Matthew 9b
Join Beth Tikkun as we continue our study in Matthew’s gospel. In this study we look into tax collecting in 1st century Israel, and gain some new insights into the story of Zaccheus (Luke 19). We then study Yeshua’s words to the Pharisees and His parables about new cloth and new wine.
Visuals: Matthew 9b
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2 Comments
by angnes
On June 25, 2015
Dear Grant Luton,
Thank You so very much for All ! the teachings!
Our Heavenly Father bless You and the listeners.
My question:
What is the difference between the spies in Numbers 14:40-
„ …And they rose early in the morning and went up to the heights of the hill country, saying, “Here we are. We will go up to the place that the Lord has promised, for we have sinned.”
and the son in Matthew 21:31-
‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.”
We read nothing about their hearts.
Shalom!
by L. Grant Luton
On June 28, 2015
Dear Angnes
You have asked a very insightful question. Thank you! I think there are two primary differences between the two scenarios. First, there is a difference between the nature of the two tasks given. The one in Matthew deals with a basic chore that was familiar to the two sons. But the one in Numbers involved the nation coming into the land which had been their goal ever since leaving Egypt. This was not avoidance of a daily chore, but following through on a vow they had taken to follow God Himself (Exodus 24:7-8).
The second major difference that I see is the motives involved in the two stories. The disobedient son in Matthew is merely lazy. But the Israelites were not lazy, they doubted God and accused Him of wanting to kill them! They had seen the fruit of the land, but chose to believe the lies of the ten spies. Yeshua’s parable about the two sons was to teach us about obedience versus talk. But the story in Numbers illustrates outright rebellion against God.
There is also a third thing I see that distinguishes between the two stories and gets more to the heart of your question. Unlike the parable of the sons, God directly ordered the Israelites NOT to go up into the land after their rebellion (Numbers 14:41-43). This marks a second act of rebellion and disobedience, and the Torah says that they were “defiant” even of this warning (Numbers 14:44). So in the Matthew parable we see a single act of disobedience by one of the sons, but in Numbers we see two acts of rebellion and defiance.
Again, you question is an excellent one and I will continue to ponder it. But in the meantime, I hope these comments are of some help. Maybe others will want to weigh in on this topic?
Shalom & Blessings,
Grant