The King Who arranged a marriage for His Son
Matthew Henry's commentary provides a nice overview of Matthew 22:
Chapter 22
This chapter is a continuation of Christ’s discourses in the temple, two or three days before he died. His discourses then are largely recorded, as being of special weight and consequence. In this chapter, we have, I. Instruction given, by the parable of the marriage-supper, concerning the rejection of the Jews, and the calling of the Gentiles (v. 1–10), and, by the doom of the guest that had not the wedding-garment, the danger of hypocrisy in the profession of Christianity (v. 11–14). II. Disputes with the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes, who opposed Christ, 1. Concerning paying tribute to Caesar (v. 15–22). 2. Concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the future state (v. 23–33). 3. Concerning the great commandment of the law (v. 34–40). 4. Concerning the relation of the Messiah to David (v. 41–46).
Beginning with verse 1, we find out that Jesus utilized the form of a parable to answer the questions posed to Him:
Mat 22:1 AND Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said:
Mat 22:2 "The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son,
Matthew Henry commentary:
We have here the parable of the guests invited to the wedding-feast. In this it is said (v. 1), Jesus answered, not to what his opposers said (for they were put to silence), but to what they thought, when they were wishing for an opportunity to lay hands on him, ch. 21:46. Note, Christ knows how to answer men’s thoughts, for he is a Discerner of them. Or, He answered, that is, he continued his discourse to the same purport; for this parable represents the gospel offer, and the entertainment it meets with, as the former, but under another similitude. The parable of the vineyard represents the sin of the rulers that persecuted the prophets; it shows also the sin of the people, who generally neglected the message, while their great ones were persecuting the messengers.
I. Gospel preparations are here represented by a feast which a king made at the marriage of his son; such is the kingdom of heaven, such the provision made for precious souls, in and by the new covenant. The King is God, a great King, King of kings. Now,
1. Here is a marriage made for his son, Christ is the Bridegroom, the church is the bride; the gospel-day is the day of his espousals, Cant. 3:11.* Behold by faith the church of the first-born, that are written in heaven, and were given to Christ by him whose they were; and in them you see the bride, the Lamb’s wife, Rev. 21:9. The gospel covenant is a marriage covenant betwixt Christ and believers, and it is a marriage of God’s making. This branch of the similitude is only mentioned, and not prosecuted here.
I love the detail that Henry provides in his commentaries. He also provides links to additional verses in the Bible to reiterate what is being shared.
Notice that Henry states that "the gospel covenant is a marriage covenant between Christ and believers, and it is a marriage of God's making."
This provides more evidence of God's intention regarding the marriage covenant that he originally created. In Genesis, we are told that it is a union between one man and one woman. No other type of union is described as being a legitimate marriage. This is one profound reason why many Christian believers (as well as Jewish and even Muslim people) reject the notion of "same-sex marriage." It is not fitting, proper, nor recognized by God according to the Scriptures.
Another point to consider is how Jesus uses marriage as a description of his relationship between Himself and believers. It is discussed as a covenant, not a sexual union. Later, in this chapter, we find out that marriage is much more than a sexual union and that the giving and taking in marriage is no longer needed, desired or done in eternity. We will discover that our relationship to Christ will be similar to "the angels in heaven." Right now, we are created "a little lower than the angels." In eternity, we will be presented as the "Bride of Christ" and will be judges of the angels! Wow! That's quite an honor and responsibility. We better get ready while here on earth...Amen?
If you are a student of the Bible, you can't help but notice that Satan, Christ's adversary, has throughout history been engaged in twisting Scripture and tempting people to his own ends.
Could the twisting of the marriage covenant introduced by God in Genesis be another weapon in Satan's evil arsenal?
I think so.
He has wrecked havoc here on earth in the forms of temptation into fornication, adultery, divorce, homosexuality, pedophilia, pornography, rape, incest, prostitution, abortion etc. No wonder Jesus likened the signs of the end times to being "as in the days of Lot," and "as in the days of Noah." What were those "times" known for? Sexual perversion and licientiousness! Except for pornography, the rest of the sexual sins and perversions were certainly rampant in Biblical times as they are today. Sexual sins often become the "idols" or "gods" that people pursue here on earth. Athiests, skeptics and agnostics may claim not to believe in the God of the Bible, but many probably have some sexual sin type of baggage that keeps them in bondage to the "Prince of Darkness" and away from the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Sexual sin is one of the most powerful forces that keep people away from God!
Henry's comment, "The parable of the vineyard represents the sin of the rulers that persecuted the prophets; it shows also the sin of the people, who generally neglected the message, while their great ones were persecuting the messengers," describes how little unregenerate man has changed since Biblical times. Look around today and we see people, "who generally neglect the message" of Christ's gospel. We see "great ones" (meaning, religious leaders who reject the timeless wisdom of the Bible and instead create religions to please themselves) persecuting the messengers (born-again, Bible-based Christians who are often labeled in derogatory terms). Today, it is not "politically correct" to point out the sin of the people for the sake of salvation for their souls. The new "emergent church" techniques eliminate the "bad news" of our sinful condition and only share the "good news" of the Gospel. Trouble is, without confession and repentance, the salvation of the soul cannot be realized by the individual. The Holy Spirit indwells the repentant heart, not the prideful heart that would "hold onto" any type of sin that the individual refuses to confess; or even admit is a sin in the first place!
[*Note: The Cant. 3:11 designation is something that I'm not familiar with. However, when you click on the link it takes you to Song of Songs 3:11.]
posted by Christinewjc @ 9:46 AM
12 comments
12 Comments:
Hey Christine!
Yes I have been busy on that topic. They started it! :)
That question I got from a friend Debra JM Smith. She is linked on my link section. It is " "Which do you feel is the foundation for homosexual acts, good or evil? If you could give me reasons with examples, for your answers, it would be appreciated." ---end of question
She goes on to write
It was apparent that this question was the right question to ask. The only way it could be truthfully answered would be for a person to say that homosexual acts are of the evil foundation. The way that the question was asked did not allow for a person to lie and say that homosexual acts are of the good foundation because the follow up was asking for reasons and examples for any answer. Fact is there are no reasons or examples to support homosexual acts being of a good foundation. (No one could give even one reason or one example.)
When examining the fruit of homosexual acts, it can quickly be seen that the fruit is destruction. And it can be seen that, no good comes from homosexual acts.
Mark? What are is the foundation of heterosexual acts for premarrital people? Is it good? Or is it evil?
You speak of the {act} itself, but do you ever wonder about the depths of what's between two people who love one another with all their heart?
Put sex aside for a moment. (Sex being the bonus.) Love, commitment, emotional support, friendshiph and loyalty. You speak of those who are promiscuous---fine. But when you speak for all of us, is when I question your knowledge for any of us in the gay community.
God loves all his children. He sat and ate with all sinners of this world. We can not escape the sins of this world unless we believe that Jesus died for us.
So then, can you throw the first stone? No one can. It's silly to say we could. We're all sinners.
When examining the fruit of heterosexual premarrital acts, it can quickly be seen that the fruit is destruction. And it can be seen that, no good comes from heterosexual premarrital acts.
Do you think that EVERYONE waited before they got married, to have sex?
Come on! ;)
Peace!
Deb asks...Mark? What are is the foundation of heterosexual acts for premarrital people? Is it good? Or is it evil?
Its foundation is evil. It is wrong. Glad you agree.
You speak of the {act} itself, but do you ever wonder about the depths of what's between two people who love one another with all their heart?
You are right, I was speaking of the act. That's why you can't or won't answer. I don't wonder, I know about the depths of loving another, both male and female.
Do you think that EVERYONE waited before they got married, to have sex?
No I do not. What is your point Deb? If it is because 'Most do not wait, so it is ok' that's ridiculous and you know it.
Deb, I do not speak for all of us as you say. The problem with what you promote, is it is indeed unbiblical. I am well aware we are all sinners. What you fail to embrace is the very act of repentence. That Deb is required by God inorder to be saved! It's not "sin, ok forgive me"..sin ok, forgive me etc.. God's knows your heart and your ACTS reveal your heart's state. IMO, your heart is unsaved by your very words.
If you claim to be a 'Christian' and minimize your sins, like 'Gay Christians' and many others do, you remain an enemy of God even as you sit in church Deb. For me Not to tell you that, would be like watching you burn while holding a Fire Extinguisher.
Until you realize and accept these Biblical truths, you will remain without God and will be subject to His Righteous judgment. You will remain a 'false convert' leading others away from God and into Evil's hand. Woe to those that do that!
No sinner partakes of Christ's justifying righteousness, till he repents of his evil deeds. The mercy revealed in the gospel leads the believer to still deeper self-abhorrence. The law is the Christian's rule of duty, and he delights therein. If a man, pretending to be Christ's disciple, encourages himself/herself in any allowed disobedience to the holy law of God, or teaches others to do the same, whatever his station or reputation among men may be, he can be no true disciple. Christ's righteousness, imputed to us by faith alone, is needed by every one that enters the kingdom of grace or of glory; but the new creation of the heart to holiness, produces a thorough change in a man's temper and conduct.'
God NEVER said "WOW! look at my children, they can't handle this so I'll send them my son to save them" God is never surprised and requires you to die of your sinful flesh and live for Him. Those that do not, no matter how many poor people, sick people etc..they have helped, will die without Christ and spend eternity in Hell.
I hope and pray you will at lest stop encouraging others to embrace your very unbiblical views, and stop making up a Deb's God that does not exist. Study and read the Bible first, then ask pray and live the rest of your life seeking God's truth, not your own.
So then, can you throw the first stone? No one can. It's silly to say we could. We're all sinners
I am not condemning you to death Deb. I would never usurp God's authority in Eternal Judgement. We are however called to correct each other with humility and the scriptures. I am no more precious to God than you are! Nor anyone else who has same sex attractions.
Expressing your love for another woman sexually is like buying a Fake Diamond and calling it real. Satan loves when we do that. We are rejecting the HOLY HOLY HOLY wonderful sexual experience God has given us, for a phoney Satan inspired feeling.
May God bless your walk!
Hi Mark,
Thanks for sharing all of that information. I need to check out Debra JM Smith's blog!
It certainly is a good question...and the right one to ask. I once read a blog where the person pointed out that "evil" is "live" spelled backwards.
Homosexual acts can cause disease, deformity and premature death in the individuals who practice them. Those that think it's not sin and that it is OK to engage in are apparently so wrapped up into this "cult of death" behavior that has arisen from the deceptive lie of Satan.
"When examining the fruit of homosexual acts, it can quickly be seen that the fruit is destruction. And it can be seen that, no good comes from homosexual acts."
Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. Homosexual behavior steals from God's created order and the proper sexual relationship meant for us; homosexual behavior can kill both participants and kills the chance that such individuals will procreate; homosexual behavior destroys not only the body, but the hearts, minds, souls and spirits of the participants because if left unrepentant, their eternal soul will be forever separated from God. Quite a combination of reasons to avoid it, wouldn't you agree?
Hello again Deb,
I'm glad that you came back over to post at my new blog.
I have seen that you are sincere in your beliefs. I don't think that you are intentionally leading others astray. But the sad part is, in fact, that you are leading people astray through your confused theology.
There is nothing wrong with loving a fellow female person. All of the traits and aspects that you listed (Love, commitment, emotional support, friendship and loyalty) do not hinder the Biblical mandates that as Christians, we are to follow. It is when you add in the same-sex physical acts that you are then placing fleshly desires above your love for God. It's that plain and simple.
I know that Mark and I will probably never convince you of the truth about homosexual behavior being an abomination to God and a sinful act. But it is my hope and prayer that some day, perhaps you will re-think through on this issue.
"Gay" Christians can be so convinced that they are absolutely right that they refuse to see what God calls them towards in their lives. The Bible tells us that he calls all Christians to be sanctified in holiness and to strive for righteousness. We will never completely reach such a goal on this side of heaven, but it is in the striving that we become more and more like Jesus.
One day, we will all appear before Jesus and have to answer for all that we have done (or didn't do) for the sake of spreading the Gospel message.
Isaiah tells us that "all of our righteousnesses are as filthy rags."
That's harsh!! But it's true!!
We can't even imagine the holiness and righteousness of God. I think that when we get to heaven, we are going to be amazed that God "first loved us" even in our fallen state of sin. But I also think that rewards are in direct conjunction with our deeds on this earth. This includes moral (and/or immoral) deeds...especially after we have been saved.
God wants us to be obedient!!!
Wishing that an immoral deed is no longer immoral doesn't cut it with God. Jesus told us, "If you love me, keep my commandments." We are to love God first and above all else. We are to do this with our minds, hearts, bodies, souls and spirits. When born again, our bodies are now "not our own, for we were bought at a price." Our bodies are now the temple for the Holy Spirit's indwelling.
It is the second (second in importance, too) commandment that says to "love your neighbor as yourself." That doesn't include having sex with that neighbor. But this is what homosexual behavior represents. It is a form of sex forbidden by God. It is just as sinful as the various types of heterosexual sex that we could name.
But we don't have churches cropping up all over our nation claiming that congregants can be born again in Christ and remain willfully engaged in fornication, adultery, pornography, prostitution, etc. There are no born-again, Bible believing Christian churches (I hope!!)that label themselves as "Prostitution Christians," or "Fornication Christians," or "Adultery Christans," etc. But we do, unfortunately, have "Gay Christian" churches. Can you see the hypocrisy of this??
You said, "God loves all his children. He sat and ate with all sinners of this world. We can not escape the sins of this world unless we believe that Jesus died for us."
Jesus doesn't want the sinners of this world to remain in their sin!! Yes. Jesus died for our individual sins and the sins of the entire world. But the Bible is clear about the need for repentance which means to confess and turn away from our former sinful acts.
Jesus didn't condemn the woman caught in adultery, but he didn't condone her conduct either. He told her to "go and leave your life of sin."
If I remember correctly, this is the same woman who later knelt at Jesus' feet, rubbed them with her hair and annointed them with expensive perfume. She was so grateful for the salvation from her sin! She knew that Jesus was the Messiah who was to come! She probably gave all that she had to get that perfume. Shouldn't we have the same attitude as that woman and give all that we have in the form of obedience as Jesus commands?
What helps us to be obedient? I think of any of my present or future sins as being another "nail to pierce the skin of one who loved me so deeply"* that he died just for me so that I could be reconciled unto God the Father! Why would I want to willfully add to the nails or the spear that pierced him???
With Christ indwelled in my heart in the form of the Holy Spirit, why would I want to make him out to be a "minister of sin?" As the Scriptures say, "God forbid!"
*That brief quote is from a Jars of Clay song. I will search for the lyrics because I think it would be very fitting for our conversation here.
"Worlds Apart"
lyrics by Jars of Clay
I am the only one to blame for this
Somehow it all adds up the same
Soaring on the wings of selfish pride
I flew too high and like Icarus I collide
With a world I try so hard to leave behind
To rid myself of all but love,
To give and die
To turn away and not become
Another nail to pierce the skin of one who loves
More deeply than the oceans,
More abundant than the tears
Of a world embracing every heartache
Can I be the one to sacrifice?
Or grip the spear and watch the blood and water flow?
To love you - take my world apart
To need you - I am on my knees
To love you - take my world apart
To need you - broken on my knees
All said and done I stand alone
Amongst remains of a life I should not own
It takes all I am to believe
In the mercy that covers me
Did you really have to die for me?
All I am for all you are
Because what I need and what I believe are worlds apart
And I pray,
To love you - take my world apart
To need you - I am on my knees
To love you - take my world apart
To need you - broken on my knees
I look beyond the empty cross
Forgetting what my life has cost
And wipe away the crimson stains
And dull the nails that still remains
More and more I need you now,
I owe you more each passing hour
The battle between grace and pride
I gave up not so long ago
So steal my heart and take the pain
And wash the feet and cleanse my pride
Take the selfish, take the weak,
And all the things I cannot hide
Take the beauty, take my tears
The sin and soaked heart and make it yours
Take my world all apart
Take it now, take it now
And serve the ones that I despise
Speak the words I can't deny
Watch the world I used to love
Fall to dust and thrown away
I look beyond the empty cross
Forgetting what my life has cost
So wipe away the crimson stains
And dull the nails that still remain
So steal my heart and take the pain
Take the selfish, take the weak
And all the things I cannot hide
Take the beauty, take my tears
Take my world apart, take my world apart
I pray, I pray, I pray
Take my world apart
Worlds Apart.
[bold- mine]
..."Homosexual acts can cause disease, deformity and premature death in the individuals who practice them."
Heterosexual sex causes disease too. What about deformity? How can homosexuals cause deformity? We cannot reproduce. And premature death? Anyone, anywhere, can have premature death if they do not practice monogomy in my opinion.
Thank you for saying my beliefs are sincere. Again, as I've said before, I stand strong on this, because I have had spiritual experiences numerous times to let me know that God thinks "I'm okay". I am not promiscuous, nor do I hurt anyone. I am in a monogomous relationship; a loving relationship of 12 years.
I'm glad Mark answered my question of the foundations of the 'act'----heterosexual as well as homosexual. But I wonder, what about all the other sins that our bodies and physical nature go through?
I know it's a narrow gate to get into heaven...but why would God put us all here--all of us "sinners", only to end up in hell? I just don't believe that.
Christine, when I meditate and read the bible, I do get different interpretations of the meaning than you.
And, because I love Jesus, doesn't mean that I'm drawing people away from God.
Think about this for a moment... Gays and lesbians everywhere are scared of religion----period. "MOST" of them turn to 'accepting' religions like Unitarianism or even go into Wicca/Pagan. Why? Because many judgmental Christians in our churches today will condemn those who aren't perfect. They're the ones who draw people away from God. They're scary to us. But if you're strong in your beliefs---which my partner and I are ....then you will keep your head up high and ignore what others----{imperfect humans} will have to say. For who can cast the first stone?
So, by writing my book and listing the spiritual experiences of which I had, will hopefully lead others to God...not away. I also focus that everyone sins. The main theme of the book is about my break up I went through and how my healing process began with God...praying to Him. But the primary focus is that God's a forgiving God...not a hateful God.
And that's not just "my God", it's everyone's God. He loves all of us. And, I believe that He knows all of our hearts, our minds and our souls. We're saved through loving Him.
The worst sin of all...is not loving Him.
Thank you for listing that beautiful song. And thank you for responding Christine and Mark. I hope you don't mind me commenting. I seriously love to ask questions of other Christians. I do seek answers---and not "loopholes". I like to see other people's point of views. I don't mean to bust chops or make you feel as though I'm poking at you trying to torment you with my beliefs. I believe that your belief is valid and I guess that's why the entire world has been having holy wars for centuries. There's never an agreement when it comes to religion or even the same religion...yet with different outlooks on it.
God bless!
Hi Deb,
I'm glad that we are at least speaking to each other again. Despite the fact that we will probably continue to disagree on the homosexual issue, we can still continue to dialogue respectfully (I hope!).
You said, "I know it's a narrow gate to get into heaven...but why would God put us all here--all of us "sinners", only to end up in hell? I just don't believe that."
I don't want to misrepresent what you are saying here so I must ask you this. Are you saying that you don't believe in the existence of hell? I will wait for your response before commenting further.
Oh, no, I definitely believe in hell. I think (in my opinion) I would be stupid not to believe that there wasn't. I'm even surprised when peopl say there isn't a hell--and that we're living in it right now. (Sometimes it feels like it, right?)
And yes, I always find your posts interesting and enjoy communicating with you. It's always respectful when you send your message. Thank you for that.
I'll be back later... :) Sorry I'm commenting on an earlier post.
Deb says Gays and lesbians everywhere are scared of religion----period. "MOST" of them turn to 'accepting' religions like Unitarianism or even go into Wicca/Pagan. Why? Because many judgmental Christians in our churches today will condemn those who aren't perfect. They're the ones who draw people away from God.
That is one big fat Lie directly from satan himself! It has absolutely nothing to do with Gays, it has Everything to do with human beings rejecting God's word and rejecting God's Holiness and embracing a humanistic approach. That Deb is an excuse NOT to follow the Bible, but follow in your own flesh and desires. The only thing they are afraid of, is admitting God is Right and they are Wrong..repentence. Why? Pride! the very thing that will send satan and all his followers to torment in Hell for eternity.
Your judemental christians excuse is old and tired Deb, no offense. Please stop assuming anyone here, or the Christain Church as a whole, is usurping God's authority in Rightious eternal judgement. I have addressed this over and over. You cling to it, becuase you know down deep, you don't want to let go of your pride in sin and love of this world's pleasures, even if imitation.
You can pretend you saw Jesus and Jesus told you your homosexual acts are ok with Him. I will warn you Deb, that is riding damn close to Blasphemy if not the real thing! That is never going to wash before an almighy Holy God! You are in great eternal danger if you continue to spread that lie, directly from the depths of hell, to others searching for God's truth. Deb, you cannot attribute Evil, to Christ!
While God's ability to save is boundless, the Bible clearly shows that there are certain conditions under which He will not save. For instance, God will not save those who neglect or despise Christ's sacrifice in an effort to find an alternate salvation plan.
'For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins' (Hebrews 10:26).
Please ask for forgiveness!
Whew! OK good. I was worried there for a minute!
Unfortunately, there are so-called "Christian" people who do not believe in the existence of hell! George Barna did a survey and the statistics were really sad to read... The statistics of Christians who believe that the Bible presents absolute truth is low too. Now we know why "the gate is narrow to life and wide to destruction."
You said: "And that's not just "my God", it's everyone's God. He loves all of us. And, I believe that He knows all of our hearts, our minds and our souls. We're saved through loving Him.
The worst sin of all...is not loving Him."
I agree that Jesus wants us to willingly love Him. After all, he proved His love for us in that, "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly." We are saved through his sacrifice for us.
I understand that what you are saying about our need and desire to love Him is true, but I might have to disagree that "not loving Him" is the "worst sin."
I'm currently reading a book written by Gary Frazier called, "The Glorious Appearing." In chapter 3 (Called Hell: The Suffering) he tells us that people don't go to hell for adultery, murder, lying, etc. They go to hell because "they reject the suffering sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross. The price of rejecting an infinite sacrifice is an infinite suffering."
He goes on to say, "In short, the pain of hell is the eternal retribution of rejecting the infinite pain of the perfect sacrifice of the Son of God. If you reject what He did in enduring the most excruciating penalty in history, you will go to hell for that.
Hell is a place of suffering. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes...(Luke 16:23). The rich man of Jesus' parable cried out, I am in agony in this flame (Luke 16:24). The man begged that the leper who lay outside his gate in his earthly life now come and touch his tongue with just one drop of water for that most slight relief. Jesus paints a picture of total and permanent torture and torment in a place called hell.
One of the greatest difficulties of the liberal theologians who love Jesus but reject hell is the grave truth that Jesus said more about hell than anyone else. The same tenderhearted Lord who healed the diseased, gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf and freed the demon-possessed from their demons was the same Lord who gave the most vivid pictures of hell in the New Testament. Jesus said more about hell than did the Apostle Paul. He repeatedly gave sobering warnings of the eternal nature of torment in hell. You cannot have the Jesus of the New Testament without His teachings about hell. If you doubt His teachings about hell, you had just as well doubt the story of His crucifixion and resurrection."
Unfortunately, many people do just that. They reject the fact of history of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection which allows them to dismiss the concept of hell in their own minds.
Many non-believers reject Christianity for these reasons.
1Cr 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
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