A Christmas Poem by the Angel of the Lord – Matthew 1:20-23

A Christmas Poem by the Angel of the Lord – Matthew 1:20-23

20...“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid {“Afraid, Fearful” (ירא) Yare}

to take Mary your wife. For that which is conceived {“Conceiving” (הרה) Hareh}

in her is from the Holy Spirit {“Spirit” (רוח) Ruach}.

21 And she will give birth to a son,

and you shall call his name Jesus {“Jesus” (ישוע) Yashua or Yeshua},

for he will save {“Save” (יושיע) Yosheya}

his people {“People” (עמי) Ammo}

from their sins {“Sins” (עוֹנֹתָֽם) Avontum}.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin {“Behold, a Virgin” (הָעַלְמָ֗ה הִנֵּ֣ה) Hinneh Halmah}

shall be with child and bear a son,

and they shall call his name Immanuel {“Emmanuel” (עמנואל) Ammanuel},”

which means, “God with us {“God With Us” (אל עמנו) Ammanu El}.”

Merry Christmas from:
Dr. J Clontz, Aidan University
Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Proof that the Gospel of Luke was Written by a Physician – Colossians 4:14

In Colossians 4:14, Paul refers to Luke as the beloved physician. Is there any proof that the gospel of Luke was written by a physician?

The gospel of Luke contains details in the narrative that indicate that the text was composed by a physician.

In Luke 2:7, we have information about the delivery room conditions for the infant Jesus – “And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger.” Notice that Luke also informs us that this was Mary’s first-born son which is another piece of information that would have been of interest to a physician. If we compare Luke’s observations with Matthew’s observations about the infant Jesus we find that Matthew gives us no information about the conditions for the infant Jesus. Of course that is also reason to suspect that Matthew was written by a tax collector who was interested in everyone knowing that the treasures consisted of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

In Luke 16:19-21, we are given the feeding situation for two different individuals - 19 “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And a certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 longing to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 So the beggar died…” Notice that Luke goes beyond telling us that the beggar was hungry and full of sores but he also adds that dogs came and licked his sores. This last piece of information by the author shows a keen interest in everything that was possibly medically related to his condition that occurred before his death.

In Luke 19:2-4 we are given some physical information about a person – 2 “Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran to the front and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, because he was to pass that way.” In the gospels this is one of the few passages that contains any type of physical description of a person’s stature. The author makes sure that we know that the reason that Zacchaeus couldn’t see wasn’t just because of the crowd, but because of his short stature he couldn’t see over the crowd. This is a little detail that a physician might put into the narrative to make sure that everyone understood that the physical stature of Zacchaeus was the issue.

We have three parallel accounts of a person in Matthew 08:28-34, Mark 05:01-20, Luke 08:26-40. However only Luke tells us that for a long time he had worn no clothes and that he didn’t live in a house but in the tombs. Mark provides some information about the symptoms of the man’s condition, but a physician is typically more interested in what may have led to the illness or made it worse. In this case, Luke is the only one who describes the living conditions of a person with a medical condition - just as we would expect from a physician.

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

Proof that the Gospel of Matthew was Written by a Tax Collector - Matthew 17:24-27

One of the characteristics of the Gospel of Matthew is that it contains more numbers than the other three Gospels. Tax collectors often place an inordinate amount of emphasis on numbers and financial reports. Many of the passages that are unique to Matthew are saturated with numbers. For instance, only Matthew contains the parables of the talents and the ten virgins with the oil lamps (Matthew Chapter 25). The parable of the talents not only contains a lot of numbers but it also symbolizes the judgment with financial reporting by three individuals.

However, one passage that is unique to Matthew truly stands out. In Matthew 17:24-27, Jesus and Peter have a discussion about paying the temple tax and the tax is paid for both of them. In my opinion, only a tax collector would think that it was important that everyone knew that Jesus and Peter paid their taxes!

Section 63.1 - Jesus Pays the Tribute Money

Matthew 17:24-27

            24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the half-shekel tax went up to Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay [the] temple tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from others?” 26 And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you open its mouth, you will find a piece of money. Take that and give it to them for me and you.”

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

Witnessing Jesus

In case you never noticed it before, the end of the Gospel of Matthew is structured to identify all of the various witnesses of the trial, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

The witnesses at the trial:

The false witnesses at the trial at the house of the High Priest.

The cowardly witness in the courtyard, Peter.

The High Priest and his mob of “witnesses” interacting with Pontius Pilate.

The “witnesses” to Jesus’ death on the cross:

The High priests and their group are hostile “witnesses.”

Mary and the other women from are friendly witnesses.

The Roman Centurion and his group are neutral witnesses.

The two robbers are also witnesses.

The sun becomes a “witness” when it darkens.

The earth becomes a “witness” when it shakes.

The temple becomes a “witness” when its veil is torn in half.

Even the dead become witnesses when they come out of their tombs after the resurrection.

The witnesses of the burial:

Joseph of Arimathea was secretly a disciple of Jesus and he moved stealthily to prepare the body for burial.

The priests had a “secret” meeting with Pilate where they discussed how to make the tomb secure.

The witnesses at the empty tomb:

The guards are perplexed witnesses who don’t understand what is happening.

The angel is an informed witness who knows that Jesus has risen from the dead.

The women at this point are hearsay witnesses since they heard the angel say that Jesus rose from the dead.

The witnesses of the resurrected Jesus:

The women who met Jesus became reliable first hand witnesses of the resurrection. Their witness was a type of forensic examination that included seeing, hearing, and touching Jesus.

The High priests resorted to corrupting witnesses with bribes to lie about Jesus’ resurrection.

The disciples became official witnesses of the resurrected Jesus and were given the Great Commission.

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

The Angel of the Lord Makes a Word Play on Herod’s Name - Matthew 2:13

In Matthew 2:13 a word play between Herod’s name and the Hebrew word for “slay” underlies the text.

13 … for Herod {“Herod” (הורודוס) Herodes}

is about to search for the child to destroy {“Slay” (הרוג) Herog} him.”

J. Clontz – Author of “The Gospel of Matthew: A Poetic Analysis”

Matthew 01:20 - Conceiving Jesus

In Matthew 1:20, there is a word play in Hebrew that underlies the text that includes the words for “Conceived” and “Holy Spirit.” Everyone who “conceives” that Jesus is the Son of God does so through the Holy Spirit!

“But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared {“Appeared” (ראה) Raah}

to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid {“Afraid, Fearful” (ירא) Yare}

to take Mary your wife. For that which is conceived {“Conceiving” (הרה) Hareh}

in her is from the Holy Spirit {“Spirit” (רוח) Ruach}.”

J. Clontz – Author of “The Gospel of Matthew: A Poetic Analysis”

What Jesus Meant when he said – It is Finished!

When Jesus said on the cross - “It is finished,” that meant that he had completed everything that the Savior of mankind was meant to do prior to death. It meant that there wasn’t anything left to do. It meant that everything, absolutely everything, and totally everything that the Savior was meant to do prior to death was finished by Jesus. The common thread amongst almost all Anti-Christian groups is that they believe that there is more that needed to be done and that Jesus had not quite completed all the work. Mormons believe that Jesus had more to reveal to save humanity; Moonies believe that Jesus’ work was unfinished and that Jesus had anointed Sun Myung Moon to become the parent of all humanity; Simonites believed that Simon Magus was the continuation of the spirit of Jesus Christ to complete his work; Muslims believe that Jesus did not complete all that was needed to be done but another prophet was needed to finish the work for saving humanity; the Bahai’s believe that Jesus was a messenger and that more messengers were needed to complete the message for saving humanity.

The plan of God (see Acts 2:23-24) according to the messianic prophecies in the Old Testament specify that the Son of God would become incarnate and be born in Bethlehem to a virgin from the line of David. He would perform various miracles including healing the lame, paralytics, lepers, the blind and even return those who were already dead and in the grave to life. He would travel with twelve men that would accompany him in his travels and would eventually witness about him by bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit to entire nations. He would be arrested by the ruling authorities due to their envy   of the miracles that he was able to do through the power of God. He would be tried and found to not be guilty of any crime but would be executed at Passover by being crucified on a wooden pole between two other men. He would die by giving up his spirit of his own accord and his body would receive various piercing wounds to his hands, feet, and rib cage but not one of his bones would be broken. He would be buried in a rock hewn tomb and rise up on the third day and travel alive with his followers for a forty day period. At the end of the forty days, he would be met by angels and depart from his followers on a mountain where olive trees grew.

It is extremely curious that Anti-Christian groups claim that Jesus didn’t quite finish all that the Savior of mankind was meant to do prior to death even though on the cross Jesus said – “it is finished.” To be blunt, the Anti-Christian groups do not know the plan of God in the Old Testament messianic prophecies. So they don’t know that God’s plan for saving humanity was predetermined by God and given to the Old Testament prophets long before the savior was to be born.

The Anti-Christians don’t know where the savior was supposed to be born.

The Anti-Christians don’t know the specific information about the birth of the savior.

The Anti-Christians don’t know what the savior was supposed to do.

The Anti-Christians don’t know how the savior was supposed to die.

The Anti-Christians don’t know that the savior was supposed to rise from the dead on the third day.

The Anti-Christians don’t know that he was supposed to be with his followers for forty days after he rose from the dead.

The Anti-Christians don’t know that he was supposed to depart from his followers and return to heaven after forty days.

The Anti-Christians don’t know that Jesus finished everything that the savior was supposed to do because they can’t see the plan of God written in the Old Testament: 2Corinthians 3:14 “But their minds were hardened; for to this very day, when they read the old covenant, the same veil remains unlifted, because only in Christ is it removed. 15 Even to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

God gave the plan to the Old Testament prophets so that the real savior could be identified and imposters could be recognized. God knew that imposters with counterfeit faiths would arise and attempt to deceive humanity. All counterfeiters have the same thing in common – they don’t have the original plans. They attempt to counterfeit by copying portions of the real item. The genuine article matches the original plan exactly while a counterfeit does not.

For those who believe that Jesus is truly God’s Son and was crucified for their sins - the veil over the old covenant is removed just as the veil of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom when he died. With the veil removed from the Old Testament we can see the predetermined plan of God for the Savior and we know that Jesus finished that plan perfectly.

Matthew 27:51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook. And the rocks were split… 54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that were done, they were terrified, and said, “Truly this was God’s Son!”

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

The Death of Jesus and the Formation of the Church Foreshadowed

Genesis 2:21 “And Jehovah God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof: 22 and the rib, which Jehovah God had taken from the man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And the man said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”

Genesis 2:21 foreshadows Jesus’ death and the hole in his side from the spear wound. According to the gospels Jesus died supernaturally through the power of God which is symbolized by God causing the deep sleep upon Adam. The hole in Adam’s side foreshadows the hole in Jesus’ side from the spear - John 19:33 “But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 He who saw it has testified, and his testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth, that you also may believe.”

Verses 22-23 foreshadow that ultimately all Christians who are part of the body of Christ believe that Jesus was dead based on the fatal spear wound in his side and that he was resurrected. Thus the faith of all Christians to some extent can be said to come from the gap in Jesus’ side just as Eve came from the rib in the side of Adam. John 20:27 “Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands. Reach out your hand, and put it into my side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.””

Adam’s missing rib also symbolizes Jesus’ missing apostle, Judas. Humans have twelve rib pairs. Jesus had twelve apostles. Human ribs are moved by the air that a person breathes. The apostles were moved by the Spirit when Jesus breathed on them – John 20:22 “So [Jesus] said to them again, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” The word “breathed” in this verse is the Greek word “Emphusao” and it was used only once by the Greek translators of the Septuagint in Genesis 2:7 “And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” So Adam losing one of his ribs and gaining his bride symbolically parallels Jesus losing one of his apostles and gaining his bride, the church.

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

The Last Supper Foreshadowed - Joseph’s House / Joseph of Arimathea’s House

Matthew 26:17 Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18 He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, my time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’“ 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.

Genesis 43:16 … he said to the steward of his house, Bring the men into the house, and slay, and make ready; for the men shall dine with me at noon.  17 And the man did as Joseph bade; and the man brought the men to Joseph's house.

Matthew 26:26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and, giving it to the disciples, said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”

Genesis 43:31 And he washed his face, and came out; and he refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.

Matthew 26:35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.”

Genesis 43:18 And the men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in…

Matthew 26:36 But he said to them, “But now, let him who has a purse take it, and likewise a bag; and let him who has no sword sell his robe and buy one.

Genesis 44:1 And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth.

John 13:4 rose from supper, laid aside his garments, took a towel and girded himself. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded.

Genesis 43:24 And the man brought the men into Joseph's house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet.

John 13:23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was leaning close to the breast of Jesus. 24 Simon Peter motioned to him to ask who it was of whom he spoke. 25 So, leaning back thus on the breast of Jesus, he said to him, “Lord, who is it?

Genesis 43:33 And they sat before him, the first-born according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled one with another.

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

The Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane Foreshadowed

For both Jesus and Jacob the person who plotted against them knew where to find them.

Genesis 32:6 “And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, we came to thy brother Esau, and moreover he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.”

John 18:2 “Now Judas (who betrayed him) also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples.”

Jesus and Jacob became distressed and divided their groups into two groups as the band of soldiers was on its way led by the person who plotted against them.

Genesis 32:7 “Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed: and he divided the people that were with him.”

Mark 14:32 “They went to a place which was called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I pray.” 33 And he took Peter, James, and John with him. And he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.”

An angel appeared to Jesus and Jacob and they were in agony while the band of soldiers approached led by the person who plotted to kill them.

Genesis 32:24-30 [Jacob must’ve have been in agony since his hip was put out of joint by the angel.]

Luke 22:43 “An angel appeared to him from heaven, and strengthened him. 44 And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.”

Jesus Betrayed by Judas Iscariot - Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-52, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:03-12

Jesus and Jacob were met by crowds led by the person who plotted against them.

Genesis 33:1 “And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men.

Matthew 26:47 “While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people.”

Jesus and Jacob are greeted with a kiss by the person who plotted to kill them.

Genesis 33:4A “And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”

Matthew 26:48 “Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I kiss is the man. Seize him.” 49 And at once he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.”

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

Jesus’ Death at Passover Foreshadowed by the Passover Lamb

Exodus 12:5 Your lamb shall be without blemish…

Hebrews 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Exodus 12:6 and you shall keep it [The Passover Lamb] until the fourteenth day of the same month; and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at even.

John 18:28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was morning. But they did not enter the Praetorium themselves, so that they might not be defiled, but might eat the Passover. But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”

Exodus 12:7 And they shall take of the blood, and put it on the two side-posts and on the lintel, upon the houses wherein they shall eat it.

Matthew 27:25 And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” [Note that the cross would’ve been covered in Jesus’ blood from the scourging and the wounds from the nails.]

Exodus 12:22 And you shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin…

John 19:29 A vessel full of wine vinegar was sitting there. So they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop, and brought it to his mouth. [Wine symbolizes blood in the New Testament and the wine vinegar would’ve symbolized sour blood]

Exodus 12:46 …Neither shall you break a bone thereof [The Passover Lamb].

John 19:33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 He who saw it has testified, and his testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth, that you also may believe. 36 For these things were done that the scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of his bones shall be broken.”

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

The Burial Foreshadowed

John 19:38 But after this Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body.

A man named Joseph asked for permission to bury both Jesus and Jacob (Genesis 50:5 …Now therefore let me go up, I pray thee, and bury my father, and I will come again. 6 And Pharaoh said, Go up, and bury thy father…).

John 19:39 And Nicodemus, who had at first come to him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40 So they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.

A man named Joseph was involved with preparing both Jesus and Jacob’s bodies for burial (Genesis 50:2 And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the physicians embalmed Israel).

John 19:41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, as the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

A man named Joseph buried both Jesus and Jacob in a tomb (Genesis 50:5 My father made me swear, saying, Lo, I die: in my grave which I have digged for me in the land of Canaan, there shalt thou bury me).

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

Foreshadowing the Crucifixion - Jesus cried out with a loud voice Mark 15:34

Jesus is quoting Psalms 22:1 when he cried out with a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

If we look at the entire Psalm we will see that there is a lot more to hear.

Psalms 22:7 All who see me mock at me, they make mouths at me, they wag their heads. This verse matches Mark 15:29 And those who passed by hurled insults at him, wagging their heads.

Psalms 22:8 "He committed his cause to the LORD; let him deliver him, let him rescue him, for he delights in him! This verse matches Matthew 27:43 He trusts in God? Let him deliver now, if he desires him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God!’“

Psalms 22:16 “Yea, dogs are round about me; a company of evildoers encircle me; they have pierced my hands and feet.” This verse matches the crucifixion (Mark 15:22-33).

Psalms 22:18 “They divide my garments among them, and for my raiment they cast lots.” This verse matches Mark 15:24 “And they crucified him, and ‘divided his garments, casting lots for them’ to determine what each man should take.”

Psalms 22:22 “I will tell of thy name to my brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will praise thee” This verse matches John 20:19 “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were (for fear of the Jews), Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 And saying this, he showed the hands and the side to them. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 So [Jesus] said to them again, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I also send you.”

Psalms 22:23 “You who fear the LORD, praise him! all you sons of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you sons of Israel! 24 For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; and he has not hid his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.” This verse corresponds to the Resurrection ~ Acts 13:30 But God raised him from the dead.

Psalms 22:26 “The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD! May your hearts live for ever! 27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. 28 For dominion belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations. 29 Yea, to him shall all the proud of the earth bow down; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and he who cannot keep himself alive. 30 Posterity shall serve him; men shall tell of the Lord to the coming generation, 31 and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, that he has wrought it.”

Psalms 22:26-31 corresponds to the time period from the Resurrection to forever. Always remember that on the cross when Jesus cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me” he wasn’t just referring to the Crucifixion but he was also referring to the Resurrection, deliverance and forever!

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

April 7 - On This Date in History:

Mary Anoints Jesus for His Burial, Public Excitement with Regard to Jesus and Lazarus [Section 81.10 - JN 12:1, MT 26:6B, JN 12:2, MK 14:3B, JN 12:3, MK 14:3C, MT 26:8, JN 12:4-6, MK 14:5B-8, MT 26:12-13, JN 12:9-11] Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. In the house of Simon the leper, they made him a supper; and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him. As he sat at table, Mary took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.

But when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste? One of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, said, "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief; and as he had the moneybox, he used to take what was put into it. And they criticized her sharply. But Jesus said, "Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you will, you can do good to them; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint my body for burial. For in pouring this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her."

Now a great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, and they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
Excerpt from - "Jesus! The Novel"

Pilate Washing his Hands Foreshadowed

Matthew 27:24 “…he [Pilate] took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. See to it yourselves.”

Leviticus 16:26 – “And he that let go the goat for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water…”

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

The Lord Looking at the Buildings and Temple in Jerusalem Foreshadowed

Genesis 11:5 “And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men built.”

Genesis 11:5 foreshadows the Word becoming incarnate among the people of Israel and walking through Jerusalem and looking at the buildings and the temple. Matthew 24:1-2 – “1 Jesus left the temple, and was going away when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. 2 But he answered them, “You see all these things, do you not? Truly, I say to you, not one stone here can be left upon another, that will not be thrown down.””

What else in Genesis 11:1-9 foreshadows the Gospel?

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Do you Understand what you are Reading?

If you don’t understand what you are reading in the Bible then you may miss some of the prophecies about Jesus. In Acts chapter 8, Philip showed the eunuch that the 53^rd chapter of Isaiah is about Jesus. This chapter was written over four hundred years before Jesus was born.

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Acts 8:30 So Philip ran up to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, if someone does not guide me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

The entire chapter of Isaiah is below:

Isaiah 53:1 Who hath believed our message? and to whom hath the arm of Jehovah been revealed? 2 For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He was despised, and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and as one from whom men hide their face he was despised; and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Jehovah hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he opened not his mouth; as a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who among them considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people to whom the stroke was due? 9 And they made his grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in his death; although he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it pleased Jehovah to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of Jehovah shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by the knowledge of himself shall my righteous servant justify many; and he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors: yet he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Did you know that you can’t receive the Holy Spirit unless you Repent?

The Greek term for the the Holy Spirit in the gospels is paraclete which means comforter. However, Jesus either spoke Hebrew or Aramaic. The Hebrew term for comfort is “Nahgham” (נחם) which is also the word for repent in Hebrew. So unless you repent “Nahgham” (נחם) you won’t receive the comforter “Nahgham” (נחם)!

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Don’t forget that the leaders who rejected Jesus also rejected John the Baptist.

John’s father, Zechariah, was a priest who saw and spoke with the angel Gabriel while he was in the temple. Furthermore, Zechariah prophesied about John after he was born,

Luke 1:76 And indeed you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;

                        for you will go on before the Lord to prepare his ways,

77        to give knowledge of salvation to his people

                        in the forgiveness of their sins,

78        through the tender mercy of our God,

                        with which the sunrise from on high will visit us;

79        to give light to those who sit in darkness

                        and in the shadow of death,

                        to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Jesus made it clear that the leaders who rejected Him also rejected John and they did so without any excuse. John was obviously a prophet whose birth had been foretold by an angel and his mission had been prophesied by his father who was a member of the priesthood. Then it was equally obvious that the leaders would not except any authority other than themselves since they had rejected an angel, a priest, and a prophet.

Matthew 21:23 And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 And Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question; and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 The baptism of John – where was it from? From heaven or from men?” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the multitude; for all hold that John was a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

            28 “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 He answered, ‘I will not.’ But afterward he regretted it and went. 30 But he went to the other and said the same thing. And he answered, ‘I will, sir.’ But he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and the harlots believed him. And when you saw it, you did not even repent afterward and believe him.

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Did you Know that Jesus Prayed for you?

John 17:20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who believe in me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as you, Father, are in me, and I in you; that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

A Poem from the Apostle John

I write to you, little children,

because your sins are forgiven you

for his name’s sake.

I write to you, fathers,

because you have known him

who is from the beginning.

I write to you, young men,

because you have overcome the evil one.

I wrote to you, little children,

because you have known the Father.

I wrote to you, fathers,

because you have known him

who is from the beginning.

I wrote to you, young men,

because you are strong,

and the word of God abides in you,

and you have overcome the evil one.

1John 2:12-14

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

Who are you to Judge your Neighbor – A Poem by James

Do not speak against one another, brothers,

He who speaks against a brother,

Or judges his brother,

Speaks against the law,

And judges the law.

But if you judge the law,

You are not a doer of the law,

But a judge of it.

There is [the] one Lawgiver,

And Judge,

The one who is able to save,

And destroy.

But you…

Who are you to judge your neighbor?

James 4:11-12

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

When will Jesus Return - Exodus chapters 13-19 foreshadow 1Thessalonians 4:15-17

The people were born on the wings of eagles -  Exodus 19:4 “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.”

The Lord comes in a cloud - Exodus 19:9 “And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come to you in a thick cloud…”

The people had two days to sanctify themselves and wash their clothes before the Lord descended. A day is like a thousand years to God. The two days in Exodus chapter 19 represent two thousand years for the human race to sanctify themselves and be baptized before the Lord returns in the clouds. Exodus 19:10 “And the LORD said to Moses, Go to the people, and sanctify them to day and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes.”

The Lord descended in a cloud onto the mountain with the sound of a loud trumpet – Exodus 19:16 “And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightning, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceedingly loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.”

The cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night represent that those who are children of the day (see 1thess 5:4-8) will go up in the cloud to meet him and those who are of darkness will experience a pillar of fire. Strengthen your heart for the Lord is not far off as the third day approaches and we will meet him in the clouds since we are children of the day and not of darkness.

1Thessalonians 4:15 “For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, cannot precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

Be Patient – A Poem by James

Be patient, brothers,

Until the coming of the Lord.

See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth,

Being patient over it,

Until it receives the early and late rain.

You too be patient,

Strengthen your hearts,

For the coming of the Lord is near.

James 5:7-8

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Wisdom – A Poem by James

The wisdom from above…

Is first pure,

Then peaceable,

Gentle,

Open to reason,

Full of mercy,

And good fruits,

Without uncertainty,

Without hypocrisy. 

James 3:17

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Rejoice and be Glad – Poetry from Jesus

Matthew 5:12 Rejoice and be glad {“Glad” (שמח) Sawmakh},

for great is your reward in heaven {“Heaven” (שמים) Shahmahyim}.

Hebraic rhymes are based on puns. In this case, Jesus changes the last letter in the Hebrew word for “Glad” and forms the Hebrew word for “Heaven.”

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

The Overseer – A Qualification List by the Apostle Paul

The overseer must be blameless as God’s steward,

not self-willed,

not quick-tempered,

not addicted to wine,

not violent,

not fond of sordid gain,

but hospitable,

a lover of what is good,

master of himself,

upright, holy, and self-controlled.

He must hold firm to the sure word as taught,

so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine,

and also to refute those who contradict it.

Titus 1:7-9

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Equipped for Every Good Work - A Poem by the Apostle Paul

Every scripture inspired by God,

Is also profitable for teaching,

For reproof,

For correction,

And for training in righteousness,

So that the man of God may be complete,

Equipped for every good work.

2Timothy 3:16-17

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Our Lord Jesus Christ - A Poem by the Apostle Paul

He who is the blessed and only Sovereign,

The King of kings and Lord of lords,

Who alone has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light,

Whom no man has ever seen or can see,

To him be honor and eternal dominion,

Amen!

1Timothy 6:14-16

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

The Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ – A Poem by the Apostle Paul

Rejoice always,

Pray without ceasing,

Give thanks in all circumstances,

Do not quench the Spirit,

Do not despise prophecies,

But test everything,

Hold fast to what is good,

Abstain from every form of evil.

May the God of peace himself,

sanctify you entirely,

and may your whole spirit,

and soul,

and body,

be kept blameless,

at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ!

1Thessalonians 5:16-24 Paraphrased

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Live in Peace with one Another – A Poem by the Apostle Paul

We urge you, brothers,

Admonish the idlers,

Encourage the fainthearted,

Help the weak,

Be patient with everyone,

See that none of you repays evil for evil,

But always seek to do good,

[Both] for one another and for all!

1Thessalonians 5:13-15

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

You are all Sons of Light – A Poem by the Apostle Paul

For you yourselves know well,

That the day of the Lord,

Will come like a thief in the night.

While people are saying,

“Peace and safety,”

Then sudden destruction will come upon them,

As labor pains upon a woman with child,

And they cannot escape.

But you, brothers,

Are not in darkness,

So that this day should surprise you like a thief.

For you are all sons of light,

And sons of the day,

We are not of the night,

Or of darkness.

So then let us not sleep,

As others do,

But let us be alert and sober,

For those who sleep,

Sleep at night,

And those who get drunk,

Get drunk at night.

But, since we belong to the day,

Let us be sober,

And put on the breastplate of faith and love,

And as a helmet the hope of salvation.

For God has not destined us to wrath,

But to obtain salvation,

Through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Who died for us,

So that whether we are awake,

Or asleep,

We will live together with him!

1Thessalonians 5:2-10

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Don’t be Ignorant!

But we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers,

About those who are asleep,

So that you will not grieve as do the rest,

Who have no hope,

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again,

Even so God will bring with him,

Those who have fallen asleep in Jesus,

For this we declare to you,

By the word of the Lord,

We who are alive,

Who are left until the coming of the Lord,

Cannot precede those who have fallen asleep.

For the Lord himself,

Will descend from heaven,

With a loud command,

With the voice of the archangel,

And with the trumpet call of God,

And the dead in Christ will rise first,

Then we who are alive,

Who are left,

Will be caught up together with them in the clouds,

To meet the Lord in the air,

And so we shall always be with the Lord.

Therefore comfort one another with these words.

1Thessalonians 4:13-18

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

A Note for You from the Apostle Paul

For who is our hope, or joy, or crown of exultation?

Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming?

For you are our glory and joy!

1Thessalonians 2:19-20

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

God’s Chosen Ones - A Poem by the Apostle Paul

So as God’s chosen ones,

Holy and beloved,

Put on a heart of compassion,

Kindness,

Humility,

Gentleness,

And patience,

Bearing with one another and,

If one has a complaint against another,

Forgiving each other,

As the Lord forgave you,

So you also must forgive,

And over all these virtues put on love,

Which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:12-14 Paraphrased

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

The Peace of God – A Poem by the Apostle Paul

Finally, brothers…

Whatever is true,

Whatever is honorable,

Whatever is right,

Whatever is pure,

Whatever is lovely,

Whatever is gracious,

If there is any excellence,

If there is anything worthy of praise,

Think about these things,

And the peace of God,

Which passes all understanding,

Will guard your hearts,

And your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7-8 Paraphrased

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

If – A Poem by the Apostle Paul

If there is any encouragement in Christ,

If there is any consolation of love,

If there is any fellowship of the Spirit,

If any affection and compassion,

Make my joy complete…

By being of the same mind,

Having the same love,

Being one in spirit and purpose.

Philippians 2:1-2

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Grow Up – A Poem by the Apostle Paul

We are no longer to be children,

Tossed here and there by waves,

And carried about by every wind of doctrine,

By the cunning of men,

By their craftiness in deceitful scheming.

But speaking the truth in love,

We are to grow up in all aspects into him,

Who is the head, into Christ,

From whom the whole body,

Being joined and held together

By what every joint supplies,

According to the proper working of each part,

Causes the growth of the body,

And builds itself up in love.

Ephesians 4:14-16

Paul says “according to the proper working of each part” which means that we aren’t supposed to close our eyes since the proper work of the eyes is to see. He also says that we are to “speak the truth in Love.” If we put both of these concepts together then we are supposed to keep our eyes open and when see things that aren’t “building us up in love,” then we are to speak the truth in love since we have a mouth and it is supposed to speak. Therefore it is not the proper work of the body of Christ to keep our eyes shut to evil and sin. Nor is it the proper work of the body of Christ to keep our mouths closed and to not speak the truth about these things. For if our eyes are shut and our mouths are closed then we are like those who are already dead, but since we are alive we should speak about what we see.

I had a dream last night and I saw a person clothed like Saint Peter. He was in the driver’s seat but he fell and he chose to close his eyes and he chose to close his mouth. If those who “lead” the church refuse to see and refuse to speak the truth about what they see then we will not grow and the church will stop being built.  

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

Our Struggle – A Poem by the Apostle Paul

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood -

But against the rulers,

Against the powers,

Against the world forces of this darkness,

Against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the full armor of God,

Stand firm therefore,

Having girded your loins with truth,

And having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace,

In all this, taking up the shield of faith,

With which you can extinguish all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one,

And take the helmet of salvation,

And the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:12-17 Paraphrased

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament