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Matthew 5:45-46 Rain on the just and unjust
1. Crossword puzzle
This crossword puzzle has no list of clues.
The words are the books of the Bible, without numbers, and without spaces.
So John, 1 John, 2 John and 3 John appear
once, as John.
It was discovered that some book names can appear in more than one place (i.e., switched). These can now be identified programatically.
2. Crossword puzzle
3. Sermon on the Mount: Combined verse model build
4. Handout 1 start
Here is a start at a handout. It is intended to be printed on 8-1/2 by 11 paper (not this image, the corresponding PDF being developed - black and white and color versions).
5. Handout 2 start
The second page shows the corresponding verses in the Sermon on the Mount along with the corresponding Kingdom Parable and Revelation church.
One can thus study the related groups of verses to see how they fit together with the same theme.
Note that the self-similar fractal-like nature of the verses are such that many groups have sub-elements of adjacent groups as a mini-series within the group.
6. Lord's Prayer in Matthew
Sermon on the Mount:
| 4 |
four foreword sequences (one split) |
| 2 |
two backward sequences |
| 1 |
Lord's Prayer subsequence (self‑similar fractal) |
| 7 |
sequences total |
7. Matthew 5:43-44 Love your enemies
Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. [kjv]
5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; [kjv]
Who might "hate" you as an "enemy"?
Why might they "hate" you as on "enemy"?
Some words were added to Matthew 5:44 (from other verses elsewhere).
... pray for those that persecute you.
... put forward a wish for those who pursue you.
8. Matthew 5:45-46 Rain on the just and unjust
Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [kjv]
5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [kjv]
At the end of the Sermon on the Mount summary, the "
rain" will fall on
both the "
house" built on "
rock" and the "
house" built on "
sand". One wall not "
fall". One will be "
cut off".
9. Proverbs 25:21-22 Heap of coals
Proverbs 25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: [kjv]
εαν πεινα ο εχθρος σου τρεφε αυτον εαν διψα ποτιζε αυτον [lxx]
25:22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee. [kjv]
τουτο γαρ ποιων ανθρακας πυρος σωρευσεις επι την κεφαλην αυτου ο δε κυριος ανταποδωσει σοι αγαθα [lxx]
The ancient Greek word
"ἀνθρακιά" ≈ "pile of charcoal, charcoal fire".
This phrase appears to be an
idiom.
10. Romans 12:20 Heap of coals
Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. [kjv]
αλλα εαν πεινα ο εχθρος σου ψωμιζε αυτον εαν διψα ποτιζε αυτον τουτο γαρ ποιων ανθρακας πυρος σωρευσεις επι την κεφαλην αυτου [gnt]
Paul repeats the idea. The ancient Greek word
"ἀνθρακιά" ≈ "pile of charcoal, charcoal fire".
Might this cause a
"heap" of trouble?
Discuss: Is Paul using the words for
"hunger" and
"thirst" in a literal or figurative sense (or both)? Explain.
☐ "
bread" of "
life"
☐ "
living" "
water"
11. Sorites paradox
A paradox is something that is, literally, "
beyond expectation". A paradox involving
"heaps" is the
"Sorites" paradox. The name comes from the Greek word for
"heap".
Sorites paradox (little by little): When does a
"heap" of sand become not a
"heap" as one grain at a time are removed from the
"heap"?
The original paradox is attributed to
"Εὐβουλίδης" ≈ "Eubulides" of
"Μῑ́λητος" ≈ "Miletus" on what is today the east coast of Turkey.
Part of the paradox has to do with how one defines a
"heap". A similar paradox involves hair and baldness.
12. Decision trees
A
decision tree allows one to quantify decisions that need to be made.
Let us look at a simple "
fix-it" decision tree for something that may or may not work properly and what might need to be done to make it work properly.
The simplest decision trees assume only two possibilities at each decision point are event point (state of nature).
13. Decision procedure
A "
decision procedure" in computer science is a method or algorithm that, given some input, makes a decision that can be though of as "
yes" or "
no".
A "
decision tree" rotates the tree and has more nodes to make decisions, things to happen, etc.
If the accounting for "
idle words" does not resolve the issue, a
decision procedure is needed to break the deadlock on the decision (i.e., a tie-breaker rule).
14. Decidable words
Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. [kjv]
λεγω δε υμιν οτι παν ρημα αργον ο λαλησουσιν οι ανθρωποι αποδωσουσιν περι αυτου λογον εν ημερα κρισεως [gnt]
A "
decision procedure" in computer science is a method or algorithm that, given some input, makes a decision that can be though of as "
yes" or "
no".
Is a word an
"idle" "word" if that word is
clearly "
for Christ"? Does one need to account for such a word in the day of judgment?
Is a word an
"idle" "word" if that word is
clearly "
against Christ"? Does one need to account for such a word in the day of judgment?
Such words are here called "
decidable words" or "
decidable silences". There is no question as to whether "
decidable words" or "
decidable silences" are "
for Christ" or "
against Christ". Some "
false Christs" deceive by omitting words.
15. Matthew 5:45 Under the weather
Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [kjv]
οπως γενησθε υιοι του πατρος υμων του εν ουρανοις οτι τον ηλιον αυτου ανατελλει επι πονηρους και αγαθους και βρεχει επι δικαιους και αδικους [gnt]
The Greek word translated as "
be" is that of "
coming into being".
The "sun" rises on the "evil" or "oppressive" and the "good". Are these opposites?
It "rains" on the "just" and the "unjust". These are, by definition, opposites.
At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, the "
rain" will fall on
both the "
house" built on the "
rock" and the "
house" built on "
sand". Only
one will
fall.
Jesus will speak many verses having to do with "
evil" and "
good". Are these
opposites?
16. Matthew 5:45 Under the weather
Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [kjv]
οπως γενησθε υιοι του πατρος υμων του εν ουρανοις οτι τον ηλιον αυτου ανατελλει επι πονηρους και αγαθους και βρεχει επι δικαιους και αδικους [gnt]
If this situation as described did not exist, there would be a
statistical test (e.g., the Chi-squared test for the testing of independence) or, in computer science terms, a
decision procedure, to determine who was evil and who was good, and who was just and who was unjust.
What does Jesus say about this? Does Jesus provide any examples?
☐ Tragedies of local reality here on earth in this world.
☐ Tragedies of eternal significance.
17. Chi-square distribution
Here is how the
χ2 distribution appears. The simplest
χ2 statistic is the
z statistic.
χ2 = z2 = (X - μ)2 / σ2
Note the following.
χ2 is always positive.
A two-tailed test is always used.
Potential tests for independence:
Beliefs vs. fate
Political leanings
Social change leanings
... and so on ...
[Simpson's paradox]
18. Visualizing Simpson's Paradox
[Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth]
[customer satisfaction surveys]
[admission bias between men and woman]
[effectiveness of medicine between men and woman]
Common theme: Comparing average of averages.
19. Luke 13:1-3
20. Luke 13:4-5
One type of
mourning is from events that have (seemingly) natural causes.
Luke 13:4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? [kjv]
η εκεινοι οι δεκα οκτω εφ ους επεσεν ο πυργος εν τω σιλωαμ και απεκτεινεν αυτους δοκειτε οτι αυτοι οφειλεται εγενοντο παρα παντας τους ανθρωπους τους κατοικουντας ιερουσαλημ [gnt]
13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. [kjv]
ουχι λεγω υμιν αλλ εαν μη μετανοησητε παντες ωσαυτως απολεισθε [gnt]
The English "
repent" as in
"changed mind" or
"changed behavior" is from the Latin. The Greek is that of
"after thought" as in
"think about this" and
"change" if needed.
Discussion question: What is the meaning of "
perish" as used here? Contrast a physical perish with a spiritual perish.
21. Aristotle: Categories
Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [kjv]
οπως γενησθε υιοι του πατρος υμων του εν ουρανοις οτι τον ηλιον αυτου ανατελλει επι πονηρους και αγαθους και βρεχει επι δικαιους και αδικους [gnt]
There are different Greek words for what as translated as
"evil".
Jesus uses the Greek word for "oppression" for "evil". Is "oppression" an opposite of "good"?
Aristotle uses the Greek word for "bad" for "evil". Jesus uses this word for the "harmed".
English: The contrary of good must be evil, and this can be proved by induction. (Loeb#325, p. 97)
Greek: Ἐναντίον δέ ἐστιν ἀγαθῷ μὲν ἐξ ἀνάγκης κακόν, τοῦτο δὲ δῆλον τῇ καθ' ἕκαστον ἐπαγωγῇ, … Aristotle: Categories [14a]
e
22. Matthew 7:24,26 House built on sand
23. Matthew 7:25,27 House built on sand
House on
rock of Christ:
Matthew 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. [kjv]
και κατεβη η βροχη και ηλθαν οι ποταμοι και επνευσαν οι ανεμοι και προσεπεσαν τη οικια εκεινη και ουκ επεσεν τεθεμελιωτο γαρ επι την πετραν [gnt]
House on
sand of man:
7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. [kjv]
και κατεβη η βροχη και ηλθαν οι ποταμοι και επνευσαν οι ανεμοι και προσεκοψαν τη οικια εκεινη και επεσεν και ην η πτωσις αυτης μεγαλη [gnt]
The "
rain", "
rivers" and "
wind"
"falls" on the "
house" built on the "
rock". However, the "
rain", "
rivers" and "
wind"
"cut off" (different word) the "
house" built on "
sand". The ancient Greek word
"προσκόπτω" ≈ "cut towards/off". The "
house" is
"cut off". Perhaps they "
cut off" themselves as in separating themselves from the love of Christ - as the lost sheep that goes on the mountain.
24. Matthew 7:27 House built on sand
Matthew 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. [kjv]
και κατεβη η βροχη και ηλθαν οι ποταμοι και επνευσαν οι ανεμοι και προσεκοψαν τη οικια εκεινη και επεσεν και ην η πτωσις αυτης μεγαλη [gnt]
The "
house" built on "
rock" does
not "fall". However, the "
house" built on "
sand" is
"cut off" and has a
"great" (size or number)
"fall". The ancient Greek word
"πτῶσις" ≈ "falling" and, in grammar, is a case or inflection. The ancient Greek word
"πίπτω" ≈ "fall". A related word is
"πτωχός" ≈ "beggar" and means, literally, one who has fallen. Jesus often refers to the
"poor" as those who are
"fallen" and need the
"Gospel" or
"Good News" which is the source of the English word
"evangelical".
Might there be a play on words of the "
great"
"fall" with the "
many" or "
city" in the (false) "
house" on the "
mountain" following the (false) "
light" who need the
"Good News" but, due to "
birds" and "
pigs" (who work for the "
birds") get
"cut off" and never got to hear (or were misled about) that
"Good News"?
25. Matthew 5:45
KJV: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Greek: οπως γενησθε υιοι του πατρος υμων του εν ουρανοις οτι τον ηλιον αυτου ανατελλει επι πονηρους και αγαθους και βρεχει επι δικαιους και αδικους
26. Matthew 5:43,46 Hateful rewards
Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. [kjv]
ηκουσατε οτι ερρεθη αγαπησεις τον πλησιον σου και μισησεις τον εχθρον σου [gnt]
5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [kjv]
εαν γαρ αγαπησητε τους αγαπωντας υμας τινα μισθον εχετε ουχι και οι τελωναι το αυτο ποιουσιν [gnt]
The Greek word for
"reward" could, in context, be a play on words with the Greek word for
"hate".
The ancient Greek word
"μισθός" ≈ "wages, pay, recompense, reward". This word is related to the German word
"Miete" ≈ "rent".
The ancient Greek word
"μισέω" ≈ "hate" and is from
"μῖσος" ≈ "hatred, hate" and appears to be pre-Greek in origin.
27. Usage - reward
*G3408 *29 μισθός (mis-thos') : apparently a primary word; pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad:--hire, reward, wages.
 |
Words: μισθον=18 μισθος=7 μισθου=4
|
28. Tot for tat
Exodus 21:24 Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, [kjv]
οφθαλμον αντι οφθαλμου οδοντα αντι οδοντος χειρα αντι χειρος ποδα αντι ποδος [lxx]
Matthew 5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: [kjv]
ηκουσατε οτι ερρεθη οφθαλμον αντι οφθαλμου και οδοντα αντι οδοντος [gnt]
This idea is repeated in various forms in the
OT (Old Testament). The ancient Greek phrase
"ἴσα πρὸς ἴσα" ≈ "tit for tat" which is, literally, "
equals for equals".
The game theory idea is that of "
tit" for "
tat" as in "
this" for "
that" (in various languages). The idea here is that of
"eye" "in place of" "eye", etc. And that's the
truth (i.e.,
"tooth").
29. Matthew 5:46 Rewards
Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [kjv]
εαν γαρ αγαπησητε τους αγαπωντας υμας τινα μισθον εχετε ουχι και οι τελωναι το αυτο ποιουσιν [gnt]
Is a
"reward" always "
good"? Can it be "
bad"? Is a
"recompense" always "
good"? Can it be "
bad"?
To
"love" them that
"love" you is a variation of "
tit" for "
tat" referred to by Jesus six verses earlier as "
eye"
"in place of" "
eye".
[tit for tat, business transactions, double-cross]
30. Matthew 5:46 Love and hate
Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [kjv]
εαν γαρ αγαπησητε τους αγαπωντας υμας τινα μισθον εχετε ουχι και οι τελωναι το αυτο ποιουσιν [gnt]
Jesus uses the "
heathen" or "
ethnics" to refer to the "
sea" of "
humanity" or "
fish" and uses the "
publicans" collectively to refer to both the "
birds" or "
eyes" and the "
pigs" or "
hands".
The ancient Greek word
"μισθός" ≈ "wages, pay, recompense, reward" and, as a play on words,
"μῖσος" ≈ "hatred, hate".
If you love them which love you, what reward have you?
If you love them which love you, what hate (for others) have you?
Can you imagine what a
"hateful" "
bird" or
false "
leader" or "
eye" might be like? They would always have the faithful under a
"watch" or
"prison" as if in a
"cage".
31. Enemies and hate
The Greek word translated as "
enemy" has a primary meaning of "
hate".
Do people who display a sign saying that
hate has no home here (or something similar) have any
hate towards those they consider
hateful?
A
hateful movement can be appealing to people who are
hateful because it allows them to be
hateful while feeling good about it.
This paradox is related to the
toleration paradox in that some people consider
hate anything that they do not agree with. In that sense, they are as
hateful as those that they claim to
hate (though they do not want to use that word).
Saying:
One person's freedom fighter is another person's terrorist. [Star Wars example]
32. End racism and choose love
In the Super Bowl of 2025, the
NFL (National Football League) changed a sign in the end zone that said "
End Racism" to "
Choose Love".
Liberal commentator Bill Maher paraphrase:
If you are a racist, what is the chance that reading a sign that says "END RACISM" is going to change your mind?
33. Wasps
Is this wasp spray good for wasps?
No. It kills them.
God is good. Is God good for you?
(discuss)
Might this change the meaning of "
God will take care of you"? Is that "
reward" good or bad? What is a "
just reward"? What is "
recompense"? Do you get "
stressed" thinking about just "
desserts"?
What do monks say at the start of fumigation day?
Let us spray.
Why are nuns not allowed to wear perfume?
The convent will not tolerate such nun scents.
34. Matthew 5:46 Rewards
Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [kjv]
εαν γαρ αγαπησητε τους αγαπωντας υμας τινα μισθον εχετε ουχι και οι τελωναι το αυτο ποιουσιν [gnt]
Do you get "
stressed" thinking about just "
desserts"? How are the words "
stressed" and "
desserts" related?
Discuss: Does Jesus, like Santa, have a "
naughty" and a "
nice" list?
35. Matthew 5:46 Rewards
Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [kjv]
εαν γαρ αγαπησητε τους αγαπωντας υμας τινα μισθον εχετε ουχι και οι τελωναι το αυτο ποιουσιν [gnt]
Does Jesus have a "
Loyalty Rewards Program"? Do you need to apply to get it?
Why do many businesses have a "
Loyalty Rewards Program"? What do they get for giving you a "
discount"?
Does Jesus use coupons?
Yes. Jesus is the great redeemer!
Are you saved by grace?
No. You are saved by redeeming the offer/coupon of grace.
36. Matthew 5:46 Rewards
Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [kjv]
εαν γαρ αγαπησητε τους αγαπωντας υμας τινα μισθον εχετε ουχι και οι τελωναι το αυτο ποιουσιν [gnt]
At West Point there was the official
Dean's List for students ranking at the top of the class. Students who ranked at the bottom of the class talked about the
Dean's Other List.
Discuss: Does Jesus, like Santa or the Dean, have a "
naughty" and a "
nice" list?
What are the wages of sin? (being not a good witness for God)
37. Romans 6:23
38. Romans 6:23
KJV: For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Greek: τα γαρ οψωνια της αμαρτιας θανατος το δε χαρισμα του θεου ζωη αιωνιος εν χριστω ιησου τω κυριω ημων
39. Strongs - wages
- *G3800 *0 ὀψώνιον (op-so'-nee-on) : neuter of a presumed derivative of the same as G3795; rations for a soldier, i.e. (by extension) his stipend or pay:-- wages.
- οψωνιοις *2
- Luke 3:14 ... and be content with your wages.
- 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, ...
- οψωνια
- Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift ...
- οψωνιον
- 2 Corinthians 11:8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
40. Usage - wages
41. Matthew 5:46 Taxing collectors
Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [kjv]
εαν γαρ αγαπησητε τους αγαπωντας υμας τινα μισθον εχετε ουχι και οι τελωναι το αυτο ποιουσιν [gnt]
In the Sermon on the Mount, the disciples as "
sheep", "
pigs" (bad salt) and "
birds" (bad bird houses) are there.
A model that considers the "
pigs" and "
birds" together as "
publicans" or "
tax collectors" fits well.
Was the religious establishment a "
tax collector" agency with a "
yoke" of "
compulsion"? Has that "
yoke" of "
compulsion" continued to the present times?
This "
yoke of compulsion" was a theme in the verse on a "
gift" at the "
altar", some 20 verses earlier.
42. Matthew 5:46
KJV: For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Greek: εαν γαρ αγαπησητε τους αγαπωντας υμας τινα μισθον εχετε ουχι και οι τελωναι το αυτο ποιουσιν
43. Matthew 5:47-48 Be purposeful
44. End of page
Luke 13:1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. [kjv]
παρησαν δε τινες εν αυτω τω καιρω απαγγελλοντες αυτω περι των γαλιλαιων ων το αιμα πιλατος εμιξεν μετα των θυσιων αυτων [gnt]
13:2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? [kjv]
και αποκριθεις ειπεν αυτοις δοκειτε οτι οι γαλιλαιοι ουτοι αμαρτωλοι παρα παντας τους γαλιλαιους εγενοντο οτι ταυτα πεπονθασιν [gnt]
13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. [kjv]
ουχι λεγω υμιν αλλ εαν μη μετανοητε παντες ομοιως απολεισθε [gnt]
Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: [kjv]
πας ουν οστις ακουει μου τους λογους τουτους και ποιει αυτους ομοιωθησεται ανδρι φρονιμω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν επι την πετραν [gnt]
7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: [kjv]
και πας ο ακουων μου τους λογους τουτους και μη ποιων αυτους ομοιωθησεται ανδρι μωρω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν επι την αμμον [gnt]
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. [kjv]
τα γαρ οψωνια της αμαρτιας θανατος το δε χαρισμα του θεου ζωη αιωνιος εν χριστω ιησου τω κυριω ημων [gnt]
Matthew 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? [kjv]
και εαν ασπασησθε τους αδελφους υμων μονον τι περισσον ποιειτε ουχι και οι εθνικοι τοαυτο ποιουσιν [gnt]
5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. [kjv]
εσεσθε ουν υμεις τελειοι ως ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος τελειος εστιν [gnt]
