I thought an overview at this point would be good as to some of many characteristics of Christ as the perfect man and Deity.
As I continue studying the Gospels and in the case of these postings Matthew in focus; it is amazing how every short clip has meaning as well as the overall narrative. There are the crowds; the Pharisees; the larger group of Disciples; the 70 sent out and then the 12 disciples who would be the genesis of most of the 12 Apostles minus Judas Iscariot. As a basic rule Jesus would have widespread healings and deliverance as well as provide the feeding of large crowds twice as recorded in Matthew 14 and 15. The Pharisees and occasionally Sadducees and "lawyers" representing the religious teachings by far had the greatest amount of criticism from the mouth of the Lord and were a constant nuisance to Him; undoubtably being Satan's main plan to cause disruption between the time in the wilderness and the betrayal of Judas Iscariot and the following crucifixion. The larger group of disciples or "would be" followers were carefully weeded out through challenging statements of having to give up all their money and give it away; or the fact that Jesus had no place to lay His head. The 12 disciples would be an inner circle; with Peter James and John as the most inner ones in a way; going up to the mountain to view the Transfiguration while the others stayed back.
As we go on we see the unique faith of the Caananite woman in chapter 15 who gets an individual evaluation as the Centurion did of having "great faith". The Lord would relate to the outcasts of society including women; tax collectors and other "low class" individuals. He would deal with the often dull minds of the Disciples in patiently explaining Parables; the meaning of the "leaven" of the Pharisees; and eventually counselling Peter indicating both God's insight and Satan's influence one right after the other ( Matt. 16:17 then see verse 22). He did this knowing death was nigh.
As I continue studying the Gospels and in the case of these postings Matthew in focus; it is amazing how every short clip has meaning as well as the overall narrative. There are the crowds; the Pharisees; the larger group of Disciples; the 70 sent out and then the 12 disciples who would be the genesis of most of the 12 Apostles minus Judas Iscariot. As a basic rule Jesus would have widespread healings and deliverance as well as provide the feeding of large crowds twice as recorded in Matthew 14 and 15. The Pharisees and occasionally Sadducees and "lawyers" representing the religious teachings by far had the greatest amount of criticism from the mouth of the Lord and were a constant nuisance to Him; undoubtably being Satan's main plan to cause disruption between the time in the wilderness and the betrayal of Judas Iscariot and the following crucifixion. The larger group of disciples or "would be" followers were carefully weeded out through challenging statements of having to give up all their money and give it away; or the fact that Jesus had no place to lay His head. The 12 disciples would be an inner circle; with Peter James and John as the most inner ones in a way; going up to the mountain to view the Transfiguration while the others stayed back.
As we go on we see the unique faith of the Caananite woman in chapter 15 who gets an individual evaluation as the Centurion did of having "great faith". The Lord would relate to the outcasts of society including women; tax collectors and other "low class" individuals. He would deal with the often dull minds of the Disciples in patiently explaining Parables; the meaning of the "leaven" of the Pharisees; and eventually counselling Peter indicating both God's insight and Satan's influence one right after the other ( Matt. 16:17 then see verse 22). He did this knowing death was nigh.
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