Bible Studies in the Gospel of Matthew

XXXIII

Matthew 7:12: This scripture puts an end to everything that is called “demanding.” It excludes the spirit of demanding. People are usually quick, smart, and eloquent when it concerns figuring out everything that others should do for them in the various situations. Jesus turns this around, saying that this is precisely how we should treat them.

This scripture is like a punch in the face or like the cut of a sword to the very center of the heart. I have complete authority over only one person, and, that is myself. I should always be on the alert to make sure that I always do everything to everyone else that I would like them to do to me.

For example, I think that they should be quick to offer me a night’s lodging. This is the very thing that I should be alert to so that I offer it to others! Or they should be quick to refill my cup. Therefore this is what I should be quick to do! Or someone ought to give me a helping hand. This is something that I should never neglect to do myself. Couldn’t my creditor get the idea of forgiving my debt on his own—the debt that has weighed me down for such a long time? This is the very thing I need to pay attention to and not forget when someone is weighed down by what he owes me, etc., etc.—without end!

This is a unique and blessed doctrine of Christ!

By thinking thoroughly about this matter, our eyes are opened to the fact that we are still, in spite of all the salvation of which we have partaken, by and large unsaved! In spite of everything, we are not as quick to do to others as we are quick to figure out what they should do to us. Yet it is attainable. Here is something to reach out for. Let us carry on. Amen.

XXXIV

Matthew 7:13-14: Taken superficially, you could believe that you have gone through the strait gate and walked on the narrow way once you have submitted to God. However, this is not the case.

If we look at it in the context of the previous verses, we get the profound and true understanding of its real meaning: when we in all essential points have overcome the things that make it impossible for us to do everything to our fellow men that we want them to do to us, then we have gone through the strait gate.

In other words, it is the same as being crucified with Christ. Walking on the narrow way is the same as being crucified to all the sinful lusts that we are aware of, together with continuing to reckon ourselves crucified to (surrendered into death) all the bad things over which we will receive light in the future as they come up.

XXXV

Matthew 7:15-23: The clothing of today’s false prophets is their pleasant and sweet words, their smiles, their friendly demeanor, and all the nice and touching things they have to say about Jesus.

Their wolfish greed is recognizable by their works; for example, their love of money and their desire for delicious food. When they appear to be innocent and upright sheep as a result of their pleasant manners, there is danger afoot. Therefore Jesus expressly says, “Beware!”

A person has to be extremely God-fearing as well as strong in the Lord his God, having taken the Word seriously to heart, to be so clear-headed and sober-minded that he is not deceived by their pleasing words (even if their message is accompanied by prophesying and signs and wonders), but quite soberly going only by their lifestyle, by their righteousness.

The mark of true prophets is that they proclaim truths of life just as Jesus Himself did, so that soul is separated from spirit and joints from marrow, and that the counsels of the heart are judged, and at the same time display upright care for the salvation of souls, and do not live for themselves.

Inwardly, false prophets are ravenous wolves, while outwardly, they are clothed in sheep’s clothing. True prophets are the exact opposite. Inwardly, they are like sheep, while outwardly, they can appear to be clothed in a wolf’s pelt. False prophets offer what is sweet and comfortable, but in the end everything will be in the light, and then it will not be very comfortable and pleasant. True prophets let the light shine right into the hearts so that all the filth is revealed, which is—humanly speaking—neither comfortable nor pleasant. However, souls then have an opportunity to cleanse and purify themselves. And after a while, while this is happening, it becomes more and more “comfortable” and “pleasant” in spirit and truth.

The way of salvation does indeed lead through sufferings to glory. Whitewashing wretchedness and enjoying yourself as long as you can for as long as it lasts is like building and living on a volcano! Let us therefore follow Jesus’ word: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing . . . .”