stream of humanity is to be considered greater than John. Whether the subject is a king, a conqueror, a prophet, Abraham, Moses, David, or anyone else.

Jesus has already said that John is the subject of the prophecies referring to the one who would come as the precursor to the Messiah. Because he is that person, his role made the purpose of his life on par with or greater than any other. Despite this, Jesus continues, saying, “but the least in the kingdom of the heavens, he is greater than he.

The term “kingdom of the heavens” refers to a point in the future of the time of Jesus’ words. There was a time coming that would divide human history in a way that nothing else had before. However, the timing of the event is not the only factor in determining who is a part of this kingdom. Rather, it is a necessary part of it.

John is living at a point in time when the kingdom being referred to has not yet arrived. Although unstated, it can be inferred that John is not going to live long enough for that kingdom to be ushered in.

As has been seen elsewhere already in Matthew, the idea of the kingdom holds various connotations. However, Jesus is referring at this time to the appointment of the Messiah King. This can be deduced by piecing together various thoughts presented in Scripture. Psalm 2 says –

“Yet I have set My King
On My holy hill of Zion.” Psalm 2:6

To set a king implies a kingdom. However, Psalm 2 continues with –

“I will declare the decree:
The Lord has said to Me,
‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.’” Psalm 2:7

Paul says of Jesus that He is “declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4). The appointment of the King corresponds to the proclamation of the Sonship.

The resurrection provides the forum in which that proclamation is made. Therefore, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the moment at which the times referred to above are divided. From that point, the kingdom of the heavens referred to in this verse is enacted.

Jesus’ point is that the privileges associated with those alive after His resurrection are greater than those who came prior to that moment. It is these privileges that allow it to be said in reference to John that “the least in the kingdom of the heavens, he is greater than he.”

Life application: As noted, entrance into the kingdom of the heavens is not merely conditioned on being alive after the resurrection. Rather, that is a necessary condition of it. John died prior to that day, and his life falls under a different dispensation of time, one that only anticipated the coming kingdom.

Although the gospels refer to the kingdom an enormous number of times in comparison to the epistles, it is because of the various meanings of the term. In the epistles, Paul in particular refers to the kingdom, noting that it is something that believers are promised.

Through faith in Jesus, entrance into that kingdom is assured. The meaning is that we are already subjects of that kingdom, even if our state in it is not yet fully realized. Someday, those things promised to His saints will come. May that day be soon –

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13, 14

Lord God, how good it is to know that we have an eternal hope because of what You have done for us through Jesus Christ. Praises to You forever and ever for what You have done. May the day be soon when we stand in the light of our Savior and rejoice in the fullness of Your goodness. Yes, speed the Day, O God. Amen.

Saturday, 28 June 2025

For this is he of whom it is written:
‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’
Matthew 11:10

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).

“For this, he is about whom it has been written, ‘Behold, I, I send My messenger before Your face, who, he will prepare Your way before you’” (CG)

In the previous verse, Jesus told the people that they had gone out into the wilderness to see more than a prophet. Now, He continues that thought, saying, “For this, he is about whom it has been written.”

As noted in the previous commentary, this means that a specific prophecy was written about John. Thus, in this instance, he is the subject and fulfillment of the prophecy. The Lord, seeing the ministry of John as a precursor to the coming of Christ, spoke of him.

But He did not only do it through Isaiah as noted in the previous verse. He also spoke of John through the words of Malachi, saying, “Behold, I, I send My messenger.”

The words come from Malachi 3:1, where the Lord speaks first of John as a messenger and then Jesus as the Messenger of the covenant –

“‘Behold Me – Sending My messenger,
And turned way to My faces
And instantly comes unto His temple,
The Lord, whom you seek,
And Messenger the covenant,
Whom you – delighted.
Behold! Coming!’
Said Yehovah Sabaoth.” Malachi 3:1 (CG)

John is the messenger sent by the Lord. His ministry was to be “before Your face.”

In other words, another is being referred to by the Lord. It was understood from the prophecy that this would be Israel’s Messiah. By taking these words and combining them with the other prophecy about John from Isaiah, a logical deduction can be made –

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make straight in the desert
A highway for our God.’” Isaiah 40:3

From these words, the One John was to prepare the way for, was the Lord, Yehovah. Malachi says, “before Your face” concerning the Messiah. Thus, unless one denies a literal reading of the text, it can be deduced that the “Your” is referring to Yehovah. That continues to be seen in the words, “who, he will prepare Your way before you.”

The same word, panah, that is used in Isaiah 40:3 is used in Malachi 3:1. It signifies to turn. In this particular sense, the turning is a form of preparation. Taking both verses and understanding the reference, meaning that of John the Baptist and his work of preparing the way for another, it is understood that he is the herald of the Messiah, who is Yehovah incarnate.

This was the greatness of the ministry of John, and it is one of the reasons why Jesus says that he is more than a prophet. His role in the stream of redemptive history is unparalleled in comparison to any other prophet.

Life application: If you are on the sidelines in your thinking concerning Jesus’ deity, you should probably question your salvation. You may have believed in Jesus, but which Jesus were you presented with?

The Jehovah’s Witnesses deny the incarnation of Christ. The Jesus they proclaim is not the Jesus of the Bible. The same is true with Mormonism. These heresies, along with other teachings concerning Jesus’ deny the truth that Jesus is God incarnate.

However, Scripture clearly presents Him as such. In fact, from an honest reading of competently translated Scriptures, one will come to no other conclusion than the Bible reveals that God would personally intervene in the stream of human existence and restore humanity to Himself.

This may not be fully understood by the reader, but it is a truth that should not be denied. Not fully understanding something does not necessarily equate to unbelief. Paul not only speaks of “another gospel” in Galatians 1:7, but he also refers to both another gospel and “another Jesus” in 2 Corinthians 11:4.

Belief in a false gospel will result in a false security based on a false salvation experience. The gospel conveys the truth that God incarnate, Jesus Christ, accomplished all that is necessary for salvation. Believe this and be saved.

O God, we believe that You united with humanity to restore us to Yourself. We may not understand all that means, but we accept it by faith. You have done it! Thank You, O God, for the coming of Jesus Christ our Lord to redeem us and give us eternal life in You. Amen.

Friday, 27 June 2025

But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. Matthew 11:9

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).

“But what you went out to see? A prophet? Yes! I say to you and superabounding a prophet” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus noted that those wearing the fines, they are in the king’s houses. He continues referring to John by asking again, “But what you went out to see?”

As with the previous time He asked, it indicates that the people, in fact, did not go out to see someone dressed in the fines. Rather, they had a different purpose entirely. Knowing why they went, He asks rhetorically, “A prophet?”

The people heard about John’s crying in the wilderness, proclaiming the coming of the Lord –

Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”
²³ He said: “I am
‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
“Make straight the way of the Lord,”’
as the prophet Isaiah said.” John 1:22, 23

The people had heard of John’s call to repentance and went into the wilderness to hear his prophetic message. Of him, Jesus continues, saying, “Yes! I say to you and beyond a prophet.”

John was asked who he was by the priests and Levites from Jerusalem. His response to them indicated that he was more than a prophet because he was the subject of prophecy. Isaiah said there is the voice of one crying in the wilderness. John said that voice was referring to him. Therefore, Isaiah was referring to him as the subject.

But more, he was not only the subject of the word, but he was the one to continue conveying the word. The words of John were uttered, and they have been recorded in Scripture for us. His role was to fulfill prophecy and to continue to proclaim the prophetic word of God concerning the coming of the Lord.

And yet, there is more. Not only would he fulfill the prophetic word while continuing to speak out the prophetic word, but he would personally acknowledge that his prophecies were fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah, Jesus –

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! ³⁰ This is He of whom I said, “After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.” ³¹ I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.’
³² And John bore witness, saying, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. ³³ I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” ³⁴ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.’” John 1:29-34

The other prophets of God spoke and wrote about the coming of the Messiah, but John personally beheld Him and proclaimed Him to be the One. Jesus will explain further about the greatness of John and his prophetic office in the verses to come.

Life application: The Bible is the main way that God specifically expresses Himself to the people of the world. It is true that He expressed Himself through nature and creation (general revelation). He has also revealed Himself through those who then prophesied His word (special revelation). He has further revealed Himself specifically through Jesus, who is the epitome of special revelation.

However, these instances of special revelation were limited to certain times and locations. Isaiah, Daniel, and the other prophets transmitted the word of God. Their words have been compiled into Scripture. Jesus came and fulfilled His ministry before ascending. Since then, the record and explanation of what He did and will continue to do is recorded in the New Testament.

The Bible is the record of those things. As the Bible is completed, there is no longer a need for special revelation apart from it. This logically tells us that when someone claims a word from the Lord, such a person is either deluded or lying. Why would God continue to give instructions apart from His word?

Look at the history of the church since the completion of the Bible. Those who have claimed prophecy have only brought disorder, not further harmony. And yet, despite not receiving further prophecy, because of how the Bible is written, we are a part of the fulfillment of prophecy.

If you think your situation isn’t of any value in the stream of church history, consider that the Lord, through Isaiah, spoke of you –

“Behold! My Servant whom I uphold,
My Elect One in whom My soul delights!
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.” Isaiah 42:1

Verses such as this came when the Gentiles were without hope, separated from the covenant promises. And yet, the Lord prophesied that at some point, both Jews and Gentiles would be included in what God would do for humanity through His Messiah.

Even if it is a distant reference to you, it still applies to you. Feel confident that the Lord planned and He has fulfilled His word partly through you if you have trusted in Jesus. What a comforting thought.

O God, thank You for having looked upon us and saved us. While we were Your enemies, You made the first move, sending Jesus to bring us back to You. All You asked us to do was to believe the gospel. And we do! Thank You for saving us and promising us restoration and eternal life. Thank You for Jesus. Amen.