What is the meaning of “When you give to the poor, let not your right hand know what your left hand is doing”? (Matthew 6:3-4)

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What is the meaning of “When you give to the poor, let not your right hand know what your left hand is doing”? (Matthew 6:3-4)

Matthew 6:1-4 (NKJV)
1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”

Understanding the Passage:

Jesus is teaching that acts of kindness and charity should not be performed for the sake of recognition or praise from others. The focus should be on pleasing God rather than seeking the approval of people. The phrase “let not your right hand know what your left hand is doing” emphasizes the idea that our charitable actions should be done with such discretion and humility that even we, the ones performing the act, don’t keep track of it or boast about it.

In the context of the time, religious leaders and others would often make a show of their good deeds, using them to gain admiration from the public. Jesus contrasts this with a life of humble obedience, where giving and helping others is done in secret, known only to God. The reward for such actions comes from God alone, and not from human praise.

Theological Insights:

  1. The Motive of the Heart: This passage underscores the importance of the inner motive behind the action. It is not enough to simply do good deeds; our hearts must be right. Jesus wants us to act out of genuine love and compassion, not out of a desire for human recognition. In 1 Corinthians 13:3, Paul writes, “If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” Our actions should flow from a heart that truly seeks to honor God, not to elevate ourselves.

  2. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:10-14): Jesus often contrasted the attitudes of those who sought recognition for their piety with those who humbly acknowledged their need for God. In Luke 18:10-14, Jesus tells the story of a Pharisee and a tax collector who both went to pray. The Pharisee boasted about his righteousness, while the tax collector humbled himself, acknowledging his sin. Jesus concluded, “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.”

  3. The Danger of Self-Righteousness: In modern times, many people still fall into the trap of publicizing their good deeds. While giving is a good thing, doing it with a sense of pride or to be seen by others diminishes the reward. Matthew 6:2 warns that those who give for the applause of men have already received their reward. Galatians 6:7 reminds us that “a man reaps what he sows,” emphasizing that true rewards come from God, not from human recognition.

  4. God Rewards the Secret Acts: Jesus promises that when we give in secret, God who sees what is done in secret will reward us openly. This isn’t just about financial reward; it can be a deeper sense of peace, fulfillment, and eternal blessings. Hebrews 11:6 affirms, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Practical Application:

  • Giving with Humility: Whether it’s money, time, or resources, our giving should be done with humility, without seeking to boast or draw attention. We are reminded in Matthew 6:3-4 to keep our charity private.

  • Seek God’s Approval: As believers, we should focus on doing things for the glory of God, not for praise from others. This is consistent with Colossians 3:23-24, where Paul writes, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”

  • Forget Your Deeds After Doing Them: This teaching is not just about doing good deeds but about not clinging to them or using them as a measure of our righteousness. We are encouraged to forget our own deeds once they are done, as Luke 17:10 says, “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”

Conclusion:

The message of Matthew 6:1-4 is clear: our good deeds should be performed quietly and humbly, without expecting accolades from others. By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s will, and He will reward us in ways far greater than any recognition from people could offer. True reward comes not from the applause of the crowd but from the approval of God, and it is that approval which holds eternal significant.

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WE ARE PROTECTED BY THE POWER OF GOD

Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Welcome to this Bible study—a reflection on the living and powerful Word of God that brings life, light, and strength to those who believe.

Sealed for the Day of Redemption

When we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, are baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Bible tells us that we are sealed by the Spirit of God until the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:30 (ESV)

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

This “day of redemption” refers to the future redemption of our bodies, which will take place at the return of Christ. On that day—often called the rapture—our mortal bodies will be transformed into glorious, incorruptible bodies. This transformation will occur in an instant, at the sounding of the last trumpet.

1 Corinthians 15:52–54 (ESV)

“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed… then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’”

So then, salvation happens in stages:

  1. The Redemption of the Spirit – This happens when we receive Christ as Lord, are baptized, and are filled with the Holy Spirit. Our spirit is made alive in Christ, forgiven, and secure.

  2. The Redemption of the Body – This will happen when Christ returns and gives us new, glorified bodies.

Though our spirits have been redeemed, we still live in mortal bodies that experience pain, sickness, and weakness. That’s why even believers sometimes suffer, become ill, or endure hardship. These are not signs of spiritual failure but reminders that the full redemption of the body is yet to come.

Romans 8:23 (ESV)

“And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”

Kept by the Power of God

Until that final day, those who are in Christ are kept and guarded by the power of God through faith.

1 Peter 1:5 (ESV)

“…who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

This means that once we’ve received salvation through faith in Christ, God’s power begins to work in us—not only to protect us, but to strengthen and sustain us through life’s challenges. Every trial, temptation, or hardship is allowed by God with a purpose—to refine our faith and shape our character.

James 1:2–3 (ESV)

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

These are no longer destructive trials from the enemy meant to destroy us. Instead, they are God-permitted tests designed to grow us.

However, if a person is not yet in Christ—that is, has not believed in Jesus, been baptized, and received the Holy Spirit—then their struggles and sufferings are not redemptive in nature. The enemy uses them to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Such people are outside the covering of God’s protective power.

Only by coming into Christ can we escape the destructive schemes of the enemy and come under the saving power of God.

How to Come Under the Power of God

This protective power of God is not obtained through someone laying hands on you or praying over you. It comes through believing the gospel—the message of Jesus Christ.

You must believe:

  • That Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

  • That He was born of a virgin over 2,000 years ago.

  • That He died for your sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day.

  • That He now lives forever, seated at the right hand of the Father.

  • And that He is coming again to receive His church and to judge the world.

John 14:6 (ESV)

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

Once you believe this, the next step is baptism. Jesus said:

Mark 16:16 (ESV)

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Biblical baptism is immersion in water (John 3:23) and should be done in the name of Jesus Christ, which is the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38). Through this, you identify with His death, burial, and resurrection.

As you are baptized, the Holy Spirit will either come upon you or will have already begun His work in you. He will guide you into all truth and empower you to walk in obedience.

From that point forward, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit and kept by the power of God. Trials may still come, but they are now opportunities to grow and glorify God, not weapons to destroy you. And through every season, God’s power will sustain and protect you—until the day your body, too, is redeemed.

So the choice is yours:

Will you receive Christ, walk under the protection of God’s power, and await the redemption of your body?
Or will you remain outside of His grace, vulnerable to the enemy, and face eternal separation?

Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart (Hebrews 3:15). Come under the power of God.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, now and forever.
Amen.

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Who is the wife of your youth according to the bible?

In the Bible, the phrase “wife of your youth” refers to the wife whom you married when you were young, someone you have been with for many years. This concept emphasizes the covenant of marriage, which is intended to be permanent. According to biblical teachings, once you are married, you are expected to remain committed to that spouse for life.

The Bible specifically addresses this idea in several passages:

  1. Malachi 2:14 – “But you say, ‘Why does he not?’ Because the LORD was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”

  2. Proverbs 5:18 – “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.”

These verses emphasize the importance of faithfulness to the wife of your youth, the one with whom you entered into a covenant of marriage. This is a lifelong commitment, and abandoning that spouse for another is considered a grave sin.

Theological Understanding:

In the biblical context, “wife of your youth” is not referring to a girlfriend or boyfriend, as we understand those terms in modern relationships. The Bible condemns premarital relationships and sexual relationships outside the bond of marriage. Any romantic relationship should be within the bounds of marriage, as instructed in Hebrews 13:4 – “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”

The teaching is clear: if you marry someone as a young person, that person remains your spouse throughout your life. Even if the marriage becomes difficult or less emotionally fulfilling, you are still bound by the covenant you made before God. Abandoning your spouse, the one you married in your youth, and seeking another partner is considered sinful, as it leads to adultery (Matthew 19:9).

Conclusion:

The “wife of your youth” refers to the wife you marry and commit to in a lifelong covenant. It is not a casual term for a girlfriend or a fleeting romantic relationship. According to the Bible, marriage is sacred and intended to last for life. Premarital relationships and breaking the marriage covenant are condemned. This underscores the importance of commitment, loyalty, and faithfulness in marriage, which is central to God’s design for human relationshipsersation helpful so far?

 
 
 
 
 

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WHAT GOOD IS IT TO GAIN THE WORLD AND LOSE YOUR SOUL?

Mark 8:34-37 (NIV)

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”

This passage presents one of the most sobering truths from the lips of Jesus: eternal life is of greater value than anything the world can offer. The Greek word for “soul” (ψυχή – psyche) can also mean “life”—referring not only to physical life but to the eternal essence of who we are. Jesus is warning us that it is possible to be materially successful and spiritually bankrupt.

1. Wealth Cannot Save the Soul

In today’s world, success is often measured by possessions—houses, cars, money, status. But Jesus asks: What will it profit you if you gain it all, but lose your soul? No amount of wealth can purchase eternal life.

Psalm 49:7-8 (NIV)

“No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them—the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough.”

Only Christ can redeem a soul—not gold, not influence, not good deeds. Wealth has its place, but when it becomes our master, it endangers our eternity.

2. The Trap of Riches

Jesus warned specifically about the spiritual dangers of riches:

Mark 10:23-25 (NIV)

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Key theological insight: The issue is not money itself, but reliance on wealth. Jesus is not condemning wealth, but He warns that when it becomes our source of identity and security, it replaces our dependence on God. The rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22) was unwilling to surrender his wealth because it had become his god.

3. Jesus Calls Us to Simplicity and Surrender

When Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, He is calling for full surrender. The call is radical: follow Him even if it means losing worldly status or possessions.

Matthew 6:24 (NIV)

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Jesus didn’t tell everyone to sell everything—but to the man who had made wealth his idol, Jesus said:

Mark 10:21 (NIV)

“Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Theological truth: God’s kingdom demands our first allegiance. When we are too busy accumulating or protecting wealth, we have little time or spiritual space for God.

4. A Warning Against Worldly Distraction

Jesus cautions us against becoming spiritually dull because of life’s distractions:

Luke 21:34 (NIV)

“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.”

The enemy of your soul doesn’t need to tempt you with evil if he can keep you distracted. Even good things—jobs, business, family—can crowd out spiritual focus.

Proverbs 23:4 (NIV)

“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.”

5. A Simple, Eternal Perspective

There is a better way. Rather than striving endlessly for temporary things, we can live simply, trust God daily, and pursue eternal treasures.

1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NIV)

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires…
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

True riches are spiritual—found in Christ alone.

6. Make the Right Choice Today

You may have heard messages promising wealth in the name of faith. But true discipleship is not about “getting rich”—it’s about getting right with God.

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

If you haven’t yet given your life to Jesus, now is the time. We are living in the last days, and judgment is coming upon all who reject Christ.

John 3:16 (NIV)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

FINAL THOUGHT

Better to have little in this world and be rich in spirit, than to have everything and miss eternity. Better to eat simply and have time with God, than to feast daily and lose your soul.

So ask yourself honestly: What will it profit you to gain the whole world and yet lose your soul?

Maranatha—The Lord is coming soon.

Please share this message with someone who needs to hear the truth.

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Are You Still in Jerusalem, or Will You Go to Galilee?

 

Are You Still in Jerusalem, or Will You Go to Galilee?

When the Lord Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to different groups of people in different places. Some saw Him in Jerusalem, but others were given specific instructions about where to meet Him.

For example, Jesus appeared to the two disciples walking to the village of Emmaus, near Jerusalem (Luke 24:13-33). He also appeared to the women who went to the tomb on the first day of the week, spoke to them, and then left.

However, He did not appear to His eleven disciples while they were in Jerusalem. Instead, He instructed the women to tell them: “The Lord will go ahead of you to Galilee, and there you will see Him.”

Matthew 28:9-10 says:

“Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ He said. They came to Him, clasped His feet, and worshiped Him.
Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see Me.’”

Why did Jesus give them specific instructions about where to meet Him? Even before His death, He had already told His disciples the same thing:

Mark 14:27-28:

“Tonight all of you will fall away on account of Me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’
But after I rise, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

So this wasn’t a command for everyone, but for a specific group—those He called “My brothers.” And it wasn’t just anywhere in Galilee; He gave them the exact mountain where they would meet Him.

After Jesus rose, they made the journey from Jerusalem to Galilee—about 120 km—straight to the mountain He had directed. There, they met Him face to face and received His instructions:

Matthew 28:16-20:

“The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, though some doubted.
Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”

You may ask: why did Jesus choose to reveal Himself in Galilee instead of Jerusalem, as He did with others? Why have them travel such a long distance when He could have appeared right there in Jerusalem?

The answer is that He wanted their focus to shift. Galilee was where Jesus grew up and where He did most of His ministry. By meeting them there, He was showing that His heart after resurrection was not in Jerusalem—it was in Galilee, where His work had been, and where He wanted His disciples to see and continue His mission.

Galilee was where He trained His disciples, performed miracles, and shared His message. By sending them there, Jesus was saying: “Go into the world and make disciples just as I made disciples in Galilee. I will be with you always.”

What does this mean for us today?

Even now, if you are a disciple of Jesus—or want to be—you will not find Him in Jerusalem. You will not find Him in the tomb, in teachings about the cross, or just in doctrines of repentance. If all you know is to repent and be saved, and you don’t understand what Jesus wants you to do, then you are still in Jerusalem.

Christ wants you to see His work and ministry, and to do the same. He wants you to see that people need the gospel, salvation, freedom from sin, and deliverance. That is your Galilee—the place where you meet Jesus today.

If, however, you are content just to hear the gospel, say “Amen,” or claim “I am saved,” then you have nothing more to offer. You are not Christ’s “brother” or “disciple” in action, and you cannot please Him.

The times we live in are as the prophets foretold—there is a famine coming, not of food or water, but of hearing God’s Word.

Amos 8:11 says:

“‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord God, ‘when I will send a famine through the land—not a famine of food or water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.’”

Ask yourself: since Christ has risen in your life, what extra work have you done for God’s kingdom? Are you still in Jerusalem, unwilling to go to Galilee? Are you too busy with work, family, or worldly concerns? Galilee may seem far—there may be no money, no recognition, and people may mock you—but that is where the work of God is.

Examine your faith. If giving to the work of the gospel is difficult for you, how will you share the kingdom with others? If you do not take action, your crown will be small—or you may not receive one at all.

Let us awaken and begin sharing with others what the Lord has entrusted to us during this time of spiritual famine in the last days.

Maranatha.

Please share this good news with others.

 

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What is a Spear According to the Bible? (Numbers 25:7)

In the Bible, the word “spear” refers to two types of weapons: a stabbing spear and a throwing spear (javelin).

  • The stabbing spear—is a long, heavy weapon with a sharp point, used in close combat to stab the enemy (Numbers 25:7: “Phinehas son of Eleazar… took a spear in his hand…”). This spear symbolizes direct confrontation and decisive action.
  • The throwing spear or javelin is lighter and designed to be thrown over a distance to strike enemies from afar (1 Samuel 17:45 “You come to me with a sword and spear and javelin…”). This weapon represents attack from a distance, often symbolizing preparation and strategy.

Because both types are mentioned in Scripture, they may appear interchangeably, but they share a common theme: weapons of warfare.

For example:

  • 1 Samuel 17:45  David says to Goliath, “You come to me with a sword and spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD Almighty.”
  • Job 41:26 “If one attacks him with a sword, it does not avail; nor does spear or javelin or dart.”

Other passages mention the stabbing spear

  • Numbers 25:7-8: Phinehas uses his spear to stop a plague among the Israelites by killing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman caught in sin.
  • 1 Samuel 17:7  Goliath’s spear is described as very large and heavy.
  • 1 Samuel 26:12 David takes King Saul’s spear while Saul sleeps, showing God’s protection and David’s restraint.

Spiritual Weapons in Christian Life

The Bible uses physical weapons like spears as metaphors for spiritual authority and power. In the New Testament, believers are called to put on the “armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-18), which includes spiritual weapons to fight against evil.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:7: Paul speaks of “the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left,” referring to spiritual weapons of faith, truth, righteousness, and prayer.
  • Luke 10:19: Jesus says, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”

This spiritual authority is not physical but comes through the name of Jesus and His blood (Acts 1:8; Revelation 12:11). It enables Christians to stand firm, resist the devil, and destroy his works (James 4:7).

Just as soldiers carried spears and javelins in battle, Christians must wield spiritual weapons—faith, the Word of God, prayer, and the authority given by Jesus. These weapons empower us to:

  • Stand firm against spiritual attacks.
  • Preach the gospel boldly.
  • Break the chains of sin and demonic oppression.
  • Protect ourselves and others through prayer and spiritual warfare.

Remember, these spiritual weapons are in your hands by God’s grace. Use them with confidence and faith.

May the Lord bless and strengthen you.

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What is a Pool, and what are the Five Porches at the Pool of Bethesda?

A “Pool” is commonly understood as a vessel for holding liquids like water or tea. Biblically, however, “Pool” refers to a pool or a small pond created for specific purposes, sometimes crafted with skill, other times simply dug out, depending on the intended use.

Types of Pools in the Bible

  • Animal watering pools: Jacob had pools or troughs made for watering livestock. This reflects common pastoral life in the Old Testament (Genesis 30:38, “And he set up the pillars that he had taken from the watering troughs…”). These pools illustrate God’s provision for daily life and animal care.
  • Water storage pits: Joseph was thrown into an empty cistern or pit, representing danger and abandonment (Genesis 37:23–24). This type of “pool” shows how water reservoirs were part of daily life but could also symbolize trial and suffering.
  • Ceremonial washing pools: In the Tabernacle and later the Temple, bronze basins were provided for priests to wash themselves before entering the holy place (Exodus 30:17–21). These pools symbolize ritual purity, essential for approaching a holy God (cf. Leviticus 16:4). Washing in these pools was an external act pointing to internal holiness (Hebrews 10:22).
  • Pools for cleansing prostitutes: The Pool of Samaria was associated with ritual cleansing, showing how some pools were used for moral or religious purification (1 Kings 22:37–38).

The Pool of Bethesda

The Pool of Bethesda (John 5:2–3) was a well-known pool in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate, surrounded by five porches (columns). It was a place where many disabled people gathered, waiting for the waters to stir, believing the first person to enter afterward would be healed.

This pool represents the human tendency to seek healing and salvation through rituals or superstition rather than God Himself.

The story of the man sick for 38 years, healed by Jesus without entering the pool, powerfully illustrates that true healing and salvation come through Christ alone (John 5:6–9).

“Jesus said to him, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk.’ And at once the man was healed…” (John 5:8–9)

This contrasts human effort and waiting for external “waters” with the immediate, sovereign grace of Jesus. It highlights the biblical truth that faith in Christ brings life and restoration, not ritualistic works (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Warning Against False Hopes

Many people today may similarly trust in “silent miracles” or external rituals (like holy water, oils, or pilgrimages) without true repentance or faith. The Bible warns against such superficial reliance:

“They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Isaiah 29:13).

True healing begins with repentance, faith in Jesus, and receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). The Pool of Bethesda’s proximity to the Temple reminds us that external religion without heart transformation is insufficient (Matthew 15:8).

Invitation

If you have not yet accepted Christ, now is the time to believe (John 3:16). Receive baptism as a public confession of faith (Romans 6:3–4), and open your heart to the Holy Spirit who guides into all truth (John 16:13).

Jesus is near, seeking those willing to receive Him (Revelation 3:20). Will you respond today?

Come, Lord Jesus!

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Whoever falls on this stone will be broken

Whoever falls on this stone will be broken – A Theological Reflection on Matthew 21:44

Matthew 21:44 (NKJV)
“And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”

Matthew 21:45 (NKJV)
“Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.”

1. Introduction: The Stone That Divides

This statement by Jesus comes at the end of the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers (Matthew 21:33–46). In this parable, Jesus confronts the Jewish religious leaders—chief priests and Pharisees—who were actively rejecting His messianic authority. The “stone” Jesus speaks of is not a mere metaphor, but a deeply rooted biblical symbol with prophetic and salvific implications.

2. Who or What Is the Stone?

The “stone” Jesus refers to is Himself, fulfilling multiple Old Testament prophecies:

  • Psalm 118:22 (NKJV)
    “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.”

  • Isaiah 8:14–15 (NKJV)
    “He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel… and many among them shall stumble; they shall fall and be broken, be snared and taken.”

Jesus, as the Cornerstone, is the foundation of salvation (Ephesians 2:20), but for those who reject Him, He becomes a cause of their downfall. You either build upon Him or are broken by Him.

3. Meaning of “Falling on the Stone”

“Whoever falls on this stone will be broken…”

This implies a personal confrontation with the truth of Christ. Those who encounter Him but resist His authority often experience internal brokenness. This may include conviction, guilt, crisis, or judgment. It is similar to being shattered spiritually or morally.

But this brokenness can be redemptive—like the breaking of pride and self-sufficiency that leads to repentance. Many people come to Christ by first being broken. Think of Paul’s encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). He was broken in spirit before he was built up in Christ.

4. Meaning of “On Whomever It Falls, It Will Grind Him to Powder”

This part of the verse reveals a more final and severe judgment. To be crushed by the stone is to face irreversible destruction. This is not just brokenness—it is obliteration. It symbolizes divine wrath and final judgment for persistent rejection of Christ.

This reflects the prophecy in:

  • Daniel 2:34–35 (NKJV)
    “You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet… and broke them in pieces… and the stone… became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.”

That stone in Daniel represents the coming Kingdom of God, established by Christ, which will ultimately destroy all rebellious world systems. Christ is both Savior and Judge.

5. Historical Fulfillment: The Fall of Jerusalem (70 A.D.)

The warning in Matthew 21:44 was not just symbolic. The religious leaders who rejected Jesus eventually faced destruction when the Romans invaded Jerusalem in 70 A.D., destroying the temple and decimating the Jewish leadership. This was a partial fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy in:

  • Luke 19:43–44 (NKJV)
    “For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you… and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”

The rejection of the “Stone” led to national ruin.

6. Practical Application: Are You Building or Falling?

We all respond to Jesus in one of three ways:

  • Build your life upon Him (Matthew 7:24–25): You find safety, strength, and eternal life.

  • Stumble over Him: You resist His Word, leading to brokenness that may or may not lead to repentance.

  • Be crushed by Him: Persistent rebellion ends in judgment—eternal separation from God.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV) reminds us:
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

7. A Call to Repentance and Faith

If Jesus Christ is not yet the foundation of your life, now is the time to turn to Him. Allow Him to break your pride and rebuild your heart. Receive Him not just as a good teacher—but as the Lord, Savior, and Judge.

  • Romans 10:9 (NKJV)
    “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Don’t wait for the stone to fall on you. Instead, come and be built on it.

Conclusion: Build on the Rock

Jesus is the solid Rock—the Chief Cornerstone. To reject Him is to face spiritual ruin. To build on Him is to find eternal life. Are you standing on the Rock—or standing against it?

May the Lord bless you.

Share this message with others.

For prayer, worship schedules, counseling, or questions:
Call: +255693036618 or +255789001312

pride and rebuild your heart. Receive Him not just as a good teacher—but as the Lord, Savior, and Judge.

  • Romans 10:9 (NKJV)
    “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Don’t wait for the stone to fall on you. Instead, come and be built on it.

Conclusion: Build on the Rock

Jesus is the solid Rock—the Chief Cornerstone. To reject Him is to face spiritual ruin. To build on Him is to find eternal life. Are you standing on the Rock—or standing against it?

May the Lord bless you.

Share this message with others.

For prayer, worship schedules, counseling, or questions:
Call: +255693036618 or +255789001312

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“You have heard that it was said”

 

“You have heard that it was said”

Scripture, we find two kinds of laws related to human conduct: those directly commanded by God, and those instituted by human leaders or customs that God permitted temporarily among His people. For example, the Israelites were allowed to practice divorce (Deuteronomy 24:1), capital punishment for certain sins such as adultery (Deuteronomy 22:22), and the principle of lex talionis—“an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” (Exodus 21:24)—which regulated justice and prevented excessive punishment.

However, it is crucial to understand that these laws, while found in the Torah, were not part of God’s original design for human relationships and society. From the beginning, God’s intention was for marriage to be a permanent, sacred union. As recorded in Genesis 2:24 (ESV):

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

God never commanded divorce or killing as ideal practices. These laws arose from the hardness of human hearts and the sinful condition of mankind. We see this clearly in the teaching of Jesus Christ, who restored God’s original intention for marriage and human relationships.

The Context of Moses’ Law

The children of Israel inherited many customs from Egypt and their surrounding cultures, including divorce, revenge, and harsh punishments. When God led them out of Egypt to the Promised Land, their hearts remained stubborn and attached to these practices. Because of their spiritual immaturity and hardness of heart, God allowed Moses to permit these laws temporarily. This was an act of divine concession (also called economy or economia in theological terms), not a reflection of God’s perfect will.

Jesus explains this concession in Matthew 19:3-9 (ESV):

3 And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?”
4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female,
5 and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?
6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
7 They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?”
8 He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.
9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”

Here, Jesus emphasizes the original intent of marriage as lifelong and exclusive. The allowance of divorce by Moses was a concession to human sinfulness, not God’s ideal. This shows us how God’s law interacts with human weakness — God accommodates but does not approve the brokenness of sin.

Theological Significance

This teaching reveals the progressive nature of divine revelation. The Old Testament laws contained both moral principles and ceremonial or civil regulations appropriate for Israel’s covenantal context. Many laws in the Old Testament anticipate or find their true fulfillment in Christ (Hebrews 8:13). The Mosaic law is pedagogical (Galatians 3:24), guiding God’s people until the coming of the Messiah who perfects and fulfills the Law.

This is why Paul writes in Romans 1:28 (ESV):

“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.”

God allows human beings to follow their hardened desires, but this is not His perfect plan.

God’s Heart Toward Enemies and Justice

It is also important to recognize that the Old Testament laws regarding revenge and punishment were limited and regulated to prevent escalating cycles of violence (Exodus 21:23-25). They were justice-oriented, not personal vengeance. Yet, God’s ultimate revelation in Christ calls for a higher standard.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commands radical love and forgiveness (Matthew 5:43-45, ESV):

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”

This calls us beyond the legalistic, retributive mindset to a life marked by grace, mercy, and reconciliation—reflecting God’s own character.

Paul reinforces this in Romans 12:20-21 (ESV):

20 “To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

This is the ethic of the Kingdom—not retaliation but overcoming evil through love and goodness.

Conclusion

The laws in the Old Testament reflect God’s patience and mercy toward a fallen people. They are not the final word but part of God’s unfolding redemptive plan. Jesus came to restore God’s original intent for marriage, justice, and human relationships. He calls us to a higher standard of holiness, love, and forgiveness.

Our role today is to live according to this new covenant, pray for those who oppose us, and share the good news of God’s transforming grace.

Maranatha!

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At what time was Jesus crucified—was it the third hour (9 a.m.) as stated in the Gospel of Mark, or the sixth hour (noon) as mentioned in the Gospel of John?

This question often arises due to an apparent time discrepancy between Mark and John regarding the crucifixion of Jesus. Let us look closely at the relevant passages:

Mark 15:24–25 (ESV)

“And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. And it was the third hour when they crucified him.”

According to Mark, Jesus was crucified at the third hour, which corresponds to 9:00 a.m. using the Jewish method of timekeeping, where the day begins at sunrise (approximately 6:00 a.m.).

John 19:14 (ESV)

“Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, ‘Behold your King!’”

John seems to indicate that Jesus was still on trial before Pilate at about the sixth hour, which appears to contradict Mark’s account. However, a closer analysis shows that this is not a contradiction but a matter of differing timekeeping systems.

Understanding the Timekeeping Systems

  • Jewish Time (used by Mark):
    The day begins at sunrise (around 6:00 a.m.).

    • 1st hour = 7:00 a.m.

    • 3rd hour = 9:00 a.m.

    • 6th hour = 12:00 noon

    • 9th hour = 3:00 p.m.

  • Roman Time (likely used by John):
    The day begins at midnight, like our modern system.

    • 6th hour = 6:00 a.m.

    • 9th hour = 9:00 a.m.

    • 12th hour = 12:00 noon

John’s Gospel was likely written later and intended for a broader Greco-Roman audience. Therefore, John appears to use Roman time, placing Jesus’ appearance before Pilate around 6:00 a.m., after a night of trials and interrogation.

This timing aligns well with Mark’s account:

  • By 9:00 a.m. (the third hour), as Mark states, Jesus was already on the cross.

  • Before that, Jesus had been presented before Pilate at around 6:00 a.m., as John notes.

Luke 23:44–46 (ESV) – The Death of Jesus

“It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last.”

This passage from Luke confirms:

  • From noon (sixth hour) to 3:00 p.m. (ninth hour), darkness covered the land.

  • Jesus died around 3:00 p.m., fulfilling prophetic symbolism (see Amos 8:9–10, Isaiah 53).

Conclusion: No Contradiction—Only Different Clocks

When we recognize the use of different timekeeping systems:

  • John’s sixth hour (Roman time) = 6:00 a.m. — Jesus is still before Pilate.

  • Mark’s third hour (Jewish time) = 9:00 a.m. — Jesus is crucified.

The Gospels are consistent when understood in their historical and cultural context. Jesus was crucified around 9:00 a.m., darkness fell at noon, and He died at 3:00 p.m.

Theological Significance

  • Jesus’ crucifixion at Passover fulfills the imagery of the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7, Exodus 12).

  • The darkness and tearing of the temple veil symbolize judgment and access to God through Christ (Hebrews 10:19–20).

  • The specific timing fulfills God’s sovereign plan and aligns with Messianic prophecy, such as Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53.

Final Challenge:
Have you received Jesus as Lord and Savior? The Bible declares that He is coming again (Revelation 22:12), and He will return for a people who are born again and walking in holiness (John 3:3, Hebrews 12:14). Salvation is a free gift (Ephesians 2:8–9), but it must be received by faith and repentance.

Will you be among the few who will meet Him in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)? The choice is yours—eternal life or eternal separation. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Maranatha — the Lord is coming!

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