Can't Keep Quiet

 Just Can’t Keep Quiet!

Matthew 9:27-31 And when Jesus 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 Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.  (29) Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.  (30) And their eyes were opened; and Jesus 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. 

For those that do not know me personally, I am 6 years Cancer FREE after being told that I had a 1% chance to survive my Stage 4 Cancer diagnosis.  One other point of interest in this story is that I refused the doctor’s recommendation of treatment and opted for “Alternative Treatments”.  Whenever I can, I tell others about the path I took.  I think my path of treatment was significant in my healing and want others to benefit as well.

In our text today, Jesus encounters two blind men.  Somehow, these men knew about Jesus and they were following him so that they might be healed.  After a brief exchange, Jesus fulfilled their request and restored their sight.  When their sight was restored, they went on their way telling everyone what had happened to them. They just could not keep their good news contained.

When ever I see an event like this recorded in the Bible, a sense of guilt wells up inside me.  For those of us that are Christians, we have had something even more spectacular happen to us by they hands of Jesus!  We have had our sins washed away by his blood of Jesus and now we have the hope of spending our eternities in the presence of God and Jesus.

Where’s our lack of containment?

Why are we more apt to give our recommendation of a favorable movie than about our Savior?  Why are we inclined to share with others our path of physical healing than our path of spiritual healing?  Why are we willing to recommend  a vacation spot that we spent a week at than to share with others where we will spend our eternity?

May we learn to develop the courage and lack-of-containment that these blind men had so that we can go everywhere telling about Jesus who made us to see!

Tell someone about Jesus Today...because you just cannot contain yourself!

Reflecting the SON, 

Dennis Hogan

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com

www.vividesigngroup.com

Laughs Last

 He Who Laughs Last…

Matthew 9:23-26 And when Jesus 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. 

 

It’s always easy to be a Monday Morning Quarterback.  Would YOU laugh at Jesus?  Absolutely NEVER!  But of course, we have the perspective of hindsight and the Inspired Word of God to help us with our confidence.

In our text today, we are told that Jesus was ‘laughed to scorn’.  That wording seems significant.  It indicates a particular motive.  They didn’t just laugh because they found something humorous, but instead they laughed for the purpose of showing their contempt.  What did Jesus do or say that would cause them to laugh at him to show distain?

Jesus comes onto the scene and quickly and SEEMINGLY without all of the knowledge that others have, and declares that this DEAD young girl that he came to heal was NOT in fact dead.  He declared her to be only sleeping. It would seem on face value that Jesus did not “read the room”.  The laughter by the crowd was due because they KNEW beyond the shadow of any doubt that the young girl WAS indeed dead.  The context proves this fact.  

During this time in history, when someone died, the family would come and wail outside the home to draw attention to the fact that the family is now in mourning.  Rich families, such as this one, could hire professional mourners and musicians to perform this task.  Obviously, it would take a bit of time to arrange this gathering, so the girl would have to have been dead long enough for this gathering to happen.  Certainly plenty of time to truly confirm the girl’s actual death.  So when Jesus makes this seemingly careless and possibly disrespectful statement, it was not careless!  It was not an accident.  He did not fail to read the room. He knew what he was doing and chose that that path to take.

So why did Jesus make this controversial statement that led to him being made fun of?  We are not specifically told but here are a couple of theories:

1.  He was Highlighting his Power over Death

What seems impossible for man, is a simple task for Jesus.  There was no experience in these people’s lives that would have prepared them for the POSSIBILITY of this girl ever being resurrected from the dead.  But just because it was out of the realm of possibility for them, it was not impossible for Jesus.  It was not even difficult!  With a simple voice command, Jesus speaks life into her lifeless body.  With his mere voice, Jesus stilled perilous storms, healed the lame, healed the blind and yes, even caused the dead to live once again.

2.  He was Making a Contrast between Physical Death and Spiritual Death

From a human perspective, death seems like forever.  But from the view of eternity, death is not any more permanent than life itself.  The total history of this planet is but a spec of time in the perspective of Eternity.  Jesus was able to demonstrate that by giving this young girl a preview to the resurrection.  Some day we will all be resurrected like was Jesus.

Death is temporary…But Jesus is forever!

Even though Jesus was laughed at, Jesus got the last laugh by showing his power over life and death.  And due to this event, his fame spread throughout the land and through all time.

Do you want Jesus to raise you from the dead some day so that you may be able to live Forever with Him?  If we fail to live with him after resurrection, we will die for all eternity!  If you want to live, you Must be a Seeker and Follower of Jesus!

Reflecting the SON, 

Dennis Hogan

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Great Physician

Jesus the Great Physician

Matthew 9:10-13 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.  (11) When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”   (12) On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  (13) But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

In sales and marketing, understanding the concept of a “Target Market” is critical for success.  While many small businesses want to believe that “everyone” can use their product or service, there is ALWAYS an ideal customer.  Identifying that ideal customer allows the advertising to be tailored to attract that specific buyer for maximum effectiveness.

While the “product or service” that Jesus offers is certainly available and beneficial to every single person in the world, Jesus still has a “Target Market”.  And in our text today, He identifies them.  They are not who one would expect.  In fact, they are the exact opposite of the expected.

Who would you EXPECT to be the “target market” of Jesus?  The religious leaders of the day:  The Pharisees, Scribes, Priests and the like.  Obvious right?  So who does Jesus say is his “Target Market”? Tax Collectors and ‘Sinners’.  How does Jesus make sense of this?

Jesus describes two categories of people:  The Healthy and the Sick.  Being a Spiritual ‘Doctor’, it is only the sick that will have motivation to hear what he has to say and the courage to make the necessary adjustments in life to heed his words.

The real question is:  Which category do you see yourself in?  Are you healthy or sick?  The Great Physician can save you from what ails you…But you have to be willing to listen and then be willing to take the prescription that Jesus offers.

Reflecting the SON, 

Dennis Hogan

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Why Him?

But He’s...'One of Them'

Matthew 9:9  And as Jesus 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.  

In our text today, we find Jesus in his initial encounter with another one of his apostles.  From a worldly perspective, Jesus had terrible judgement in promoting followers to key positions.  Have you ever looked at the list of apostles?  

Matthew wasn’t like the others.  He wasn’t just an uneducated, unsophisticated, run-of-the-mill, blue collar type.  He was a tax collector!

In the Jewish society, in the days of Jesus, tax collectors were not just representatives of “The Man”.  They were viewed as full on traitors.  The land of Palestine was ruled by the Roman government at the time, so any taxes that were collected were gathered to support the Roman government.  The romans used Jews within their own country to collect the taxes from their own people.  Those Jewish taxes collectors were hated for being traitors and supporting their enemies!

And that is who Jesus chose to be one of the leaders of his movement!

While from a worldly standpoint, Jesus had rotten judgement, from a Godly perspective, Jesus knew exactly what he was doing!  This kind of choice is why I love serving Jesus!  He saw a broken man that wanted to change, and gave him the opportunity to change his life and the life of others.  Matthew took full advantage of his opportunity.

Jesus sees potential in you… regardless of how broken you think you are.  He has given you the same opportunity of redemption that Matthew had….  Will you Follow Him?

Reflecting the SON, 

Dennis Hogan

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Powerful Jesus!

 The All Powerful Jesus!

Matthew 9:2-7  And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus 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 Jesus 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 multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men. 

Simply put, you cannot put Jesus into any little box.  The world wants to paint Jesus as a meek, passive, non-confrontational, hippiesque, love-above-all-else, one-demential religious leader.  Jesus is NOT that!  And our text today proves it.

It was probably a daily occurrence that Jesus is brought sick people to be healed.  We have many accounts in the Gospels where Jesus does exactly what is requested.  This day was a little different.  A crippled man, said to have palsy, is brought to him to be healed.  He is eventually healed as desired but first Jesus takes a detour.

Before healing this palsy stricken man, Jesus declares that his sins are forgiven.  Notice the reaction of the religious leaders.  They declared him to be a blasphemer!  Blasphemy is the act of showing contempt or lack of reverence for God and/or the act of claiming to have the attributes of God.

So why didn’t Jesus just mind his business and do what he always did, and JUST heal the guy?  Why did he step into that mind field of antagonizing the religious leaders of the day?  Did he not know who they were?  Did he not think about his actions before he did it?  Could he not have anticipated the fall-out that this detour would cause?  Was he just careless?  Jesus knew exactly what he was doing!  And he gives us the answer in verse 6:

Matthew 9:6  But that ye may know that the Son of Man hath POWER on earth to forgive sins!..

Because Jesus is ALL POWERFUL!  Not only did he have the Power to heal the sick, he had the Power to Forgive sins.

The real key to this passage is that not only did he have the power to forgive the sins of this man as well as others in his life… He also has the POWER to forgive sins today.  He did it.. He does it because of this death on the cross!

Jesus has the POWER to forgive ALL of your sins too!

Reflecting the SON, 

Dennis Hogan

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Who Can You Turn To?

Who Can You Turn To?

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, Lord, 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! 

Life has many frightening challenges. The world around us seems to be crumbling. What has always been wrong is now “right” and what has always been right is now “wrong”.  It seems that most everyone that we are supposed to trust is lying to us.  Crime is way up.  The prices of Basic necessities are way up. Depression and suicide are way up.

Who do we turn to?  In many respects, the very people that we have turned to in the past are the ones troubling us.

In our text today, Jesus and his disciples are on a ship.  While on their journey, they encountered a serious, dangerous storm.  Some of the disciples that were with him were experienced fisherman so storms had to be a fairly normal occurrence.  But it seems this storm was different!  They were so frightened by the effect of waves “covering” the ship that they ran to Jesus seeking Help.  We can know their state of mind by their frantic request:

“Lord, Save Us: We Perish”!

Fortunately, they came to the right person.  Not only that, they came to the ONLY person that could help.  With the Power of his voice and in a  simple statement Jesus brought “Great Calm” where there was enormous turmoil and fear.

Like the disciples, Jesus is the only person that can bring Calm to our chaotic lives!  Who do you turn to?  Most likely they are unqualified to bring real calm and solution.  Turn to the ONLY ONE that has the Power to Save!

Reflecting the SON, 

Dennis Hogan

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com

He Spoke with Authority

 

Why Did Jesus Talk This Way?

Matthew 7:28-29 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:  (29) For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 

Jesus is often referred to as the Master Teacher.  One of the reasons is due to his use of Parables and illustrations.  He also was very innovative and unconventional in the messages and truths he proclaimed.  Today we are going to focus on the characteristic that is mentioned in our passage today.

Matthew tells us that there was something VERY distinctive…. One might even say troubling about his teachings.  So much so that it caused those present to be Astonished!  The audience was amazed, taken back, almost to say in disbelief.  What was it that caused so much uproar when he spoke?  

He taught as one that Had AUTHORITY!  

When comparing Jesus to any other “expert” or “authority”, he stands worlds above all others.  Some people are called authorities because of the schooling that they underwent.  Some because of the accomplishments.  Jesus’ resume for being an authority speaks for itself.

1.  He Spoke With Authority...The World into Existence. 

Genesis 1:1-3 and John 1:1-3 both speak to Jesus’ integral participation in the creation of the world.  The magnitude of his Power and Authority is evident everywhere we look.  It amazes me every time I think about it that Jesus created each day’s creation by SPEAKING it into existence.

2.  He Spoke With Authority...Evil Spirits Expelled

Luke 4:33-36  I think sometimes it is easy to loose perspective as to the strength of Satan.  We watch movies and such and can get the understanding that Satan is virtually uncontrollable.  But this passage tells us otherwise.  Even though Satan had power to possess man during this time.  Satan nor his demons were any match to the supremacy of Jesus.  Notice the manner in which this unclean spirit cowers to the shear power of Jesus.  And with the simple strength of the Authority of his words of Jesus…The demon obeys the word of Jesus!

3.  He Spoke With Authority...Storms Stilled

Mark 4:36-41   Jesus was able to control the worst of storms with the power of his voice.  The Disciples were literally afraid for their lives.  They even asked Jesus”  “Do you not care that we perish”.  They thought the storm would kill them.  But Jesus SPOKE with AUTHORITY and the storm ceased and the ocean stilled.  Notice too the ease with which he was able to control the storm.  He didn’t have to give it a long speech.  He didn’t have to yell over and over for it to pay attention.  He didn’t have to plead with the storm to go away.  He simply said “Peace be Still”

4.  He Spoke With Authority...Diseases Healed

Luke 7:1-10  Most of Jesus’ healings, he was present to the sick person and made some sort of physical gesture to heal them.  Here we have a unique situation. Without being present...without Jesus laying his hands on the sick person…Or doing any other miraculous ACT…He requested that Jesus heal his friend with the command of his voice.  This man truly understood that Jesus Spoke with Authority.  He realized that Jesus had the authority to speak but a word and his friend could be completely disease free.  

With the same power that Jesus Spoke the World into Existence, Spoke Sins Forgiven, Spoke Evil Spirits Expelled, Spoke Storms Stilled, and Spoke Diseases Healed…Jesus speaks to us the will of God!   So...what’s the point to mention that Jesus Spoke with Authority?  When I read this phrase,  It reminds me of the old TV Commercial for E.F. Hutton, the stock brokerage company.  The tag line for everyone of their commercials is:  “When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen”.  Likewise, because Jesus speaks with such authority, We OUGHT listen to him.  Not just casually hear...But REALLY Listen.  Will we Heed to the authority of the word of Jesus?

Reflecting the SON, 

Dennis Hogan

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Wise or Foolish

Are You Ready for a Storm?

Matthew 7:24-27  Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  (25) And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  (26) And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.  (27) And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.

Now that spring has arrived, we are solidly in severe weather season.  That means the threat of  thunderstorms, lightening, hail, strong winds, and even potential tornadoes are possible with every weather front that passes through.  When the time arrives, and storm alerts sound, one of the first precautions that the authorities advise is to “Take Shelter Immediately”.

In our passage today, Jesus warns that the Storms of Life are coming.  It is not a matter of IF but rather WHEN.  These storms can take many forms:  The death of a close family member, the loss of a job, problems within the family, personal illness, loneliness, depression….the list is virtually endless.  Like a weather storm, when the Storms of Life hit,  we will naturally head for shelter.  Our life’s choices determine the soundness of the refuge that we have when we are in need.  Jesus says that there are only two types:

1.  The Shelter built upon a Rock

Jesus says that the Wise Man is able to ride out the storm with All hope of coming out of the danger unscathed.  He is Wise because he knew of the impending danger and made preparations.  Those preparations require sacrifices.  So what is the Key?  

The Wise Man Hears the Words of Jesus and Does them.  

The youngest of children learn in Bible class about the “Wise man built his house upon the Rock”.  But this is not a childish teaching.  It is a principle that many people… even so-called followers miss.  Jesus doesn’t teach us a different way of living from the rest of the world because he is an “evil puppet master” that gets his kicks from watching us dance.  He teaches us to go the opposite direction from the rest of the world because it is a better way of life.  He teaches us to behave completely different from the rest of the world because he knows that by doing so we will avoid many self-made storms.  Jesus tells us to think differently than everyone else because when we are truly followers of, not only the concept of Jesus but also the actions, behaviors and lifestyles of Jesus, we will be helped, protected and strengthened by God himself.  Then when the rains begin to fall, the flood waters rise, and the winds begin to storm through…We will have Refuge in Jesus Himself!

2.  The Shelter built upon sand

Building one’s house on the sand is obviously ridiculous!  If you have ever walked along a sandy beach near the water’s edge, you know the instability of sand in the presence of water.  But Jesus says that living one’s life without following the teachings of Jesus is equally unstable.  A house sitting directly on the sand will come crashing down.

How many people’s lives are one pail of water shy of crashing down because they have built their lives on the sandy lifestyles of drugs, alcohol, sexual immorality, lying, cheating, and generally just living ungodly lives?  How many have built their lives on the sandy lifestyle of beneficial things like a career, and then a storm comes and the job is gone and “Great Was the Fall” of their lives.  How many people have built their lives around family and then storm comes out of nowhere then “Great Was the Fall” of their lives because their sandy foundation failed them?

Jesus is the only foundation that we can depend on.  But to be able to put our faith in Jesus, we must hear his words and Do them.  Only then will we be prepared for the Storms of Life.

Reflecting the SON, 

Dennis Hogan

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Who's Going to Heaven

 Who is Going to Heaven?

Matthew 7:21-23  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, 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, Lord, Lord, 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.

In a poll from 2013, 62% of all Americans believe there is a place called Heaven.  Furthermore, that same 62% believe that they would be going there.  That is a fascinating statistic.  It is amazing that so few people in America believe in Heaven.  It is even more amazing that for everyone that believes in Heaven, they think they are going.

In previous verses in this chapter (verses 13-14), Jesus says that “Many” are on the “way” that leads to destruction (not Heaven) and only a few will enter the gate that leads to Life (Heaven).  Without trying to assign specific values to Jesus’ qualifiers of many and few, logic can conclude that at a bare minimum, greater than 50% of the world’s population will be lost and less than 50% of the world’s population will go to heaven.  The best case scenario, according to the numbers, at least 12% of those polled are misguided about their eternal fate. According to Jesus, there are quite a few people that are misinformed about their eternal future.

The news gets even worse.  In our passage today, Jesus narrows the field even more.  Jesus say that “Not everyone that says Lord Lord with enter the Kingdom of Heaven”.  So let’s identify who Jesus is talking about.   Who would say to Jesus “Lord Lord”?  Would atheists?  Absolutely not.  They would NEVER claim loyalty to a being they believe never existed.  How about agnostics?  Would they call Jesus Lord?  Again, if you do not believe in someone, you would not claim them as your master.  This can only include one group of people:  Those that CLAIM Jesus as their Lord…Believers, Followers, maybe even christians.  Now what does Jesus say about them?  Not All “believers”, “followers” and “christians” will enter the kingdom of Heaven.

Who Does Jesus say will Go to Heaven?  Those that do the will of the Father in Heaven.  Therefore, it demands that we Learn God’s Will.  It demands that we Apply God’s Will.  And it demands that we Do God’s will.  This passage is contrary to many doctrines that are taught throughout Christiandom.  Christianity is not just a mindset that we prefer Jesus over all other alternatives.  Jesus demands that we are both Loyal and demonstrating our Love for him by doing what he says.  It is not good enough that we just have our names on the roles.  Jesus wants us to be ambassadors and representatives of and for his cause.

Jesus continues in verses 22-23 showing that many people that will be lost but think they were right with him will make an argument for themselves that they have done good works and should be able to enter.  Jesus will say unto them “I Never Knew You”.  It is sad that there could be a significant number of people that truly believe they have a relationship with God, but God does not “know” them.

This passage is quite consistent with the rest of the New Testament.  When we become Christians, Jesus expects us to Deny ourselves and Follow him.  As a christian and a follower of Jesus, we must always and continually strive to Know the will of God and have the courage to do it, regardless of the cost.

Reflecting the SON, 

Dennis Hogan

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com

FruitInspecting

Be a Fruit Inspector!

Matthew 7:16-20  You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  (17) So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.  (18) A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.  (19) Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  (20) Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

This may frustrate many non-believers but… Christianity is a Thinking Religion.  Certainly there are elements of emotion that belong in this cause, but Christianity is not defined, driven, or dependent upon emotion for its success.  Instead, the Bible teaches that our minds must be engaged in order to be pleasing to God.

Hebrews 11:1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Luke 14:28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not ^sfirst sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?

Our passage today, from the Sermon on the Mount, relies SOLEY on logic.  In fact, it is elementary level logic.  There are 3 steps to this passage

1.  Principle 1 - Fruit Identification:

Jesus uses this as the foundational, logical principle for what he is trying to teach us.  If you see an orange(s) hanging on a tree…We can and must conclude that the tree is an Orange Tree!  If you see an apple hanging on a tree… It must is an apple tree.  Or as Jesus states it, you don’t find grapes growing from thorn bushes.  As humans, at times we simply have to draw logical conclusions.

2.  Principle 2 - Good Fruit Verses Bad Fruit

He builds on the first step of logic to help us to the next level.  We do not have to be college trained and professional Botonists to ascertain the difference between good fruit and bad fruit.  Small, mis-shaped , discolored and blemished fruit is not as desirable as plump, ripe and healthy fruit.  That is an observation that a 5 year old can make.  Again Jesus concludes that healthy trees produce healthy fruit and undesirable fruit comes from sickly trees.

3.  Application - Know Them By Their Fruit

Let’s be real, Jesus doesn’t really care about fruit.  He did not leave the glory of Heaven to live on this earth for a strawberry.  He did not die on the cross for a watermelon.  He did not sacrifice for a peach.  Jesus did what he did for mankind.  Therefore, there is an application that he wants us to know.  We are to use our God-Given common sense, logic and reasoning abilities to make conclusions about people.  If someone openly professes that they are living in a particular lifestyle that the Bible declares unequivocally as being sinful, we can conclude that this person is living In sin.  We recognize their sinful fruit and know them for that fruit.  Let's be clear.  Jesus does not say this for the purpose of making us feel superior.  He does not say this so that we can degrade them.  This information should NEVER be used as a weapon against any one because we all have some rotten fruit in our past.

In the immediate context, Jesus says this in regards to warning us about false teachers.  We can know a false teacher…If we want to, but they fruits of their overall life.  But this same logic and reasoning applies across the spectrum.

Why might this be helpful?  Evangelism.  We can see the obvious sin in a person’s life and KNOW that we need to teach them about Jesus.  We can know that they have sins they need to repent of and go to them in love and teach them about the love, grace and forgiveness of Jesus.

Reflecting the SON, 

Dennis Hogan

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com

BEWARE!

BEWARE!

Matthew 7:15  Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

What a way for Jesus to start a passage.  BEWARE!  The word “Beware” is always a warning for impending danger.  The warning is intended to give an opportunity for you to be able to stop, think, and consider the new found information so that you will change your mind and go back the way you came.  The Key Word here is AVOIDANCE!  Avoid danger at all costs!  That is the smart thing to do.

Every year people die from NOT heeding the warning signs of Danger.  A good example of this is what happens during a heavy rain.  The warning is:  If a road is flooded and you are not sure of how deep it is, Do NOT try to attempt to cross.  Every year people disregard that warning.  Every year people go where they should not go.  And every year needless deaths happen because they do not heed the warning.  In 2019, 56 people died in the United States from ignoring the Warnings and they drowned in their car because it was over-come with water.

So what is Jesus warning us about?  False Prophets or Teachers.  Preceding this verse, Jesus tells us to Enter the Straight Gate!  Then informs us of the two ways that leads through life:  One leading to Eternal Life, the other leading to our eternal destruction.  Immediately after, he warns of the danger of False Teachers.

What we need to Truly understand is that Teachers have a HUGE influence on which path we ultimately choose and travel.  Therefore we MUST choose our teachers WISELY!

Why a Warning?  Why not an asterisk?  Why not a friendly reminder?  Because YOUR soul is in Jeopardy!  If we follow a False Teacher it will lead us to the path that leads to our destruction.  Just look at the allegory that Jesus uses.  He says that these false teachers are ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’.  Jesus chose his words and examples carefully.  Jesus did not describe the false teachers as poodles, or kitties, or bunny rabbits.  He was trying to paint a picture in your mind.  He didn’t even just say a wolf.  He described them as “Ravenous Wolves”.  “Ravenous” is defined as:  Extremely hungry; voracious; desperate.  A wolf in this state will not spare you for any reason.  He is designed to kill efficiently, then rip you to pieces for his consumption.  False teachings are NOT just alternative theories, or an alternate way of viewing God and his will.  They are tools of Satan himself to confuse and lead you down the broad way… AWAY from God!

What’s more?  Jesus adds the feature of these ravenous wolves as coming in sheep’s clothing.  In this illustration, we are sheep.  The false teacher appears harmless!  They appear as one of us.  They are impersonating someone that wants to help!  That is what makes them so dangerous!  If we know that we are entering a dangerous situation, we can bring along tools to defend against the danger.  If we go into the woods where it is known to contain wolves, we can take a gun, and several people and large dogs to both keep them away and to help take out the wolves if they approach.  But the danger of false teachers is disguised as a peaceful, helpful, and/or caring individual, so we will let our guards down; setting up the ideal environment for an ambush.  

BEWARE!  Do not ignore this warning!

Reflecting the SON, 

Dennis Hogan

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com

WhichWay

Go With the Crowd or Go Alone?

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.  (14) For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Life is a series of choices.  Everyday we make hundreds of decisions based on 2 or more options.  Most decisions that we make in a day are inconsequential.  Do I want cereal or eggs for breakfast?  Do I take the scenic route to work or the faster route?  Do I stop and get gas before work or after?  Do I stay up and watch the movie or go to bed on time?  Everything is a choice.  Most are made with our brains on autopilot. Our brains process many of them so quickly and efficiently that we may never really consider them as choices.

In Life, there are a handful of times that we have decisions to make that change the direction and trajectory of our lives:  things like education, marriage, having children, and our career path.  In our passage today, Jesus is informing us about one such decision that most of the world has never even thought about.  It is the most important decision of our lives!  Jesus says that there are two roads, paths or Ways through this life.  Those two ways are leading in the exact opposite directions.  The consequences of this choice are ETERNAL in nature.  We MUST choose wisely!

Option 1:  The Broad Way

Matthew 7:13-14  Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy¹ that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.

The good news…with this choice, you’ll have LOTS of company!  Jesus tells us that MANY will be going this way.  Clearly, this is the direction of the Mass Majority!  You’ll fit right in with all of the thieves, murderers, rapists, child molesters and the rest of the evil people that are flooding this direction.

Why not?  It’s easy.  It’s fun.   It Requires nothing from you.  There are no rules to follow.  Anything goes!  In fact sometimes, you will be celebrated by the rest of society for being brave enough to make the choice of following your own whims and desires.  That really is the key to this choice… If you want to do it…Go for it!  If you want to try it…Give it a whirl.  If you can imagine it …give it a shot!  If you think that it will make you feel good…even for a short period of time, then why on earth would you want to deny yourself of a little pleasure?  In fact, due to the large number of people in this crowd, there won’t be any problem with trying to out do one another.  Be outrageous!  It will be encouraged.  This choice reminds me of some commercials that I have heard for buying a new car…. “You won’t be turned down for any reason” on this road.  There are no credit checks.  No discrimination.  This is the place to “Do You”!

What’s more?  If you are one of the people that really doesn’t like making tough decisions, this is the path for you!  This is the default path!  If you have never thought about religion,  Hate religion, Mad at God…then you will find lots of of like-minded people to keep you company. Maybe you have thought about religion, but you just want to wait for a “Better” time in your life to get serious about God.  Again, this is your path.  Non-decision, non-commitment, Non-dedicated people will do great going down this path.  Don’t worry about anything…at least until you reach the destination!

As a small bit of legalese… we do need to mention one teeny tiny drawback to this option in life.  Jesus says that it leads to your destruction.  That destruction will last for ETERNITY!  Here is the way Jesus describes it:

Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

There is definitely a better way!

Option 2:  The Straight Way

Matthew 7:13-14  Enter by the narrow gate….(14) For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

To start with, this is the option that Jesus recommends.  In the first statement of verse 13, Jesus says Enter the Straight Gate!  This is the way through life that you want.  Back when I was growing up, it seems that every tooth paste ad would claim that 4 out of 5 dentists recommend this toothpaste.  Jesus, endorses this Way through life.  He is no dentist, but he is the Author and Finisher of our Faith.  Jesus is the REAL expert.  This is Jesus’ recommendation!

Even with the recommendation, Jesus prepares us for the negatives that we can expect.  First, it will be lonely.  While the rest of society believes they are having the time of their lives going the opposite direction, Jesus says few there will be to find this destination.  Why is it that so few people will go down this path and make it to the end?  Because the Gate is narrow and the way is hard.  The other Way in life boasts no rules, there are prescribed rules and lifestyles that we Must commit to.  It is not always going to be easy..But it will be worth it!

So what makes this choice better?  The destination!  The payoff!  The reward!  It comes down to this simple choice:  We must sacrifice present pleasure for Future Glory.  Or we live for today to gain as much Gusto as we can in this life, and suffer the consequences for all of eternity.  Pay me now or Pay me later!  

Furthermore, In reality, while the Broad road SEEMS to be the best life, Jesus is offering us the superior life on this planet.  Jesus’ way is more rewarding and by following his guidance, we will avoid a LOT of suffering that Sin brings.

Listen to the Expert.  Avoid the allusions and deceits that the broad path offers.  Enter the ONLY gate that leads to eternal life!  Eternal Reward verses eternal destruction. It is worth the small sacrifices that we must endure.  And on this path, Jesus will be with us all of the way!

Choose Jesus!

Reflecting the SON, 

Dennis Hogan

dennis.hogan@icloud.com

Questions, comments or  further explanation?  Contact me at:  dennis.hogan@icloud.com