This
week’s classes on Matthew have been the most demanding of all that I have done
to this point. I am sorry for not getting a report out every day, but the
preparations for each class has kept me busy into the very late hours. I have
been getting to bed about 1 to 2am and rising at 4:30am. Since classes will end
at noon tomorrow, I intend to catch up on some sleep tomorrow afternoon, the
Lord willing.
On
Tuesday, we covered Matthew 6–11. Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, we
emphasized the “gospel of the kingdom” was of a different kind than the old
law. The law of Moses was given to govern a physical kingdom, thus having laws
dealing with governing, protecting and judging as necessary in that physical
kingdom. However, the gospel of Christ, governing a spiritual kingdom, is very
different. We also noted that once the fundamental principles of the gospel
were laid out in the Sermon on the Mount, that new revelation needed to be
confirmed which Jesus did by working all types of miracles.
On
Wednesday, we began our study with Matthew 11 and finished towards the end of
chapter 17. We gave emphasis to the contrast between divine law and the
traditions of man that add and subtract from the law of God. We spent a good
deal of time in noting the various miracles in this section of the book,
Christ’s promise to build His church as well as how and when it was fulfilled
and the events surrounding the transfiguration. In going through a number of
the parables, we noted principles about properly interpreting parables and
avoiding the mistake of overreaching for parallels not intended.
On
Thursday, we started with Matthew 17:24 and closed in the afternoon by
completing Matthew 23. We continued the study of parables, especially those
regarding the nature of the kingdom (ie. “the kingdom of heaven is like…). We
gave special stress to the number of passages in this section showing the need
for humility and having the servant’s attitude. We discussed the fact that this
is especially needed for preachers. It was a profitable day of study for all of
us.
The Lord
willing, tomorrow will bring our studies to a close. The students have been
attentive throughout the week and it has been a joy to be with them. One was
baptized on Monday night. Many have made comments on particular points that
were helpful in the studies. I believe the week has been very edifying for all
of us and we all appreciate so much the assistance by all who have made these
classes possible. God bless!
