The American Wisdom Series

Presents
Matthew #2570

"Have you heard the "cock crow" in your life"

The Word of God is truly a marvelous and wondrous thing and one can come to "know" how truly marvelous and wondrous it is instead of just "saying" so. For example, if a person will just take the time to read and study the law (our school master) and the prophets, i.e. the Old Testament, and come to know and understand all the things that are written pertaining to Jesus Christ's first advent and crucifixion that must have been fulfilled in Messiah, then as he or she "sees" how precisely all those things came to pass exactly as they were written, it will greatly increase his or her faith... even to the point that it becomes Rock solid and unshakeable for it now is built upon a sure foundation (Heb. 11:1). However, if a person says he or she has faith and believes that the Bible is the Word of God but then goes around either doing his or her own thing or following that which "seems right" (Prov. 14:14, 16:25) according to the traditions of men and their churches, then that person's faith is real shaky and it will not be strong enough to stand upon when "the rains descend and the floods come and the winds blow". That is a word to the wise virgin and a warning to the foolish (Mat. 7:24-26)!

In our last study we learned from Peter's experience the importance of remembering the words of Jesus Christ, the Word of God, in other words "that which is written".That does not mean we must memorize each verse in the Word but rather remember that it is "that which is written" which must and shall come to pass and therefore "that which is written" supercedes all things, even our emotional love and enthusiasm for Jesus Christ. We must therefore be on guard lest we allow Satan to influence the thoughts and emotions of our flesh whereby we fall into temptation, as in "fall to the tempter". Christ told us in Matthew 26:41, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." In other words, if we don't pay attention to "that which is written" and instead do our own thing and lean to our own human understanding, we shall end up denying Christ like as did Peter. So the question is, "Have you heard the "cock crow" in your life regarding "that which is written" to know and understand His power and authority?" Peter sure did and from that point on he became Mr. Itiswritten, a title applicable to all true servants of God.

Let us now continue with our study in Matthew where Jesus has now been betrayed by His friend (as it is written) and has been illegally tried by an illegal nighttime gathering of the Sanhedrin. Of course that assembly did not have the authority to put Jesus Christ to death so they turned to the authority that did, the government of Rome. Keep in mind that we are dealing with a bunch of Kenites, descendents of Cain (Kayin in Hebrew) who was the first murderer (Jn. 8:44).They operate the same way today as they did yesterday in that they turn to the government in order to crucify the Word of God and attempt to destroy any and all vestiges of Christianity from having prayer removed in our schools, to replacing the word "Christmas" with "Holiday", and by seeking to have the Ten Commandments taken down from the walls of the halls of justice, etc., etc. Wake up and smell the stench, dear Christian!

Matthew 27:1
When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put Him to death:
Remember that these chiefs priests are Kenites who are NOT of Abraham's seed (Jn. 8:39) and yet they now sit in Moses' seat (Mat. 23:2), meaning they are in charge of the temple. This is important because many Biblically illiterate Christians who blindly follow the traditions and teachings of men without investigation believe the kenite lie perpetuated by their own churches that it was our brother Judah who was responsible for killing Jesus Christ. No, it was these lying kenites who claimed to be of true Judah back then just as they do today and they have most Christians believing their claim that they are "God's chosen people".In Revelation chapters 2 & 3 we learn that today there are only two churches out of all seven (denoting completeness) who know and teach the truth concerning them, and would you believe they are the only two churches Christ finds no fault with? They are the churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna.  So if your church does not teach concerning the kenites, then it has some serious problems because it falls into the category of the other five churches who SLEPT and never woke up to the truth. They are the five foolish churches of (S)ardis, (L)aodicea, (E)phesus, (P)ergamos, and (T)hyatira.
[2] And when they had bound Him, they led Him away, and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords, was not only delivered up to the synagogue but now Jesus Christ, the King of kings, is being delivered up to the ruler of government. The deeper student will find Thayer's definition of the name Pontius Pilate quite interesting. Here it is for those who do not have access to that resource.
Thayer Definition:  Pontius [Pilate] = “of the sea”
    1) the sixth Roman procurator of Judah who crucified Christ

Thayer Definition:
     Pilate = “armed with a spear”
  1) the sixth Roman procurator of Judah and Samaria who ordered Christ to be crucified.

[3] Then Judas, which had betrayeth Him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
Judas REPENTED? Yes, that is right! When Judas saw the reality of what the chief priests and elders intended to do with Jesus, in that they intended to have Him killed, he repented and took the thirty pieces of silver back to them. Since therefore it is written that Judas repented, how is it then that so many Christians condemn him to eternal damnation along side Satan (who never repented), especially since this type of betrayal is NOT the unpardonable sin? Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the unpardonable sin (Mat. 12:31)!

In fact, is it not written in Mark 13:12 and Luke 21:16 that some of God's elect shall betrayed by their closest friends and loved ones in these last days?"And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death." Though they do it in ignorance instead of for gain, would you not forgive your loved ones if they repented?

Just so there is no doubt about Judas' repentance, here is his confession... even before the chief priests and elders.

[4] Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.  And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
"What is that to us?" Boy that's a slap in the face.
[5] And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
Did Judas actually go out and "hang himself" or as Acts chapter 1:18 demands which Dr. Bullinger points out on page 1577 in the Companion Bible, was "he himself hanged" or as the Greek word #519 "apagchomai" denotes, "strangled"? Most churches teach that Judas committed suicide. However, take a lesson from this and from henceforth be very careful to always do a full investigation before you follow along with the crowd who listens to their religious leaders who dictate doctrines and traditions from their own hearts and without seeking knowledge.

To that end, let us begin our own study of what actually happened to Judas by first using a little wisdom and common sense in discerning what has just transpired. When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned (to death) he repented himself for what he had done in betraying an innocent man! He then went back to return the thirty pieces of silver and to confront the "chief priests and elders" in the temple, which we just read about in verse 3, because he now knows that their evil plot all along was to murder Jesus Christ... which they certainly did not deny in verse 4. So after hearing that they could care less that he was sorry for what he had done, Judas cast down those thirty pieces of silver and departed, perhaps storming out of there with "attitude"! Of course the "storming out of there" is just speculation, but regardless of how Judas departed, the chief priests and the elders of the people now have a real problem on their hands because Judas knows what they as "good religious leaders" have conspired to do and they cannot risk having this disciple of Christ going out amongst the people and expose their murderous conspiracy.

Let's go to Acts 1:15-20 where a description is given of what took place when Judas left the temple.

Acts 1:15-20
And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
Remember how Peter used to speak whenever Jesus told him the plan according to Father's will, i.e. according to the Word of God? He had a bad habit of not "listening to and remembering" the words of Jesus as evidenced by the things he said, like "no way, I'm not going to allow you to be delivered up and killed" according to scripture (Mat. 16:22)". He said "no way, though all men shall offend thee I will never offend thee", no matter what Zechariah said (Mat. 26:33)", and he said "no way, though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee", even though the Word of God had just declared it to be so (Mat. 26:35). Well, after the cock crowed Peter became a changed man believing the surety of all "things that are written". How about you? How seriously do you take "that which is written" over the traditions of men and the things they do and say and over your own thoughts and desires?

Notice now how Peter thinks and speaks throughout this section of scripture. Here he is on that first Pentecost Day:

[16] Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
Can you now "see" the incredible difference in Peter? He now not only "remembers" the Word of God but we shall see how he now seeks to "follow it" exactly as it written, according to Father's will... and not his own any more!
[17] For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
That right! Judas had his part in the ministry with the other eleven! He was one of the original twelve disciples and had his destiny to fulfill in carrying out the plan already laid out, as in written, in the Word of God!
[18] Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
It was the reward or the "result of sin" that purchased the Potter's Field! Why should this be a surprise to anyone? You "see", it was sin which made it necessary for Jesus Christ to shed His innocent blood in the first place. That being the case... you could say we all had part in it, seeing that we are all sinners. The question is, "Should that shed blood apply only to us and not to Judas as well?" Be very careful in how you judge others, lest ye condemn yourself in your own judgment.

Nevertheless, verse 18 causes a problem with Judas hanging himself, all by himself, in that one cannot both hang himself and then slit his guts open to where they fall out. It seems more probable that this was a strangling and then someone cut him wide open as he fell headlong. In any event, those of the churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna who know and understand the ruthlessness of the kenites can more easily understand this than those who are blinded to the traditions of men.

[19] And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
Remember from our previous study that the Potter's field was purchased according to scripture in Zech. 11:13. Remember too that Jesus Christ, through the innocent blood He shed on the cross, can take those broken pieces of pottery, our shattered lives, and put them back together again. Note: For more insight and understanding, look up the compound Greek word translated "Aceldama" in your Strong's Concordance and follow its roots.
[20] For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
"See" again how Peter now speaks... "It is written"... and so it must and shall be done according to the Word of God, right? And when Peter sees the events that take place on that first Pentecost Day in the next chapter of Acts, he will also "remember" the words of Joel the prophet concerning the last days, the days you and I now live in! Do you think Peter had any doubt whatsoever that Joel's prophecy would not come to pass exactly as it is written? Do you? I guess the next question is,"Have you ever read it with understanding?"

Let's return to Matthew where the chief priests now decide what to do with the thirty pieces of silver thrown back in their wicked faces by a repentant sinner, Judas.

Matthew 27:6
And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
Do not overlook the fact that they themselves declared it to be blood money! They therefore condemn themselves by admitting their "premeditated motive" to kill Jesus Christ.
[7] And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.

[8] Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.

The mere price of a slave, those same 30 pieces of silver Judas took to betray his Lord and cause Him to be delivered up and shed His blood, now purchased the potter's field.
[9] Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;
Isn't it amazing how much our Father is in control in that even the very acts of the kenites in purchasing that potter's field were done in exact accordance to that which was written. Also, as Dr. Bullinger notes in the section on "Prophecies Spoken and Written" in his work titled "How to Enjoy the Bible", Kregel Publishers, pg. 311, "The prophecy as to the "thirty pieces of silver" was first "spoken by Jeremiah the prophet," and afterwards "written down by Zechariah."
[10] And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.

[11] And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked Him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

"Are you the king of Judah", Pilate asked? Jesus did not answer his question, meaning He did not open His mouth to defend Himself in accordance with Isa. 53, but rather said, "Those are your words."
[12] And when He was accused of the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing.
He had nothing to say to this bunch of religious hypocrites who had murder in the hearts! Again, the fulfillment of Isa. 53 is still being accomplished here. Let's review it: Isaiah 53:7 "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth." "He opened not His mouth" means that He did not defend himself. And so it came to pass that He did not defend Himself at the illegal religious kangaroo court of the Sanhedrin the night before and He did not defend Himself before Pontius Pilate in the civil court. But friend, "it is written" that when His servants are delivered up before the synagogues and councils and before kings and rulers in these last days, He will open His mouth and speak through His servants and give His witness and testimony. "It is written" and therefore it SHALL come to pass exactly as it is written.
[13] Then said Pilate unto Him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
You better believe He heard what they were saying and accusing Him of! His enemies have given their testimony... which is bunch of concocted lies and falsehoods. But court is not over and Jesus Christ's testimony is yet to come when His elect are delivered up and He speaks through them. Then they shall pick their swords (Eph. 6:17) and do some ear chopping! But again, the events of the first advent must needs be fulfilled first.
[14] And He answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
Pilate marveled because here is a man who is about to be crucified and die unless He steps up to the plate and defends Himself. However, it is even more marvelous to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear to observe the incredible discipline Christ displayed in holding fast to His Father's will in fulfilling that which is written, such as in Isa. 53, etc.
[15] Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
It should be pointed out that which is even obvious by Pilate's own words and actions, that he simply does not want any part of crucifying this innocent man. So in his attempt to get Jesus released he now turns to a tradition of releasing a prisoner at the feast and then chooses the most notorious criminal he can find to go head to head with a completely harmless and innocent man! Surely he thought that the people would in no way choose to release such a notorious murderer among the people over the release of Jesus Christ who never did nor ever would do them any malicious harm.

So Pilate is going to offer the people a choice of Barabbas or Yahshua!

[16] And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
notable, episemos, ep-is'-ay-mos, Greek 1978; from Greek 1909 (epi) and some form of the base of Greek 4591 (semaino); remarkable, i.e. (figurative) eminent :- notable, of note.
semaino, say-mah'-ee-no, Greek 4591; from sema (a mark; of uncertain derivative); to indicate :- signify.
Our Father's Word is perfect and as we have pointed out many times the names and the locations that are given to us are not just inserted as filler words. Every word of God has significance and meaning and without digging a little deeper below that which just appears on the surface, the casual student can easily miss the greater significance. For instance, check out the name "Bar-abbas" in your Strong's Concordance. If you do not have a Strong's Concordance then by all means obtain one for your studies.
Barabbas, bar-ab-bas', Greek 912; of Chaldee origin [Hebrew 1347 (ga'own) and Greek 5 (Abba)]; son of Abba; Bar-abbas, an Israelite :- Barabbas.
"Bar" is Hebrew meaning "son of" and "abbas" is Greek meaning "father". So Barabbas, this notorious murderer, means the "son of the father". Now who was the father of the first murderer? That's right, Cain, the one who had the mark placed on him.
So here the people are given a CHOICE between two sons of two fathers! So who do you suppose the multitude will choose, the false son whose father is the Wicked One or the true Son whose Father is almighty God! In symbolic terms we could say that the people have two trees standing before them, one representing "death" and the other representing "life"! It's now time to choose!
Deut. 30:19
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, (two trees) blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
So what is it going to be? Do you listen to your religious leaders and follow after the iniquitous traditions of men or do you adhere to that which is written in the Word of God whereby you are able to know the difference between the profane and the holy and able discern between that which is clean and unclean? I'll guarantee you if you go with the church crowd, you're going to end up choosing Barabbas. Observe and learn from the Word of God!
Matthew 27:17
Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
Pilate was no dummy and he knew these chief priests and religious leaders were envious (next verse) of Jesus and he said this for their sakes... to rub it in a little. However, this would only serve to fire them up and give just cause for them to remind the crowd of Christ's "blasphemy" and stir them to choose death over life!
[18] For he knew that for envy they had delivered Him.
[19] When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him.
Here we even see a little divine intervention in warning Pilate to have nothing to do with sending this just man to His death. (I'm sure he thought his wife was divine, right? Heh, heh.) Nevertheless, he sat down on the judgment seat before the people and did not take heed to the warning.

Note: It is noted by some historians that Pilate's wife was the granddaughter of Caesar Augustus and that Pilate no doubt had the authority to put a stop to this, but he did not. Speculation has it that the kenites had some "dirt" on him concerning knowledge of a plot to overthrow Caesar. Whether that is true or not is not relative but it sure fits the MO of the kenites both then and now! For a great narrative on this as well as Jesus Christ's trial before the Sanhedrin where Joseph of Arimathae and Nicodemus defended Him, obtain a copy of "The Drama of the Lost Disciples", by George F. Jowett, Covenant Publishing Company Limited.

Now notice the activity and influence of the multitude by the chief priests and elders before the vote of the people is cast!
[20] But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
There you go! The multitude would rather listen to their preachers and be persuaded by them rather than think for themselves! Hey, a little leaven can infiltrate and infect the whole lump (Mat. 16:6). The point to this is that the religious leaders in the community both led and persuaded the multitude, which is the majority, to choose the wicked son, the son of perdition, rather than choose the true Messiah, the Son of God.

You "see", this is important because in these last days just before the second advent the religious leaders of the community shall also lead the multitude, the majority of Christians, to choose the wicked one, the spiritually murderous false messiah, and persecute the true servants of Jesus Christ.

Ok, time for the people to choose!

[21] The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
Unbelievable you say? Not at all if you have eyes to see and ears to hear! The multitudes today have already been "worked" and are already set-up through the leaven of false doctrines like the rapture theory, God's chosen people, etc., to accept Satan the spurious messiah when he is cast out of heaven and comes to this earth (Rev. 12:7-9).
[22] Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

[23] And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

Don't worry about the facts! Our religious minds are made up because we follow our church leaders and their doctrine.
[24] When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
The civil leader, in this case Pilate, is passing the buck to the multitude thereby making the decision to kill Jesus Christ that of the chief priests and elders of the people, i.e. the kenites. So always remember that it was the kenites, not our brother Judah, who condemned our Lord and Saviour to be put to death.
[25] Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
They said it! And so it shall be!
[26] Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.
Are you familiar with the brutality of the Roman scourging? Many people did not even survive this and make it to the cross. Here is a picture and an excerpt from a Bible dictionary on scourging.
"The Romans uses a scourge of cords or thongs, made more painful by various expedients which cruelty suggested. Pieces of lead of brass, or small, sharp-pointed bones, were attached to the lashes.

... The victim was stripped to the waist, and bound in a stooping position, with the hands behind the back, to a post or pillar. The suffering under the lash was intense. The body was frightfully lacerated. The Christian martyrs at Smyrna about A.D. 155 were so torn with the scourges that their veins were laid bare, and the inner muscles and sinews, and even the bowels, were exposed (Eusebius Hist. iv. 15)." (Davis Dictionary of the Bible, Baker, pg. 689.)

This gives new depth of meaning to Psalm 22:17, "I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me."
[27] Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto Him the whole band of soldiers.

[28] And they stripped Him, and put on Him a scarlet robe.

[29] And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

Now get this picture real good in your mind's eye and contrast it to how He shall look when He returns in all His magnificent glory with all power and authority, wearing the crowns of all nations (who shall have no choice but to submit them), with both the rod and the sceptre in His hands. It shall be His turn to sit in the seat of judgment... in the Valley of Decision, the Valley known as "Jehoshaphat" which means "Yahveh Judges" (see Joel 3:9-20)! And He shall gather His soldiers, His elect, and they also sit on thrones!

So don't overlook the fact that these are the "soldiers of the nation"! This time they bow the knee in mockery! When He returns at the second advent every person of every nation shall "bow the knee" in complete submission to His authority. What a day that will be!

[30] And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote Him on the head.
Remember, Jesus Christ could have called down 12 legions of angels and made mince meat out of these mockers! But He withstood the humiliation and took the stripes for us and walked up that hill to Golgotha and shed His precious blood to pay the price for our sins and become our Passover.
[31] And after that they had mocked Him, they took the robe off from Him, and put His own raiment on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him.

[32] And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: Him they compelled to bear His cross.

We sinners are the ones who deserve to die, not this innocent man, the Son of God. Would you bear the cross for the one who gave His life that you and your loved ones might live? Let us close today's study with the words of Peter.
1 Peter 2:21-25
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps:

[22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth:

[23] Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously:

That time of judgment is soon coming according to His time frame, exactly as it is written. Now notice once again Peter quotes from that which is written.
[24] Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Thank God Jesus Christ took those stripes that these broken pots can be healed.
Isaiah 53:5
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with his stripes we are healed.
[25] For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Isaiah 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Because of the love our Father has for His children, the plan of Salvation to bring His lost sheep who have gone astray back to Him, was perfectly laid out from the beginning! It is written and so it is according to His will that those who love Him, serve Him in these last days.

Thank you Father. We love you so much!

... to be continued.
To study the Bible is the noblest of all pursuits; to understand it, the highest of all goals.
We pray that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you accomplish both.


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