The word here translated "hell" (Greek gehenna; Jeremiah 7:31) refers to a place of eternal torment and punishment, originally prepared for the devil and his demonic followers (Matthew 25:41). But hell is also reserved for the ungodly (Mark 9:43, 48) - those who do not accept Christ's forgiveness and entrust their lives to Him. (The term for hell should not be confused with the Greek hades, which is the general name for the place of the dead or the temporary place of punishment - prior to final judgment - for the unrighteous, Luke 16:19-31.) The word for hell originated with the name of a valley on the southern perimeter of Jerusalem: The Valley of Hinnon (Hebrew ge'hinnom). The valley served as the city's garbage dump and was strongly associated with smoldering fire. Because some people in the Old Testament had sacrificed their children there to the false god, Molech, King Josiah had declared it to be unclean. Here Jesus uses it as a name for the place of eternal punishment, and He makes it a name equal with the final judgment of "the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 20:12). The Bible teaches that one's existence does not end at death but continues on forever, either in the presence of God or in a place of eternal punishment. Note the following about the condition of those who are spiritually lost and bound for hell:

1. Jesus teaches that there is a place of eternal punishment for those who reject God and are condemned to spend eternity separated from Him (Matthew 5:22, 29-30; 18:9; 23:15, 33; Mark 9:43, 45, 47; Luke 10:15; 12:5). This place is characterized by the terrifying reality of continuous punishment. It is described in terms of a "fire that never goes out" (Mark 9:43); "eternal fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41); "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:42, 50); captivity and darkness (Matthew 22:13); and torment, agony and separation from heaven (Luke 16:23).
2. The teaching of the New Testament letters ("books," messages to various New Testament churches that apply to Christ's church in general) is essentially the same. The early church pioneers and New Testament writers speak of a coming judgment by which God will take vengeance on those who reject and disobey His message (2 Thessalonians 1:5-9). They also speak of separation from the presence of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 1:9) and the destruction of God's enemies (Philippians 3:18-19; Romans 9:22; 1 Corinthians 16:22; Galatians 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:12; Hebrews 10:27; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:7; Revelation 14:10; 19:20; 20:10,14; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10).
3. The Bible teaches that judgment on the wicked is certain. Hell is associated with rejection, condemnation, suffering and separation from God forever. This doctrine (teaching, basis of belief) is hard for some - even Christians - to understand or accept. Yet, God's Word is the final authority on the end times. We must trust God's justice. 
4. We must always keep in mind that God sent His Son to die so that no one would perish spiritually and be lost forever (John 3:16). It is not God's desire to send anyone to hell (2 Peter 3:9). Those who enter hell do so of their own choosing by resisting the opportunity for salvation provided by God Romans 1-16-2:10). The fact and reality of hell should cause all of God's people to hate sin intensely, to work continually for the salvation of people who do not yet know Christ and to warn everyone of God's future judgment on those who reject and rebel against Him (Revelation 20:14).

Jesus was baptized by John for the following reasons:

1. "To fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15; Leviticus 16:4; Galatians 4:4-5). Christ, through water baptism, made a public statement that He was set apart for God's purposes and was prepared to fulfill all of God's requirements. 
2. To identify Himself with sinners - although Jesus Himself never sinned and did not need to repent or make a change in His life (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24). 
3. To associate Himself with the new movement of God that was calling everyone to repent - to turn from their own ways, accept Christ and follow God - if they wanted to be part of God's spiritual kingdom. (John 1:23, 32-33; John 1:33). 

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The word "Christ" (Greek christos) means "anointed" (which suggests being chosen, commissioned, empowered, set part for special service). It is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew term "Messiah," which refers to the Savior the Jews had long expected (Daniel 9:25-26).

1. From the beginning of his message, Matthew affirms that Jesus is God's "Anointed One" - filled with and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18; John 3:34; Acts 10:38).
2. He was anointed to fill three specific roles: (a) a Prophet, to challenge people to maintain or renew their relationship with God and to help them understand the truth (Deuteronomy 18:15). (b) a Priest, to be the mediator of a renewed relationship between God and people by offering the sacrifice (His own life) that would pay the full penalty for humanity's offenses against God (Psalms 110:4; Hebrews 10:10-14). (c) a King to establish the purposes of God's kingdom on earth and to guide and rule His people with perfect justice (Psalms 9:8; Isaiah 32:1; Zechariah 9:9). 

SON OF DAVID

Throughout the Gospels (the accounts of Jesus' life and ministry according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), the kingdom of God - His power, purposes and way of life on earth - is often associated with healing, miracles and driving demons out of people's lives (Matthew 4:23-24; 9:35; 10:7-8; Luke 9:1-2; Acts 8:6-7; Acts 8:12). God's kingdom includes benefits for the body and mind, as well as for the soul and spirit. 

Yeast - a substance that causes other substances (particularly foods or beverages) to ferment or react - is sometimes used in the Bible as a symbol of evil and corruption. In this case, it refers to the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadduccees (Matthew 3:17). Christ calls their teaching "yeast" because even a small amount can influence a large group of people to believe the wrong thing (Mark 8:15).

Jesus proclaimed that this story of Mary (Matthew 26:6-13) should always go along with the preaching of the gospel - the "good news" of how Jesus provided us with the opportunity for forgiveness, new life and an eternal relationship with God. This is because she was one of the highest examples of the selfless and wholehearted dedication that all followers of Christ should have. Her act of kindness and humility demonstrated her deep devotion to and radical love for the Master. Some considered this act a "waste" (Matthew 26:8). However, Jesus accepted it, not because He was any less concerned about "the Poor" (Matthew 26:9), but because He knew that His time on earth was limited (Matthew 26:11-12). It was precious to Him that someone would make the sacrifice to do something that special just for Him. We must always remember that the primary purpose and privilege of the Christian faith is to love and serve Jesus Himself. That is the most valuable aspect of our relationship to Him (John 21:15).

Jesus continues His harsh but true speech about the religious leaders and ministers of His day. Their public conduct appeared righteous and godly, but their hearts were full of hypocrisy, pride, lust and wickedness. They were like painted tombs (which were sometimes "whitewashed" to make them more visible, especially at night), attractive on the outside, yet with death and corruption hidden inside.