In Matthew 6 to 10, the King James Bible delves deeper into the teachings, miracles, and ministry of Jesus Christ. These chapters offer a profound exploration of Jesus’ ethical teachings, His demonstration of divine authority through miracles, and His call to His disciples. Let’s journey through these chapters to uncover the essential messages and events that define this significant period in Jesus’ ministry.
Matthew 6: Living Out True Righteousness
Matthew 6 continues the Sermon on the Mount, with Jesus addressing the practical aspects of righteousness. He begins by teaching about almsgiving, urging His followers to give in secret rather than seeking public recognition. The principle is to act righteously out of genuine love for God rather than for human praise (Matthew 6:1-4 KJV).
Jesus then instructs on prayer, providing the Lord’s Prayer as a model for how to communicate with God. This prayer emphasizes God’s holiness, the coming of His kingdom, and the daily provision of needs, as well as forgiveness and deliverance from temptation (Matthew 6:5-15 KJV).
Following this, Jesus addresses the topic of fasting, advising that it should be done with sincerity and without drawing attention to oneself (Matthew 6:16-18 KJV). He also teaches about treasures in heaven versus treasures on earth, urging His followers to focus on spiritual rather than material wealth (Matthew 6:19-21 KJV). Jesus emphasizes the importance of serving God alone and not being anxious about material needs, as God knows what is necessary and will provide (Matthew 6:24-34 KJV).
Matthew 7: The Golden Rule and Final Teachings
Matthew 7 concludes the Sermon on the Mount, starting with teachings on judging others. Jesus cautions against hypocritical judgment, emphasizing that one should first address their own faults before criticizing others (Matthew 7:1-5 KJV). He also teaches about perseverance in prayer, encouraging believers to ask, seek, and knock, with the assurance that God will give good things to those who ask Him (Matthew 7:7-11 KJV).
The chapter introduces the Golden Rule, summarizing the essence of the Law and the Prophets: “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12 KJV). Jesus warns of the narrow gate and the need for discernment in choosing the path that leads to life, contrasting it with the wide path that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14 KJV). He concludes with a warning about false prophets and the necessity of putting His teachings into practice to be like a wise builder who builds on a solid foundation (Matthew 7:15-27 KJV).
Matthew 8: Miracles of Healing and Authority
In Matthew 8, Jesus’ authority and compassion are demonstrated through a series of miracles. The chapter opens with the healing of a leper who approaches Jesus with faith, asking to be cleansed. Jesus touches him, healing him immediately and instructing him to show himself to the priest and offer the sacrifices commanded by Moses (Matthew 8:1-4 KJV).
Jesus then heals the servant of a Roman centurion, praising the centurion’s faith as greater than that found in Israel. He speaks the word of healing from a distance, and the servant is healed at that very moment (Matthew 8:5-13 KJV).
Following this, Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever, and many others are healed and delivered from demonic oppression, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah about Jesus taking on our infirmities and bearing our diseases (Matthew 8:14-17 KJV).
The chapter continues with Jesus addressing the cost of discipleship. He teaches that following Him requires commitment and the willingness to leave behind worldly comforts (Matthew 8:18-22 KJV). Finally, Jesus calms a storm on the Sea of Galilee, showcasing His divine authority over nature. His disciples marvel at His power, realizing that even the winds and the sea obey Him (Matthew 8:23-27 KJV).
Matthew 9: More Miracles and Calls to Follow
Matthew 9 begins with the healing of a paralytic brought to Jesus by his friends. Jesus first forgives the man’s sins, which prompts some scribes to accuse Him of blasphemy. Jesus then heals the man, demonstrating His authority to forgive sins and perform miracles (Matthew 9:1-8 KJV).
Next, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. Matthew leaves his tax booth and becomes a disciple, hosting a feast for Jesus and other tax collectors. Jesus explains that He came to call sinners, not the righteous, emphasizing His mission to bring spiritual healing (Matthew 9:9-13 KJV).
The chapter also includes the healing of a woman with an issue of blood and the raising of a dead girl. Both miracles demonstrate Jesus’ compassion and power. The woman touches Jesus’ garment in faith and is healed instantly, while Jesus raises the girl from the dead, showing His authority over life and death (Matthew 9:18-26 KJV).
Finally, Jesus heals two blind men and a mute man possessed by a demon. He underscores the importance of faith in receiving healing, and the news of His miracles spreads throughout the region (Matthew 9:27-34 KJV).
Matthew 10: The Sending of the Twelve
Matthew 10 describes Jesus’ commission to His twelve disciples. He empowers them with authority over unclean spirits and diseases, instructing them to go to the lost sheep of Israel and preach the message of the kingdom of heaven. They are to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons, all freely given and freely received (Matthew 10:1-8 KJV).
Jesus provides detailed instructions for their mission, advising them to travel light and rely on the hospitality of others. He warns them of impending persecution but assures them of divine protection and the Spirit’s guidance (Matthew 10:9-20 KJV). Jesus also speaks about the cost of discipleship, explaining that following Him may lead to division and conflict but is ultimately worth the sacrifice (Matthew 10:21-39 KJV).
The chapter concludes with encouragement to those who receive and support His disciples, noting that even small acts of kindness will be rewarded (Matthew 10:40-42 KJV).
Conclusion
Matthew 6 to 10 provides a rich tapestry of Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and instructions to His followers. From the ethical teachings of the Sermon on the Mount to the demonstration of divine authority through miracles, these chapters reveal the heart of Jesus’ mission and the radical nature of His kingdom. Jesus’ teachings challenge His followers to embody true righteousness, live out their faith, and be prepared for the trials of discipleship. His miracles affirm His divine authority and compassion, while His commissioning of the twelve disciples sets the stage for the expansion of His ministry and the spread of the gospel. Through these chapters, readers gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ call to follow Him and the transformative impact of His ministry on the world.