The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

YAHWEH sent a great prophet to prepare the people for the arrival of our Saviour, YAHshua. That prophet was called "John the baptizer." However, most people incorrectly refer to him as "John the Baptist." (John was called the "baptizer" because he baptized so many people, including our Saviour.)

Matthew 3 (I) In those days came John the baptizer, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, (2) And saying, Repent ye: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. (3) For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias [Isaiah], saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of YAHWEH, [Isa. 40 (3)] make HIS paths straight. (4) And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. (5) Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, (6) And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

YAHshua was baptized by John the Baptizer.

Matthew 3 (11) I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He [YAHshua] that cometh after me is mightier than I, Whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire: (12) Whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. (13) Then cometh YAHshua from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. (14) But John forbad Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me? (15) And YAHshua answering said unto him, Suffer [allow] it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered [allowed] Him. (16) And YAHshua, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of YAHWEH descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: (17) And lo a voice from Heaven, saying, This is MY beloved Son, in Whom I [YAHWEH] am well pleased.

YAHshua tested by the devil

Immediately after His baptism, YAHshua was taken into the wilderness where He fasted forty days.

Matthew 4 (I) Then was YAHshua led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted [tested] of the devil. (2) And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward hungered.

The devil tried to test YAHshua to see if He really was the Son of YAHWEH. YAHshua rejected the devil's challenge by quoting the word of YAHWEH to him.

Matthew 4 (3) And when the tempter [satan] came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of YAHWEH, command that these stones be made bread. (4) But He [YAHshua] answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of YAHWEH [Deu 8 (3)].

The devil tried again to see if he could trick YAHshua by misapplying Psalm 91:11-12. YAHshua answered him by correctly applying Deuteronomy 6:16.

Matthew 4 (5) Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, (6) And saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of YAHWEH, cast thyself down: for it is written, HE shall give HIS angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. (7) YAHshua said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt YAHWEH thy Elohim.

The devil then tried to bribe YAHshua into worshiping him instead of worshiping YAHWEH. That didn't work either. YAHshua answered him with Deuteronomy 6:13.

Matthew 4 (8) Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; (9) And saith unto Him, All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me. (10) Then saith YAHshua unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship YAHWEH thy Elohim, and HIM only shalt thou serve. (11) Then the devil leaveth Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him.

YAHshua's first miracle

A short time after YAHshua's went forth into Galilee, He attended a wedding in Cana where He performed His first recorded miracle. Many people speculate on whether the water was turned into wine, grape juice, or was only served as plain water. (I will not speculate on it. I will just accept it as it is written.)

John 2 (I) And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of YAHshua was there: (2) And both YAHshua was called, and His disciples, to the marriage. (3) And when they wanted wine, the mother of YAHshua saith unto him, They have no wine. (4) YAHshua saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come. (5) His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it. (6) And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. (7) YAHshua saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. (8) And He saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. (9) When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, (10) And saith unto Him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but Thou hast kept the good wine until now. (11) This beginning of miracles did YAHshua in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth His glory; and His disciples believed on Him.

HalleluYAH!

In the next lesson, a study will be made on the first preaching of YAHshua and His rejection by the people of His own hometown.

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

YAHshua not only began His ministry in Galilee, but most likely spent more time there than anywhere else. His main subject was to "Repent: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." ("Repent" means to change from our ways back to YAHWEH'S ways.")

Matthew 4 (12) Now when YAHshua had heard that John [the baptizer] was cast into prison, He departed into Galilee; (13) And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: … (17) From that time YAHshua began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

Many more of these things that took place in the ministry of YAHshua were recorded in Mark that were not recorded in Matthew before the famous "Sermon on the Mount" took place. Therefore, we will pick up the narrative in the first chapter of Mark. (The plans are to come back to the "Sermon on the Mount" later on in this series.)

Mark 1 (14) Now after that John [the baptizer] was put in prison, YAHshua came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of YAHWEH, (15) And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of YAHWEH is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

In this next scripture, YAHshua picked four of His twelve disciples, which He later called "Apostles."

Mark 1 (16) Now as He walked by the sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. (17) And YAHshua said unto them, Come ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. (18) And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed Him. (19) And when He had gone a little farther thence, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. (20) And straightway He called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after Him.

In this next scripture, YAHshua was teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath Day where He commanded the unclean spirit to come out of a man.

Mark 1 (21) And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the Sabbath Day He entered into the synagogue, and taught. (22) And they were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. (23) And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, (24) Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with Thee, Thou YAHshua of Nazareth? Art Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee Who Thou art, the Holy One of YAHWEH. (25) And YAHshua rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. (26) And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. (27) And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority commandeth He even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him. (28) And immediately His fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

After that, YAHshua healed Simon's (Peter) wife. When even had come, He healed many that were sick of different diseases, and cast out many devils.

Mark 1 (29) And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. (30) But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell Him of her. (31) And He came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. (32) And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto Him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. (33) And all the city was gathered together at the door. (34) And He healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew Him.

The next day YAHshua moved on to other towns. In one of the towns, He healed a man that had leprosy.

Mark 1 (35) And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. (36) And Simon and they that were with Him followed after Him. (37) And when they had found Him, they said unto Him, All men seek for Thee. (38) And He said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. (39) And He preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils. (40) And there came a leper to Him, beseeching Him, and kneeling down to Him, and saying unto Him, If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean. (41) And YAHshua, moved with compassion, put forth His hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. (42) And as soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. (43) And He straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; (44) And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. (45) But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that YAHshua could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to Him from every quarter.

In this next scripture, we find that one man was let down through the roof in order to be healed by YAHshua.

Mark 2 (I) And again He entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that He was in the house. (2) And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and He preached the word unto them. (3) And they come unto Him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. (4) And when they could not come nigh unto Him for the press, they uncovered the roof where He was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. (5) When YAHshua saw their faith, He said unto the sick of the palsy, son, thy sins be forgiven thee. (6) But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, (7) Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but YAHWEH only? (8) And immediately when YAHshua perceived in His spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, He said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? (9) Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? (10) But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (He saith to the sick of the palsy,) (11) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. (12) And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified YAHWEH, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

In this next scripture, YAHshua picked another one of His twelve disciples. (In Matthew 9:9 and at all other times in the New Testament, Levi was called "Matthew".)

Mark 2 (13) And He went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto Him, and He taught them. (14) And as He passed by, He saw *Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow Me. And he arose and followed Him. (15) And it came to pass, that, as YAHshua sat at meat in His house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with YAHshua and His disciples: for there were many, and they followed Him. (16) And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto His disciples, How is it that He eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? (17) When YAHshua heard it, He saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (18) And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto Him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Thy disciples fast not? (19) And YAHshua said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. (20) But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. (21) No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. (22) And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

YAHshua, Who is Sovereign of the Sabbath Day, was accused by the scribes and Pharisees of breaking it. He and His disciples were rubbing the heads of grain between there hands and eating the good kernels as they passed through the field on the Sabbath Day. This was not harvesting the crop.

Mark 2 (23) And it came to pass, that He went through the corn fields on the Sabbath Day; and His disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn [grain]. (24) And the Pharisees said unto Him, Behold, why do they on the Sabbath day that which is not lawful? (25) And He said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him? (26) How he went into the house of YAHWEH in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the showbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him? (27) And He said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath: (28) Therefore the Son of man is Sovereign also of the Sabbath.

Let us end this week's lesson by saying, "HalleluYAH!"

Third week's lesson on
The Deeds and Teachings of YAHshua

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

In last week's lesson we finished the second chapter of Mark. We read that YAHshua, Who is Sovereign of the Sabbath Day, was accused by the scribes and the Pharisees of breaking it. Continuing in the very next chapter, we see that they were watching to see if YAHshua would heal a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath Day. (According to all their own commandments of men, it was not lawful for YAHshua to do it.) They were still looking for any excuse that they could trump up to get rid of Him.

Mark 3 (I) And He entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. (2) And they watched Him, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath day; that they might accuse Him. (3) And He saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. (4) And He saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath days, or to do evil? To save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. (5) And when He had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, He saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. (6) And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.

Next, YAHshua went down by the sea where a multitude of people followed Him. He healed many people there at this time.

Mark 3 (7) But YAHshua withdrew Himself with His disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judaea, (8) And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things He did, came unto Him. (9) And He spake to His disciples, that a small ship should wait on Him because of the multitude, lest they should throng Him. (10) For He had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon Him for to touch Him, as many as had plagues. (11) And unclean spirits, when they saw Him, fell down before Him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of YAHWEH. (12) And He straitly charged them that they should not make Him known.

YAHshua went back up on a mountain from there. He singled out twelve people whom He ordained that they should be with Him and go preach for Him. (These twelve are known as the "Twelve Apostles." (Apostle means "sent one.")

Mark 3 (13) And He goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto Him whom He would: and they came unto Him. (14) And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach, (15) And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: (16) And Simon He surnamed Peter; (17) And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and He surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: (18) And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, (19) And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed Him: and they went into a house.

The same multitude that we saw in verses seven and eight which were from Galilee, Judaea, Jerusalem, Idumaea, beyond Jordan, and they about Tyre and Sidon come together again. It was here that YAHshua's own friends thought that He was crazy.

Mark 3 (20) And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. (21) And when His friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on Him: for they said, He is beside Himself.

The scribes who were also Pharisees accused YAHshua of casting out devils by Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils instead of by the power of YAHWEH.

Mark 3 (22) And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth He out devils. (23) And He called them unto Him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? (24) And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. (25) And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. (26) And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. (27) No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. (28) Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: (29) But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Spirit hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.

YAHshua's mother and brethren came probably to see for themselves what was going on when they heard that He was accused of having a devil.

Mark 3 (30) Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit. (31) There came then His brethren and His mother, and, standing without, sent unto Him, calling Him. (32) And the multitude sat about Him, and they said unto Him, Behold, Thy mother and Thy brethren without seek for Thee. (33) And He answered them, saying, Who is My mother, or My brethren? (34) And He looked round about on them which sat about Him, and said, Behold My mother and My brethren! (35) For whosoever shall do the Will of YAHWEH, the same is My brother, and My sister, and mother.

It is very possible that it was at this point that YAHshua gave the famous sermon that is referred to as the "Sermon on the Mount." Therefore, we will pick up again in the fifth chapter of Matthew in lesson four.

Let us end this lesson by saying HalleluYAH!!!

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

…….

In the fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters of Matthew, is recorded a long sermon that was given by YAHshua our Messiah. It is usually referred to as "The Sermon on the Mount." YAHshua was speaking to His disciples. (A disciple means a learner, or a pupil.) YAHshua had many disciples besides the twelve whom He chose to be His Apostles (an apostle is a "sent one.") He also has many disciples today and we can we become one of His disciples too.

Before we start in Matthew 5:1, maybe we should discuss how we can also become one of YAHshua's disciples. In the next few verses, we find that to be YAHshua's disciple we must love Him more than our own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters. We are to love Him even more than our own lives and every thing that we have. In other words, we must put Him ahead of everything else in our whole lives.

Luke 14 (25) And there went great multitudes with Him: and He turned, and said unto them, (26) If any man come to Me, and hate [G3404-love less] not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. (27) And whosoever doth not bear his cross [put to death the old sinful life], and come after Me, cannot be My disciple. … (33) So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.

As also seen in the above scripture, we must also put to death our old sinful way of living. How do we do that? Peter made that known on the great and awesome Day of Pentecost nearly two thousand years ago.

Acts 2 (37) Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? (38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent [turn back to YAHWEH'S ways], and be baptized every one of you in the name of YAHshua Messiah for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (39) For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as YAHWEH our Elohim shall call.

It was during the Sermon on the Mount that YAHshua gave what is referred to as the "Beatitudes."

Matthew 5 (I) And seeing the multitudes, He [YAHshua] went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him: (2) And He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying,

Matthew 5 (3) Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 5 (4) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5 (5) Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

In Psalm 37, it is also stated that the meek will inherit the Earth.

Psalm 37 (7) Rest in YAHWEH, and wait patiently for HIM: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. (8) Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. (9) For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon YAHWEH, they shall inherit the Earth. (10) For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. (11) But the meek shall inherit the Earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Matthew 5 (6) Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Matthew 5 (7) Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Matthew 5 (8) Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see YAHWEH.

Matthew 5 (9) Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the Children of YAHWEH.

Matthew 5 (10) Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 5 (11) Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. (12) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

In the next verse, YAHshua compares Believers to salt. He warns them that if they become worthless like bad salt they would be cast out of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 5 (13) Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

In the next verses, YAHshua compares Believers to light and stresses how important it is to be an example for others so they will glorify YAHWEH.

Matthew 5 (14) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. (15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your FATHER which is in Heaven.

In this next scripture, YAHshua said that He did not come to destroy the Law (Hebrew "Torah") or the prophets but to fulfil them.

Matthew 5 (17) Think not that I am come to destroy the law [Torah of Moses], or [the teaching of] the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. [to fulfill that which the Torah and the Prophets taught concerning Him (see Luke 24:44-46)] (18) For verily I say unto you, *Till Heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law [Torah of Moses], TILL ALL BE FULFILLED.

TILL ALL what BE FULFILLED? YAHshua came to fulfill that which was taught concerning Himself through the laws of sacrifices and ceremonies which were only part of the Law (Torah - commonly called the "Law of Moses") that YAHWEH gave through Moses. He also came to fulfill those same things that were taught by the Prophets and in the Writings in the Tanakh (Old Testament). This is that which He was referring to when He spoke to His disciples on the fourth day after His death.

Luke 24 (36) And as they thus spake, YAHshua Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. (37) But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. (38) And He said unto them, Why are ye troubled? And why do thoughts arise in your hearts? (39) Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have. (40) And when He had thus spoken, He showed them His hands and His feet. (41) And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, He said unto them, Have ye here any meat? (42) And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish, and of a honeycomb. (43) And He took it, and did eat before them. (44) And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law [Torah] of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me. (45) Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, (46) And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Messiah to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

The all things that were taught by the sacrificial and ceremonial laws administered by the Levitical Priesthood, the testimonies of the prophets and words concerning Him in the Psalms foretold of YAHshua's death, burial, resurrection and ascension to Heaven where He now sits as our Mediator of the New Covenant. These are the things that had to be fulfilled before one jot or one tittle would pass from the law (Torah) that He came to fulfill. He did fulfill that which He came for! HALLELUYAH!

In addition to fulfilling the things mentioned above, YAHshua lived according to every aspect of the Torah by obeying its every point to the fullest.

I must admit that the understanding of the above verses that have come to me is not shared by all Torah keeping Brethren. However, I am still in an exhaustive study concerning the Torah (translated as "LAW") and the Old and New Covenants.

Let us end this lesson with HALLELUYAH!!!

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

Continuing from Matthew 5:18, YAHshua said the following:

Matthew 5 (19) Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least Commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. (20) For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

In the next few verses, YAHshua explains the deeper meaning of the commandment "Thou shalt not kill." (This commandment (#6) as well as the other five (#5, #7, #8, #9, & #10) which pertains to loving your fellow human beings is based on YAHWEH'S love.)

Matthew 5 (21) Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill [Exo 20:13, Deu. 5:17]; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: (22) But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a [Scripturally just] cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. (23) Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; (24) Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. (25) Agree [G2132-to be well-minded] with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. (26) Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

In the next scripture, YAHshua speaks concerning commandment number seven.

Matthew 5 (27) Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: [Exo. 20:14] (28) But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (29) And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. (30) And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. (31) It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: [Deu 24:1] (32) But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

In these next three verses YAHshua is addressing a problem that most people do not understand fully. They usually understand it as cursing and taking an oath in matters of law etc. An excerpt from "Gospel Light an Indispensable Guide to the Teachings of Jesus [YAHshua] & the customs of His Time," by George M. Lamsa will give more light on the situation that was then present (page 39-40).

Matthew 5 (33) Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself but shalt perform unto YAHWEH thine oaths: [Lev. 19:12; Deu. 13:22], (34) But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by Heaven; for it is YAHWEH'S throne [Isaiah 66 (I)]: (35) Nor by the earth; for it is HIS footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. [Psa. 48:2], (36) Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. (37) But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

'As fixed prices are unknown in the East, buying and selling is a complicated business. Each merchant has his own prices and quotes them to each customer as he pleases. The customer is afraid of being cheated and has his own idea of the price. This makes business burdensome. For instance, if one decides to buy a pair of shoes or a garment, it means a day's work and much exhaustion because of mistrust and incessant bargaining before making the purchase.

'When the price cannot be settled by bargaining, merchants and their customers generally take oaths by temples and holy names in proof of their sincerity. They take an oath say, "By God's [YAHWEH'S] name and His holy angels, this pair of shoes cost me six dollars but you can have it for three dollars." When such oaths are ineffective then they resort to swearing. Thus, "If I lie to you I am the son of a dog or an ass, the shoes cost me three dollars but I will let you have them for a dollar and a half". To all of this the suspecting customer replies, "By my only son's head, I will not pay you more than a dollar". If this fails the merchant is apt to spit in the face of the customer.

'Instead of this conventional cross play, waste of time and temper, Jesus [YAHshua] here insists on directness and frankness in dealing with one another. He knew that when a man is cheated he would try to cheat others, and if one is deceived by oaths uttered on sacred names he would likewise do the same in transactions with others. "Yes, yes' and "No, no" is the only successful and straightforward method in business. The Orient is only now learning that such a method is far superior to their traditional system.'

Today's application may be that we should make all our communications and dealings with our fellow man in an honest and forthright manner.

Following this next scripture, the same author that wrote the above comments makes comments on verses 38 & 39 (page 40-41).

Matthew 5 (38) Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: [Exo. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deu. 21:20], (39) But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

'The term evil here means injustice. In the east people are forced to do hard labor. Those in power generally oppress the poor. Property is confiscated unjustly. Resistance in such cases generally results in heavier burdens, violence and even murder. Nonresistance is the only weapon with which the poor can defend themselves. Politicians, government officials and rich men are always friendly and kind toward those who willingly carry their burdens without complaining. On the other hand, those who offer resistance are treated as rebels and made to pay heavy penalties. The reference here is probably to government officials and soldiers who misuse their authority but against whom resistance is futile. This counsel did not refer to resisting attacks made by bandits and murderers.'

Until net lesson, HalleluYAH!!!

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

(Please read lesson five again as some additional comments were added to it.)

Continuing in Matthew 5: This next verse presents an interesting case (no pun entended).

Matthew 5 (40) And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

Surely our Saviour did not suggest that if your neighbor sues you for accidentally running over and killing his chicken that you are to hand over your whole farm to him leaving you and your family to go live under a bridge somewhere. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the culture and customs of the Holy Land in YAHshua's time to understand why He said the above. An excerpt from "Gospel Light an Indispensable Guide to the Teachings of Jesus [YAHshua] & the customs of His Time," by George M. Lamsa may give more light on the situation that was then present (page 40).

    'Petty bandits and robbers generally take by force the victim's garments and shoes. Clothes are also stolen from homes and the fields. When a man is taken to court under suspicion his good upper garments are taken from him as a bond. Innocent men are often mistaken fro bandits and taken before government officials. If found guilty and they have no money, they are stripped of their clothes.
    'Clothes are also accepted as security for loans. When people fail to pay their loans the creditors are willing to accept the garments in lieu of payment.
    'If a man should resist giving his robe, he will be forced not only to give it but his other clothing will also be confiscated and, in addition, he will be punished. But, a man will not be naked if he gives his shirt and robe because Easterners wear many shirts and robes, one upon another, in summer and winter alike. A man generally wears all the garment he has because in the East his social standing is determined by the number of clothes he wears. '

The application for the above verse for today may be to not resist doing everything possible to settle disputes with others without having to be taken to court.

Following this next verse, George M. Lamsa also gives light concerning it.

Matthew 5 (41) And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

    'In most Eastern countries, railroads and other modern forms of transportation are still unknown. Merchandise, food supplies, and building materials are carried on the backs of animals and men. In some isolated regions of the country, roads are so narrow and difficult the entire transportation is accomplished by men. Where animals of burden are scarce, men and women carry wheat on their backs for twenty, thirty miles or more. During the cold winter months, in some sections, the backs of men is the only method of transportation.
    'In times of war or peace, when companies or regiments of the army are transferred from one place to another, both men and animals are drafted into service for the transportation of military supplies. If roads are inaccessible for animals, men do it all. This work is evenly divided by the army officers among the people of the various towns on the route to destination. That is to say, the people of one town carry the burden as far as the next town. They are notified in advance to be ready. On some occasions the journey is not more than one or two miles. Those who gladly respond to the summons and willingly take up the burdens are released as soon as the next town is reached and new men drafted into service, but those who fail to report in due time or those who resist are compelled by the officers, as punishment, to go to a journey of two or three days instead of a mile. Gentle and humble men, approached by harsh officers and asked to go one mile, generally reply "I shall be glad to go two miles, my Lord [Adoni]." The officer's heart softens and these men are assigned light burdens and are released as soon as possible. Rough men who resist the performance of these duties are beaten severly and given heavy burdens to carry.
    Jesus [YAHshua] had watched Roman army officers recruiting men to carry food and military supplies during the revolutions and wars in Syria, Palestine and Persia. It is quite probable that He had submissively obeyed the law of the princes of this world and because of His readiness and willingness, He was doubtless given the lighter burden and shorter mileage. In the eye of Jesus [YAHshua], nonresistance was the only weapon with which to combat the forces of this world. Meekness and gentleness were ultimately to bring happiness and peace.'

The application for the above verse for today may be that we should do everything possible without disobeying YAHWEH to obey those in authority over us as this scripture suggests.

I Peter 2 (13) Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Sovereign's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; (14) Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by HIM for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. (15) For so is the Will of YAHWEH, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

Surely our Saviour did not suggest in this next verse that you are to hand over your whole farm to anyone who wishes to borrow or just plain take it leaving you and your family to go live under a bridge somewhere. To put this verse in its proper context, Luke 6:30-36 will follow it.

Matthew 5 (42) Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Luke 6 (30) Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. (31) And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (32) For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? For sinners also love those that love them. (33) And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? For sinners also do even the same. (34) And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. (35) But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for HE is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (36) Be ye therefore merciful, as your FATHER also is merciful.

The best application of the above scriptures is to apply what is usually referred to as the "Golden Rule" which is found in verse 31. Do unto others as you would have them to do unto you.

Shalom of YAHWEH and YAHshua be with you all during the upcoming Passover Festival with the included Days of Unleavened Bread! HalleluYAH!!!

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

This week's teaching of YAHshua in what is usually referred to as the Sermon on the Mount starts out concerning loving you neighbor. Let us each one ask ourselves, "Can we measure up to these standards?"

Matthew 5 (43) Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate [love less] thine enemy (44) But I [YAHshua] say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (45) That ye may be the children of your FATHER which is in Heaven: for HE maketh HIS sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (46) For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? (47) And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? (48) Be ye therefore perfect [complete or mature in moral character], even as your FATHER which is in Heaven is perfect.

The Apostle Paul taught the same principle.

Romans 12 (19) Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is MINE; I will repay, saith YAHWEH [Psa. 94:1]. (20) Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. (21) Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

We find the same teaching in the Book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 25 (21) If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: (22) for thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and YAHWEH shall reward thee.

In Matthew 6:1-4, YAHshua was teaching the correct spirit in which to give to the needy in order to please YAHWEH instead of pleasing men. To please men, the Pharisees who were the leading religious men of that day attracted attention before they gave their alms to the poor. They went so far as to blow a trumpet to attract many people to come together. After the people came together to see what was going on, then the self-righteous Pharisees would give their alms to some beggar or some other needy person. They did this so that the people would see how righteous and caring they were. They were after social and religious recognition from men. That was all the reward those hypocrites received. They will get no reward from YAHWEH.

Matthew 6 (I) Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your FATHER which is in Heaven. (2) Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (3) But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: (4) That thine alms may be in secret: and thy FATHER which seeth in secret HIMSELF shall reward thee openly.

The Pharisees did their praying for the same reasons that they did the public giving of alms. They wanted to be seen and heard of men for social and religious recognition.

Matthew 6 (5) And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (6) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy FATHER which is in secret; and thy FATHER which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (7) But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. (8) Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your FATHER knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

The following things are found in YAHshua's model prayer for us to know how to pray and what to pray for in His name.

# 1 We are to recognize that YAHWEH is our FATHER.

# 2 We are to recognize that YAHWEH is in Heaven.

# 3 We are to recognize that YAHWEH'S name is holy. (God is not YAHWEH'S holy name!)

# 4 We are to recognize that YAHWEH kingdom, His power and HIS glory belongs to HIM forever.

# 5 We are to pray for YAHWEH'S kingdom to come to this Earth.

# 6 We are to pray that YAHWEH'S will shall be done by us in the Earth as it is in Heaven.

# 7 We are to pray for YAHWEH to supply our daily needs. (We must then trust in HIM to supply them.)

# 8 We are to ask that YAHWEH forgives us our debts only as we forgive others their debts to us.

# 9 We are to recognize that YAHWEH forgives us our trespasses against HIM only if we forgive other men their trespasses against us.

Matthew 6 (9) After this manner therefore pray ye: Our FATHER which art in Heaven, Hallowed be THY name. (10) THY kingdom come. THY will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. (11) Give us this day our daily bread. (12) And forgive us our debts [and for trespasses], as we forgive our debtors. (13) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For THINE is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (14) For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly FATHER will also forgive you: (15) But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your FATHER forgive your trespasses.

For some insight concerning the first half of verse thirteen, I must quote again from "Gospel Light an Indispensable Guide to the Teachings of Jesus [YAHshua] & the customs of His Time," by George M. Lamsa.

Matthew 6 (13) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…

This phrase in Aramaic means "do not let us enter into temptation." Aramaic speaking people often say, "do not let us be in need," "prevent me from making a mistake." When a husband goes on a journey, his wife's last remark to him is "do not leave us in want." The Aramaic word nesiona refers to luxurious or worldly living. I does not mean God [YAHWEH] would lead us into such a life. For instance Judas, when he sold his Master, was tempted by the love of money and not by God. God leads no one into temptation. "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted, I neither tempteth he any man:" (James 1:14). He guides those who look to him for wisdom and helps to overcome the evil of material life. The Aramaic word pasan here more correctly means "part us from evil things and not "deliver us." God has authority over the universe and we are under God's power.

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and The Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

As stated in the previous lesson, the Pharisees wanted to be seen and heard of men for social and religious recognition. When they fasted they had to be sure that everyone would be aware that they were fasting so that they would get the praise of men. That is why YAHshua said the following:

Matthew 6 (16) Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (17) But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; (18) That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy FATHER which is in secret: and thy FATHER, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

In these next few verses, YAHshua is making the point that the priority of our goals in life should be set on the Kingdom of YAHWEH and not the things of this world. (People become so involved in pleasures and attaining much worldly goods that the Kingdom of Heaven seems to be ignored.)

Matthew 6 (19) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (21) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (22) The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. (23) But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (24) No man can serve two controllers or adowns: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve YAHWEH and mammon [wealth-worldly or material things].

YAHshua's teaching in the next several verses can be summed up as thusly: Seek the Kingdom of YAHWEH and HIS righteousness and HE will provide you and your family with the necessities of this life.

Matthew 6 (25) Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? (26) Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly FATHER feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (27) Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (28) And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: (29) And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (30) Wherefore, if YAHWEH so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall HE not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? (31) Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your Heavenly FATHER knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the Kingdom of YAHWEH, and HIS righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

These first two verses in chapter six warn us about judging one another.

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

In the next three Verses, YAHshua is teaching that if we have big faults of our own we shouldn't be criticizing or nit-picking our brethren about their faults.

Matthew 7 (3) And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (4) Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? (5) Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

In this next verse, YAHshua is warning us to not waste our time telling the good things of YAHWEH to those who we know will intentionally make fun of them or use them to deliberately blaspheme YAHWEH or HIS people.

Matthew 7 (6) Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

In these next verses, YAHshua is showing how much more our Heavenly FATHER will answer our petitions than we do for our own children. HalleluYAH!!!

Matthew 7 (7) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (8) For every one that asketh [Keeps on asking] receiveth; and he that seeketh [Keeps on seeking] findeth; and to him that knocketh [Keeps on knocking] it shall be opened. (9) Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? (10) Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? (11) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your FATHER which is in Heaven give good things to them that ask him? (12) Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is [that which] the law [Torah] and the prophets [teach].

Following these next two verses is an excellent commentary from "Gospel Light an Indispensable Guide to the Teachings of Jesus [YAHshua] & the customs of His Time," by George M. Lamsa.

Matthew 7 (13) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

    'Church doors and doors of houses in the east are very narrow and low. The doors of sheep folds are likewise narrow and low. This is for security and protection from the enemy. When a house or sheep fold is attacked, both defenders and attackers fight for possession of the door.

    'According to the eastern version, the text reads "O how narrow is the door," instead of "O how narrow is the gate." The reference is to the entrance of a building with a roof or the entrance into a sheep fold, covered or uncovered. Gate, however, refers to the entrance into a garden or vineyard. Such gates are generally larger because animals laden with burdens have to pass through.

    'Easterners must bend down to pass through the narrow, low door into the house. This is not comfortable but there is no help for it. So also is the kingdom of Heaven. The door is narrow and the road is filled with difficulty but those who travel thereon find eternal peace and happiness.

    'In Aramaic, the text [in verse 14] is: "Oh how narrow is the road and how few are found on it."

    'In the parts of the country where banditry and robbery take their toll, travelers commonly use two or more roads. The wide road is the popular highway on which caravans travel. It is an easier route for the traveler because water and other comforts of life can be had and it is shorter but it is also the road where robbery and murder predominate. This road is the one which most foolish and unwise travelers choose. On the other hand, when the peace of a country is disturber, and a man depends upon himself alone for protection, he selects a different route. This is the narrow path trodden by wise men who seek safety first. It is unknown to bandits and robbers. It winds around steep mountains and hills far away from the main road where robbers cannot lie in wait to murder and plunder. It is a long and difficult road the traveler reaches his destination safely.

    'These two roads are referred to by Jesus [YAHshua] to illustrate the narrow road leading to heaven and the broad highway which many people travel, but which leads to destruction. The road of pleasure is wide and full of luxuries but the dangers are great and the journey ends in serious loss. The road leading to life is narrow and difficult and few are found on it. To travel this way, one must deny himself all physical comforts which tend to destroy the spirit and must take up his cross to march through life until he reaches the gate of Paradise where happiness and eternal life are in store.'

HalleluYAH!!!

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and The Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

In the first verse for this week's Bible lesson, YAHshua warns about false Brethren pretending to be true followers of our Saviour. They appear like true Brethren and refuse to keep YAHWEH'S commandments, but they are deceivers. They are after glory and honour from man. They are also after easy money and power.

Matthew 7 (15) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Is it unusual for ministers to pretend that they are servants of Messiah when they are really servants of satan? Not at all! They learned how to deceive from their master satan. Here is what the apostle Paul said about them.

II Corinthians 11 (13) For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming [disguise] themselves into the apostles of Messiah. (14) And no marvel; for satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

How does one recognize those false Brethren? YAHshua said to recognize them by their fruit.

Matthew 7 (16) Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (17) Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. (18) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. (20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

The first test is to see if they have the love of YAHWEH and HIS people by keeping HIS Commandments.

I John 5 (2) By this we know that we love the children of YAHWEH, when we love YAHWEH, and keep HIS Commandments. (3) For this is the love of YAHWEH, that we keep HIS Commandments: and HIS Commandments are not grievous.

I John 2 (I) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate [One who makes things right between two or more parties] with the FATHER, YAHshua Messiah the Righteous: (2) And He is the propitiation [covering] for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (3) And hereby we do know that we know Him, IF we keep His Commandments. (4) He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His Commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (5) But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of YAHWEH perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. (6) He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.

YAHWEH'S basic Ten Commandments are found in Exodus 20:1-17.

Exodus 20 (I) And [YAHWEH] Elohim spake all these words, saying, (2) I am YAHWEH thy Elohim, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. (3) Thou shalt have no other elohim before ME. (4) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: (5) Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I YAHWEH thy Elohim am a jealous El, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate ME; (6) And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love ME, and keep MY Commandments. (7) Thou shalt not take the name of YAHWEH thy Elohim in vain; for YAHWEH will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (8) Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. (9) Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: (10) But the seventh day is the Sabbath of YAHWEH thy Elohim: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: (11) For in six days YAHWEH made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore YAHWEH blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it. (12) Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which YAHWEH thy Elohim giveth thee. (13) Thou shalt not kill. (14) Thou shalt not commit adultery. (15) Thou shalt not steal. (16) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. (17) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

Another way to know their fruit is to see if they live according to the works of the flesh or according to the Spirit of YAHWEH. (It is a disgrace of how many preachers and teachers are living in the first one of the works of the flesh that are listed in the scripture below. (They are living in adultery because they divorced their former spouse or spouses for reasons other than adultery and remarried causing the one they married to live in adultery too. Adultery is in direct violation of the 7^th of YAHWEH'S basic Ten Commandments.)

Galatians 5 (19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest [apparent], which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (20) Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, (21) Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of YAHWEH. (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (24) And they that are Messiah's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Just because people appear to preach, cast out devils, heal, pray and do wonderful works in the name of our Saviour does not mean they are what they claim to be. Here is what YAHshua said concerning that.

Matthew 7 (21) Not every one that saith unto Me, Sovereign, Sovereign, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My FATHER which is in Heaven. (22) Many will say to Me in that day, Sovereign, Sovereign, have we not prophesied in Thy name? And in Thy name have cast out devils? And in Thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity [violation of YAHWEH'S law, especially HIS Ten Commandments]. (24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. (26) And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: (27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Here is a question to all you dear children in Messiah: Do you want your life to built like a house upon a rock or a house upon the sand? It is something for you and those who attempt to teach you to seriously consider.

Shalom in YAHshua! HalleluYAH!!!

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and The Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

After YAHshua came back down from the Mountain where He gave what is referred as the "Sermon on the Mount," He healed a man of his leprosy. (There were many lepers in Israel that YAHshua cured of this dreaded disease. Leprosy is a terrible disease which produces ulcers of the skin, bone, and soft internal organs of the body. If it is not cured, it can lead to loss of sensation, paralysis, gangrene, and deformation.)

Matthew 8 (I) When He was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. (2) And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped Him, saying, Sovereign, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean. (3) And YAHshua put forth His hand, and touched Him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. (4) And YAHshua saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

A very humble man of authority in Capernaum who had much faith in YAHshua asked Him to heal his servant of Palsy by just speaking the word. Palsy is a crippling disease affecting the muscles of the human body very similar to if not the same thing as Polio. Polio is short for "poliomyelitis" which is defined in the American Heritage Dictionary as:

po·li·o·my·e·li·tis (p½"l¶-½-mº"…-lº"t¹s) n. A highly infectious viral disease that chiefly affects children and, in its acute forms, causes inflammation of motor neurons of the spinal cord and brainstem, leading to paralysis, muscular atrophy, and often deformity. Through vaccination, the disease is preventable. Also called infantile paralysis.

Matthew 8 (5) And when YAHshua was entered into Capernaum, there came unto Him a centurion, beseeching Him, (6) And saying, Sovereign, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. (7) And YAHshua saith unto him, I will come and heal him. (8) The centurion answered and said, Sovereign, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. (9) For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. (10) When YAHshua heard it, He marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. (11) And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the Kingdom of Heaven. (12) But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (13) And YAHshua said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Next, YAHshua healed Peter's mother of a fever.

Matthew 8 (14) And when YAHshua was come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. (15) And He touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. (16) When the even was come, they brought unto Him many that were possessed with devils: and He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all that were sick: (17) That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses [Isa. 53:4].

In this next scripture, YAHshua makes a couple of statements that can only be understood by understanding idioms and customs of the Jewish people of that time period. Following this scripture, I will again quote from "Gospel Light an Indispensable Guide to the Teachings of Jesus [YAHshua] & the customs of His Time," by George M. Lamsa. (page 61-62)

Matthew 8 (18) Now when YAHshua saw great multitudes about Him, He gave commandment to depart unto the other side. (19) And a certain scribe came, and said unto Him, Instructor, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest. (20) And YAHshua saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head. (21) And another of His disciples said unto Him, Sovereign, suffer [allow] me first to go and bury my father. (22) But YAHshua said unto him, Follow Me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Jesus [YAHshua] was a wanderer and such men are not always welcome in the east. When he was not received, he had to sleep out of doors. When he was received, if the house happened to be crowded, he had to sleep while sitting.

Jesus [YAHshua] knew this man only wanted to follow him because of his popularity. He thought Jesus [YAHshua] would be entertained and he could share the hospitality given to him. Judas, and some of the other disciples who later forsook him, probably followed him for this reason. Jesus [YAHshua] was very frank in admitting his poverty and unpopularity so as to avoid any misunderstanding on the part of prospective followers.

The Aramaic word for dead is metta and the word for town is matta. The difference in the formation of the words and the pronunciation are slight. It is probable that Jesus [YAHshua] said, "Let the town bury the dead." Such errors could easily occur in writing or copying of manuscripts. If a tiny dot under the second letter of the Aramaic word for dead is missing, the copyist might easily be misled. These dots or vowel points were not known when the Gospels were first written. Then again, manuscripts were often mutilated or blurred. It would have sounded harsh for Jesus [YAHshua] to have said, "let the dead bury their dead," nor was this man's father dead at the time. Had this been the case, his son would have been busy burying him and Jesus [YAHshua] would have been one of the mourners. For Easterners bury their dead soon after they die.

This man was impressed by the teaching of Jesus [YAHshua] but embarrassed by his duty to his aged father. Jesus [YAHshua] appreciated it, but he told him that under such circumstances, others in the community would care for his father, if he enlisted in service for the kingdom of heaven. This is consistent with what he said elsewhere, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God [YAHWEH] and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Eastern people are noted for generosity and hospitality. They not only share food but also bury the dead of the community, and look after their aged.

HalleluYAH and shalom until next week!!!

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and The Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

Continuing in Matthew 8:23-27, we find recorded that YAHshua has the power of YAHWEH to command even the waves of the sea and they would obey him! HalleluYAH!

Matthew 8 (23) And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him. (24) And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but He was asleep. (25) And His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, Sovereign, save us: we perish. (26) And He saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. (27) But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him!

In these next five verses, YAHshua and His disciples meet two possessed with devils. It is commonly believed by most people, as well as the translators of most Bibles, that the devils did the speaking and entering into the herd of swine. However, if George Lamsa's Translation of the Bible is correct it was the men that did the speaking and entering into the herd of swine. His translation was translated directly from the Ancient Eastern Aramaic Text without going through Greek and then into English. (Every time you change from one language to another conflicts easily occur.)

Matthew 8 (28) And when He [YAHshua] was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two [people] possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. (29) And, behold, they [the two people] cried out, saying, What have we to do with Thee, YAHshua, Thou Son of YAHWEH? Art Thou come hither to torment us before the time? (30) And there was a good way off from them a herd of many swine feeding. (31) So the *devils [the two people] besought Him, saying, If Thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. (32) And He said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. (33) And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. (34) And, behold, the whole city came out to meet YAHshua: and when they saw Him, they besought Him that He would depart out of their coasts.

*George Lamsa translated verses 31-31 from the Aramaic thusly: And the lunatics kept asking Him, saying, If you are going to heal us, permit us to attack the heard of swine. 32 Jesus [YAHshua] said to them, Go. And immediately they left and attacked the swine, and the whole herd went straight over the cliff and fell into the sea and were drowned in the water.

Again, one needs to understand the mindset of the local people who were there in that era. Therefore, I will again quote from "Gospel Light an Indispensable Guide to the Teachings of Jesus [YAHshua] & the customs of His Time," by George M. Lamsa. (page 63-66)

"It is not unusual to see an insane man at the divan of a high government official or nobleman, or even a holy man. On such occasions many easterners amuse themselves by teasing or torturing an insane man. The lunatic is made to sing, curse and say many things to entertain the guests. At times they are angered by young men who torture them.

"When men are discovered with symptoms of insanity, they are taken to the priest or shrine for healing. Those who become violent are threatened by priests and holy men who try to scare them in order to drive out the insanity. Some Mohammedan religious healers recommend various forms of torture. The insane man is sometimes branded with a hot iron. Others, particularly violent, are threatened with burial alive and if the threat does not temper them, they are actually buried for a little while. An opening is left for breathing. This primitive treatment is practiced now by only the wildest and most primitive tribes. On this account the crazy are always afraid of religious men. Then again, in many eastern countries there are no homes for insane people, who roam around the town and are constantly annoyed and tortured.

"When these men saw Jesus [YAHshua] accompanied by a group of disciples and other people they were afraid of Him. They thought He might prescribe torturing remedies to heal them, or that they would be brought before him for His entertainment. Banquets are generally held in the evening. This explains their reference in the words "before the time," because He had come on the scene in the morning. When the disciples were charged with being drunk, Peter relied that it was only nine in the morning (Acts 2:15)."

"Jesus [YAHshua] and his disciples crossed from Galilee in Palestine to Gadara in Syria, which was on the other side of the Sea of Galilee. At the landing place they were met by two lunatics who came out the cemetery. In the east, insane asylums are unknown. Crazy men roam about and live in cemeteries which are located at a short distance from the town. Frequently strangers who are not welcomed by the town people find a resting place in the cemetery also.

"These crazy men saw a boat crossing from Galilee and when Jesus [YAHshua] and His disciples disembarked they immediately recognized a Jewish prophet. They had probably heard of Jesus [YAHshua] and of His miraculous works as Gadara is separated from Galilee by only a few miles of water, so, no doubt, the lunatics know Jesus [YAHshua] and His disciples. Also, in the east, when a man is accompanied by twelve men, he is either a religious teacher or a high official and would attract the attention of everybody.

"When these lunatics approached Jesus [YAHshua], they said to Him "If you heal us , permit us to attack the herd of swine" which was feeding by the lake. "Cast out" is an Aramaic phrase which means, to restore to sanity, to remove the cause which produces insanity. Today Aramaic speaking people often say to a healer cast out or cut my diseases. "He cut my fever" means he healed me of fever. Some healers strike a piece of stone on a metal to drive the sickness out.

"The Aramaic word al means attack and it also means enter. Men enter into each other when they wrestle or fight, and oxen enter into each other when they attack or chase each other. Assyrians say la al beh which literally means do not enter him, that is, do not attack or bother him. These men were afflicted with insanity. In the east, when a man is insane, it is said he is under the influence of the devil and when he speaks, the devil speaks in him. It is often said, "He has turned into a devil: meaning, he has become violent with insanity. We read that satan entered into Judas but it was Judas and not satan who bargained with the chief priests to betray Jesus [YAHshua], Luke 22:3-4). In this case, the lunatic conversed with Jesus [YAHshua] and not the devils who were supposed to be in them. The devils would not have asked permission to enter into the swine and be drowned in the sea, for they had entered into men without permission.

"These crazy men were Syrian whose people kept large swine herds which were an abomination to the Jews [Leviticus chapter eleven]. As proof of their conversion to the Jewish faith and in appreciation of what Jesus [YAHshua] had done for them, they wanted to destroy the swine. They realized Jesus [YAHshua] was a great prophet and the Jewish God [Elohim] had more power than the Syrian gods whose prophets could not heal them. It is so today in the east. When people are converted to a different faith, they discontinue the practices considered unclean by the new faith. A Christian cannot become a Mohammedan and be admitted into fellowship unless he sells or kills his swine and repudiate all customs and practices which the Mohammedan faith declares unclean. When eastern Christians join Protestant church which upholds temperance, they destroy all their jars of wine as a proof of their sincerity. When St. Paul preached at Ephesus, the Ephesians who accepted his teaching destroyed the images and burned at the sacred books of the pagan religions. (Acts 19:19) The image business declined, the artisans became alarmed and when they met together, decided to expel Paul from the city lest their business be destroyed completely. (Acts 19:23)

"When the Gadarenes saw the lunatics were healed and had become converts to the Jewish faith and that already some of the swine had been drowned, they were panic-stricken. They decided not to allow Jesus [YAHshua] to preach in Gadara fearing His mission would result in many conversions which would destroy the swine business. They felt their livelihood was more important than the religion of a Nazarene prophet so they begged Jesus [YAHshua] to return to His own country. They did not allow Him to go further into their territory and so He returned immediately to Galilee. (Mark 5:11,12; Luke 8:33)."

Comment: I used to have the common understanding that the devils did the speaking and entering into the herd of swine. I also had the common understanding that the devils were talking about their endtime destruction with the "What have we to do with Thee, YAHshua, Thou Son of YAHWEH Art Thou come hither to torment us before the time?" However, it does appear to me that George Lamsa may have the correct understanding on the above verses.

Shalom for this week!

HalleluYAH!!!

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and The Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

…….

We begin this week's lesson with YAHshua back in His hometown of Nazareth. He heals a man who was sick with Palsy. Certain of the scribes were thinking that YAHshua was blaspheming (speaking evil) by forgiving sins. They didn't understand that YAHshua had the power and authority to forgive sins.

Matthew 9 (I) And He entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into His own city. (2) And, behold, they brought to Him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and YAHshua seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. (3) And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. (4) And YAHshua knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? (5) For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? (6) But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. (7) And he arose, and departed to his house. (8) But when the multitude saw it, they marvelled, and glorified YAHWEH, which had given such power unto men.

The self-righteous Pharisees belittled YAHshua to His disciples because He ate with publicans and sinners.

Matthew 9 (9) And as YAHshua passed forth from thence, He saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and He saith unto him, Follow Me. And he arose, and followed Him. (10) And it came to pass, as YAHshua sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. (11) And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto His disciples, Why eateth your Instructor with *publicans and sinners? (12) But when YAHshua heard that, He said unto them, They that be whole need not a **physician, but they that are sick.

*Publicans were tax collectors and tax collectors were not well liked because much to often they collected far more than they were supposed to. When that did this, they kept the extra for themselves.

**In "Gospel Light an Indispensable Guide to the Teachings of Jesus [YAHshua] & the customs of His Time," by George M. Lamsa (page 67-68), we find a very interesting writing concerning "physicians."

'There are two Aramaic words for doctor. The one used in writing is asya, meaning healer. The other is hakim used in common speech and is derived from the Aramaic word khakam, to be wise. Khakima means a wise man. This word is of Western Aramaic origin for in that dialect Kh is pronounced as h. The word hakim also means governor or mayor because these officials act as advisers in state matters.

'The Oriental doctor is different from American and European doctors. He is not a graduate of a medical school. He has no medicines nor does he prescribe remedies. His chief duties are to see what is the trouble with the and to advise him as to his physical and moral conditions. The healer talks to the patient and encourages him by saying he will soon recover by the help of God [YAHWEH]. Eastern healers know nothing about the causes of nervous troubles. These cases are treated by prayer and fasting. The sick are taken to priests and religious healers who read a portion of the Scriptures over them and speak some cheerful words about faith in God [YAHWEH].

'There are other doctors who deal with broken bones and wounds. They seldom use medicines but make adjustments of the bones and treat the wounds with herbs. These doctors rise from time to time in certain families and the secrets of the profession are handed down from father to son.    

'Eastern doctors and healers charge nothing for their services. They believe such powers are bestowed on them by God [YAHWEH] to be used freely. They have received them freely and must give freely. They believe if they charge for their services, the sick man will not be healed. This prevents any doubt in the mind of the healer. If he accepts money, he fears it may be my demanded back if the patient is not healed. Gifts are, however, offered as a thank offering after the sick person is healed. (2 Kings 5:5-20). Doctors are highly respected and cared for by Eastern people so they are free to give there services gratis. Mark 2:17, 5:26; Luke 4:23.'

Continuing with Matthew 9:13:

Matthew 9 (13) But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: [Hos. 6:5] for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

As YAHshua told them in the scripture above, He came to call sinners to repentance. However, when He returns at the resurrection He will call the righteous (the Assembly). That fact was taught by the Apostle Paul to the Assembly at Corinth and Thessalonica.

I Corinthians 15 (20) But now is Messiah risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (21) For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. (22) For as in Adam all die, even so in Messiah shall all be made alive. (23) But every man in his own order: Messiah the firstfruits; afterward they [the Assembly] that are Messiah's at His coming.

I Corinthians 15 (51) Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (53) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (54) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (55) O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory

I Thessalonians 4 (14) For if we believe that YAHshua died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in YAHshua will YAHWEH bring with Him. (15) For this we say unto you by the word of YAHWEH, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Sovereign shall not prevent them which are asleep. (16) For the Sovereign Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of YAHWEH: and the dead in Messiah shall rise first: (17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Sovereign in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Sovereign.

When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Assembly at Corinth and to the Assembly at Thessalonica concerning the resurrection, He also mentioned that this would happen at the trump or the last trump of YAHWEH. This will be fulfilled when the seventh trumpet of the seventh seal of Revelation 11:15 is blown.

Revelation 11 (15) And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in Heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Elohim, and of HIS Messiah; and He shall reign for ever and ever.

I personally believe this will be fulfilled on YAHWEH'S Festival, commonly called the "Feast of Trumpets," on the 1^st day of the 7^th month of YAHWEH'S sacred calendar. (To understand more about this festival, please ask for the article titled "Memorial of Clamour.") Shalom for this week. HalleluYAH!!!

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and The Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

Beginning this week in Matthew 9:14, [YAHshua] was confronted by John the Baptizer's disciples about fasting.

Matthew 9 (14) Then came to Him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but Thy disciples fast not? (15) And [YAHshua] said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

In "Gospel Light an Indispensable Guide to the Teachings of Jesus [YAHshua] & the customs of His Time," by George M. Lamsa (page 68-69), we find a very interesting writing concerning verse 15. It is:

"Fasting is strictly observed in Eastern countries. Weddings and banquets are planned in advance so they do not fall during the fasts. Feasts are considered irreligious during this period because of the accompanying drinking and dancing. People generally fast from morning to evening. Some fast from meat, butter and cheese; others from every kind of food. A wedding or banquet is therefore out of the question. Easterners are usually sober and live simply but during wedding feasts and banquets they indulge in drinking and excessive eating. Social customs, fastings and other religious observances are put aside for the time being. A complete change takes place; sadness and weariness disappear, enemies become reconciled; poor and rich alike try to make the most of such times. During a wedding feast, people eat and drink day and night as long as the wedding lasts. The bridegroom and bride sit at the head of the banquet table. Nothing is lacking for on such occasions Eastern generosity provides abundant food and wine. Neighbors send their wives, carrying trays of delicious dishes prepared for the event, to visit the bride. Some weddings last three days and others seven days. Some of the merrymakers eat, drink and even sleep at the bridegroom's house. Beggars and strangers alike share the generosity. Everybody is joyful.

"When the wedding days are completed and the feast is over, a sudden gloom settles on the village which becomes quiet. The bustle ceases when the musicians depart and out-of-town guests leave. Beggars go back to begging. Strangers seek lodgings for the night elsewhere. Some men and women begin fasting.

"The disciples of the Pharisees and of John fasted according to Jewish tradition but the disciples of Jesus [YAHshua] did not fast. Jesus [YAHshua] was the bridegroom who was with them only for a brief period. While he was with them, they need not observe the traditions of the elders but the time was to come when he would be taken away just as the bridegroom leaves the merrymakers. Then his disciples would turn to fasting. Mark 2:19; Luke 5:34; John 3:29."

In these next two verses, [YAHshua] is teaching something that is greatly misunderstood.

Matthew 9 (16) No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. (17) Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

In "Gospel Light an Indispensable Guide to the Teachings of Jesus [YAHshua] & the customs of His Time," by George M. Lamsa (page 69-70), we find a very interesting writing concerning verse 16-17.

"In lands where styles are unknown and clothes are worn not for beauty and comfort but for protection of the body, garments are constantly mended and worn until they fall to pieces. It is not unusual for Easterners to wear the garments of their grandparents because garments are handed from father to son and mother to daughter. Besides most Easterners prefer to wear the same styles as their forefathers.

"Usually an old garment is repaired with a patch cut from a worn-out garment. The old piece of cloth matches better on the old garment than a new piece. However, new cloth is used to patch an old garment. Generally when new cloth is made into a new garment, the left over pieces and trimmings are kept for patching so when a woman fails to find an old patch to sew on an old garment, she uses a piece of the new cloth which has been left over. The new patch does not fit well on the old garment because the new cloth is too heavy for the worn garment to hold and in a few days the new patch begins to pull away leaving a larger rent. Moreover when the garment is washed the new piece shrinks and old part tears under the strain…

"Until recent years glass bottles and wooden barrels were unknown in Bible lands. In some Eastern countries such articles are still in curiosity. Wine, milk and oil are stored and transported in goatskins. When goats are killed, they are skinned from the neck down without tearing the skins. These are prepared as containers for wine, milk and other supplies.

"When new wine is poured into old goatskins, the wine ferments and bursts the skins. New wine is therefore stored and transported in new skins because they resist the effects of fermentation and both wine and skins are preserved. When a family is short of new skins, the new wine is carried in old skins at great risk…"

Surely the above scripture (verses 16-17) was a parable teaching the same thing that we find in *Hebrew 10:1-18. YAHshua was teaching that there was a New and Living Way into the Holiest of Holies. That New and Living Way was through the sacrifice of YAHshua which the sacrifices and ceremonies of the Old Covenant portrayed. The sacrifices and ceremonies were brought to completion by YAHshua becoming the supreme sacrifice that superceded any requirement for ritualistic sacrifices. This ultimate sacrifice had to be made before the New Covenant could be ratified and ushered in by YAHshua the Messiah. In that New Covenant, YAHWEH'S laws were written in their hearts by YAHWEH'S Holy Spirit to spiritually teach HIS will. Under the Old Covenant, YAHWEH'S will was taught through physical sacrifices and ceremonies. Therefore, YAHshua was surely teaching them that the New and Living Way through the sacrifice of Himself would be more beneficial and practical by not being mixed with the sacrifices and ceremonies of the Old Covenant.

As history shows, the New Patch/New Wine/New and Living Way was mixed with the Old Garment/Old Wineskins/sacrifices and ceremonies of the Old Covenant for about one generation till around 66 CE. Then what happened? In 66 CE, the New Patch/New Wine/New and Living Way, was separated from the Old Garment/Old Bottles/sacrifices and ceremonies of the Old Covenant centered around the Temple when the Assembly was taken to **Pella. In 70 CE, the Old Garment/Old Bottles/sacrifices and ceremonies of the Old Covenant with the Levitical Priesthood and the Temple, were destroyed. Only the New Patch/New Wine/New and Living Way, survived. Therefore, the Old Covenant gave way to the New Covenant! HalleluYAH!!!

Hebrew 10 (I) For the [sacrificial and ceremonial] law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. (2) For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. (3) But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. (4) For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. (5) Wherefore when He [YAHshua] cometh into the world, He saith, Sacrifice and offering THOU wouldest not, but a body hast THOU prepared Me: (6) In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin THOU hast had no pleasure. (7) Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me,) to do THY will, O [YAHWEH] Elohim. [Psalm 40:6-8] (8) Above when He said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin THOU wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; (9) Then said He, Lo, I come to do THY will, O Elohim. [Psalm 40:6-8] HE taketh away the first, that HE may establish the second. (10) By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of YAHshua Messiah once for all. (11) And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: (12) But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of YAHWEH; (13) From henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool. (14) For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (15) Whereof the Holy Spirit also is a witness to us: for after that HE had said before, (16) This is the Covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith YAHWEH, I will put MY laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; (17) And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. [Jer 31:31-34] (18) Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. (19) Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of YAHshua, (20) By a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; (21) And having a High Priest over the house of YAHWEH; (22) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

** In the following scripture, the portion of the Lawgiver that was hidden in Gad was the prophesy of the Assembly that was hidden in Gad when they fled to Pella before the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 66 CE. Pella was in the portion of the holy land belonging to Gad. (Gad's portion went up the East side of the Jordan River from just above the Dead Sea to the tip of the Sea of Galilee.) Pella with the surrounding area, was the last place that the Assembly lived in any significant numbers until they sort of vanished in numbers by the time of Barcoba or shortly thereafter.

Deuteronomy 33 (20) And of Gad he said, Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad; he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head. (21) And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of YAHWEH, and his judgments with Israel.

Shalom for this week! HalleluYAH!!!

Fourteenth week's lesson on
The Deeds and Teachings of YAHshua

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and The Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

In verses Matthew 9:18-19 & 23-26, it is recorded that YAHshua raised a ruler's daughter from the dead. Let us notice the great faith that the ruler had in YAHWEH healing his daughter by YAHshua only laying his hands on her. Also notice that those who were mourning for his daughter didn't understand what YAHshua meant when He said that she was only sleeping. He meant that she was dead and He was going to raise her from the dead as if she was only sleeping.

Matthew 9 (18) While He spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped Him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay Thy hand upon her, and she shall live. (19) And YAHshua arose, and followed him, and so did His disciples. (23) And when YAHshua came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, (24) He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed Him to scorn. (25) But when the people were put forth, He went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. (26) And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

In verses Matthew 9:20-22 YAHshua healed a woman of a blood issue that she had been having for twelve years. Let us notice how great faith she had. She had the faith that YAHWEH would heal her through YAHshua if she only touched the hem of His garment. What great faith! HalleluYAH!!!

Matthew 9 (20) And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind Him, and touched the hem of His garment: (21) For she said within herself, If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole. (22) But YAHshua turned Him about, and when He saw her, He said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

YAHshua heals two blind men who also had great faith in YAHWEH healing them through YAHshua.

Matthew 9 (27) And when YAHshua departed thence, two blind men followed Him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. (28) And when He was come into the house, the blind men came to Him: and YAHshua saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto Him, Yea, Sovereign. (29) Then touched He their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. (30) And their eyes were opened; and YAHshua straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. (31) But they, when they were departed, spread abroad His fame in all that country.

In the next two verse, we find that when YAHshua cast a devil out of a man, the unbelieving Pharisees accused Him of casting the devil out through the prince of the devils.

Matthew 9 (32) As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a dumb man possessed with a devil. (33) And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. (34) But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

In Mark 3:22-30, we find out who is the prince of the devils.

Mark 3 (22) And the scribes [The scribes were mostly Pharisees.] which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth He out devils. (23) And He called them unto Him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? (24) And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. (25) And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. (26) And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. (27) No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. (28) Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: (29) But he that shall *blaspheme against the Holy Spirit hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: (30) Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

*To blaspheme against Holy Spirit is to believe in your heart that YAHWEH'S Spirit is evil. (His Spirit is HIS seven basic characteristics, attributes, or HIS very essence. {YAHWEH'S essence is the intrinsic (essential nature) or indispensable properties that serve to characterize or identify HIM. HIS essence (characteristics or attributes) is surely sevenfold.} Those basic seven (YAHWEH'S number denoting completeness) characteristics or attributes are: HIS Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Might, Knowledge, Reverence, and HIS Righteousness. For scriptural proof, read my article titled "YAHWEH'S Holy Spirit."

In these next two verses, YAHshua continues teaching, preaching, and healing mission.

Matthew 9 (35) And YAHshua went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. (36) But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

In "Gospel Light an Indispensable Guide to the Teachings of Jesus [YAHshua] & the customs of His Time," by George M. Lamsa (page 69-70), we find a very interesting commentary concerning verse 36.

"In Eastern lands cattle are often left in the fields and mountains to graze without the care of a shepherd. It is not so with sheep. Sheep must be led into the pasture and brought back to the fold. They would not go or come back without the shepherd. They are timid and fearful when alone and even when under the care of the shepherd, at the sight of a strange man or the sound of a strange voice, they are panic-stricken.

"The shepherd must constantly watch his sheep and the sheep are always aware he is with them. He leads them into new pastures. During the heat of the day, he takes them under the shade of trees and when they are thirsty, to water. The shepherd protects them from wolves, bears, sheep thieves and bandits. David killed a lion and bear when they attacked his sheep. (1 Sam. 17:34-36). If anything happens to the shepherd, his sheep scatter in the mountains and go astray.

"The reference is to the people of Israel who were as sheep without a shepherd. They had been subjugated by foreign nations and betrayed by their own priests. For centuries they had no prophets and seers to guide them. Misrule and persecution had scattered them in foreign lands and even those who were at home had no genuine leadership. They, also, were soon to be scattered by the destruction of Jerusalem. Mark 6:34.

In verse 37, YAHshua was referring to the work of the prophets, apostles, evangelist etc. as the labours. The harvest was the children of Israel with the Gentiles grafted in a little later.

Matthew 9 (37) Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; (38) Pray ye therefore the Sovereign of the harvest, that HE will send forth labourers into HIS harvest.

Shalom! HalleluYAH!!!

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and The Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

The entire tenth chapter of Matthew is the record of YAHshua commissioning and instructing His Twelve Apostles for the great work of the spreading of the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven.

YAHshua gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Matthew 10 (I) And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (2) Now the names of the twelve Apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; (3) Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; (4) Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.

Many people teach that YAHshua only came to the "Jews," but He came to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel and He sent His Apostles to the same.

Matthew 15 (24) But He [YAHshua] answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the House of Israel.

Matthew 10 (5) These twelve YAHshua sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: (6) But go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.

The Lost Sheep of the House of Israel that YAHshua and His Apostles were sent to were the descendants of all twelve tribes that lived in the land originally given to Israel. They lived among many Gentiles (Pagans). This was especially true in the region known as Samaria. Many, if not most, of the Samaritans were descendants of the people who were brought in by the Assyrians after the carrying away of the Northern Ten Tribes of Israel in 921 BCE. After Herod the Great took over Samaria in 30 BCE, many more Gentiles from Europe settled in the city of Samaria. Therefore, the main people to whom YAHshua and His Apostles were sent were to be the descendants of all the twelve tribes of Israel rather than the Gentiles (Pagans).

YAHshua instructed the Apostles to preach the Kingdom of Heaven, heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out devils. (If you will notice, if was to be free-free-free!)

Matthew 10 (7) And as ye go, preach, saying, The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. (8) Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

In these next few verses, YAHshua gives the Apostles various instructions and warnings.

Matthew 10 (9) Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, (10) Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. (11) And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. (12) And when ye come into a house, salute it. (13) And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. (14) And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. (15) Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. (16) Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (17) But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; (18) And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. (19) But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. (20) For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your FATHER which speaketh in you.

Most people today do not understand why the reason for this next verse.

Matthew 10 (21) And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

Because of Isaiah 43:3 & 15 and Isaiah 44:6 the people considered calling YAHshua "Saviour" "King," "Redeemer," or "Son of YAHWEH" to be blasphemy.

Isa. 43 (3) For I am YAHWEH thy Elohim, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. ... (15) I am YAHWEH, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.

Isaiah 44 (6) Thus saith YAHWEH the King of Israel, and his Redeemer YAHWEH of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside ME there is no Elohim.

The unbelieving Israelites considered believing in YAHshua as having two elohim. Having another elohim besides YAHWEH was breaking the first one of the Ten Commandments. Having or even teaching another elohim was punishable by death, even if it was your own family or friend.

Deuteronomy 13 (6) If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other elohim, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; (7) Namely, of the elohim of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; (8) Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: (9) But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. (10) And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from YAHWEH thy Elohim, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. (11) And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.

Therefore, in those days they saw it as their duty to kill even their family members who believed in YAHshua and tried to convert them to be believers in Him too.

As YAHshua continues, He tells the Apostles that they will be hated for His names sake.

Matthew 10 (22) And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. (23) But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

Shalom for this week! HalleluYAH!!!

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and The Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

In Matthew 10:24, YAHshua continues to tell the Apostles that they will be hated and falsely accused as He was by His own people Israel.

Matthew 10 (24) The disciple is not above his Instructor, nor the servant above his Sovereign. (25) It is enough for the disciple that he be as his Instructor, and the servant as his Sovereign. If they have called the Instructor of the house *Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? (26) Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. (27) What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. (28) And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear HIM which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (29) Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your FATHER. (30) But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (31) Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (32) Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My FATHER which is in Heaven. (33) But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My FATHER which is in Heaven.

*As we can see from Matthew 12:22-24, Beelzebub was the prince of the devils. YAHshua was accused of receiving His power from the prince of the devils (i.e. satan himself) instead of from YAHWEH.

Matthew 12 (22) Then was brought unto Him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and He healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. (23) And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the Son of David? (24) But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

In this next scripture, we find statements that YAHshua made that many people do not seem to understand.

Matthew 10 (34) Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. (35) For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. (36) And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. [Mic. 7:6] (37) He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. (38) And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me. (39) He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it.

(40) He that receiveth you receiveth Me, and he that receiveth Me receiveth HIM that sent Me. (41) He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. (42) And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

For an excellent explanation of the above verses, I will quote from "Gospel Light an Indispensable Guide to the Teachings of Jesus [YAHshua] & the customs of His Time," by George M. Lamsa. (page 82)

"Political leaders invariably promise material prosperity. Prophets predict vengeance and peace and tranquility. No leader or prophet could win the public without certain promises of change in the social and political order because in countries where persecution and injustice prevail, people always look to a leader to bring peace. Such revolutionary changes are brought about by the sword.

"Jesus [YAHshua] did not mean hid mission was to start agitation, strife and war but his ideas were so revolutionary and contrary to the social and religious order of his day, they could not be carried out without revolution and war. His teaching upset dogmas and traditions and challenged the priestly authority. Divisions because of religious beliefs appeared in organizations as well as in homes. A son who accepted Jesus' [YAHshua's] teaching was hated by his orthodox father and looked upon as a traitor to his ancestral faith. A daughter hated her mother if she embraced the Christian faith. Jesus [YAHshua] made clear the new revolutionary teaching would cause many persecutions and much suffering.

"Jesus [YAHshua] was very emphatic in declaring the people should not expect his mission to bring immediate peace. He did not make false promises. He wanted his followers to be aware of the future dangers which would confront them. In this way he eliminated from his ranks all who would have followed him for the sake of worldly gains and he enlisted only those who were ready to renounce everything in favor of the gospel and, if necessary, to give even their lives for it. Luke 12:51-53"

When John was in prison he sent his disciples to ask YAHshua if He was the Messiah that was to come.

Matthew 11 (I) And it came to pass, when YAHshua had made an end of commanding His twelve disciples, He departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. (2) Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Messiah, he sent two of his disciples, (3) And said unto Him, Art Thou He that should come, or do we look for another? (4) YAHshua answered and said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: (5) The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear [Isa 35:5-6], the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. [Isa. 61:1] (6) And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me.

I find on page 42 in David H. Stern's Jewish New Testament Commentary an interesting commentary on verses 3-6. (I am enclosing this commentary mostly for the benefit of adults who are reading these lessons.)

"Yochanan the Immerser, apparently discouraged by being put in prison after having announced Yeshua as the Messiah (3:11, 17; Yn 1:27, 29), asks, "Are you the one who is to come?" - the one who will put an end to political oppression and get me out of jail? The question is in code, for the phrase, "the one who is to como," would be clear only to those acquainted with Yochanan's teaching. Had they asked, "Are you the Messiah?" it would have been more difficult for Yeshua to send an answer to Yochanan without revealing his identity, which he was not yet wanting to do (see 8:4&N, 9:30).

"Yeshua's answer is also in code. He refers to prophecies in the book of Isaiah of six signs which the Messiah will give when he comes: he will make the blind see (Isaiah 29:18, 35:5), make the lame walk (Isaiah 35:6, 61:1), cleanse lepers (Isaiah 61:1), make the deaf hear (Isaiah 29:18 35:5), raise the dead (implied in Isaiah 11:1-2 but not made specific), and evangelize the poor (Isaiah 61:1-1 in the light of 4:23N above). Since he has done all these thing (Chapters 8-9), the message should be clear. Yeshua is the one; Yochanan need not look for another. See 8:1-4N.

"But his answer avoids mentioning the Messianic sign of "proclaiming liberty to the captives" (Isaiah 61:1). Added to the his remark, "How blessed is anyone not offended by me," Yeshua seems to be saying delicately that even though he is the Messiah, Yochanan will not set free - as proves to be the case (14:1-12).

Shalom for this week! HalleluYAH!!!

P.S. If there are anyone who wish to receive a copy of each lesson printed out in full color we would be glad to start a mailing list to do so. Of course, they would be absolutely FREE! Shalom!

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and The Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

In Matthew 11:7-14, YAHshua said that John the Baptizer was more than a prophet and that among them [prophets] that were born among men there had not risen greater. Therefore, most of this lesson will be devoted to scripture concerning John the Baptizer. In order to do that, we will use other scriptures as well as other writing of mine before adding Matthew 11:7-14. We will also review what was written about him in two previous lessons of this series. We will start with the following scripture detailing John's mission to prepare the people for YAHWEH'S Son YAHshua.

Luke 1 (13) But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. (14) And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. (15) For he shall be great in the sight of YAHWEH, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. (16) And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to YAHWEH their Elohim. (17) And he shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elias [Eliyah], to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children [Mal. 4:5-6], and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for YAHWEH [Isa 40:3].

From Lesson One: YAHWEH sent a great prophet to prepare the people for the arrival of our Saviour, YAHshua. That prophet was called "John the baptizer." However, most people incorrectly refer to him as "John the Baptist." (John was called the "baptizer" because he baptized so many people, including our Saviour.)

Matthew 3 (I) In those days came John the baptizer, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, (2) And saying, Repent ye: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. (3) For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias [Isaiah], saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of YAHWEH, [Isa. 40:3] make HIS paths straight. (4) And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. (5) Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, (6) And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

YAHshua was baptized by John the Baptizer.

Matthew 3 (11) I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He [YAHshua] that cometh after me is mightier than I, Whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire: (12) Whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. (13) Then cometh YAHshua from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. (14) But John forbad Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me? (15) And YAHshua answering said unto him, Suffer [allow] it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered [allowed] Him. (16) And YAHshua, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of YAHWEH descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: (17) And lo a voice from Heaven, saying, This is MY beloved Son, in Whom I [YAHWEH] am well pleased.

From Lesson Thirteen: YAHshua was confronted by John the Baptizer's disciples about fasting.

Matthew 9 (14) Then came to Him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but Thy disciples fast not? (15) And YAHshua said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

From Message # 17: The following is from my message # 17 titled "Brethren, let us understand the Vision of the Transfiguration." 

Matthew 17 (I) And after six days YAHshua taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart, (2) And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light. (3) And, behold, there appeared [in vision] unto them Moses and Elias [Eliyah] talking with Him. *[Luke 9:30-31 tells us what they were talking about-His death!] (4) Then answered Peter, and said unto YAHshua, Sovereign, it is good for us to be here: if Thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias [Eliyah]. (5) While He yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is MY beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him. (6) And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. (7) And YAHshua came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. (8) And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save YAHshua only. (9) And as they came down from the mountain, YAHshua charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. (10) And His disciples asked Him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias [Eliyah] must first come? (11) And YAHshua answered and said unto them, Elias [Eliyah] truly shall first come, and restore all things. (12) But I say unto you, That Elijah [Eliyah] is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they **listed [determined/chose]. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. (13) Then the disciples understood that He spake unto them of John the Baptizer.

*Luke 9 (30) And, behold, there talked with Him two men, which were Moses and Elias [Eliyah]: (31) Who appeared in glory, and spake of His [YAHshua's] decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem.

In the vision, Moses and Elijah (Eliyah) represent the exact same thing as the two witnesses of Revelation 11:3-12 and the two olive trees/two anointed ones of Zechariah 4:3-14 i.e. the Law and the Testimony of YAHWEH. Moses represented the Law of YAHWEH and Elijah (Eliyah) represented the Testimony of YAHWEH.

The reason for the vision was that YAHWEH was showing Peter, James and John that YAHshua was indeed the Messiah Who was to die for the sins of HIS people as was prophesied by the sacrifices of the law and by the testimonies of HIS servants the prophets and that He (YAHshua) is the one that you must listen to. In addition to that, YAHWEH confirmed the prophesy written in the second Psalm by declaring "This is MY beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him."

Psalms 2 (I) Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? (2) The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against YAHWEH, and against HIS Anointed, saying, (3) Let us break Their bands asunder, and cast away Their cords from us. (4) HE that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: MY Sovereign shall have them in derision. (5) Then shall HE speak unto them in HIS wrath, and vex them in HIS sore displeasure. (6) Yet have I set MY King upon MY holy hill of Zion. (7) I will declare the decree: YAHWEH hath said unto Me, Thou art MY Son; this day have I begotten Thee. (8) Ask of ME, and I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession. (9) Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. (10) Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. (11) Serve YAHWEH with fear, and rejoice with trembling. (12) Kiss [be fastened or joined to] the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.

**What did they choose or determine to do to John the Baptizer? They put him in prison and then beheaded him at a Birthday party!

Matthew 14 (I) At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of YAHshua, (2) And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in Him. (3) For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. (4) For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. (5) And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. (6) But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. (7) Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. (8) And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John the Baptizer's head in a charger. (9) And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. (10) And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. (11) And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. (12) And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told YAHshua.

Now, let us get back to Matthew 11:7-14.

Matthew 11 (7) And as they departed, YAHshua began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? (8) But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. (9) But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. (10) For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send MY messenger before Thy face, which shall prepare Thy way before thee [Mal. 3:1].

(11) Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptizer: notwithstanding he that is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.

Can you imagine that? Consider how great was the prophet John the Baptizer who was the prophet that prepared the way before YAHshua, baptized Him, and then introduced Him to YAHWEH'S people Israel! As seen in the above verses, even though John was so great the least one who enters the Kingdom of Heaven is even greater! HalleluYAH!!!

We will end this lesson with the these words of YAHshua and a comment on verse twelve by George M. Lamsa from "Gospel Light an Indispensable Guide to the Teachings of Jesus [YAHshua] & the customs of His Time." (page 85)

Matthew 11 (12) And from the days of John the Baptizer until now the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. (13) For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. (14) And if ye will receive it, this is Elias [Eliyah], who was for to come. (15) He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. (16) But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the Markets, and calling unto their fellows, (17) And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. (18) For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. (19) The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

"The Eastern text reads "The Kingdom of Heaven has been administered by force." The reference is to the purpose of the Jewish religion which was to prepare the way for the Kingdom of Heaven where the Messiah would reign. It was administered by force and controlled only by those in power. The leaders were rival high priests, who exercised complete political, social and spiritual power over the people. They were selected largely by bribery and corruption. Injustice was the chief characteristic. The Pharisees and priests were more interested in their official positions than in leading men into the Kingdom of Heaven or entering themselves. Prophets and seers who condemned injustice and violence and showed the path of truth which led to the kingdom were slain.

"This state of affairs was ended by the teaching of Jesus [YAHshua]. The doors of the Kingdom of Heaven were now open. The Scriptures were explained, the traditions of the elders were exposed and the gospel of righteousness was proclaimed."

Shalom for this week!

HalleluYAH!!!