Even that verse, Matthew 25:13, has an interesting background to it. It is always important to remember that Jesus was a Jewish man, a descendant of King David. As such, he often employed Jewish teaching style into His ministry. It was common knowledge in His day that when a Rabbi spoke, what he did not say was just as important as what he did say. Here is a good example. Jesus is speaking to very astute men who have a great depth of understanding in scripture. They are angry with Him that His followers are shouting at Him, "Hosanna, to the Son of David". This was only to be shouted to the Messiah and the priests surely didn't want the lowly Nazarene to be the Messiah! In answer, we read this verse, "And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?" Matthew 21:16. The leaders immediately would have become angry at this statement, and we do see that happen in the other gospels. Why would that offend them? They would have known that He was using Psalm 8:2 a messianic Psalm, "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies,..." They would also know what the rest of the verse said! "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger." Jesus used a verse that implied they were God's enemies! Wow! Call that politically correct!
Jesus statement in Matthew 25:13 has overtones that only a Jew in that time period would have completely understand. Always remember, we must try as we can to get biblical statements in their historical context as well as their literary context. Having said that I'll finish the thought another day. Sorry! :)
Israel and the Middle East
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