We are the resistance. We are the opposition to the ruler of this world, the prince of the power of the air. We are to manufacture peace by resisting evil. There are religions of angels, spirits of delusion, and teachings of demons. These things have seduced us into believing that resistance is a quiet and non-aggressive movement. But Jesus showed us something different. There is an expression that Christians make good communists because they do not resist. Somewhere the idea of not resisting evil became a way of life for the Body of Christ. Jesus called the Pharisees morons. I can hear some people saying to themselves “well that isn’t very nice”, but Jesus wasn’t trying to be nice he was trying to set people free. He was using shock treatments. This is how peace is made. It is not made by compliance to evil, it is made by freeing large groups of people so that they all resist evil together. Let’s explore.
Recently the Byzantine era church, turned museum, Hagia Sophia, was converted into a mosque. The church was built in 537 AD and was a church for almost one thousand years. It had been converted into a mosque in 1453. Some believe the church was built as early as 360 AD. In 1931 it was converted into a secular museum. The name Hagia Sophia means “Holy Wisdom”. Just across the Sultanahmet Park lies the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (the Blue Mosque) built in 1616. Since there is no shortage of mosques in the area we know that this seizure and conversion of Hagia Sophia is simply an attack against people of the Christian faith. The timing of this event is interesting as many American Churches are under restrictions for gathering due to COVID. What would be a great prayer for this situation in Istanbul? How about a concerted and continued effort to pray that every Muslim that steps into the Hagia Sophia comes to know Jesus is Lord, believing that he rose on the third day, and confesses it before men.
Paul explains that there are some people who are shaming Christians by telling them that they must follow a religion of angels. These people have not seen or practiced this religion, but they have convinced themselves that they are above others because of their belief. One type of this puffed up false religion is a religion of passivity. What if those attempting to take a position of superiority are the ones demanding a religion of inaction regarding political enslavement? What if those who have bought the false religion also chant its mottos in an attempt to humiliate those who oppose evil. One such motto might be “be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” we will look at that shortly. Paul says this:
Colossians 2:18 G3367 [2no one G1473 4you G2603 1Let 3deprive] of due reward, G2309 wanting G1722 by G5012 deprivation G2532 and G2356 following a religion G3588 G32 of angels, G3739 [2things which G3361 3he has not G3708 4seen G1687 1entering into], G1500 vainly G5448 being inflated G5259 by G3588 the G3563 mind G3588 G4561 of his flesh, G1473
“And not one you downward judge desire in humility religion angels that not see set foot on without purpose puff up from under the mind his flesh.”
Do not let anyone condemn you. Do not let anyone set themselves as a judge over you. Do not let anyone umpire against you, desiring in humiliating you into a religion of angels. Do not let anyone belittle you. The shadows block the light. Foods, drinks, and holy days are a shadow. Do not let anyone belittle you or condemn you over things that are shadows. If you do not wish to abide by someones religion, simply don’t.
Thrēskeia means religion as in religious service, not worship. Proskuneō is the word used for worship, as a dog licks the hand of his master. Translators did not use the correct words here. Paul is talking about the religion of angels, not worshipping angels. There are people who do worship fallen angels, because angels who align with Jesus do not allow humans to worship them. We see from scripture that those angels who are aligned with Jesus correct humans, telling them not to worship them. Therefore this religious service and these ritual acts are not from Jesus but from a counterfeit religion.
The religion of angels is technically their path to eternal life. Not all of the sons of God have eternal life. As we know, some are imprisoned and some will be imprisoned, and some will be thrown into the lake of fire at the end of the age. Their religion may be one of works as compared to grace. Did they do what they were assigned to do? Did they rebel? Did they lead others astray? The sons of God have a hierarchy among themselves which we are not under. Just to be clear, we humans in the Body of Christ, are not under the authority of angels, demons, cherubim, seraphim, ophanim, the devil, or the satan. The religion of rebellious angels is their obedience to the devil and the satan. Their plan to steal the creation away from the Creator is the dilemma that we are dealing with today. Can the clay eliminate the potter?
The religion of man is Jesus. Jesus is everything man needs for redemption, salvation, and eternal life. The religion that fallen angels promote to man can be anything that a seducing spirit tells one to do to achieve greater spirituality. We do not worship angels, and we do not let angels lead us into rituals, that is not their job. Their job is to be a messenger from or for the Most High, although this aspect of their assignment is not as vital since the day of Pentecost because the Holy Spirit resides within us and is our teacher. There are one third of the angels who are rebellious. Angels are to minister, or serve us, but the fallen ones could seduce us.
What happens when the religion of passivity and inaction take hold of the Church? What happens when numbers of congregants mean more than upholding religious freedoms? Is it possible that wolves have infiltrated the church along with doctrines of demons and seducing spirits to bring a false religion into the Church?
1 Timothy 4:1 G3588 But the G1161 G4151 spirit G4490 expressly G3004 says, G3754 that G1722 in G5306 later G2540 times G868 some shall leave G5100 G3588 of the G4102 belief, G4337 taking heed G4151 to spirits G4106 of delusion G2532 and G1319 instructions G1140 of demons;
“But the Spirit in so many words speaks that in proper time lead away any one the faith pay attention to spirit wandering and teachings demons”.
Pneuma is the word for spirit, it means “wind” or “breath”, but daimonion is the word for “demon”. Demons and spirits can be two different things. Demons are disembodied spirits of the children of the fallen angels. Demons have a very distinct character, they desire to inhabit humans; they want a warm body to live in. Remember what Jesus told us about the unclean spirit and the strong man in Matthew 12? Demons can be called spirits or unclean spirits and they want to inhabit humans. Spirits can be angels or they could be from several classes of the sons of God. Rebellious angels, cherubim, seraphim, etc. do not want to inhabit humans, they want to corruptly influence humans. These spirits are impostors, they pretend that they are helping but they are leading people astray. They inspire people such as false prophets. Within our context of Colossians 2 what do we see? People who claim to be prophetic, telling others what to eat or drink and what holy days to observe. This is why John tells us to distinguish the spirits as to who they are aligned with. But what if the spirits and demons have produced wolves?
Matthew 7:15 15 G4337 And take heed G1161 G575 of G3588 the G5578 false prophets! G3748 the ones who G2064 come G4314 to G1473 you G1722 in G1742 garments G4263 of sheep, G2081 but inside G1161 G1510.2.6 they are G3074 [2wolves G727 1predacious].
“But pay attention away from the false prophets (pseudoprophētēs) anyone who comes to you in clothing sheep but from within they are rapacious wolves”.
These pseudo prophets are aggressively greedy. They are not in business for others they are in the church business for themselves. We see this because as long as the money comes in everything is great, even if people cannot meet in person or sing and pray together. The wolves are not rocking the boat they are selling the laity out. The power of ministry in the gifts of the spirit has been suspended until November 5, 2020. Wait, don’t people need prayer now? Don’t people need healing now? Don’t people need instruction in receiving the gifts of the Spirit now? Don’t non church members need to be evangelized now? Don’t children need Sunday School now? Does anyone believe that Jesus is pleased with the passivity of shutting down His house for His people? Maybe if we were intelligent and cunning we would know what to do.
Matthew 10:16 G2400 Behold, G1473 I G649 send G1473 you G5613 as G4263 sheep G1722 in G3319 the midst G3074 of wolves. G1096 Be G3767 then G5429 skilled G5613 as G3588 the G3789 serpents, G2532 and G185 unmixed G5613 as G3588 the G4058 doves!
“Look I send forth you like as sheep in middle of wolves. Come into being therefore intelligent like as snakes (ophis) and unmixed like as the common pigeon”.
Wolves work together with other wolves, they isolate and surround their prey. We are to be intelligent like snakes, there is a sharpness of vision, cunning, and wisdom, associated with the ophis. We are to be unmixed as pigeons, there is innocent and unsophistication associated with akeraios. Jesus is using these animals to tell us a story of the way we will be treated and how to respond. Wolves give us the picture that they are out for blood. Sheep give us the picture that we are unaware of the danger in our future. Sheep need dogs to round them up and sheep gates to keep them safe; they are helpless on their own. Snakes feel the vibrations of the ground and know that there is trouble. If they are cornered, they strike hard and fast. Snakes sneak up on their prey, they also swallow their food whole. Pigeons coo and look for food, they are non threatening, and they react quickly to danger. Pigeons seem friendly and look rather average. Pigeons are not focused on being glamorous.
Is it possible that we have missed these ideas, instead becoming simple sheep, ready for the slaughter? Have we thought of ourselves as white doves looking beautiful instead of really understanding Jesus’ reference? If we are to have the intelligence of a snake we are to strike the enemies, our poison is truth and the word, logos or rhema, of God. Yet we are to be unassuming and gentle, until we are not. If we have to, we let our digestive juices break down our enemy.
Jesus wants our intelligence level to be like the serpent as well. We are to increase our knowledge and wisdom so that we can spar and sport and be capable of holding our own. The serpent’s seed are asps, we are to be as intelligent as they are too. We will see how Jesus dealt with adders soon. Jesus also wants us to be approachable and unassuming like a pigeon. When we see a pigeon we don’t think much of them. They don’t inspire us and we are not awed by them. Can you see the reason that we are to be so mild, modest, and innocent? Because we have the intelligence of the serpent and no one needs to know that until it’s time. Notice what Paul tells the Ephesian Elders.
Act 20:28 Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit hath established you bishops; that ye feed the church of God, which he hath acquired by his blood.
Act 20:29 For I know, that after I am gone, fierce wolves will come in among you, and will have no mercy on the flock.
Act 20:30 And also, from among yourselves, there will rise up men speaking perverse things, that they may turn away the disciples to go after them. (Murdock)
Paul knew. Paul knew that the wolves would come after he left. Paul knew that they would be merciless. Not only would the wolves come, but perverse men would rise up as well. Paul is cautioning them. Today we have similar situations as politicians are forbidding church services in some places and forbidding singing together. Instead of snakes we only have pigeons. People are ducking and taking cover instead of striking back. Doesn’t it seem like the plan of an enemy to disband the gathering of the saints?
Jesus told us that the peacemakers would be blessed but we have misunderstood the word peacemaker. We have mistakenly believed that peacemakers are passive and non-confrontational. But instead they are enforcers.
Matthew 5:9 G3107 Blessed are G3588 the G1518 peacemakers, G3754 for G1473 they G5207 [2sons G2316 3of God G2564 1shall be called].
“Happy the peacemaker that they summon sons of Yahweh”.
1518 LSJ Gloss:εἰρηνοποιός a peace-maker
Dodson:εἰρηνοποιός pacific, loving peace, a peace-maker.
Thayer:
1) a peacemaker
2) pacific, loving peace
εἰρηνοποιός
eirēnopoios i-ray-nop-oy-os' From G1518 and G4160; pacificatory, that is, (subjectively) peaceable KJV Usage: peacemaker.
1515 LSJ Gloss: εἰρήνη peace, time of peace
Dodson:εἰρήνη peace, peace of mind peace, peace of mind; invocation of peace a common Jewish farewell, in the Hebraistic sense of the health (welfare) of an individual.
Thayer:
1) a state of national tranquillity
1a) exemption from the rage and havoc of war
2) peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord
3) security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)
4) of the Messiah's peace
4a) the way that leads to peace (salvation)
5) of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is
6) the blessed state of devout and upright men after death
εἰρήνη
eirēnē i-rah'-nay Probably from a primary verb εἴρω eirō (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication prosperity KJV Usage: one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.
4160 LSJ Gloss:ποιέω to make
Dodson:ποιέω I do, make (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause.
Thayer:
1) to make
1a) with the names of things made, to produce, construct, form, fashion, etc.
1b) to be the authors of, the cause
1c) to make ready, to prepare
1d) to produce, bear, shoot forth
1e) to acquire, to provide a thing for one's self
1f) to make a thing out of something
1g) to (make i.e.) render one anything
1g1) to (make i.e.) constitute or appoint one anything, to appoint or ordain one that
1g2) to (make i.e.) declare one anything
1h) to put one forth, to lead him out
1i) to make one do something
1i1) cause one to
1j) to be the authors of a thing (to cause, bring about)
2) to do
2a) to act rightly, do well
2a1) to carry out, to execute
2b) to do a thing unto one
2b1) to do to one
2c) with designation of time: to pass, spend
2d) to celebrate, keep
2d1) to make ready, and so at the same time to institute, the celebration of the passover
2e) to perform: to a promise
For Synonyms see entry G5871
ποιέω
poieō poy-eh'-o Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) KJV Usage: abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do (-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield.
As we see, there are some added words here. Happy are the ones manufacturing peace. Why? Because they summon or invite sons of Yahweh. How does one manufacture peace without letting evil overtake the world? It takes strength. It takes force. It takes action to make or do. It takes opposition. These are not ideas that nice people want to hear, but to be a peacemaker one has to make peace, not fall down and let the enemy take over. The expression “give an inch and they will take a mile” applies here. We are the resistance. That is how we make peace because the enemy does not lie down. The enemy loves chaos. The enemy does not want to allow people to live in peace. As we saw last week it is our obligation to meet face to face with Yahweh and change the dynamic of our government so that we can live tranquil and peaceful lives.
What happens when the political powers decide that we no longer have the right to assemble? What happens when the political powers become overburdening? Shouldn’t we resist?
James 4:7 G5293 Be submitted G3767 then G3588 G2316 to God! G436 Oppose G3588 the G1228 devil, G2532 and G5343 he will flee G575 from G1473 you!
“Place under therefore Yahweh to stand against diabolos and take flight away from you. Come near to Yahweh and come near you”.
436 LSJ Gloss:ἀνθίστημι to set against
Dodson:ἀνθίστημι I take a stand against, oppose, resist
I set against; I withstand, resist, oppose.
Thayer:
1) to set one's self against, to withstand, resist, oppose
2) to set against
ἀνθίστημι
anthistēmi anth-is'-tay-mee From G473 and G2476; to stand against, that is, oppose KJV Usage: resist, withstand.
473
ἀντί
anti an-tee' A primary particle; opposite, that is, instead or because of (rarely in addition to) KJV Usage: for, in the room of. Often used in composition to denote contrast, requital, substitution, correspondence, etc.
2476 LSJ Gloss:ἵστημι to make to stand
Dodson:ἵστημι I cause to stand, stand
trans: (a) I make to stand, place, set up, establish, appoint; mid: I place myself, stand, (b) I set in balance, weigh; intrans: (c) I stand, stand by, stand still; met: I stand ready, stand firm, am steadfast.
Thayer:
1) to cause or make to stand, to place, put, set
1a) to bid to stand by, [set up]
1a1) in the presence of others, in the midst, before judges, before members of the Sanhedrin;
1a2) to place
1b) to make firm, fix establish
1b1) to cause a person or a thing
ἵστημι
histēmi his'-tay-mee A prolonged form of a primary word στάω staō (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses); to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up).
First we place ourselves under Yahweh. Then we are to take an opposite stand. It seems easy enough but we usually forget the part about submitting ourselves to Yahweh. This tells us that our first actions in making peace is to put ourselves under the authority of Yahweh which is why we need the face to face meeting of intercession. We have the creator standing behind us and the devil flees. The devil can oppose us, but not when Yahweh is behind us. James then reminds us that if we come near to Yahweh then he will come near to us. We are not going to manufacture peace without a meeting with the King, Yahweh.
A quick recap. We are pushed into believing in religions of angels, seduced by spirits, and instructed by demons, while wolves devour the church. Other perverted men rise up in the congregation as well to promote the enemies’ ideas of passivity and inaction. Jesus however told us to be intelligent like snakes, or like the serpent, while also being unassuming and innocent. Jesus also tells us to make peace. When we manufacture or construct peace we summon the sons of Yahweh. One person’s stand as an enforcer of peace brings others to stand alongside. James tells us to resist and oppose the devil. Is it possible that we are in the age of the Laodicean Church, fat and happy, and only a handful of church leaders are willing to take an opposite stand against the enemy? Duck and cover is not the strategy of Jesus. Let’s remind ourselves of what we learned in Job.
If we remember our recent study on Job, Yahweh told Job about his creation, the dragon. Job mistakenly thought the dragon had been slain. The dragon will be slain at the end of this age, so therefore he is still pricking, goading, and sporting with us. Yahweh tells Job who can oppose Him, Yahweh. Can anyone truly oppose the Creator?
Job 41:10 G3756 Are you not G1165.1 in awe G3754 that G2090 it has been prepared G1473 by me? G5100 For who G1063 G1510.2.3 is G3588 the one G1473 opposing me? G436
11 G2228 Or G5100 who G436 shall oppose G1473 me G2532 and G5278 remain, G1487 since G3956 all G3588 G5259 under G3772 heaven G1699 is mine? G1510.2.3
12 G3756 I will not G4623 keep silent G1223 because of G1473 him; G2532 and G3056 the word G1411 of power G1653 shall show mercy G3588 G2470 equal G1473 to him.
Who can oppose Yahweh and remain? Not even the devil can oppose Yahweh. This is why we are told to place ourselves under Yahweh and diabolos/drakon will leave. As we notice, the logos of dunamis is merciful and equal in power to the devil. We need a word of power. We can have a word of power but not if we try to hide. We can have the word of power if we stand and oppose our enemy. Paul told us this.
Ephesians 6:13 G1223 On account of G3778 this G353 take up G3588 the G3833 full armor G3588 G2316 of God! G2443 that G1410 you should be able G436 to oppose G1722 in G3588 the G2250 [2day G3588 G4190 1wicked], G2532 and G537 all things G2716 being worked out, G2476 to stand.
We have what we need to oppose the enemy. The enemy is spiritual but also working through physical people. Resist. Tell them no. Tell them that Jesus is Lord and His church is going to meet. This seems to be the day of the wicked. This seems to be a day and time to call for opposition. What would happened if the Church learned to fight. With this in mind let’s look at how Jesus spoke to people who were spiritually and physically oppressing others. The Pharisees were not only religious leaders but political leaders under Roman rule. Jesus was interested in setting people free. He struck the enemy hard and fast.
Matthew 23:13 G3759 Woe G1473 to you G1122 scribes G2532 and G* Pharisees, G5273 hypocrites, G3754 for G2719 you devour G3588 the G3614 houses G3588 of the G5503 widows, G2532 and G4392 as an excuse G3117 [2long G4336 1praying]; G1223 on account of G3778 this G2983 you shall receive G4053 more extra G2917 judgment.
A hypocrite is an actor under an assumed character, or someone who is playing pretend like children do. That is all an actor is, someone who gets paid to play pretend. They are hypocrites. The scribes and Pharisees play pretend. They play the “I follow all the laws of Moses” game, but in reality they do not. They became so corrupt that they were taking the homes of widows under the guise that this way the widows have paid their tithe to the temple. This left the widows homeless. Instead of doing what the Essenes did, which was to take care of their elderly the Pharisees took their homes and threw them out in the street. The way that they did this is with long orations and arguments cloaked as prayers as to their rationale. Jesus says that they will receive abundant judgment, meaning that since they stole the homes of widows they will be judged more finitely and with a greater degree of fault finding.
Matthew 23:14 G3759 Woe G1473 to you G1122 scribes G2532 and G* Pharisees, G5273 hypocrites, G3754 for G2808 you lock G3588 the G932 kingdom G3588 of the G3772 heavens G1715 before G3588 G444 men; G1473 for you G1063 G3756 do not G1525 enter in, G3761 nor G3588 the ones G1525 entering G863 do you allow G1525 to enter.
The actors playing pretend as “men of God” will not tell people how to enter the kingdom of heaven, it is like they are locking them out. These pretend men of God are not allowing others to enter the kingdom of heaven. It is as if they took spiritual authority over the people and decided not to let them enter the kingdom of heaven by micro-managing them. In other words, they made themselves out to be experts and gave the people a distorted way to live. If we remember our history, the Pharisees were focused on works, not on a relationship with the Holy Spirit. The split that occurred during the Maccabean era was due to the defilement of the priesthood, and people either staying in Jerusalem and doing works in a defiled temple or following the leading of the Holy Spirit and moving somewhere else. Those who stayed later became the Pharisees and rejected Jesus. Those who left Jerusalem and followed the leading of the Holy Spirit had descendants that believed on Jesus.
Matthew 23:15 G3759 Woe G1473 to you G1122 scribes G2532 and G* Pharisees, G5273 hypocrites, G3754 for G4013 you lead about G3588 the G2281 sea G2532 and G3588 the G3584 dry land, G4160 to make G1520 one G4339 convert, G2532 and G3752 whenever G1096 he becomes so, G4160 you make G1473 him G5207 a son G1067 of Gehenna -- G1362 more double G1473 than yourselves.
This is the third time that Jesus calls the scribes and Pharisees pretend religious leaders. If someone did this today, called out a religious leader who was a hypocrite, it would cause quite a division. But division under this circumstance is good, it is opposing evil and enforcing peace by calling out the wolves. Jesus tells them that they search out other younger people to become like them, with their extra burdensome rituals and works. Jesus then calls them “sons of hell or Gehenna”. A local trash dump was called Gehenna as the fire never died. It was the place of human and child sacrifice before the Babylonian captivity. Jesus’ reference was to call them the offspring of these practices. Then the people they proselytize become worse than they are. Fake religious leaders make bigger fake religious leaders.
We have to understand that the Pharisees were rich. They lived off the tithes of the people. This was not like in the days of the temple of Solomon where the priesthood was pious and ate the bread of the temple. This was distorted as these people lived quite well. They set themselves up in many areas as authorities, stealing widows homes, demanding a tithe, and then buying and selling in the temple courts. They were fake religious leaders playing pretend and they became rich.
Matthew 23:16 G3759 Woe G1473 to you G3595 [2guides G5185 1blind], G3588 the ones G3004 saying, G3739 Who G302 ever G3660 should swear by an oath G1722 on G3588 the G3485 temple, G3762 it is nothing; G1510.2.3 G3739 but who G1161 G302 ever G3660 should swear by an oath G1722 on G3588 the G5557 gold G3588 of the G3485 temple, G3784 he owes.
Now Jesus calls them “blind guides”. Another rule that they made up for the community was that to swear an oath using the temple was nothing, but swearing on the gold of the temple was a more binding oath. Jesus simply points out the temple sanctifies the gold. The gold is nothing. But think of this, who hoards gold? The satan. Clearly the false religious leaders were taking after their father, satan.
Matthew 23:17 G3474 Morons G2532 and G5185 blind; G5100 for what G1063 G3173 is greater, G1510.2.3 G3588 the G5557 gold, G2228 or G3588 the G3485 temple G3588 G37 sanctifying G3588 the G5557 gold?
Jesus call them blind morons. A moron is someone who is dull, sluggish, stupid, foolish, a blockhead, and godless. Do you think it hurt their feelings? Probably not, but it probably woke the people up to the truth. Being a truth speaker is not always pleasant for the listener. I can hear a religious spirit in the background of Jesus’ oration saying ‘Jesus is not being very nice’, and that ‘he is not very “Christian”’. Of course he was the Christ, how could he not be very Christ like? But the point is that as the enemy attempts to take over every aspect of Christianity and put it under his control there will be people who don’t like shock treatments.
Matthew 23:18 G2532 And saying, G3739 Who G1437 ever G3660 should swear by an oath G1722 on G3588 the G2379 altar, G3762 it is nothing; G1510.2.3 G3739 but who G1161 G302 ever G3660 should swear by an oath G1722 by G3588 the G1435 gift offering G3588 G1883 upon G1473 it, G3784 he owes.
Another idea that the Pharisees and scribes made up was that vowing over the altar is nothing, but vowing over the offering itself is binding. Again a nonsensical rule that keeps people in bondage. But Jesus is trying to set people free.
Matthew 23:19 G3474 Morons G2532 and G5185 blind; G5100 for which is G1063 G3173 greater, G3588 the G1435 gift offering, G2228 or G3588 the G2379 altar G3588 G37 sanctifying G3588 the G1435 gift offering ?
More name calling by Jesus. Blind blockheads. Jesus is bringing reality back to earth, the altar of sacrifice sanctifies the offering. But none of this has any meaning. People make oaths and break them.
Matthew 23:20 G3588 The one G3767 then G3660 swearing an oath G1722 by G3588 the G2379 altar, G3660 swears an oath G1722 by G1473 it, G2532 and G1722 by G3956 all G3588 the things G1883 upon G1473 it.
21 G2532 And G3588 the one G3660 swearing an oath G1722 by G3588 the G3485 temple, G3660 swears an oath G1722 by G1473 it, G2532 and G1722 by G3588 the one G2730 dwelling in G1473 it.
22 G2532 And G3588 the one G3660 swearing an oath G1722 by G3588 the G3772 heaven, G3660 swears an oath G1722 by G3588 the G2362 throne G3588 G2316 of God, G2532 and G1722 by G3588 the one G2521 sitting down G1883 upon G1473 it.
Jesus takes this a step further. He adds the temple, saying that if one vows by the temple it is a vow that includes the one who dwells in the temple, meaning the Holy Spirit. And then Jesus adds heaven. If one vows citing heaven, the vow is made including the throne of God. These vows are binding vows because they include the Holy Spirit and the Elohim. Therefore they will be recalled at the judgment. The rest of the things that people make vows with are nonsense.
Matthew 23:23 G3759 Woe G1473 to you G1122 scribes G2532 and G* Pharisees, G5273 hypocrites; G3754 for that G586 you tithe G3588 the G2238 mint, G2532 and G3588 the G432 dill, G2532 and G3588 the G2951 cummin, G2532 and G863 leave G3588 the G926 heavier matters G3588 of the G3551 law -- G3588 the G2920 judgment, G2532 and G3588 the G1656 mercy, G2532 and G3588 the G4102 belief -- G3778 these G1163 necessary G4160 to do, G2548 and these G3361 are not G863 allowed.
What is Jesus pointing out here? The pretend religious leaders take the light matters as proper methodology, but they don’t include the burdensome parts of the law. Divine judgment, mercy, and faith, are necessary or binding, to do or manufacture (like making peace). Yet these are the things that they abandon. In other words, they came up with a system that told people they themselves were absolved as religious leaders by their light giving practice. However they did not evaluate themselves via judgment, mercy, and faith. They were corrupt as pseudo religious leaders but claimed themselves sanctified. The courts of heaven would see these hypocrites quite differently.
Matthew 23:24 G3595 [2guides G5185 1Blind], G3588 the ones G1368 straining G3588 the G2971 gnat, G3588 G1161 but G2574 [2a camel G2666 1swallowing down].
Jesus calls them “blind guides”. They are concerned about a gnat in their water but haven’t noticed the camel that they are consuming. These hypocrites are supposed to be leading the people and Jesus is exposing their evil ways. Absolution does not come through tithes of herbs but from correct actions.
Matthew 23:25 G3759 Woe G1473 to you G1122 scribes G2532 and G* Pharisees, G5273 hypocrites; G3754 for G2511 you cleanse G3588 the G1855 outside G3588 of the G4221 cup G2532 and G3588 the G3953 dish, G2081 but inside G1161 G1073 is full G1537 of G724 seizure G2532 and G192 intemperance.
Jesus goes on to describe the religious leaders who play pretend. They make sure that they look clean, neat, and well put together, but remember their game is pretending. On the inside these people are full of robbery, rape, rapine, plunder, spoil, pillage, and ill temperature, incontinence, self indulgence, and lack of restraint. They violently seize whatever they want without restraint. Whether it is for sexual gratification, or the love of riches, and lustful wanton behaviors, these pretend actors indulge themselves.
Matthew 23:26 G* Blind Pharisee, G5185 G2511 cleanse G4412 first G3588 the thing G1787 within G3588 the G4221 cup G2532 and G3588 the G3953 dish, G2443 that G1096 [2should also become G2532 G3588 G1623 1their outside] G1473 G2513 clean.
Jesus tells the blind Pharisees to clean up their inner behaviors and the outer appearance will become clean. Doesn’t this sound so familiar in our day? There are actors who look admirable on the outside but are corrupt on the inside. There are religious leaders who look admirable on the outside but on the inside they are corrupt. Jesus is in the business of setting the laity free. I’m sure that no one had ever spoken to the Pharisees and scribes in this manner. Were the passive religious people offended?
Matthew 23:27 G3759 Woe G1473 to you G1122 scribes G2532 and G* Pharisees, G5273 hypocrites; G3754 for G3945 you are like G5028 tombs G2867 being whitewashed, G3748 ones which G1855 outside G3303 indeed G5316 appear G5611 beautiful, G2081 but inside G1161 G1073 are full G3747 of bones G3498 of the dead G2532 and G3956 of all G167 uncleanness.
Jesus says that the pretend religious leaders are like tombs that are kept clean and painted on the outside, but inside they are dead people. Again, this is a slam on their opulence and their fake behavior because inside they are unclean and dead.
Matthew 23:28 G3779 So G2532 also G1473 you G1855 from outside G3303 indeed G5316 appear G3588 G444 to men G1342 as righteous, G2081 but inside G1161 G3324 you are full G1510.2.5 G5272 of hypocrisy G2532 and G458 of lawlessness.
Jesus is so bold. He tells them again their eminence front is exposed. They are really lawless actors. How do people follow this distorted religious system?
Matthew 23:29 G3759 Woe G1473 to you G1122 scribes G2532 and G* Pharisees, G5273 hypocrites; G3754 for G3618 you build G3588 the G5028 tombs G3588 of the G4396 prophets, G2532 and G2885 adorn G3588 the G3419 memorials G3588 of the G1342 righteous ones,
30 G2532 and G3004 you say, G1487 If G1510.7.4 we were G1722 in G3588 the G2250 days G3588 G3962 of our fathers, G1473 G3756 [2would not be G302 G1510.7.4 1we] G2844 their partners G1473 G1722 in G3588 the G129 blood G3588 of the G4396 prophets.
This is great. Jesus points out that they built beautiful tombs for the prophets and righteous people and then the Pharisees say if they lived during the time of these men they would not have killed the prophets. There is something more here then meets the eye.
Matthew 23:31 G5620 So that G3140 you witness G1438 against yourselves, G3754 that G5207 you are sons G1510.2.5 G3588 of the ones G5407 murdering G3588 the G4396 prophets.
Jesus says that they witness against themselves. They call themselves the sons of the ones who murdered the prophets. This is problematic. Who murdered the prophets?
Matthew 23:32 G2532 And G1473 you, G4137 you fill up G3588 the G3358 measure G3588 G3962 of your fathers. G1473
Jesus says that they are continuing to fill up the measuring cup of their fathers. They are continuing in the agenda of their fathers. They are fulfilling the plan of their fathers. Who killed the prophets? It was not the true heirs of Jacob. It was the mixed genos who entered into Israel. Jesus goes there.
Matthew 23:33 G3789 Serpents, G1081 offspring G2191 of vipers, G4459 how G5343 should you flee G575 from G3588 the G2920 judgment G3588 G1067 of Gehenna?
“Serpent, (ophis) children adders, in what manner run away from the divine judgment Gehenna?”.
The Pharisees and scribes are children of the serpent. The serpents’ seed. The serpents’ seed are poisonous. But we are to be intelligent like the serpent and his seed. This means we should have at least equal intellect and human wisdom as they do. What did Isaiah say?
Isaiah 14:29 G3361 Be not glad G2165 G3588 G246 all Philistines, G3956 G4937 for he broke G1063 G3588 the G2218 yoke G3588 of the G3817 one hitting G1473 you. G1537 For from out of G1063 G4690 the seed G3789 of the serpent G1831 shall come forth G1549 a progeny G785 of asps, G2532 and G3588 G1549 their progeny G1473 G1831 shall come forth as G3789 [2serpents G4072 1flying].
Isaiah tells the mixed tribe of the heirs of the fallen angels, the Nephil, that they would be killed off by another seed of the serpent, flying asps. We know that within forty years from this time the temple was destroyed and as Jesus said there would not be one stone left upon another.
Jesus calls them poisonous snakes, sons of the serpent, but another progeny of the serpent will kill them as Isaiah says. Jesus says that these adders cannot escape hell. The Pharisees just testified that they were the sons of those who killed the prophets. They admitted that they were not wholly heirs of Jacob, but of the Nephilim. Jesus says they cannot escape judgment.
Now let’s ask ourselves, how did the heirs of the Nephilim enter into the temple as religious leaders? Isn’t Jesus trying to expose them? Isn’t Jesus calling them names for a reason? Isn’t he trying to shock the laity into understanding? Jesus was not passive. He was not allowing these evil actors to get away with their evil. It is similar to calling out evil today. When Hollywood actors say and do disgusting things we are to stand, oppose, resist, and as Jesus did, call them out. When politicians become drunk with power, we are to stand, oppose, resist, and call them out. When political parties advocate enslavement, child abuse, and murdering the unborn and newly born, we are to stand, oppose, resist, and call them out. This is how we manufacture peace. This is how we are to respond as wise as the serpent, but also unassuming as pigeons. If we don’t do the works that Jesus did then how can we ever do greater than he did? We have to at least start with pointing out the fake religious actors, and wolves with a bit of name calling. We can and should point out who they are sons of, and we should at the very least be willing to resist and oppose with the truth and with the words of God.
In the future when our politicians tell us we cannot meet in our churches we should not be surprised. Instead of asking “why did God let this happen” we should understand that we let it happen. The truth stings.
