The Listener’s Commentary

Discover the intriguing discussion on marriage and divorce as Jesus navigates tough questions from the Pharisees. The podcast dives into the original design of marriage, emphasizing the unity of male and female. Hear about how Moses' divorce laws were a response to human heartaches. The conversation turns to the challenging notion of celibacy and its place in faith. Finally, the host reflects on the sacredness of marriage, the pain of divorce, and the necessity of compassion for those affected.

Matthew 18:21-35   21 Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I still forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus *said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times. 23 “For this reason the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 And when he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 But since he did not have the means to repay, his master commanded that he be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment be made.26 So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’ 27 And the master of that slave felt compassion, and he released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe!’ 29 So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’ 30 But he was unwilling, and went and threw him in prison until he would pay back what was owed. 31 So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their master all that had happened. 32 Then summoning him, his master *said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ 34 And his master, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he would repay all that was owed him. 35 My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”     BIBLE READING GUIDE - FREE EBOOK - Get the free eBook, Bible in Life, to help you learn how to read and apply the Bible well: https://www.listenerscommentary.com     GIVE -  The Listener’s Commentary is a listener supported Bible teaching ministry made possible by the generosity of people like you. Thank you! Give here:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com/give     STUDY HUB - Want more than the audio? Join the study hub to access articles, maps, charts, pictures, and links to other resources to help you study the Bible for yourself. https://www.listenerscommentary.com/members-sign-up   MORE TEACHING - For more resources and Bible teaching from John visit https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Delve into the profound lessons from Jesus on humility, as He highlights the greatness of becoming like children. Explore the stringent warnings against causing harm to the vulnerable. Discover the steps for restoring those who stray from the path, emphasizing the importance of accountability within the community. Learn about the delicate balance of church discipline aimed at restoration and protection, and how Jesus empowers the gathered assembly with authority in matters of faith. Reflect on the challenges of applying these teachings today.

This discussion dives into the profound insights of humility in the kingdom of heaven. Learn why Jesus emphasized becoming like a child and how it redefines greatness. The gravity of causing others to stumble is explored, revealing the serious consequences of such actions. A stern warning is issued about the need to take sin seriously and cut out temptations from our lives. The parable of the lost sheep reminds us of God's heart for the lowly and lost, urging believers to value every soul in the kingdom.

Listener's Commentary Update, April 2024 Some things that are in the works to make to the commentary easier to us, like an app and YouTube.  Plus a personal update.   BIBLE READING GUIDE - FREE EBOOK - Get the free eBook, Bible in Life, to help you learn how to read and apply the Bible well: https://www.listenerscommentary.com     GIVE -  The Listener’s Commentary is a listener supported Bible teaching ministry made possible by the generosity of people like you. Thank you! Give here:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com/give     STUDY HUB - Want more than the audio? Join the study hub to access articles, maps, charts, pictures, and links to other resources to help you study the Bible for yourself. https://www.listenerscommentary.com/members-sign-up   MORE TEACHING - For more resources and Bible teaching from John visit https://www.johnwhittaker.net  

This discussion plunges into a dramatic moment where a father pleads for his son's healing, showcasing the power of faith. Jesus challenges His disciples about their doubts, revealing that even tiny faith can move mountains. The conversation shifts to His impending death and resurrection as He prepares His followers for the difficult days ahead. There's also an intriguing lesson about the temple tax, emphasizing the balance between personal freedom and the broader mission of God's kingdom.

Discover the awe-inspiring moment of Jesus' transfiguration, where his divine glory shines brightly alongside Moses and Elijah. Dive into Peter's enthusiastic response and the profound voice from heaven declaring Jesus as God's beloved Son. Discuss the deeper meaning of this revelation and the call for obedience to his teachings. The conversation also addresses the role of Elijah and hints at future suffering, connecting past prophecies with present revelations, leaving listeners eager to unpack these spiritual insights.

The discussion uncovers a defining moment where Jesus reveals his true identity as the Messiah and predicts his suffering. It highlights Peter's reaction and the clash between human expectations and divine purpose. The conversation emphasizes the essence of discipleship, encouraging self-denial and the embrace of humility. A compelling contrast is drawn between worldly power and the call to take up the cross, urging listeners to commit to a path of self-sacrifice and mutual support in their faith journey.

The discussion kicks off with the varied opinions people held about Jesus' identity, reflecting on the confusion surrounding His teachings. Peter’s bold declaration of Jesus as the Messiah is a pivotal moment, highlighting both faith and the challenges of understanding true identity. The show also examines Peter's significant role in the early church, emphasizing his push to include diverse believers. Misconceptions about the Messiah’s purpose emerge, setting the stage for deeper exploration in future chats.

Matthew 16:1-12   The Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and putting Jesus to the test, they asked Him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 But He replied to them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but are you unable to discern the signs of the times? 4 An evil and adulterous generation wants a sign; and so a sign will not be given to it, except the sign of Jonah.” And He left them and went away. 5 And the disciples came to the other side of the sea, but they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 And Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 They began to discuss this among themselves, saying, “He said that because we did not bring any bread.”8 But Jesus, aware of this, said, “You men of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? 9 Do you not yet understand nor remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets you picked up? 10 Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets you picked up? 11 How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”12 Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.     BIBLE READING GUIDE - FREE EBOOK - Get the free eBook, Bible in Life, to help you learn how to read and apply the Bible well: https://www.listenerscommentary.com     GIVE -  The Listener’s Commentary is a listener supported Bible teaching ministry made possible by the generosity of people like you. Thank you! Give here:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com/give     STUDY HUB - Want more than the audio? Join the study hub to access articles, maps, charts, pictures, and links to other resources to help you study the Bible for yourself. https://www.listenerscommentary.com/members-sign-up   MORE TEACHING - For more resources and Bible teaching from John visit https://www.johnwhittaker.net