Matthew 7 & 8 | The Wolfe Notes

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These Wolfe Notes Cover:

1. Matthew 7: Sermon on the Mount: Relationships
1. Overview: General Topic, Key Themes, and Summary
2. Thoughts, Questions, and Connections
3. Exploration On judging others.
4. Reflections On self-inspection and making connections.
2. Matthew 8: Healing by Faith. In the Storm. Demons Cast Out.
1. Overview: General Topic, Key Themes, and Summary
2. Thoughts, Questions, and Connections
3. Research On demons.
4. Reflections On healing and faith.
3. Response To a God who knows us and heals us.

Matthew 7

Winter Light by Myriams-Fotos at Pixabay

Overview

General Topic

Jesus challenges us to think about who we trust as He continues addressing the crowd.

Key Themes

Judgment. Choices. Authority.

Summary

Jesus speaks about relationships and the outcome of our choices. He tells us to closely inspect ourselves before casting judgment on others. We're to treat others in the same way we wish they would treat us. To decide whom to trust, we are to look at the fruit they produce. But we should know that we can always trust God. So, ask Him to provide for all your needs; He already knows what they are. He knows the motivation of our hearts. He knows that it is hard for us to do the right thing, but tells us to do it anyway. If we follow His instructions, He reassures us that we will be strong, resilient, and fruitful, but if we don't, we will waver, bend, and break. 

Thoughts, Questions, and Connections

? Denotes a question, * a personal thought, and ! a connection. Researched answers are in italics. *R communicates that in-depth research follows.

On Judging Others (Matthew 7:1-6)

1. ? How do you not judge others? Isn't it a natural instinct? (Matthew 7:1)
1. *Just because you think it, doesn't mean you have to say it or even dwell on it.
2. ! There is a difference in versions which invites varying interpretations. *In both regards, judging others results in a negative consequence. (Matthew 7:1)
1. The KJV reads: "Judge not, that ye be not judged." *The subject could imply anyone. So you could interpret the verse's meaning as: "If you don't judge others, they won't judge you." Which makes sense. The more critical you are toward others, the more critical they are likely to be toward you.
2. But the GNT reads: "Do not judge others, so that God will not judge you," *This implies the consequence of your harsh judgments will come from God. Which, is true. But, also, isn't God going to judge us regardless? (See 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Hebrews 9:27.)
3. *After you overcome a harmful habit, sin, or as worded here, "cast out the beam out of thine own eye", then you are better equipped to help another. (Matthew 7:4-5. See also Luke 22:32.)
4. ? Is it ever okay to judge others? *R
5. ? Why does the advice "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs," follow the section on not judging others. (Matthew 7:6)
1. *To remind us not to let what others think about us bother us. That the only opinion that matters is God's.
2. ! "Don't yuck my yum!" is a saying used frequently at the Mr.'s school to encourage respect regarding differing preferences, one that I believe works well here, too.
3. ! Let not then your good be evil spoken of: Romans 14:16 KJV (Which is also good advice when following your dreams.)

On Trusting God (Matthew 7:7-13)

1. ! He knows what you need before you ask. (See Matthew 6:8 and Isaiah 65:24.)
2. ! There seems to be deeper meaning hidden in the examples of poor gift giving. (Matthew 7:9-10)
1. *Receiving stone when bread is requested reminds me of when Satan was tempted by Christ. Then the Devil came to him and said, "If you are God's Son, order these stones to turn into bread." Matthew 4:3 GNT (Also see our research on the temptations of Christ.)
2. *Getting a snake when fish is requested reminds me that Satan is often represented by a snake (Genesis 3:14-19) and Christians with fish (Matthew 4:19).
3. *God excels at gift giving! (Matthew 7:11)
1. ! Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Ephesians 3:20 KJV
2. ! Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17 KJV
4. *The "Do for others what you want them to do for you:" (Matthew 7:12 GNT) hit me differently this time. What if in addition to treating others in a way I would want to be treated generally, I also challenge myself to take my frustrations and turn them into action. So, if I find myself thinking that I wish someone else would...(complete a task that is normally mine, tell me how much they appreciate me, show genuine interest, etc.)...I instead do for them exactly what I am wishing they would do for me. Which is saying the same thing but with a different motivation than I've previously considered. (Refer to our exploration to see how this fulfills the law and the prophets.)
5. *Doing the right thing even though it is hard will help you to experience the Kingdom now. (Matthew 7:13-14)

On Understanding Motivations (Matthew 7:15-23)

1. *Might the fruit we're looking for others to produce be the fruits of the spirit? Love, JOY and Peace - gifts from God to us. Patience [longsuffering in the KJV], Gentleness, and Goodness - our gifts to others. Faithfulness, Meekness, and Self-Control - our gifts to God. (Galatians 5:22-23) The grouping was an idea presented by our pastor which has helped me to memorize and better relate to each fruit. (Matthew 7:17)
2. ? God rejects people who are doing good works: casting out demons, spreading the good news, and performing miracles. Why are they rejected?
1. Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. John 6:29 KJV 
2. *It takes both: belief and action. Just doing the thing is not enough.

On the Outcome (Matthew 7:24-29)

1. *Wisdom is building your actions on the Word of God. (Matthew 7:24-25)
2. ? What does it mean to teach with authority? (Matthew 7:29)
1. *Jesus is the Word, so He taught with complete certainty. No doubts. No questions.
2. The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father's only Son. John 1:14 GNT

Exploration

On Judging Others

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Matthew 7:1-2 KJV

The measuring stick we use to judge is the same measuring stick that will be used to judge us. Knowing this, we should use righteous measures when we judge others. But, are we equipped for this?

• No. The Bible repeatedly indicates we're not equipped to righteously judge others.
• Now, I am not at all concerned about being judged by you or by any human standard; I don't even pass judgment on myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not prove that I am really innocent. The Lord is the one who passes judgment on me. So you should not pass judgment on anyone before the right time comes. Final judgment must wait until the Lord comes; he will bring to light the dark secrets and expose the hidden purposes of people's minds. And then all will receive from God the praise they deserve. 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 GNT
• The first person to speak in court always seems right until his opponent begins to question him. Proverbs 18:17 GNT
• The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9 KJV
• There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 14:12 KJV
• Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the LORD and refuse to do wrong. Proverbs 3:5-7 GNT
• We need to then "...have the guts - and the humility - to believe what the Bible says about us and what research shows about us. We simply can't trust ourselves in judgment of others." - Brant Hansen, Unoffendable, page 16

However, we are to encourage fellow believers, and only fellow believers, to pursue God's standards of righteous living.

• After all, it is none of my business to judge outsiders. God will judge them. But should you not judge the members of your own fellowship? As the scripture says, "Remove the evil person from your group." I Corinthians 5:12-13 GNT
• Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts. Colossians 3:16 GNT
• Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Proverbs 27:6 KJV
• ..."If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. Luke 17:3 GNT
• All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living. 2 Timothy 3:16 GNT

This is not judging, but exhortation, reminding or instructing, on the standard.

*Thoughts: We are not equipped to judge others; only God is. We do, however, encourage our fellow believers to live righteously by together learning and reminding one another of what God's standard is.

Sources: 

1. "Is it ever right to judge others?" by Catherine Segars at Crosswalk
2. Unoffendable by Brant Hansen, pp. 9-16

Reflections

Judging others is always a tricky topic because we do inherently judge others. All of us do. I know I judge others. I get carried away in criticism and immediately feel guilty afterwards. Sometimes the guilt hits in the middle of my tirade. 

But, perhaps, what I can learn from this passage is to take the criticism I use on others as an opportunity for self-assessment: where in my life do I exhibit these very behaviors that I see as negative in another? When I complain about the speck in another's eye, I look to find the beam in my own.

If I think, "I just can't be right when it comes to [insert person of the moment]. That person thinks they know everything and does not want to hear my input at all." I can take this criticism of mine and use it as an opportunity to understand how I want to be treated. Once I understand how I want to be treated, I am better equipped at knowing how to treat others (Matthew 7:12). 

Clearly, I like being heard. I like knowing the person in the conversation is at least considering my viewpoint. So, when interacting with others, I need to actively work at listening to them and communicating the value of the ideas they offer. 

Moreover, I need to spend more time connecting with the right people. People who will support me in working to make these changes. I can tell if it's a person who will value me by noticing the fruit they produce. It's not in what they say, but what they do. Are they adding love, JOY, and peace to the world because they are grounded in God? Do they treat others, all others, with patience, kindness, and goodness? Do they exhibit a relationship with God that reflects faithfulness, meekness, and self-control? When they talk about God, is this their heart posture?

My frustration, here though, or my wondering, is what do you do when you feel locked into a relationship with someone who chips away at your JOY? How do you get out? 

"Pray!" is the answer my soul sings and Matthew records as Jesus' solution, too: "Ask, and it shall be given unto you. Seek and ye shall find."

I want to live a life of love firmly planted in Jesus. A life that invites others to see the JOY that only He offers. A life that shines a light on the value of others instead of accentuating the flaws. And I know that I have work to do, but, I also know I'm not alone in it: I'm leaning on the Rock!

Matthew 8

Overview

Frozen Lake by Fietzfotos at Pixabay

General Topic

Jesus heals people with faith and challenges those without. 

Key Themes

 Healing. Faith. Response.

Summary

By faith people are healed. They know He can, they act in faith, and are healed. But the ones stuck in their idea of religion, many of the Jews, miss it. Jesus warns us that only by faith will we see the kingdom of heaven, and that following Him will not be easy or comfortable: it requires a single-minded focus which will require you to forsake what you once valued. Our faith will be tested, but we must learn to rest in Him even when storms rage around us. There are many reactions to Jesus' power: gratitude and obedience or shock and fear. Our faith determines our response.

Thoughts, Questions, and Connections

? Denotes a question, * a personal thought, and ! a connection. Researched answers are in italics.

On Healing (Matthew 8:1-17)

1. * The man healed of the skin disease showed confidence coupled with a sense of Jesus' authority. He asked, but knew that Jesus might say no. 
1. ! It reminds me of the MercyMe song: "Even If" (Matthew 8:1-4)
2. ? Why did Jesus tell him not to tell others? (Matthew 8:4) It was the priest's authority to deem a person cured of a disease. -ICB notes
3. ? What gift was he to offer per Moses' command? (Matthew 8:4) Leviticus 14:1-32 explains the law of the leper that Jesus was telling the man to follow. The gift was two cleansed, living birds, cedar wood, scarlet and hyssop. 
1. *Even in this, Jesus was making sure to fulfill, not abolish the law.
2. "Don't think that I have come to destroy the law of Moses or the teaching of the prophets. I have not come to destroy their teachings but to do what they said. Matthew 5:17 (See our exploration of the fulfilment of the law.)
2. ! The centurion saying he's not good enough for Jesus to come to his house, remind me of Moses, John the Baptist, and Peter. (Matthew 8:8)
1. And Moses said unto the LORD, O my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. Exodus 4:10 KJV
2. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. But he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. Matthew 3:11 KJV
3. Jesus came to Simon Peter. But Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus answered, "You don't understand what I am doing now. But you will understand later." Peter said, "No! You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "If I don't wash your feet, then you are not one of my people." Simon Peter answered, "Lord, after you wash my feet, wash my hands and my head, too!" John 13:6-9 ICB
3. ? Why was Jesus amazed by the centurion saying Jesus could heal without being there? Because he knew who Jesus was? Who would Jesus be commanding? Angels? The Holy Spirit? (Matthew 8:9-10)
4. *Don't get comfortable in entitlement. (Matthew 8:12)
5. *In Peter's mother-in-law getting up to serve following her healing we see he gratitude, a clue about her character, and understand how quickly and completely she was healed. (Matthew 8:15)
6. ? Was the only reason Jesus healed the sick to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah 53:4? (Matthew 8:16) *Jesus' character shows He also truly cared about us and would want us whole. Matthew's main goal was to communicate to Jews how prophecy was fulfilled. This statement clearly supports that end. - NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible (Uncover more background information on Matthew in our notes on chapter 1.)

On Following (Matthew 8:18-27)

1. ? Wouldn't Jesus understand that a disciple would want to bury his father?  (Matthew 8:21-22) *Priorities. Jesus is reminding us to, in every circumstance, prioritize Him.
2. ? Jesus had to know a storm was coming, right? He is the one who told His disciples to go to the other side of the lake (8:18)? (Matthew 8:23-27)
1. *Yet even knowing the storm was coming, Jesus was still able to sleep. (Matthew 8:24) He was at peace amid chaos. This is trust. This is JOY.
2. ? Why were the disciples amazed that He could calm the sea? Did they not already know what kind of a man He was? (Matthew 8:27) *Perhaps the difference is in healing physical ailments vs. controlling natural forces.

On Demons (Matthew 8:28-32)

1. ? Why were demons not active in the OT, but now they are in the NT? (Matthew 8:28) *R
2. ? When is the "right time" for Jesus to punish them? (Matthew 8:29) At the second coming?
3. ? Why did they ask to be sent into a herd of pigs? (Matthew 8:30-31) *R 
4. ? What happened to the demons after they were sent into the pigs? *R
5. ? Did they send Jesus away because the pigs died or because they feared His power? *R

Research

On Demons

Where were they in the Old Testament?

They were still around in the Old Testament, just referred to differently.

• Evil spirits, prince, and demons are Old Testament references. 
• There are, however, many more references in the New Testament. 
• A reason for the difference is that they were responding to Jesus' presence on earth.

Why did they want to be sent into pigs?

• First, a few culturally relevant facts about pigs. 
• "Pigs" at the time, could mean any collection of beast, even people.
• This had to be Gentile territory because pigs were unclean animals to Jews.
• So they would not be sent into the pit. (Revelation 9:1-2, 11)
• So they could still destroy something, if not the people than their goods. 
• So it could set the people against Christ and prevent His usefulness among them.
• Jesus forces a choice: prosperity or love, money or Me?
• "There are a great many who prefer their swine before the Savior." - Matthew Henry
• So they could accomplish more evil than roaming freely.
• A demon's influence is maximized when it inhabits a host.
• Perhaps they did not know that the pigs would run into the sea.

Where did the demons go after the pigs died?

• To the abyss.
• "And remember the angels who had power but did not keep it. They left their own home. So the Lord has kept these angels in darkness. They are bound with everlasting chains, to be judged on the great day. Jude 6 ICB (See also 2 Peter 2:4 and Revelation 20:3)
• "Yet [Lucifer] shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. Isaiah 14:15 KJV
• Freed to roam.
• "When an evil spirit comes out of a person, it travels through dry places, looking for a place to rest. But that spirit finds no place to rest. So it says, 'I will go back to the home I left.' When the spirit comes back to that person, it finds that home swept clean and made neat. Then the evil spirit goes out and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself. Then all the evil spirits go into that person and live there. And he has even more trouble than before." Luke 11:24-26 ICB (For encouragement, see Romans 8:9, James 4:7, and Ephesians 6:11)
• The Lord said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the Lord, "I have been wandering around the earth. I have been going back and forth in it." Job 1:7 ICB (See also I Peter 5:8)

*Thoughts: Demons exist, roam, inhabit living beings, and seek to destroy. BUT God is in control, AND You belong to Him. Put on your armor, resist temptation, and have faith.

Sources: 

1. "Demons: Where do they go when ejected?" at Hannah's Cupboard
2. "Foretold: The First Gospel" by Grant Agler at YouTube
3. Matthew 8:31 Commentaries at Bible Hub
4. "Where do demons come from?" at Got Questions
5. "Why did demons ask Jesus for pigs?" at Desiring God

Reflections

Jesus absolutely can heal people in a moment, even from a distance, even through intercessory prayer - but sometimes He's not going to. Sometimes, He needs us to remember He's looking at the bigger picture of eternal life. He knows what we need and promises to always bring us good - even if it doesn't feel like it right now. He bids us to remember that when we bury the dead, we are mourning that which will also come to us: dead burying the dead. But, we're not to get caught up in it. We're to keep our eyes on the bigger picture, too, which involves eternity. What truly devastates us in this life, is not even a part of the next. It's hard to fathom because death is the worst-case scenario here. Yet, it's true. In the grand scheme of eternity, death is but a blip on the radar. So, let's pray the prayers and ask the necessary questions with much faith, all the while knowing that something so much better is coming.

After all, faith is what is required of us. A faith that keeps us at ease when rain pounds down, when winds shove us off course, when there is no comfort to be found, when we're assaulted by tormenting spirits, God watches for evidence of our faith. He wants us to know that we can trust Him. That we trust Him so much we sleep in the midst of it - like Jesus on the boat. When we don't trust, we find ourselves careening over cliffs into the sea, weeping, and gnashing our teeth. Jesus wants none of this for us, and He tells us how to avoid it: trust. That's what it takes. He knows it's not easy for us. He warns us when we sign up that we didn't choose the easy road, but He also tells us exactly what is required of us: complete trust in Him and a heart focused solely on His kingdom.

These songs accompanied my reflection:

• 🎶It don't matter / Where you bury me / 'Cause I'll be home, and I'll be free🎶 ("All My Tears" performed by Crowder and Buddy Miller)
• 🎵Let the thunder be my comfort / Let the lightning be my guide...For the winds that seem against me / Push me right into Your arms / Teach me how to sleep in the storm🎵 ("Sleep in the Storm" performed by Unspoken)

Respond

Matthew 7

Connect

God knows. He knows what's best for us, what hurts us, and the truth about us. 

Reflect

• Do I truly believe that God knows everything, even when it comes to what's best for me?
• Do I look to His advice first for decision making? 
• Do I run to Him when I'm hurting?
• Do I ask Him to reveal where I am sinning so I can change?

Act

Arise and seek God at all times. Believe what He says and do what He tells you to do.

Matthew 8

Connect

God heals. He heals us physically, spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. 

Reflect

• Do I seek His healing?
• Do I believe I need it?
• Do I believe He is healing even me?

Act

Arise and ask for His healing. Watch for it to happen.

In Closing

Father God, You are so good. I don't think we even come close to understanding just how good You are. You clearly communicate the choices that are best for us, choices that lead to righteousness. You heal us from our sinful state even though we often refuse Your instruction, lack faith in Your power, and doubt Your capacity for good. As we choose to follow Your ways and experience Your goodness more and more, may we come to sleep in the storms as a testament of our complete trust in You.

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