Matthew 22:2 "...who arranged a marriage for his son" Not just a party or celebration, but a marriage. Making it as close to reality as possible. 3 "...they were not willing to come" Pretty much analogous, just be sure to see the main points and not get hung up on trying to precisely match parts. …
Continue reading Bible Study Notes on Matthew 22:1-22 – 20180209
Matthew 21:25 "...From heaven or from men..." Was John's message from God or did he just make it up. Sad part is that they had to think about it, which is really their answer. They knew what John preached was the truth, but it didn't fit their ideas of the kingdom of God, nor did …
Continue reading Bible Study Notes on Matthew 21:23-46 – 20180207
Matthew 21:1 "...Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives..." Village on the road from Jericho to Jerusalem. Commentary not sure if it is on the west or east of Bethany. This mention refers to the Mount of Olives which makes me wonder if it was slightly closer to Jerusalem than Bethany. 2 "...Go into the village …
Continue reading Bible Study Notes on Matthew 21:1-22 – 20180205
Matthew 20:1 "...kingdom of heaven is like..." An aspect of the kingdom of heaven is like this. Must be careful not to be narrow minded. He is showing one aspect, not the whole thing. Probably where we have the problem of trying to make all aspects of parables analogous. Must be open minded to clearly …
Matthew 19:1 "...region of Judea beyond the Jordan" Area on the east side of the river. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh had settled there when they first entered the land. Not sure how they handled the tribal divisions after the exile. In order to avoid Samaria, Jews from Galilee would cross the Jordan …
Matthew 18:1 "...Who then is greatest..." Seems petty to us, but we must remember where they are in knowledge and expectation. They still didn't fully understand Christ's mission, even though He was telling them He had to go die quite often. Commentary suggests the events of the recent past, the transfiguration incident, not being able …
Matthew 17:1 "...after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John..." Luke records it as eight days. Commentary suggests it's the difference of time reckoning between a Jewish tax collector and a Gentile physician. The inner circle of disciples, Peter, James, and John. Given Jesus's humanity as well as His divinity, it's hard to know …
Black & White with Shades of Gray 