Transcript

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 17 NKJV; Ch. 18-19 NIV

Podcast Introduction

This is Gospels Saturday. We’ll read Matthew 17-19. I’m calling today’s episode “Missing the Point.”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: kaleb tapp on Unsplash

Comments on Matthew 17 and 18

Thoughts on Matthew 17 

Did anything strike you as strange when you heard the reaction from Peter, James and John when Jesus told them not to tell anyone about what they had seen on the mountain, when Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus? Remember, he told them don’t tell anyone, until the Son of Man is risen from the dead. 

And what did they say? “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

I think my first reaction would have been, “Risen from the what?!? What do you mean, risen from the dead?” I don’t know. Maybe they did say something like that, but we are only told of the discussion of Elijah. Yeah, that’s probably it. 

And then later in chapter seventeen, Jesus again told them of his death and resurrection. “Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.” And they were exceedingly sorrowful.”

Now, of course, I understand their sadness at hearing that their friend, their rabbi, their LORD was going to be killed, but again, they completely missed the most important part: and the third day He will be raised up. I think I would’ve said, “Raised up? What do you mean, raised up?” They just let the most important event in the history of mankind slip right by them. Maybe it was just so huge that their minds had no idea how to process the words. But beloved, those are the words…that was to be the event that would change EVERYTHING for anyone who believed! NOTHING in all of history would surpass this coming event! 

Sometimes we don’t see the things that are the most important. We get stuck in our own little self-constructed mindset, and when something really huge comes along we don’t see it because it doesn’t fit our view of the world. The disciples could not grasp the idea of Jesus coming back to life, so it seems to have gone completely over their heads. 

Let’s pray that God opens our eyes, beloved. Let’s ask Him to make us aware of His will and His moving in our lives.

Thoughts on Matthew 18 

Jesus addressed several topics in these two chapters. Today I’d like to focus on chapter 18 verse 15 because there are a lot of people who seem to be unaware of what Jesus said in regards to judging others. Let me read it to you again. Jesus said, ““If your brother or sister  sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”

Now, I can hear some of you saying, “But Steve, in my translation it says, ‘If your brother or sister sins against you…’” And you would be right. Many translations do include the words “against you”. When those words are added, the meaning of this passage changes, doesn’t it? After all, if you sin against me in some way, it’s only logical that I would have the right to bring it to your attention.

So why do some translations leave out those two words and why do some include them?

I did some digging in my library and found that in the original Greek, the words “against you” are not included. So that would seem to indicate that Jesus said, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.”

But, being the careful sort when it comes to Bible study, I looked up some similar passages. For example, Luke 17:3 says, “So watch yourselves. "If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.” I looked up the Greek for this verse, and guess what? “Against you” is not there.

Galatians 6:1 says, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin,