The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit

Matthew 21:33-46

The parable of the tenants. 

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this,  and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Psalm 118:22,23

“Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”

When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

The vineyard (the nation of Israel whose owner is God). The men to whom God has entrusted spiritual leadership have abused the prophets and are about to kill his Son.

Jesus transfers the picture from Israel to himself - cast aside, crucified by his own people, but reinstated by God.

Why?

Jesus is the son of God but who was rejected by his people, so Jesus said the kingdom of God will be taken away from them and give to the people who will produce its fruit. To be a good Christian should produce good fruit, It is not only worshiped in church and read bible and prayer only. It is our behavior, Do we have love in our daily life? Have mercy to others?

Jesus mentioned about his destination will be rejected by them. But he will be the cornerstone of the Church in the world.

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耶穌責備他們只說不做。當時聖殿在他們管理下，已經不是聖殿，而是賊窩。責備他們把聖殿占為己有，唯利是圖。他們不僅交不出葡萄，而是佔有土地。神給他們權柄是要萬民可以來神的面前。現在卻只為了我們自己的利益。神賜我們恩典、財富、才幹，為的是讓更多人得著豐盛，可以來敬畏神。神給我們愈多，我們享受多，同時我們可以分享更多，如果我們不分享，神為什麼要給我們呢?我們只是管理者，神才是擁有者。

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How?

All we have given from the Lord, we are the manager, the Lord is the owner. We are God's servant to manage what God gives us, so we may enjoy God's mercy and share these with others.

Even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him

 Matthew 21:23-32

Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?”

So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

The parable of two sons shows the son his father wanted is going to do it, not what he said.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

The question asked by the chief priests and elders is natural. In the light of what has happened. Jesus makes no direct answer, but it is clear that he and John derive their authority from the same source. In the three parables that follow, his critics find themselves under fire.

Tow sons. The first represents the social outcasts, who have made a genuine response to John and to Jesus; the second the religious leaders, with their mock obedience.

Why?

It is natural chiel priests and elders asked Jesus what authority comes from, but they refuse to accept the truth so Jesus didn't answer them.

The mercy and love from the Lord only available to those who regret and turn their heart to the father of heaven.

How?

When we sin against the Lord, if we repent and turn to the Lord, we will be released from our sins. If I trust in the Lord there is not any problem on my way ahead.

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer

 Matthew 21:12-22

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’[e] but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’

But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.

‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’? Psalm 8:2

Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Having entered the city in triumph as the Messiah. Jesus shows his authority in the Temple, the nation's central shrine. His dramatic overturning of the money-changers tables is a major demonstration against the commerce and big business that had taken over God'shouse of prayer'.

The blind and lame (excluded from the Temple it would seem from 2 Samuel) are welcomed and healed by Jesus. And children recognize what the religious officials are blind to, as they chant the earlier tributes of the crowds.

Jesus's action is generally taken as symbolic. The fig which bears no fruit is good for nothing but destruction. From the context, it seems we are meant to see the tree as a symbol of the Temple which, for all its ritual, is spiritually barren. Jesus uses the incident as an object lesson on the power of faith. God is able to do the impossible.

Why?

Jesus shows his authority in the Temple, where is a place of prayer, it is not for marketing. There is mercy and love in the Temple so Jesus healed many people there.

A Temple should has fruit but there is spiritually barren, so it should be destroyed like the fig tree, so as our faith we can pray for many things if we have faith in Jesus. Pray in God's way and in God's mind is better to pray for our benefit.

Once again the children praise Jesus Christ is proved the Psalme said Jesus is the Lord.

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耶穌騎驢進城後，雖然是溫柔的王，但是也要行公義，第一件事是潔淨聖殿。他們在外邦人院做生意，因此也影響外邦人來聖殿的場所。他們關心的不會是來敬拜的人是否敬拜神，反而是關心是否賺到錢，如何用更少的錢，方便的方法來完成神的交待，完全是考量的需要。提供的場地的是祭司長，構成一個互利的集團，只有來這買祭物才合格，完全沒有考量人是否遇見神。來的人賺取方便。聖殿變成一個表面的活動。獻祭的人的敬虔不見了，如無花果樹有許多葉子，看來興盛，卻沒有果子，沒有果子就沒有下一代，也不能提供別人吃，對別人無益。

敬拜就是向神彎腰，在生活中降服神。認定神為最重要的，神的榮耀、心意、作為才是我們要考慮的。真正的敬拜是討神的喜歡。如果我認為以我的方式敬拜我比較喜歡、方便，不管是否合神的心意敬拜就是遠離神了，而是隨神的心所願來敬拜。敬拜不是在 方便的時間，敬拜的方法有它的規範。

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How?

If we believe we may receive eternal life and the blessing from the Lord.

The triumphal entry in Jerusalem

 Matthew 21:1-11

If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” Zech. 9:9

A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

Hosanna to the Son of David! “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”,  “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

It was spring, and people from far and near were crowding into Jerusalem for Passover, the great feast commemorating the nation's liberation from Egypt. No all could find lodgings in the city. Jesus and his friends stayed at nearby Bethany, where Martha, Mary, and Lazarus had their home. Each day they walked the two miles into Jerusalem, over the shoulder of the Mount of Olives and down through the thick groves of trees.

Why?

Jesus enters Jerusalem and riding on a donkey, he is a gentle king with love and mercy to all his people. No ride on the horse but on the donkey. Jesus is not like a hero man or a flighter coming but a gentle king. 

It fulfills what was spoken by the prophet, Jesus is the Messiah.

All of the people knew Jesus and welcome his coming into Jerusalem.

Hosanna to the Son of David... honored the name of the Lord and Jesus Christ. How great is Jesus  Christ!

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這是耶穌受難前的一週左右事蹟。

耶穌騎驢進城是刻意安排的進城儀式。以往都是走路去的。耶穌一向都很低調，這次卻似凱旋進京的態勢，如果騎馬不是更好。這不是軍事的彌賽亞，是謙卑、溫柔、和平的君王。好像表示是君王，卻又是溫柔的。耶穌來耶路撒冷目的是受死。怎麼死是凱旋的，這是以死來勝過死亡，誇勝的表示，讓撒旦無話可說。無辜受苦叫撒旦無話可說的得勝。我們有一點權利往往就是說東道西的。我們有一票，別人一樣也有一票，無權指責別人。人可以得到榮耀，是神早已給的，我們不用去爭榮耀。

人把衣服、樹枝舖在地上，似乎不是只在城門口，應該從騎驢的地方開始到耶路撒冷，路程約2.3公里，估計有2千多件衣服，每個人的衣服，可能都是看不見的微小，小小的事奉，卻成就神的大事。我們每個人為主做的，看似不起眼的事奉，成就那難以想像的影響力和神的榮耀。

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How?

All of us should praise the name of Jesus Christ and the Lord, for God loves us. Jesus is the Lord!

Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!

 Matthew 20:29-34

Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Mark and Luke mention only one blind man - perhaps because Peter, who probably supplied the information, knew Bartimaeus personally.

Why:

These two blind men trust in Jesus and do not care about the crowd's criticism. They cried to Jesus Christ to help them. And Jesus has mercy to them and gave them sight.

Cry to Jesus means has faith in Jesus.

Walking on the way of Jesus Christ sometimes is hard and lonely, but be encouraged for God is with us.

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重要性是因為之後，耶穌就進入耶路撒冷，受難前一週。這是最後一件事是瞎眼得看見，為何不是瘸腿能行走?

前面耶穌一直在教門徒做僕人。此時兩個瞎子在呼喊。眾人叫他們不要吵，門徒也沒有發聲，也就是門徒也在眾人中。其他人認為彌賽亞高高在上，卻不留意這些弱者。門徒聽了卻沒有懂。耶穌問他們：要我為你們做什麼?耶穌表達關心的對話，不是完成事工就好了。不是冰冷的醫治，而是願意關心和他們對話，這才是前面所教導的，不是為了做最大才去服事弱者，這是目的不對。而是真心關心人的心。門徒以外的人稱耶穌為大衛的子孫，第一個是迦南婦人，第二個是這兩個瞎子。他們不管別人怎麼厭棄他們，無論什麼樣的攔阻，他們都要呼喊這是信心，他們知道唯有耶穌能夠救他們。我們常常給自己設攔阻，找理由不去找神。

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How?

Can we have faith like these two blind men, even the situation was bad and alone?

whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant

 Matthew 20:17-28

Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time.

Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”

Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Jesus' patience is amazing. Over and over again explains that the kingdom is for the humble. There is to be no lording it. Yet, even when he speaks of his death as they near Jerusalem, the disciples are taken up with their own staus. The place at the top is reserved for the disciple who - like the master - is prepared to live for others and if need be to die for them.

Why?

Even Jesus talked to the disciples three times they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day, he will be raised to life. The disciples were still focused on their position in heaven. Their own benefit.

Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant. The rule in God's kingdom belongs to the humble men. Serve others then be served. Help others as we can. 

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將來要得什麼呢?彼得在前面章節問。我們要得什麼，得多少，一切都是神的恩典。不是靠我努力賺到什麼? 即使耶穌預言要受難，門徒似乎不在乎！只在乎將來什麼，在天國排名?

那時，似乎耶穌有講完要遇難的事，毫無反應。如果我們關心什麼事? 一定會注意會有提問。

門徒惱怒弟兄二人，其實他們也一樣，只是他們先提出來，而且雅各、約翰是靠媽媽來關說。

我們在教會聽到教會報告有什麼反應。

將來得什麼樣?完全是父的權柄。天國裏難道都一樣嗎？耶穌告訴他們，在你們中間不可去管轄人，不可像外人想掌權。權柄是要服事人。

耶穌來服事人，服事到為他們捨命！關心耶穌的使命，來思考我們的使命。認識受苦的基督，門徒也應該明白是捨己，服事人。為別人效力，為主效力！

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How?

Be humble and follow Jesus Christ is the way to God's kindgom. 

So the last will be first, and the first will be last.

 Matthew 20;1-16

For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’

When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

So the last will be first, and the first will be last.

This story illustrating Jesus' words in 19:30, comes only in Matthew. He is not talking about pay structures or saying that all will be equal in heaven. The point is that many who expect to be made much of will be in for a rude shock in God's kingdom. God will honor some very unexpected people, Eternal life is for all who will receive it: 'good' and 'bad', young and old. The remarkable thing is the land-owners generosity - not his unfairness.

Why?

God has the authority to give generously to anyone who wants to give.

Some we saw maybe good or bad, but we don't know the result in heaven, For God is good, so as to forgive us our sins.

We are the son of the Lord, not the worker of the Lord, so the son has no right to ask for payment from our father. We are doing what we should do, for our heavenly father has paid more grace to us.

The last will be first and the first will be last. It is a warning to all of us, to be a Christian longer doesn't mean we may have more reward in the kingdom of heaven, but do our role in the world to honor the holy name of the Lord.

How?

Be humble for the last will be first and the first will be last.

What good thing must I do to get eternal life?

 Matthew 19:13-30

Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?

 Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, 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.”

They were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

Jesus's first answers to the rich young men's question about good deeds and eternal life are the one any Jewish teacher would have given. And the man- a ruler in the synagogue- could claim he had kept the commandments. But Jesus pinpoints the root of this man's trouble. His commandment-keeping is not whole-hearted. His possessions mean too much to him. Because of them, he is failing to love God and his neighbor without reserve. So Jesus tells him to sell up and follow him. It is better to possess nothing than to love things more than God.

The disciples were surprised because they thought riches were a reward for goodness, and index of some's spiritual state - so they go on to ask about rewards.

Why?

Doing the good things are worldwide teaching to get a good reward, but Jesus told them there are no one is good, only one is good. So doing the good things can not get the reward of eternal life. Only those who discard what he has and follow Jesus can get eternal life and the reward in heaven.

Everyone has to pay an effort to be a good Christian, for if anyone proud of his Christian life will fail on the way to eternal life.

Rich men are hard to get eternal life if they like money than the needy men and won't follow Jesus Christ. But if it is chosen by the Lord, it is possible to be Christian.

How?

Respect and love each other in God's family, following Jesus is the first priority in our life to get eternal life.

There are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it

 Matthew 19:1-12

Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?

He replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.

Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.” Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”

The rabbis disagreed about divorce. Some allowed it for anything that displeased the husband; others only for unfaithfulness. Jesus goes back to God's purpose for man and woman at the very beginning. That is how God meant it to be. Moses, dealing with a situation that fell far short of the ideal, placed a restriction on divorce. Jesus says that adultery is the only legitimate reason.

Why?

Marriage is holy before the Lord join two to one flesh, so original divorce is not acceptable before the Lord, but for the heart of human is hard so Moses permitted them to divorce. 

There is not any and every reason to divorce except because of sexual immorality and marries another woman commits adultery.

The Pharisees came to Jesus and try to find some fault of the law from Jesus. But Jesus is answering the real meaning of the Law. The one who can accept this should accept it. But someone who could not accept it will reject it. It depends on each one's heart.

How?

Be humble and do the right choice, not for my personal opinion but for love and peace.

This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart

 Matthew 18:21-35

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.

Unlimited forgiveness is expected of those who enjoy the limitless forgiveness of God.

Why?

seventy-seven times is forever.

We have to forgive our brothers and sisters when they sin against us or the church, if they regrate and confess their sin, we should forgive them all. Because we are the sinner either, compare our sins God has forgiven us is higher and more expensive than we forgive our brothers and sisters.

This is the model of Jesus did for us to follow him.

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天國誰是最大的議題持續，包括要善待最小的小子，要挽回得罪我的人幾次呢?無限多次。最不容易是挽回那得罪我的人。為什麼我不能饒恕呢?因為我失去太多了，受傷太多了，太冤枉了。耶穌以債主的故事來比例來比喻。誰虧欠比較多，無論如何人虧欠我的和我虧欠神的無法相比。我們已經先被饒恕了，為什麼我還要去和人計較呢?若是如此，我們的一千萬也會沒有了。

該隱的後代拉麥，追討別人，殺人多倍，完全是驕傲造成的。不饒恕人也是驕傲的緣故。要保有一千萬，向人付出是保有恩典的方法。

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How?

Have mercy to all of the needy people for God is love, Jesus has shed his blood for us.

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them

 Matthew 18:11-20

 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. 

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.  If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 

Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

In the new community wrongdoing matters; every effort must be made to set the defaulter right.

Why?

In the relationship between a sheep and the Lord, God cares for each one of his people.

The relationship between brother and sister like family, so figure their sins and fault is our duty, if they refuse to listen, let church to tell them, if they still refuse to listen, treat them as pagan.

We have the authorized in the world as in heaven.

Congregation among brothers and sisters in God's name will be with the Lord.

We are not alone God is with us when we gather with God's name. Pray has the power to overcome the evil in this world.

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天父重視小子們！天使會照顧他們！神看重每一個人。100隻羊的1隻迷失也會去找回來！表明神重視每個人。這個不是一般數學方式來計其心情的比例！失去的羊就是我們得罪的弟兄，將他找回來，不是一般所謂的未信主的羊。原來已經在羊圈內的羊。失去一個就像是失去全部。

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How?

We are the sons of the Lord, it is the great honor given from the Lord.

The greatest in the kingdom of heaven

 Matthew 18:1-10

He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

This is Matthew's fourth teaching section, on relationships in the new community. God's kingdom operates by totally different standards from the world's. Status-seeking is out. So is the policy of the weakest to the wall. On the contrary, the spiritually weak is the special responsibility of the strong. 

Why?

Jesus teaches us we have to humble ourselves and respect each other, especially the weak one or little one. Help the weak one is the same as helping Jesus Christ. It will be rewarded in heaven.

Woe to the world cause people to stumble, so be careful to do and say anything don't let other stumbles, but good to others.

If we could not make our body away from the sins or stumble, it is better to cut it off. So we have do our best to enter the kingdom of the Lord.

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天國裏誰最大，耶穌教導對象漸漸專注在門徒身上。

人的問題在於喜歡爭排名，開車不想被插入前面，學校中強第一，家中也是在比較，和鄰居比，和弟兄姊妹比。

耶穌的教導是誰回轉像小孩子就是最大，這是指地位，小孩子在當是是不計算在內的，不重要的。神重視這樣的人。自己降卑，自己認為不重要，依附神的人。如何謙卑像小孩子：去服事那弱者，不用競爭的態度來看待。

不重要就算了，還使人跌倒的，罪惡更重了，不要因為我的信仰、行為使人跌倒，神要將他剪除。

17章耶穌可以不用繳這稅，為了避免拌倒別人，所以要彼得去繳聖殿稅。耶穌也謙卑回轉，我們怎能不謙卑。不要為自己爭。

天國裏每個人都一樣大。我們先與人和睦，再使人和睦。

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How?

Be humble and do our best effort to enter the kingdom of the Lord!

You unbelieving and perverse generation

 Matthew 17:14-27

“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” And the disciples were filled with grief.

After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes, he does,” he replied. he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered.

“Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

Why?

The disciples could not rebuke the demon, because they have not faith to drive the demon out. So Jesus said you unbelieving and perverse generation. We knew and have been disciples of Jesus, but when trouble came we are easy to fall into grieve and hopeless situations. Because our faith is little.

Real faith may induce the action to face it. It is leading by the Holy Spirit.

The second time Jesus said he will be killed and raised to life three days later, but his disciple could not understand it, and they were filled with grief. Their hope is on Jesus to be the King in Israel.

Jesus doesn't have to pay the temple tax, but they are under the authority of this world, so Jesus let Peter pay the tax.

How?

Be strong and encourage in our faith, for Jesus is the Lord, focus on Jesus instead of on our problem.

 

This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!

 Matthew 17:1-13

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

Why?

Jesus let his three disciples, Peter, Jame, and John, the most closer disciple up a high mountain, let them see the vision of Jesus talking with Elijah and Moses.

Jesus has crossed the time, for Elijah and Moses are in different time scales, but Jesus may talk with them.

And under the cloud the sound they heard "This is my son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased. Listen to him!" This is one more time approved Jesus is the son of the Lord.

All the prophets said about Messiah were come truth.

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16:21-17:8  跟隨的意義： 受苦的基督。做門徒的意義。基督的身份： 榮耀的基督。

v1-8:耶穌的身份 -  榮耀的基督。

耶穌只帶三個門徒，他們有特別經歷、教導、使命。見到他榮耀的形象。摩西、以利亞在耶穌兩旁，表示耶穌才是中心。摩西是律法的代表，以利亞是先知的代表。這三個有此特殊的經歷當然更要聽他。這次比上次耶穌受洗，多一句「你們要聽他」。我們除了經歷神權能後，更要聽神的話。不是要求耶穌做什麼?在這榮耀中是美好的，所以彼得希望永遠住下來。雲彩把光遮蔽了，異象的後面帶出神的使命。不要沉迷於氣氛中。讓我們享受這些敬拜的美好氣氛中，不要忘記神交待的使命。我們願意離開舒適圈嗎？

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How?
Jesus is the Lord, Jesus is the Son of the Lord, so listen to him! This it the order of the Lord and the fountain of blessing!

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me

 Matthew 16:21-28

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “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 will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Why?

Jesus talking to his disciple what will happen on him, but Peter didn’t know the plan of the Lord so he said don’t do it. Then Jesse rebuked peter you do not have I’m mind it concerns of God, but merely human concerns. We are easily concern our concerns, human concern.

Nothing can exchange for our soul, so Jesus says whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

To be a Christian is a blessing and it is a hard road to walk forward, for it is difficult on the way to kingdom of the Lord. But God will be with us, when we focus on the Lord, instead of look down on the road, when we crossed the difficulty we may discovered the grace of the Lord is greater than the difficulty.

The grace of the Lord us enough to all his follower.

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耶穌來世上

A:受苦的基督：門徒對於基督的使命、不清楚，容易誤導其他人。要有正確的基督觀，才能有正確的門徒觀。彼得認為耶穌是君王，怎麼可以去受死呢?彼得關心人國的事，不關心神的事。

B:正確的門徒觀：捨己是放下自己，方法是捨命，不是去爭榮耀。這才是做門徒，要透過受苦來榮耀。所以禁食禱告，就是關心神的事，比自己的吃更重要。當門徒不是關心自己的感覺，而是關心神的心意，神的事情。

C:榮耀的基督

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How?

Take up my cross and follow Jesus Christ.

Peter says Jesus is the Meaaish, the Son of the living God

Matthew 16:13-20

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Why?

Jesus asked disciples, Who do people say the Son of Man is? Then Who do you say I am?

People did not really know who Jesus is, but most disciples did not know who Jesus is at that moment. Only Peter knew Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

This the Lord revealed to Peter, and Peter was chosen will be a rock to build church. The rock is the truth, Jesus is the foundation of the Church.

The church is higher than Hades, and Jesus gives the keys of the kingdom of heaven, Peter has more power to overcome the evil and connect to the heaven. This is great authroithy overcome the world, for all of us may overcome the world, if we follow the command of the Lord, it is not us but the authority of the Jesus Christ name.

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耶穌問門徒他是誰？等於是期末考試。有人認為耶穌是以利亞，爲耶穌行許多神蹟。他們爲什麼不知道耶穌的身份？因爲律法主義的影響。

此地在該撒利亞，是外邦人的地，希望門徒不要受猶太人傳統影響。彼得在聖靈感動中明日說出耶穌是彌賽亞。

耶穌要門徒繼續去傳揚福音。

教會的權柄建立在神的道上，也就是先知和使徒上。建立在對耶穌正確的認上。

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How?

Let me be a rock of the truth and have close relationship with Jesus Christ, fot what I have is God‘s grace come upon me. No matter what I have, God’s way is beyond then mine.

On your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

 Matthew 16;1-12

The Demand for a Sign: You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away.

When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

The Pharisees had demanded a sign once before. Now the Sadducees, the ultra-conservatives, join them in putting Jesus to test. But his answer is still the same.

Why?

The foreigners knew what Jesus did and gave honor to the God of Israel. But Pharisees and Sadducees don't know Jesus is the Son of the Lord.

When they don't believe Jesus, what Jesus did is nonsense to them. So Jesus refuses to make any miracle to them.

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防犯法利賽人的酵，聽什麼比吃什麼重要。

分辨天氣都可以卻看不懂耶穌的神跡。我們豈可因爲一點小事離家教會。人若不願意悔改是看不到神蹟。

已經不信了，耶穌行的豈會相信？他們要求按照他們指定的行爲，這就是行爲主義。門徒承認耶穌行的神蹟，對於還沒發生事卻擔心。我們都相信，耶穌是全能的主，但是遇困難時，卻會憂慮，現在沒有餅時該怎麼辦？不·要受理性主義影響，行爲主義影響。神蹟是神的工作，超越我們的想法。不要認為我們要做什麼？憂慮？神要我們完全放下。

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How?

Be humble trust in the Lord and Jesus Christ. And be careful about the yeast of Pharisees. 

Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand

 Matthew 15:29-39

The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.”

“How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.”

He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. 

The differences of detail between this passage and the fact that Mark also records both miracles, make it unlikely that this is a second account of the same event, despite the basic similarity. The context suggests that on this occasion non-Jews were fed.

Why?

When we search the Lord and follow Jesus Christ, what we needed Jesus has compassion for us so we don't worry about what we eat and clothes. Pray for his kingdom and his righteousness first.

The mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking, and the blind seeing are the symbols that Jesus is the Lord, who loves everyone come before him. So their request is full-filled.

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And they praised the God of Israel：這表示說這話的是外邦人。這迦南婦人的事，周圍的外邦人來跟隨耶穌，他們真的看見耶穌的作為。迦南婦人不是第一次，上次是百夫長。這次是在迦南地，是在神本來要減掉的地方，又是婦女，地位低落，卻認識耶穌才是她的道路，所以她的影響力超過百夫長。他們不僅歸榮耀給以色列的神，且追隨耶穌。神給我們信心不僅自己蒙福，而是要讓更多的人蒙福，神的名得著榮耀。

這些人一直跟隨耶穌三天，第一天醫治好的人，可能沒有馬上離開，因為他們還想看耶穌更多話語，更認識耶穌，更多與耶穌相處。通常人多在自己的問題解決後就離開回家了，就認為沒有那麼需要神。他們沒有考慮到自己可能沒有東西吃了，願意繼續跟隨耶穌。門徒似乎沒有學會，怕這些人失望，沒有因為神蹟被教會。第一次行在以色列當中，第二次在外邦人當中。第一次剩下12籃，第二次七籃剩下。12籃是12支派都會得到神的供應，7籃是創造的第七天，代表完整的祝福。代表不會只有一次。將來萬國萬民都要經歷耶穌給4千人吃飽的神蹟。都會經歷到耶穌基督的供應，耶穌來不僅3給猶太人，更是到萬族萬邦。門徒是怕耶穌無法供應，門徒對耶穌還是沒有信心。這群後受到迦南婦人激勵的外邦人，值得他們放下一切來跟隨的耶穌。

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How?

Jesus is the Lord, praise the son of the Lord.

Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted

 Matthew 15:21-28

A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”

Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

Tyre and Sidon lay outside Jewish territory. The Canaanite woman is quick to seize her opportunity. The case of the centurion's servant makes it clear the race is not a barrier; God's kingdom is inclusive. So the harsh response would seem to be a test of faith. Quick as a flash, the woman quips back, And Jesus will not refuse a request made with such tenacious faith.

Why?

Here it is a test to the woman: How strong the faith she has? And encouraged the faith of his disciples.

When she passed the test, Jesus gave her a positive response. And healed his daughter, the request is granted.

Am I have the same faith to Jesus Christ? If we believe we should have the action like this woman came to Jesus and request to Jesus Christ.

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信心的榜樣

在推羅西頓境內，迦南婦人是以舊約方式稱呼外邦人，即應該被剪除的人，她卻不斷的呼喊。打發她走兩個意思1)趕走 2)滿足她的請求 耶穌卻沒有如此之，門徒的目的是怕麻煩，不是憐憫婦人，而是自己需要。我奉差遣是到以色列人家去，這是為門徒說的，這是神傳福音的順序，不可為自己的原則上，破壞神的原則。這就是給會堂奉獻而不照顧父母就是為自己。

耶穌提到門徒、狗，怎麼這樣說? 耶穌提出一個解套的辦法，婦人的回答讓耶穌醫治，耶穌提出一個場景讓婦人找到解套的辦法。既滿足神的原則，又滿足婦人的請求。耶穌不是在打發這個婦人，而是在不違背神的原則下，為婦人舖路。耶穌為我們也一樣。神的原則是救恩先臨到猶太人。

婦人信心是大的，因為1)稱耶穌為大衛 的子孫，2)大聲呼求，不怕別人 3)婦人知道自己不配。一般如果有信心反而變成驕傲。婦人只要一點點碎雜就好了。這是我們基督徒該學習的榜樣。我們自己本來是不配的。信心的功課是1)神的心意絕不改變，尊主為大，2)謙卑，3)除了主以外沒有別的方法了。

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How?

Faith is our foundation of behaviour. If we have faith in Chris, we don't fear and have peace in us.

What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them

 Matthew 15:10-20

“Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.”

Jesus never hesitated to denounce tradition wherever it watered down or undermined scriptural principles. The ruling on vows is a case in point. People were allowed exemption from their duty to maintain their parents if they dedicated the money to God. That way they could still enjoy the proceeds. It is not simply 'clean hands' but a 'clean heart' (motive and intent) that matters.

Why?

Everyone should keep their heart clean, follow the way of the Lord and let the Holy Spirit to remind us get rid of evil mind or grief mind.

Wash hands before eating are good for our health, but more important is the motivation and intention, what we like to show up or to honor the name of the Lord.

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法利賽人質疑耶穌的門徒吃飯不洗手。

吃的東西會排出來。出口的言語因為人的心顯出人的污穢，使人變壞。人的好壞是看人的心。耶穌關心人的內心如何?守禁令不能代表人內心的是否潔淨。

法利賽人所行的守規定，卻不能叫人變好，所以這是指人的栽種，用人外在的行為企圖得神喜悅。這是浪費時間、金錢，沒有好結果，都要被拔除，不是神栽種的，又好像瞎子帶瞎子都要掉在坑裏。

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How?

Be aware in this generation to show our love to people and with a pure heart before the Lord.