Mateus 8

Mateus 8

Cole says that Jesus' fearful description of hell should serve to remind all procrastinators that "Salvation requires our careful self-examination (cf 2 Cor 13:5+) because of the horrible consequences of making a mistake. Weeping and gnashing of teeth doesn’t sound like a fun experience, especially when it continues throughout eternity! Think of it as an eternal root canal without anesthesia! (THAT'S FUNNY BUT IT'S NOT!) The Jews had assumed that they would be included in the kingdom of God, for after all they were "righteous" (self-righteous) Jews, not "filthy" Gentiles. They were related to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob by blood line but not by the lifeline of faith in the Lion of the Tribe of Judah! And so now they find themselves shut out and, of all things, those "dirty" Gentiles from east and west and north and south are inside, dining with the patriarchs and prophets! Contrary to popular modern views, HELL will not be a wild party for all the wicked. And, contrary to most popular thinking, HELL will not be just for the worst of the worst—the Hitlers of this world. The Jewish men were religious Jews who thought they were deserving of heaven. But they would not submit to Jesus and so they faced the horrible eternal consequence of being in that place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. Because there will be many religious people in hell, all of us who attend church should examine ourselves (cf 2 Cor 13:5+) to make sure that we are not cast into that place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Luke 13:22-30 - The Narrow Door) Teeth Provided! - An old-fashioned, hell-and damnation preacher was scolding his congregation for their terrible misdeeds. “Remember what it says in the Bible,” he thundered. “Jesus told us that for those who do evil there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Matthew 22:13] At this point the preacher saw a very old parishioner grinning up at him, unconcerned, toothless. He accepted the challenge and pointed at the grinning gums, “Don’t worry, James Lippincott. Teeth will be provided!” (Streiker, L. D. - Nelson's Big Book of Laughter) Cast out (thrown, driven) (1544)(ekbállō from ek = out + bállō = to cast, throw, drive) means to cast, throw out often with the idea of force (Mt. 8:12; 15:17; 25:30; Acts 16:37, 27:38; Lxx - Lev. 14:40). To throw out of an area or object, throw out, jettison (Mt 21:39 Acts 27:18). Frequently used of casting out demons (Mt 7:22, Mt 8:16, 31,9:34, 10:1, etc). In the present context ekballo describes the casting of unbelievers into the outer darkness! O horrible day! Let our hearts be broken by the things that break the heart of God, for He does not wish "for ANY to perish (apollumi - NOT ANNIHILATION BUT ETERNAL LOSS OF PURPOSE FOR WHICH ONE WAS CREATED!) but for all to come to repentance." (2 Pe 3:9+), for God our Savior (1 T 2:3) "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Ti 2:4) Outer (1857) exoteros is an adjectival comparative of exo (outside). In Hellenistic Greek the comparative has largely replaced the superlative, often retaining the superlative meaning which means farthest out, extreme and pertaining to an area outside a particular boundary. EXOTEROS - 3x - Matt. 8:12; Matt. 22:13; Matt. 25:30 Gilbrant - Although some lexicons treat exōteros as a unique word, it is actually the comparative form of the term exō (1838), “outside.” Bauer states that the idea of “outside” is seen with respect to something which is “inside” and that exōteros is used in a superlative sense in the New Testament to mean “farthest” or “extreme” (cf. a Septuagint occurrence at Exodus 26:4 which describes the “uttermost edge” of a curtain). In its New Testament occurrences the unbelieving Jew (Matthew 8:12), the person who made light of the king’s gracious invitation (Matthew 22:13), and the unfaithful servant (Matthew 25:30) were thrown outside (exōteros) into the darkness (NIV). They were excluded from the blessings of God’s kingdom. (Complete Biblical Library) Darkness (4655)(skotos from skia = shadow thrown by an object. Skia it can assume the meaning of skotos and indicate the sphere of darkness) is literally that sphere in which light is absent. The phrase "the outer darkness" refers to the place of punishment or exclusion from God Who is light! Weeping (2805)(klauthmos from klaio = to weep or bewail) is a noun which describes a strong inner emotion which is evoked in weeping, crying, lamentation (cries of grief, the act of bewailing as an expression of sorrow). Do not miss the tragic truth that Hell is a place of conscious sorrow for the unconscious would not weep! Gnashing (1030) (brugmos) describes striking, grinding or biting of teeth together. In the context of the NT uses brugmos is a manifestation or picture of the extreme anguish and utter despair of those consigned to eternal torment in hell. It is notable that Luke uses the root verb brucho in Acts 7:54 to describe the Jews who were "cut to the quick" by Stephen's sermon and began "gnashing their teeth at him", clearly a manifestation of intense anger. What a tragic "play on words" for because they "gnashed their teeth" in life at the messenger's Good News of salvation in the Messiah, they will eternally be be weeping and gnashing their teeth. Webster says gnash means to strike the teeth together as in anger or pain, both emotions probably in play (existing) in the fires of hell. The Free Dictionary describes gnashing of teeth as a very vocal display of anger, irritation, contempt, complaint. QUESTION - What is the outer darkness? | GotQuestions.org ANSWER - In the Parable of the Wedding Feast, Jesus tells of a “wedding crasher” of sorts: a man in the wedding hall was discovered to have entered the feast without authorization. Jesus says that the king, the master of the feast, issued a dire command concerning the interloper: “Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness” (ESV). Jesus uses the term “outer darkness” in the parable to describe a condition of great sorrow, loss and woe. It stands in vivid contrast to the brightly lit and joyous celebration attended by those who accepted the king’s invitation. Interpreting the wedding feast as heaven, the “outer darkness” must be the place of eternal punishment. Most Bible scholars agree that the phrase “outer darkness” refers to hell or, more properly, the lake of fire (Matthew 8:12; 13:42; 13:50; and Mt 25:30,41). The outer darkness of Jesus’ parable is called “blackest darkness” in Jude 1:13. Again, a place of judgment is the obvious meaning, since it is reserved for “godless men” (verse 4). Perhaps the place of judgment is pictured as “dark” because of the absence of God’s cheering presence. “When you hide your face, they are terrified” (Psalm 104:29). God is called “light” in 1 John 1:5, and if He withdraws His blessing, only darkness is left. Throughout the Scriptures light symbolizes God’s purity, holiness, and glory. Darkness is used as a symbol of moral depravity (Psalm 82:5; Proverbs 2:13; Romans 3:12). Darkness can also refer to trouble and affliction (Job 5:12; Proverbs 20:20; Isaiah 9:2) and to death and nothingness (1 Samuel 2:9; Ecclesiastes 11:8; Job 3:4-6). The outer darkness of judgment is accompanied by “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” The “weeping” describes an inner pain of the heart, mind, and soul. The word in the original denotes a bewailing or lamentation by beating the breast in an expression of immense sorrow. The “gnashing of teeth” describes an outward pain of the body. Taken together, the weeping and gnashing of teeth says hell is a place of indescribable spiritual agony and unending physical pain (see Luke 16:23-28). The outer darkness is a place of anguish, heartache, grief, and unspeakable suffering. Such will be the lot of all who reject Christ (John 3:18, 36). Christ is the Light of the World (John 8:12). When one rejects the Light, he will be cast into eternal darkness. Just like the man in the parable, the one who rejects Christ will lose his chance for joy, blessing and fellowship and will be left with nothing but darkness and eternal regret. MATTHEW 8:12—Is hell a place of darkness, or is there light there? PROBLEM: Jesus described hell as a place of “outer darkness” (Matt. 8:12; cf. 22:13 and 25:30). By contrast, the Bible says hell is a place of “fire” (Rev. 20:14) and “unquenchable flames” (Mark 9:48). But, fire and flames give off light. How can hell be utterly dark when there is light there? SOLUTION: Both “fire” and “darkness” are powerful figures of speech which appropriately describe the unthinkable reality of hell. It is like fire because it is a place of destruction and torment. Yet, it is like outer darkness because people are lost there forever. While hell is a literal place, not every description of it should be taken literally. Some powerful figures of speech are used to portray this literal place. Its horrible reality, wherein body and soul will suffer forever, goes far beyond any mere figure of speech that may be used to describe it. But, it is a serious mistake to take a figure of speech literally. By doing so, one can conclude that God has feathers, since He is described as having wings (Ps. 91:4)! There are other figures of speech used to describe the eternal destiny of the lost that, if taken literally, contradict each other. For example, hell is depicted as an eternal garbage dump (Mark 9:43–48), which has a bottom. But, it is also portrayed as a bottomless pit (Rev. 20:3). Each is a vivid depiction of a place of everlasting punishment. (Norman Geisler - When Critics Ask) QUESTION - What does hell look like? How hot is hell? GOTQUESTIONS.ORG ANSWER - We cannot know exactly what hell looks like or how hot it will be. But Scripture does use some descriptive language of hell, and that gives us an idea of what hell will be like. It is sure to be a place of torment, which the Bible often pictures as fiery. For the purposes of this article, the terms hell and lake of fire are used interchangeably. Some interpreters take the Bible’s descriptions of hell to be symbolic, because some of the descriptions are difficult to reconcile with each other. For example, picturing hell as both fire (Matthew 25:41) and outer darkness (Matthew 8:12) seems paradoxical. Of course, the God of the impossible can do anything, including make dark fire. So, the descriptions could be literal. Even if the language describing hell is symbolic, the place itself is real—and the reality will no doubt be worse than the symbols. The scriptural descriptions of hell are meant to emphasize the torment and suffering that will be experienced by those sent there. The “fire” may picture the wrath of God that is experienced by unbelievers in hell, whereas the “outer darkness” may picture the alienation from God’s love, mercy, and grace. Whether the vivid language is symbolic or literal, we can be assured that hell is a terrible, terrifying place. Possibly the most terrifying aspect of hell is its duration. The suffering is eternal. It has no end. For us, here and now, the concept of hell should drive us to the cross of Christ. It is only by repentance and faith in Christ that we can be saved from the wrath to come. Here are some of the passages that describe hell: Matthew 25:41, “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’” Matthew 8:12, “But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 2 Thessalonians 1:6–9, “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.” Revelation 20:10, 15, “And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. . . . Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” Romans 2:8, “But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.” Matthew 25:30, “And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Hell, although we do not know exactly what it will look like, will be a place of unending suffering and torment from which there will be no escape. Therefore, now is the day of salvation. Now is the day for all to repent and believe the gospel. Now is the day for us to proclaim the good news that Christ has come to save sinners who trust in Him for forgiveness. Those who look to Christ now will be saved from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:9–10).GotQuestions.org Related Resources: Eternal punishment - IN DEPTH DISCUSSION What does the Bible mean when it refers to the gnashing of teeth? What is the outer darkness in Matthew 22:13? Will there be tears in heaven? What does hell look like? How hot is hell? Questions about Heaven, Hell, and Eternity Is hell literally a place of fire and brimstone? Why is the idea of eternal damnation so repulsive to many people? Is annihilationism biblical? Matthew 8:13 And Jesus said to the centurion, "Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed that very moment. Go - Mt 8:4 Ec 9:7 Mk 7:29 John 4:50 for you as you have believed - Mt 9:29,30 15:28 17:20 Mk 9:23 And the servant - John 4:52,53 Matthew 8 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries And Jesus said to the centurion, "Go (hupago command in present imperative) - Jesus the Commander in Chief orders the Roman officer to depart on his way. He would send him on his way with the following final encouraging words. It shall be done for you as you have believed - What had the centurion believed? He had believed that Jesus could heal with a word and he has just heard himself that "word" in the phrase it shall be done. You have believed (4100)(pisteuo) means the centurion heard Jesus' promise, considered it to be true and therefore worthy of his complete, unhesitating trust. He accepted Jesus' words as true and was firmly convicted as to the goodness, efficacy, and ability to accomplish what He had promised! O, to have the faith of this Roman centurion! His belief was not just an intellectual assent, but a response from his heart! And what joy it must have brought to his heart!