9 Do you still not understand? DON’T YOU REMEMBER the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Matthew 16
Jesus rebuked His disciples because they failed to understand Him, or to REMEMBER the miracles of provision they’d seen. As usual they were trying to work things out in the natural while He was speaking of spiritual purposes.
Strong’s 3421: From a derivative of mneme; to exercise memory, i.e. RECOLLECT; by implication, to punish; also to REHEARSE.
Jesus told the disciples to RECOLLECT what they’d witnessed, so they would understand what He was telling them now. Some other things the Word urges us to Remember.
22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, “Raca,” is answerable to the court. (Implications even in men’s courts) And anyone who says, “You fool!” will be in danger of the fire of hell.
23 ‘Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and THERE REMEMBER that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. FIRST GO AND BE RECONCILED TO THEM; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5
The Lord warned the disciples of the seriousness of holding anger or bitterness in their hearts towards brothers and sisters. So much so that it was better to leave their gift before the altar and be reconciled first! God will not overlook the ATTITUDE OF OUR HEARTS, because He has Forgiven us much greater sins He requires us to Forgive others! He wants us free of all such hindrances to go forward and fulfil our Calling here and now.
75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the cock crows, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly. Matthew 26
Peter REMEMBERED Jesus’ Words and was grieved over his disloyalty to the Lord, a vital step in his eventual restoration for Kingdom purposes.
The guard at the tomb
62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘WE REMEMBER that while he was still alive that deceiver said, “After three days I will rise again.” 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.’ Matthew 27
It’s interesting that Matthew’s Gospel concludes with Jesus’ enemies Remembering His Words and trying to prevent His resurrection. Even after death the enemy tried to oppose Christ’s triumph and victory over sin and the grave. We shouldn’t be surprised if people remind us of things we’ve said or the Bible says, after all, they did it with Jesus.
God bless and keep you today. Immanuel, is with us.