
In the Fulness of Time/Part 72
By: Dr. Thomas O. Figart; ©2007 Jesus makes it clear that the preaching of John was the culmination of the Old Testament promises of the coming of Messiah, and He says that, if the Jews care to receive the message of John, then the Elijah prophecy would be fulfilled. But was John the Baptist actually…

In the Fulness of Time/Part 71
By: Dr. Thomas O. Figart; ©2007 Dr. Figart suggests that this passage indicates a growing opposition to the “kingdom of heaven,” which brings about Christ’s Condemnation of the Jewish Nation. Previous Article Christ’s Condemnation of the Jewish Nation. Matthew 11:12-19 The Nation did not accept John the Baptist’s Ministry. 11:12-15 Mt. 11:12 “And from the…

In the Fulness of Time/Part 70
By: Dr. Thomas O. Figart; ©2007 In the past three articles, Dr. Figart has been showing us Jesus commends John the Baptist’s ministry in Matthew 11:7-11. In verse 11 John is Strong in Convictions; in verse 8 John is Separated in Character; in verses 9-10 John is Special in Calling. Then in verse 12 Christ…

In the Fulness of Time/Part 69
By: Dr. Thomas O. Figart; ©2007 In reference to the Sabbath, Matthew makes two more important points: 1) that Jesus is greater than the Old Testament Priests; and 2) that the spiritual is greater than the ceremonial. Previous Article Contents 1 Christ Commends John the Baptist’s Ministry. Matthew 11:7-11 1.1 John is Strong in Convictions.…

In the Fulness of Time/Part 68
By: Dr. Thomas O. Figart; ©2007 John the Baptist was preaching an earthly Messianic Kingdom, with the message that the Messiah had already come. He sent two of his disciples to Christ asking, “Are You He that should come, or do we look for another?” These verses record Jesus’ reply. Previous Article Jesus’ Reply to…

In the Fulness of Time/Part 67
By: Dr. Thomas O. Figart; ©2007 In this section of Matthew (chapters 11 and 12), the leaders of Israel are traced as the ones who turned the common people from the Messiah/King. The witness of the Twelve would spread a wide swath of miracles over the land to vindicate His authority. Previous Article Contents 1…

In the Fulness of Time/Part 66
By: Dr. Thomas O. Figart; ©2007 Jesus’ discourse in Matthew 10:40-42 concludes with two statements commending those who will be listening to the messages of the Disciples. Previous Article His Commendations. Matthew 10:40-42 In concluding this discourse, Christ makes two statements, commending those who will be listening to the messages of the Disciples. Receiving Christ’s…

In the Fulness of Time/Part 65
By: Dr. Thomas O. Figart; ©2007 From Matthew 10:37-39 Dr. Figart discusses two challenging questions: What happens when the time comes that loyalty to parents must be superseded by loyalty to Christ? What do you gain and lose when you “take up your cross” to follow Christ? Previous Article Finding or Losing: Challenge of Dedication.…

In the Fulness of Time/Part 64
By: Dr. Thomas O. Figart; ©2007 In Matthew 10:34, Jesus, the Prince of Peace, says, “Think not that I am come to send peace on the earth…” What did He mean? How can we reconcile that with other things the Bible teaches about Him? Previous Article Peace or a Sword: The Challenge of Division. Matthew…

In the Fulness of Time/Part 63
By: Dr. Thomas O. Figart; ©2007 Fear not! If God knows when a sparrow falls, if God knows how many hairs you have on your head, it’s reasonable to assume He knows—and cares—about you. Previous Article Fear Not: God Exercises Providence. Matthew 10:29-31 Matthew 10:29-21 “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one…