Hello my faithful blog readers :) I haven't died or anything but I have been delayed in posting anything by the length of this latest chapter. Do I try and blog a devotional about the whole thing? If not how do I split it up? or what to leave out?
In the midst of my debating we have Easter ... with its importance, its focus, its busy-ness. Hmmm.
Easter also brings different music. This year our choir is singing a new (new to me at least) rendition of the hymn "Jesus see me at thy feet, nothing but thy blood can cleanse me" The music has been playing in my mind for the last three days. The message has been sinking into my soul. You can hear an 'okay' version of the song on YouTube at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiKnRbU8L-o
What's really interesting is that the message of this song has spoken to me about the Pharisees in chapter 12...
I'm interested too in the concept of the Sabbath. I've been reading through the Bible since January. In reading the Old Testament books I've come across God's command to observe the Sabbath - to keep it holy. I'm convicted about this. What does it mean exactly?? And how does that relate to this passage where it says, 8For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
In Mark it says: Mark 2:27
Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." Does this mean that the old command is nullified? Or is Jesus just clarifying what the Pharisees had mixed up?
Jesus, as recorded by Matthew, really seems to 'hammer' or criticize the Pharisees for their interpretation and expansion of the law. They complicated it and looked at the most miniscule detail blowing it out of proportion. Jesus seems to be trying to bring them back to what God intended with the law: good for His people.
It seems too that the more Jesus tries to correct the Pharisees and bring to light their warping of the law, the more angry they get with Him. Conflict is increasing. In this chapter plans are made to solve the problem of Jesus.
The Pharisees didn't like to be criticized. They were the ones who were trying so hard to keep God's law. They were the ones who were the religious elite, who saw themselves as good and upright. It must've been quite a slap in the face to be told that they were off base.... to be told their whole way of thinking had to change. Who would have stood for that? Only people who were wishy washy in their thinking. I think we have to give the Pharisees that - they were not wishy washy - they stood up for what they believed was right, they took action to do away with one they thought was a heretic. They were wrong of course, but they were active.
Why was Jesus so opposed to the Pharisees anal interpretation of God's law? I think, at least in part, it has to do with the fact that they believed that they could do it. They believed that it was up to them, it was their effort that made them holy. And in this belief they went against the very core of Jesus' mission: to provide the only way for reconciliation with God - through his death and resurrection.
I was practicing the music for the song I mentioned above and as I was singing the words of Easter the Pharisees floated through my mind and an 'aha' moment occurred.
As they tried to be holy in their own strength, on their own merit, they missed the point. Thankfully this Easter I was reminded again... nothing but thy blood can cleanse me.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Matthew - 12
Lord of the Sabbath
1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath."
3 He answered, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. 5 Or haven't you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent? 6I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. 7 If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
9 Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, 10 and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"
11 He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."
13 Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.
God's Chosen Servant
15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, 16 warning them not to tell who he was. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
18 "Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
19 He will not quarrel or cry out;
no one will hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he leads justice to victory.
21 In his name the nations will put their hope."
Jesus and Beelzebub
22 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. 23 All the people were astonished and said, "Could this be the Son of David?"
24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons."
25 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? 27 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 28 But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
29 "Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.
30 "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. 31 And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
33 "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
The Sign of Jonah
38 Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, "Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you."
39 He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here. 42 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here.
43 "When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation."
Jesus' Mother and Brothers
46 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you."
48 He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath."
3 He answered, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. 5 Or haven't you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent? 6I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. 7 If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
9 Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, 10 and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"
11 He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."
13 Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.
God's Chosen Servant
15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, 16 warning them not to tell who he was. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
18 "Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
19 He will not quarrel or cry out;
no one will hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he leads justice to victory.
21 In his name the nations will put their hope."
Jesus and Beelzebub
22 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. 23 All the people were astonished and said, "Could this be the Son of David?"
24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons."
25 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? 27 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 28 But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
29 "Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.
30 "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. 31 And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
33 "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
The Sign of Jonah
38 Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, "Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you."
39 He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here. 42 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here.
43 "When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation."
Jesus' Mother and Brothers
46 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you."
48 He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Matthew 11 - Switch yokes
Have you ever felt totally exhausted? Wiped out physically? Emotionally spent?The picture (above) is of Liudmila Kalinchik of Belarus. Here she is on the finish line after the women's biathlon 15 km individual race at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Weary doesn't begin to capture how she's feeling does it?
We don't generally feel this extreme exhaustion do we? Though life can be busy can't it? Lately life's been busy around here. I've found myself feeling a little burdened and a lot weary! In the midst of it I've been 'hearing' those verses at the end of the chapter running through my head: "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest". "Come to me!" In the middle of the hectic pace and weariness these words are continually being whispered in my heart.
I'm tired today. Weary without a doubt. And so I've been wondering if Jesus really meant 'rest' in the physical sense of the word. Doesn't it mean 'restoration' - a restored relationship between us and God? Rest for our souls. It seems they often go together don't they? There isn't much physical rest if our souls are in turmoil. And sometimes our physical exhaustion causes our heart to feel burdened.
I looked up the Greek word 'rest' for Matthew 11:28 hoping to expand my understanding of Jesus' meaning and found the other English words used to translate 'rest' in this verse are: 'ease' and 'refresh'. There is definitely the idea of physical rest in the meaning.
God invites us to come to Him to 'ease' our situation. Not necessarily to remove it or to take us out of it but to ease it. How? I think that comes in the second invitation. "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (v29, 30)
It's a switching of 'yokes'.
Long before Jesus' invitation the Israelites were yoked. In the Old Testament we're reminded of this by the reference to the yoke of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 6:6) and by the yoke of oppression of other nations (Isaiah 9:4). Yokes that were removed by God. By the coming of Jesus the Pharisees had produced their own type of yoke by their expansion of and strict adherence to the law: a religion unlike anything God ever had in mind for His people - or for us. The apostle Paul writes to the church in Galatia and talks about the yoke of this un-Christlike religion.
Galatians 4:8&9 5:1
8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Being yoked with Jesus is a great metaphor. If we think of the picture of two oxen linked together by the wooden bar of a yoke, both pulling the weight of the plow, neither having to do all the work, not a lone oxen, a pair. We can draw a lot of comfort from that picture and from the reality of being joined with Christ.
Sometimes though the burden can get in the way of the reality can't it? I think perhaps this happened to John the Baptist. In prison he became uncertain of his calling. Alone, physically far from Jesus, he needed reassurance that he had done the right thing in proclaiming Jesus as the One to save His people.
The Pharisees, caught up in their legalism, failed to see that the answer to this burden was right in front of them! Jesus was there - alive - willing to remove that yoke of oppression.
Cities of people caught in their own form of yoke couldn't see what Jesus had to offer. Corazon, Bethsaida, Capernaum all privileged to have witnessed Jesus' miracles still chose to cling to their own strength in life rather than to embrace His way.
Only children - and those who were childlike in faith - were able to accept Him.
Jesus recognized the weariness of carrying unnecessary burdens. He offered them a better way. He invited them ... "Come to me ..."
He invited them.
He invites us.
What will we choose? Will we be blinded by the current thing that we are yoked to? Will we cling to it? Or will we accept His invitation, trade yokes, and live a life united with Christ?
Lift your eyes up from your current surroundings and see that He is calling to you, "Come to me!"
Say are you weary? Are you heavy laden?
Burdened with sorrow, weighted down with care?
Are you in bondage? Do you want deliverance?
Come, then, with me there is refuge from despair.
I know a fount where sins are washed away.
I know a place where night is turned to day.
Burdens are lifted, blind eyes made to see;
There's a wonder working power in the blood of Calvary. - Oliver Cooke
Friday, February 26, 2010
Matthew 11 - The Message
John the Baptizer
1 When Jesus finished placing this charge before his twelve disciples, he went on to teach and preach in their villages.
2-3 John, meanwhile, had been locked up in prison. When he got wind of what Jesus was doing, he sent his own disciples to ask, "Are you the One we've been expecting, or are we still waiting?" 4-6 Jesus told them, "Go back and tell John what's going on:
The blind see,
The lame walk,
Lepers are cleansed,
The deaf hear,
The dead are raised,
The wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side.
"Is this what you were expecting? Then count yourselves most blessed!"
7-10 When John's disciples left to report, Jesus started talking to the crowd about John. "What did you expect when you went out to see him in the wild? A weekend camper? Hardly. What then? A sheik in silk pajamas? Not in the wilderness, not by a long shot. What then? A prophet? That's right, a prophet! Probably the best prophet you'll ever hear. He is the prophet that Malachi announced when he wrote, 'I'm sending my prophet ahead of you, to make the road smooth for you.'
11-14 "Let me tell you what's going on here: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer; but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him. For a long time now people have tried to force themselves into God's kingdom. But if you read the books of the Prophets and God's Law closely, you will see them culminate in John, teaming up with him in preparing the way for the Messiah of the kingdom. Looked at in this way, John is the 'Elijah' you've all been expecting to arrive and introduce the Messiah.
15 "Are you listening to me? Really listening?
16-19 "How can I account for this generation? The people have been like spoiled children whining to their parents, 'We wanted to skip rope, and you were always too tired; we wanted to talk, but you were always too busy.' John came fasting and they called him crazy. I came feasting and they called me a lush, a friend of the riffraff. Opinion polls don't count for much, do they? The proof of the pudding is in the eating."
The Unforced Rhythms of Grace
20 Next Jesus let fly on the cities where he had worked the hardest but whose people had responded the least, shrugging their shoulders and going their own way.
21-24 "Doom to you, Chorazin! Doom, Bethsaida! If Tyre and Sidon had seen half of the powerful miracles you have seen, they would have been on their knees in a minute. At Judgment Day they'll get off easy compared to you. And Capernaum! With all your peacock strutting, you are going to end up in the abyss. If the people of Sodom had had your chances, the city would still be around. At Judgment Day they'll get off easy compared to you."
25-26 Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."
27 Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. "The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen.
28-30 "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
1 When Jesus finished placing this charge before his twelve disciples, he went on to teach and preach in their villages.
2-3 John, meanwhile, had been locked up in prison. When he got wind of what Jesus was doing, he sent his own disciples to ask, "Are you the One we've been expecting, or are we still waiting?" 4-6 Jesus told them, "Go back and tell John what's going on:
The blind see,
The lame walk,
Lepers are cleansed,
The deaf hear,
The dead are raised,
The wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side.
"Is this what you were expecting? Then count yourselves most blessed!"
7-10 When John's disciples left to report, Jesus started talking to the crowd about John. "What did you expect when you went out to see him in the wild? A weekend camper? Hardly. What then? A sheik in silk pajamas? Not in the wilderness, not by a long shot. What then? A prophet? That's right, a prophet! Probably the best prophet you'll ever hear. He is the prophet that Malachi announced when he wrote, 'I'm sending my prophet ahead of you, to make the road smooth for you.'
11-14 "Let me tell you what's going on here: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer; but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him. For a long time now people have tried to force themselves into God's kingdom. But if you read the books of the Prophets and God's Law closely, you will see them culminate in John, teaming up with him in preparing the way for the Messiah of the kingdom. Looked at in this way, John is the 'Elijah' you've all been expecting to arrive and introduce the Messiah.
15 "Are you listening to me? Really listening?
16-19 "How can I account for this generation? The people have been like spoiled children whining to their parents, 'We wanted to skip rope, and you were always too tired; we wanted to talk, but you were always too busy.' John came fasting and they called him crazy. I came feasting and they called me a lush, a friend of the riffraff. Opinion polls don't count for much, do they? The proof of the pudding is in the eating."
The Unforced Rhythms of Grace
20 Next Jesus let fly on the cities where he had worked the hardest but whose people had responded the least, shrugging their shoulders and going their own way.
21-24 "Doom to you, Chorazin! Doom, Bethsaida! If Tyre and Sidon had seen half of the powerful miracles you have seen, they would have been on their knees in a minute. At Judgment Day they'll get off easy compared to you. And Capernaum! With all your peacock strutting, you are going to end up in the abyss. If the people of Sodom had had your chances, the city would still be around. At Judgment Day they'll get off easy compared to you."
25-26 Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."
27 Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. "The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen.
28-30 "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Matthew 11 - All you who are weary
28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
The following words and music by Joy Webb have been running through my head since posting Matthew 11. You can hear the music on YouTube (see the link below) ... here are the words:
SHARE MY YOKE
Music and lyrics by Joy Webb
Arranged for brass band by Ivor Bosanko
When I'm tired and nothing's going right for me;
When things I've counted on just do not come my way;
When in my mind the thick grey folds of doubt arise,
It's then I seem to hear him say:
(chorus)
Share my yoke and find that I am joined with you.
Your slightest movement I shall feel and be there too!
Share my yoke and come the way that I must go!
In our "togetherness" my peace you'll know;
The world beholding us will see it so!
When I'm perplexed and no one's understanding me;
When even safest thoughts collapse in disarray;
When I've lost the things that always seemed so sure,
It's then I need to hear him say: (repeat chorus)
When I'm alone and nothing's getting through to me;
And isolation that increases day by day;
When closest friends can seem a thousand miles away,
It's then I long to hear him say: (repeat chorus)
© 1987 by Salvationist Publishing & Supplies, Ltd.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzpmyORGABY
The following words and music by Joy Webb have been running through my head since posting Matthew 11. You can hear the music on YouTube (see the link below) ... here are the words:
SHARE MY YOKE
Music and lyrics by Joy Webb
Arranged for brass band by Ivor Bosanko
When I'm tired and nothing's going right for me;
When things I've counted on just do not come my way;
When in my mind the thick grey folds of doubt arise,
It's then I seem to hear him say:
(chorus)
Share my yoke and find that I am joined with you.
Your slightest movement I shall feel and be there too!
Share my yoke and come the way that I must go!
In our "togetherness" my peace you'll know;
The world beholding us will see it so!
When I'm perplexed and no one's understanding me;
When even safest thoughts collapse in disarray;
When I've lost the things that always seemed so sure,
It's then I need to hear him say: (repeat chorus)
When I'm alone and nothing's getting through to me;
And isolation that increases day by day;
When closest friends can seem a thousand miles away,
It's then I long to hear him say: (repeat chorus)
© 1987 by Salvationist Publishing & Supplies, Ltd.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzpmyORGABY
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Matthew 11
Jesus and John the Baptist
1 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.
2 When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"
4 Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."
7 As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:
" 'I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.' 11 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 He who has ears, let him hear.
16 "To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
17 " 'We played the flute for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge
and you did not mourn.' 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."
Woe on Unrepentant Cities
20 Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."
Rest for the Weary
25 At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
27 "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
1 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.
2 When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"
4 Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."
7 As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:
" 'I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.' 11 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 He who has ears, let him hear.
16 "To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
17 " 'We played the flute for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge
and you did not mourn.' 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."
Woe on Unrepentant Cities
20 Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."
Rest for the Weary
25 At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
27 "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Matthew 10 - Do you have what it takes?
35 "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matthew 9)
Matthew 10 seems to begin, truly begin, at the end of Matthew 9. Jesus has compassion on the people. Realizing that as a human He cannot be everywhere at once He enlists some workers to help Him. This made me realize:
God is in need of workers to help Him. He chooses to work through humans.
Chapter 10 begins with Jesus' calling the disciples. He calls 12 from those who have been following Him around, listening to His teaching, watching His miracles. These 12 He sends out into the world renaming them apostles.
There is a difference between a disciple and an apostle.
"The term disciple is derived from the New Testament Greek word "μαθητής" coming to English by way of the Latin discipulus meaning "a learner". Disciple should not be confused with apostle, meaning "messenger, he that is sent". While a disciple is one who learns from a teacher, a student, an apostle is sent to deliver those teachings to others. "
In realizing this I was interested to see what the rest of the chapter said about the mission of an apostle.
The apostles were sent specifically to the Jews. This was Jesus' direction. Matthew's inclusion of this detail really shouts to me of his desire to have his Jewish listeners understand that God had not abandoned them as His special people. He reached out to them first. It's made me wonder ...
Do I have a particular group of people I am an 'apostle' to?
The next few verses of the chapter are insights into what the first apostles were to do and what they could expect.
The apostles were commissioned to heal, raise the dead and drive out demons, cleanse and preach. They were told to find someone in the town who was sympathetic to their message and to stay with them. They were not to take extra supplies, money or clothes.
Unlike a modern pop star or politician they would not travel in the comfort of a tour bus, with stores of food, wearing the latest fashion dry cleaned and pressed. They would not have the support of a posse of followers, nor the protection of police or body guards. They would just go.
They would face opposition. They'd be arrested. As a result of their message there would be death, rebellion, hatred. Families would be split apart as some accepted their message and others didn't. They would be afraid.
They would need to be shrewd, on their guard, yet innocent.
Jesus' sums up the perspective they would need in v.28 "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."
This seems to typify the Kingdom of God; what is different about living with God's verses the world's perspective. This is the 'Big Picture'. The emphasis is off the temporal and on the eternal. The emphasis is off the physical and on the spiritual. Verse 39 repeats this idea,"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Woven within these daunting predictions and commands are Jesus' words ...
Words of comfort:
26 "So do not be afraid of them."
30 "And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
And words of insight:
40 "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me."
The apostles were to be God's representatives. But more than that. Those who received God's messengers and the message they brought received God Himself!
Do we have what it takes to be an apostle? Do we have what it takes to preach God's message, "The Kingdom of Heaven is near!"? Do we have what it takes to preach it boldly, courageously, facing opposition, enduring conflict? Are we caught up in the preparation? Or are we able to keep an eternal perspective recognizing that God is over all, that the lost souls around us are more important than our comfort? Are we willing to be God's messengers? What does it take?
Chapter 10 ends with this verse, "If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
Jesus was moved by compassion (as recorded at the end of chapter 9) and here we read how He values being compassionate to 'little ones'. The apostles' commissioning with all its challenges and commands is book-ended by compassion.
It's as simple as a cup of cold water. It's a life motivated by compassion.
Compassion motivated Jesus to call the first disciples and send them into the world.
Compassion overrides fear, it realigns our mind to have Jesus' perspective. Compassion propels us into places and into relationships we might not choose to enter.
We too can have this compassion! As recipients of God's compassion - His love that has drawn us into a forgiven, redeemed relationship with Him -He now infuses us with His compassion for others.
We do indeed 'have what it takes'.
"The Saviour of men came to seek and to save
The souls who were lost to the good;
His Spirit was moved for the world which he loved
With the boundless compassion of God.
And still there are fields where the laborers are few.
And still there are souls without bread,
And still eyes that weep where the darkness is deep.
and still straying sheep to be led.
Except I am moved with compassion,
How dwelleth thy Spirit in me?
In word and in deed burning love is my need,
I know I can find it in Thee."- Albert Orsborn
Friday, February 5, 2010
Matthew 10 - "Too soft"
My son Matthew claims - often claims - that I am 'too soft' on David (our youngest son). I give in too much. I baby him too much.
Really I think I just love him to bits! And if truth were told ... I am 'too soft' on all of them in one way or another. Right now I can smell the pumpkin pie I know Matthew will clamour for the moment he gets in the door. The meals for the week-end are all 'Jonathan-friendly' ... well, for the most part ... except for the Super Bowl chili - requested by Matthew. :) Perhaps I am toooo soft.
What's all this got to do with Matthew - the book of the Bible Matthew?! Well as I was reading chapter 10 it struck me (as it did Kerry) how harsh a message Jesus was giving to his newly commissioned apostles. It made me wonder if we sometimes have a picture of Jesus as being 'too soft'.
For the last few chapters we've witnessed the awesome power of Jesus as He's performed a variety of miracles. We've seen that He doesn't exclude anyone from His healing touch - the leper, the woman, the servant, the Gentile. No one is out of His sphere of love. We read about how He calmed the storm to calm the fears of His disciples. His actions showed patience, grace, mercy. His power brought healing, forgiveness and new life.
Gentle Jesus, meek and mild ...
But here in chapter 10 we see Jesus as leader; forthright, commanding, warning, encouraging but definitely not coddling or 'soft'.
It's another side of Jesus - not to exclude the gracious side or dominate it - but definitely a side to know and accept as who He is.
More to come after I read some wise people's thoughts and think further on chapter 10 ...
Really I think I just love him to bits! And if truth were told ... I am 'too soft' on all of them in one way or another. Right now I can smell the pumpkin pie I know Matthew will clamour for the moment he gets in the door. The meals for the week-end are all 'Jonathan-friendly' ... well, for the most part ... except for the Super Bowl chili - requested by Matthew. :) Perhaps I am toooo soft.
What's all this got to do with Matthew - the book of the Bible Matthew?! Well as I was reading chapter 10 it struck me (as it did Kerry) how harsh a message Jesus was giving to his newly commissioned apostles. It made me wonder if we sometimes have a picture of Jesus as being 'too soft'.
For the last few chapters we've witnessed the awesome power of Jesus as He's performed a variety of miracles. We've seen that He doesn't exclude anyone from His healing touch - the leper, the woman, the servant, the Gentile. No one is out of His sphere of love. We read about how He calmed the storm to calm the fears of His disciples. His actions showed patience, grace, mercy. His power brought healing, forgiveness and new life.
Gentle Jesus, meek and mild ...
But here in chapter 10 we see Jesus as leader; forthright, commanding, warning, encouraging but definitely not coddling or 'soft'.
It's another side of Jesus - not to exclude the gracious side or dominate it - but definitely a side to know and accept as who He is.
More to come after I read some wise people's thoughts and think further on chapter 10 ...
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Matthew 10
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; 10 take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.
11 "Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. 12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15 I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
17 "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
21 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 "A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!
26 "So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
32 "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
" 'a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law -
36a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'
37 "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
40 "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. 41 Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; 10 take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.
11 "Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. 12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15 I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
17 "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
21 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 "A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!
26 "So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
32 "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
" 'a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law -
36a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'
37 "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
40 "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. 41 Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Matthew 9 - Authority expanded, purpose defined
Do you have a purpose in life? An overarching goal? Or do you find your life is a series of random events unrelated to each other? In chapter nine Matthew continues to record the miracles of Jesus. One after another he records them, almost like a grocery list. Is this just a random selection of events? Are they related or connected for a purpose?
If we compared Matthew's accounts of Jesus' miracles to that of John we would find that Matthew's description is sparse. His narrative is minimal. In contrast John goes to great lengths to paint a picture of the scene and of the people involved. Matthew writes concisely. His style brings to mind a lawyer standing before a jury pleading his point, submitting layer upon layer of evidence to build a solid case.
And Matthew is, in a sense, building a case. As we discovered earlier in the book Matthew is writing to the Jews. His purpose is to give proof that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed Jesus Christ, the long awaited Messiah. Matthew bridges the gap between the Old and New Testaments by quoting the prophets. He builds his case by revealing how Jesus fulfills their predictions by the place, lineage and means of His birth. Matthew continues to solidify his claims by recording Jesus' authoritative teaching and miraculous healing.
But here in chapter nine the miracle working takes a turn. Not only does Jesus restore physical health, He forgives sin.
2Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."
The people were awe struck by Jesus' power! They were afraid! They were also mistaken. They thought God's new plan involved allowing 'man' to forgive sins.
8When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.
They were right in one sense that God had a new plan. However they were totally wrong about its form.
The teachers of the law were outraged by Jesus words. They understood the implications of Jesus' statement. Jesus was claiming to be God! Jesus' proclamation of forgiveness expanded His authority beyond the physical, the mental, and the natural to include power over the spiritual.
Jesus' claim to forgive sins not only pointed to Him being the Messiah but was His direct claim of deity. As God, Jesus' purpose was revealed. He came to provide forgiveness of sin.
The people were right - it was a new plan. Jesus explains:
16"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
Jesus' forgiveness of the paralyzed man's sins commenced the opening of a new means of relating to God. By Jesus' proclamation He revealed another aspect of the Kingdom of God: the end of sacrifices. After hundreds of years of following the sacrificial law Jesus' words to the paralytic opened up the means of grace. It wasn't a patching up of the law - a new patch put on an old garment - but a totally different vessel to hold the relationship between God and man; a radically different plan.
Jesus' mandate was to be the means of grace and to share the good news of this new way. His life purpose was clear. Because of this Jesus' life wasn't a random set of events. His miracles pointed to the truth of an alternate way of life, of God's existence on earth, of the way things would one day be, of reconciliation between God and man.
His authority to forgive sins and His purpose to be the means of this grace both shocked and rocked the first century world... and amazingly still has the power to do the same today.
If we compared Matthew's accounts of Jesus' miracles to that of John we would find that Matthew's description is sparse. His narrative is minimal. In contrast John goes to great lengths to paint a picture of the scene and of the people involved. Matthew writes concisely. His style brings to mind a lawyer standing before a jury pleading his point, submitting layer upon layer of evidence to build a solid case.
And Matthew is, in a sense, building a case. As we discovered earlier in the book Matthew is writing to the Jews. His purpose is to give proof that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed Jesus Christ, the long awaited Messiah. Matthew bridges the gap between the Old and New Testaments by quoting the prophets. He builds his case by revealing how Jesus fulfills their predictions by the place, lineage and means of His birth. Matthew continues to solidify his claims by recording Jesus' authoritative teaching and miraculous healing.
But here in chapter nine the miracle working takes a turn. Not only does Jesus restore physical health, He forgives sin.
2Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."
The people were awe struck by Jesus' power! They were afraid! They were also mistaken. They thought God's new plan involved allowing 'man' to forgive sins.
8When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.
They were right in one sense that God had a new plan. However they were totally wrong about its form.
The teachers of the law were outraged by Jesus words. They understood the implications of Jesus' statement. Jesus was claiming to be God! Jesus' proclamation of forgiveness expanded His authority beyond the physical, the mental, and the natural to include power over the spiritual.
Jesus' claim to forgive sins not only pointed to Him being the Messiah but was His direct claim of deity. As God, Jesus' purpose was revealed. He came to provide forgiveness of sin.
The people were right - it was a new plan. Jesus explains:
16"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
Jesus' forgiveness of the paralyzed man's sins commenced the opening of a new means of relating to God. By Jesus' proclamation He revealed another aspect of the Kingdom of God: the end of sacrifices. After hundreds of years of following the sacrificial law Jesus' words to the paralytic opened up the means of grace. It wasn't a patching up of the law - a new patch put on an old garment - but a totally different vessel to hold the relationship between God and man; a radically different plan.
Jesus' mandate was to be the means of grace and to share the good news of this new way. His life purpose was clear. Because of this Jesus' life wasn't a random set of events. His miracles pointed to the truth of an alternate way of life, of God's existence on earth, of the way things would one day be, of reconciliation between God and man.
His authority to forgive sins and His purpose to be the means of this grace both shocked and rocked the first century world... and amazingly still has the power to do the same today.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Just thinking
20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed."
22 Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.
As I was reading through chapter 9 I came across this passage. I didn't remember this from Matthew. Mark 5 describes the scene in greater detail and is the passage I remember best. Here it is ...
A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.
30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?"
31 "You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?' "
32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
I've always been intrigued by this account. Especially by Jesus' response but also by the woman's situation. She'd been sick for 12 years. She'd been in pain for over a decade. Hmmmm. She'd been to doctor after doctor seeking a cure. She'd been disappointed time after time. A roller coaster of hope and disappointment. "Will this one know what is wrong with me?" "Will this one have a cure?" "Maybe if I do this the pain will go?" "Maybe this doctor will know what I should do!"
I bet she was just about willing to do anything to change her physical condition but the 'thing' to do alluded her. Exhausted by her illness, depressed from the inability to figure out, if not control, her body, she happens upon Jesus walking down the road.
I wonder if she heard the local official ask Jesus to come and raise his daughter from the dead. She probably felt dead. Her life blood had been slowly draining for far too long. Gathering what little hope she had she reached out to Him and touched his cloak. It might have just been the strings dangling down from his Jewish attire. Just a feint touch, but I wonder if she hoped with all her might that this man would have the cure.
Can you imagine being there? It says she was frightened when Jesus turned around. All of a sudden she was discovered, uncovered, revealed. I wonder if before this time she had remained hidden. Hiding in her house. Hidden from outside activities. Hidden from friends. This "revelation" scared her. I wonder if she thought He was going to be angry. If she would be berated for touching a man, or even just for being in public.
Imagine her relief when she looked into his eyes and saw compassion instead of frustration; a huge measure of unhurried patience.
Imagine her amazement as she realized her illness was healed! Suddenly, spontaneously, abruptly healed!!! I wonder if she cried ....tears of joy... of relief ... of unbelief. Actually that is what she didn't have. Unbelief. She believed. Her faith made her well.
Some days I wish Jesus was still walking down the street.
22 Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.
As I was reading through chapter 9 I came across this passage. I didn't remember this from Matthew. Mark 5 describes the scene in greater detail and is the passage I remember best. Here it is ...
A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.
30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?"
31 "You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?' "
32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
I've always been intrigued by this account. Especially by Jesus' response but also by the woman's situation. She'd been sick for 12 years. She'd been in pain for over a decade. Hmmmm. She'd been to doctor after doctor seeking a cure. She'd been disappointed time after time. A roller coaster of hope and disappointment. "Will this one know what is wrong with me?" "Will this one have a cure?" "Maybe if I do this the pain will go?" "Maybe this doctor will know what I should do!"
I bet she was just about willing to do anything to change her physical condition but the 'thing' to do alluded her. Exhausted by her illness, depressed from the inability to figure out, if not control, her body, she happens upon Jesus walking down the road.
I wonder if she heard the local official ask Jesus to come and raise his daughter from the dead. She probably felt dead. Her life blood had been slowly draining for far too long. Gathering what little hope she had she reached out to Him and touched his cloak. It might have just been the strings dangling down from his Jewish attire. Just a feint touch, but I wonder if she hoped with all her might that this man would have the cure.
Can you imagine being there? It says she was frightened when Jesus turned around. All of a sudden she was discovered, uncovered, revealed. I wonder if before this time she had remained hidden. Hiding in her house. Hidden from outside activities. Hidden from friends. This "revelation" scared her. I wonder if she thought He was going to be angry. If she would be berated for touching a man, or even just for being in public.
Imagine her relief when she looked into his eyes and saw compassion instead of frustration; a huge measure of unhurried patience.
Imagine her amazement as she realized her illness was healed! Suddenly, spontaneously, abruptly healed!!! I wonder if she cried ....tears of joy... of relief ... of unbelief. Actually that is what she didn't have. Unbelief. She believed. Her faith made her well.
Some days I wish Jesus was still walking down the street.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Matthew 9 - The Message
Who Needs a Doctor?
1-3 Back in the boat, Jesus and the disciples recrossed the sea to Jesus' hometown. They were hardly out of the boat when some men carried a paraplegic on a stretcher and set him down in front of them. Jesus, impressed by their bold belief, said to the paraplegic, "Cheer up, son. I forgive your sins." Some religion scholars whispered, "Why, that's blasphemy!"
4-8Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, "Why this gossipy whispering? Which do you think is simpler: to say, 'I forgive your sins,' or, 'Get up and walk'? Well, just so it's clear that I'm the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both. . . ." At this he turned to the paraplegic and said, "Get up. Take your bed and go home." And the man did it. The crowd was awestruck, amazed and pleased that God had authorized Jesus to work among them this way.
9 Passing along, Jesus saw a man at his work collecting taxes. His name was Matthew. Jesus said, "Come along with me." Matthew stood up and followed him.
10-11 Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew's house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them. When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus' followers. "What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riffraff?"
12-13 Jesus, overhearing, shot back, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: 'I'm after mercy, not religion.' I'm here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders."
Kingdom Come
14 A little later John's followers approached, asking, "Why is it that we and the Pharisees rigorously discipline body and spirit by fasting, but your followers don't?"
15 Jesus told them, "When you're celebrating a wedding, you don't skimp on the cake and wine. You feast. Later you may need to pull in your belt, but not now. No one throws cold water on a friendly bonfire. This is Kingdom Come!"
16-17 He went on, "No one cuts up a fine silk scarf to patch old work clothes; you want fabrics that match. And you don't put your wine in cracked bottles."
Just a Touch
18-19 As he finished saying this, a local official appeared, bowed politely, and said, "My daughter has just now died. If you come and touch her, she will live." Jesus got up and went with him, his disciples following along.
20-22 Just then a woman who had hemorrhaged for twelve years slipped in from behind and lightly touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, "If I can just put a finger on his robe, I'll get well." Jesus turned—caught her at it. Then he reassured her: "Courage, daughter. You took a risk of faith, and now you're well." The woman was well from then on.
23-26 By now they had arrived at the house of the town official, and pushed their way through the gossips looking for a story and the neighbors bringing in casseroles. Jesus was abrupt: "Clear out! This girl isn't dead. She's sleeping." They told him he didn't know what he was talking about. But when Jesus had gotten rid of the crowd, he went in, took the girl's hand, and pulled her to her feet—alive. The news was soon out, and traveled throughout the region.
Become What You Believe
27-28 As Jesus left the house, he was followed by two blind men crying out, "Mercy, Son of David! Mercy on us!" When Jesus got home, the blind men went in with him. Jesus said to them, "Do you really believe I can do this?" They said, "Why, yes, Master!"
29-31 He touched their eyes and said, "Become what you believe." It happened. They saw. Then Jesus became very stern. "Don't let a soul know how this happened." But they were hardly out the door before they started blabbing it to everyone they met.
32-33 Right after that, as the blind men were leaving, a man who had been struck speechless by an evil spirit was brought to Jesus. As soon as Jesus threw the evil tormenting spirit out, the man talked away just as if he'd been talking all his life. The people were up on their feet applauding: "There's never been anything like this in Israel!"
34 The Pharisees were left sputtering, "Hocus-pocus. It's nothing but hocus-pocus. He's probably made a pact with the Devil."
35-38 Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. "What a huge harvest!" he said to his disciples. "How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!"
1-3 Back in the boat, Jesus and the disciples recrossed the sea to Jesus' hometown. They were hardly out of the boat when some men carried a paraplegic on a stretcher and set him down in front of them. Jesus, impressed by their bold belief, said to the paraplegic, "Cheer up, son. I forgive your sins." Some religion scholars whispered, "Why, that's blasphemy!"
4-8Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, "Why this gossipy whispering? Which do you think is simpler: to say, 'I forgive your sins,' or, 'Get up and walk'? Well, just so it's clear that I'm the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both. . . ." At this he turned to the paraplegic and said, "Get up. Take your bed and go home." And the man did it. The crowd was awestruck, amazed and pleased that God had authorized Jesus to work among them this way.
9 Passing along, Jesus saw a man at his work collecting taxes. His name was Matthew. Jesus said, "Come along with me." Matthew stood up and followed him.
10-11 Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew's house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them. When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus' followers. "What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riffraff?"
12-13 Jesus, overhearing, shot back, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: 'I'm after mercy, not religion.' I'm here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders."
Kingdom Come
14 A little later John's followers approached, asking, "Why is it that we and the Pharisees rigorously discipline body and spirit by fasting, but your followers don't?"
15 Jesus told them, "When you're celebrating a wedding, you don't skimp on the cake and wine. You feast. Later you may need to pull in your belt, but not now. No one throws cold water on a friendly bonfire. This is Kingdom Come!"
16-17 He went on, "No one cuts up a fine silk scarf to patch old work clothes; you want fabrics that match. And you don't put your wine in cracked bottles."
Just a Touch
18-19 As he finished saying this, a local official appeared, bowed politely, and said, "My daughter has just now died. If you come and touch her, she will live." Jesus got up and went with him, his disciples following along.
20-22 Just then a woman who had hemorrhaged for twelve years slipped in from behind and lightly touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, "If I can just put a finger on his robe, I'll get well." Jesus turned—caught her at it. Then he reassured her: "Courage, daughter. You took a risk of faith, and now you're well." The woman was well from then on.
23-26 By now they had arrived at the house of the town official, and pushed their way through the gossips looking for a story and the neighbors bringing in casseroles. Jesus was abrupt: "Clear out! This girl isn't dead. She's sleeping." They told him he didn't know what he was talking about. But when Jesus had gotten rid of the crowd, he went in, took the girl's hand, and pulled her to her feet—alive. The news was soon out, and traveled throughout the region.
Become What You Believe
27-28 As Jesus left the house, he was followed by two blind men crying out, "Mercy, Son of David! Mercy on us!" When Jesus got home, the blind men went in with him. Jesus said to them, "Do you really believe I can do this?" They said, "Why, yes, Master!"
29-31 He touched their eyes and said, "Become what you believe." It happened. They saw. Then Jesus became very stern. "Don't let a soul know how this happened." But they were hardly out the door before they started blabbing it to everyone they met.
32-33 Right after that, as the blind men were leaving, a man who had been struck speechless by an evil spirit was brought to Jesus. As soon as Jesus threw the evil tormenting spirit out, the man talked away just as if he'd been talking all his life. The people were up on their feet applauding: "There's never been anything like this in Israel!"
34 The Pharisees were left sputtering, "Hocus-pocus. It's nothing but hocus-pocus. He's probably made a pact with the Devil."
35-38 Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. "What a huge harvest!" he said to his disciples. "How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!"
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Matthew 9
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
1 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."
3 At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "This fellow is blaspheming!"
4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and go home." 7 And the man got up and went home. 8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.
The Calling of Matthew
9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Jesus Questioned About Fasting
14 Then John's disciples came and asked him, "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"
15 Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
16 "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17 Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman
18 While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." 19 Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.
20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed."
22 Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.
23 When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, 24he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 News of this spread through all that region.
Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute
27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"
28 When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?"
"Yes, Lord," they replied.
29 Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this." 31 But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."
34 But the Pharisees said, "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons."
The Workers Are Few
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
1 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."
3 At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "This fellow is blaspheming!"
4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and go home." 7 And the man got up and went home. 8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.
The Calling of Matthew
9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Jesus Questioned About Fasting
14 Then John's disciples came and asked him, "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"
15 Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
16 "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17 Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman
18 While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." 19 Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.
20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed."
22 Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.
23 When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, 24he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 News of this spread through all that region.
Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute
27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"
28 When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?"
"Yes, Lord," they replied.
29 Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this." 31 But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."
34 But the Pharisees said, "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons."
The Workers Are Few
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Matthew 8 - Authority
10 When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.When I first read Matthew 8 I was struck by the references to faith. This chapter seems to contain numerous examples and to provide a notable contrast in faith.
Initially we read of the leper asking Jesus to heal him. How great is his faith? We might think the leper had nothing to lose and therefore his faith was little more than a cry of desperation. Nonetheless, he calls out to Jesus for help, he steps out in faith.
The next instance of faith is noticed by Jesus as exceptional. The faith of the Gentile Centurion defies explanation. Why would he ask for Jesus' help? Why would he believe in Jesus? Had he seen him heal the leper? His faith was extraordinary, in part, because he had no reason - no Jewish history - to draw him to Jesus. His faith was amazing because he realized Jesus' authority and power. He believed Jesus only needed to say a word and his servant would be healed.
In contrast, the disciples, who we'd think could trust Jesus, are unable to survive a storm on the lake without questioning His ability to keep them safe. Their faith seems sorely lacking. Of these men Jesus says, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" (v 26)
With all this about faith, I was sure that was what this chapter was about. I was all set to apply this to my life, to examine my faith status, when I looked more carefully at the chapter.
It's interesting that the centurion's servant's faith (if he had some) isn't mentioned, yet he was healed. It's notable that Peter's mother-in-law didn't have the ability to reveal her level of faith, yet she too was healed. Similarly the 'demon-possessed' in verses 16 and 28 were unable to express any faith they had - and quite possibly their state of mind was contrary to having any faith in Jesus - yet they were healed.
Jesus' healing ministry focuses less on the faith of the people and more on the authority of the healer. His actions reveal what living in the Kingdom - a Kingdom ruled by God - is like.
In the Kingdom of God all people matter - the leper, the servant, the Gentile, the woman, the possessed, the disciple. Jesus came for all the world. His love reaches out to each of us no matter who we are. But more than reaching out to us, Jesus' miracles in chapter 8 reveal His authority and power to bring about healing; to restore order out of chaos; to bring peace.
Jesus' authority is emphasized in in the little paragraph sandwiched between the various healings - in verses 18-22. These were curious verses to me. They seemed out of place. What is this about foxes having holes and the dead burying the dead? Without a detailed exegesis what it seemed to point out to me is that Jesus is not bound by anything earthly, (houses, tradition, family) and that He demands full allegiance. And He rightfully can demand this first priority because He is God. He has authority and as such He calls people out of their worldly concerns into a life of following Him.
It's interesting, isn't it, that even the demons in verse 28 recognize Jesus' authority. The demons do what He commands.
Nature recognizes His authority. The wind obeys him.
The physical body is bound by His will. Disease is removed.
Despite His authority no where in this chapter do we witness Jesus forcing Himself upon someone; healing someone who prefers to remain sick. Interesting. Somehow our willingness, His authority and our faith are tied together. This mix or relationship isn't completely clear to me.
What does seem clear from Matthew 8 is that Jesus' authority and ability are without question... and I find, as I reflect upon these, that my willingness and faith are increasing.
How about you?
Friday, January 22, 2010
Matthew 8 - Max Lucado's thoughts
The other night I pulled out a book I got for Christmas. It's Max Lucado's book, 'Fearless'. I was happily surprised as I read to find Lucado writing about Matthew 8! Here are excerpts of what he writes about the episode of Jesus and the disciples in the boat in the midst of a storm on the sea of Galilee ...
"Fearless: Imagine your life without fear" by Max Lucado. Thomas Nelson : Nashville, TN, 2009 pg.6-13
"Why are you afraid?" he (Jesus) asks. (Matt. 8:25)
At first blush we wonder if Jesus is serious. He may be kidding. Teasing. Pulling a quick one. Kind of like one swimmer asking another, "Why are you wet?" But Jesus doesn't smile. He's dead earnest. So are the men to whom he asks the question. A storm has turned their Galilean dinner cruise into a white-knuckled plunge....
Peter and John, seasoned sailors, struggle to keep down the sail. Matthew, confirmed landlubber, struggles to keep down his breakfast. The storm is not what the tax collector bargained for. Do you sense his surprise in the way he links his two sentences? "Jesus got into a boat and his followers went with him. A great storm arose on the lake"
Wouldn't you hope for a more chipper second sentence, a happier consequence of obedience? "Jesus got into a boat. His followers went with him, and suddenly a great rainbow arched in the sky, a flock of doves hovered in happy formation, a sea of glass mirrored their mast." Don't Christ-followers enjoy a calendar full of Caribbean cruises? No. This story sends the not-so-subtle and not-too popular reminder: getting on board with Christ can mean getting soaked with Christ. Disciples can expect rough seas and stout winds. "In the world you will [not 'might', 'may', or 'could'] have tribulation" (John 16:33, brackets Lucado's).
Christ followers contract malaria, bury children, and battle addictions, and, as a result, face fears. Its not the absence of storms that sets us apart. It's whom we discover in the storm: an unstirred Christ.
"Jesus was sleeping." (Matthews 8:24)
His snooze troubles the disciples. Matthew and Mark record their responses as three staccato Greek pronouncements and one question.
The pronouncements: "Lord! Save! Dying!" (Matthew 8:25)
The question: "Teacher; do You not care that we are perishing:" (Mark 4:38)
Fear does this. Fear corrodes our confidence in God's goodness. We begin to wonder if love lives in heaven. If God can sleep in our storms, if his eyes stay shut when our eyes grow wide, if he permits storms after we get on his boat, does he care?
Fear unleashes a swarm of doubts, anger-stirring doubts.
And it turns us into control freaks....
It also deadens our recall....
And fear feels dreadful ...
Fear may fill our world but it doesn't have to fill our hearts. It will always knock on the door. Just don't invite it in for dinner, and for heaven's sake don't offer it a bed for the night. Let's embolden our hearts with a select number of Jesus' 'do not fear' statements. The promise of Christ and the contention of this book are simple: we can fear less tomorrow than we do today.
"So don't be afraid. You are worth much more than many sparrows." Matt. 10:31 NCV
"Take courage son; your sins are forgiven." Matt. 9:2 NASB
"I tell you not to worry about everyday life - whether you have enough." Matthew 6:25 NLT
"Take courage. I am here!" Matt. 14:27
"Jesus got up and gave a command to the wind and the waves, and it became completely calm." Matthew 8:26
He handles the great quaking with a great calming. The sea becomes as still as a frozen lake, and the disciples are left wondering, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" (Matthew 8:27)
What kind of man, indeed. Turning typhoon time into nap time. Silencing waves with one word.
"Fearless: Imagine your life without fear" by Max Lucado. Thomas Nelson : Nashville, TN, 2009 pg.6-13
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Just for fun :)
I have been awarded the Beautiful Blogger Award from Dawne, who is also a blogger, chronicling her 365 day, 100 pound weight loss challenge...she's doing great!
In accepting this award, I am supposed to share seven things you don't know about me. This could be tricky seeing as my parents and husband read this - so I may just go with 7 things I like. Then I think I'm supposed to send this award to 7 more Beautiful Bloggers. I don't know if I know seven ... I'll have to see if I can come up with a few after this post!
1. I started this blog as a result of watching the movie Julie and Julia. It's a pretty good movie if you haven't seen it.
2. I do not like Lycra or wool in my socks! :)
3. I have never read through the entire Bible - but I am working on it now thanks to Maude Betts who gave me her 'Read through the Bible in a year' Bible.
4. I once really wanted to learn how to play the clarinet.
5. I love books, routine, home, warmth, soft material, sunshine and hugs. These things all bring me comfort.
6. When I played my grade 10 piano exam I nearly, seriously, fainted from fear. That's the most scared I've been in a long while.
7. Exercising gives me energy (this is something I didn't know about me until I started doing the exercise videos, 'Walk away the pounds' with Leslie Sansone. I don't know that any pounds have walked away but I feel more alive after a half hour walking!)
Well that's that! :)
Now for seven other bloggers ... I really only know three bloggers ...
Well after a few attempts over the last few days at linking this site to other bloggers' sites I have had no luck - so ... sadly I cannot give anyone else this prestigious award! :) But I will say thank you to all you who read - you deserve an award for that! :)
Alison :)
p.s. Good news! I just figured out how to adjust the date at the top of the post! :) Yippeee :)
Monday, January 18, 2010
Matthew 8
The Man With Leprosy
1 When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy. 4 Then Jesus said to him, "See that you don't tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."
The Faith of the Centurion
5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering."
7 Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him."
8 The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
10 When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.
Jesus Heals Many
14 When Jesus came into Peter's house, he saw Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15 He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.
16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
The Cost of Following Jesus
18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. 19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."
20 Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."
21 Another disciple said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."
22 But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."
Jesus Calms the Storm
23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
26 He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27 The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"
The Healing of Two Demon-possessed Men
28 When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29 "What do you want with us, Son of God?" they shouted. "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?"
30 Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 The demons begged Jesus, "If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs."
32 He said to them, "Go!" So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. 33 Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.
1 When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy. 4 Then Jesus said to him, "See that you don't tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."
The Faith of the Centurion
5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering."
7 Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him."
8 The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
10 When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.
Jesus Heals Many
14 When Jesus came into Peter's house, he saw Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15 He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.
16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
"He took up our infirmities
and carried our diseases."
The Cost of Following Jesus
18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. 19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."
20 Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."
21 Another disciple said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."
22 But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."
Jesus Calms the Storm
23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
26 He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27 The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"
The Healing of Two Demon-possessed Men
28 When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29 "What do you want with us, Son of God?" they shouted. "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?"
30 Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 The demons begged Jesus, "If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs."
32 He said to them, "Go!" So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. 33 Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Matthew 7 - Sound bites
Have you noticed when people today want to convey an important message its done in sounds bites - one, concise message - a headline, a status, a tweet, a billboard. Jesus too had great means of conveying his messages. He used "visual" bites - word pictures - metaphor - images.
Matthew 7 contains a few of them... a plank in your eye ... a wolf in sheep's clothing ... good trees and fruit ... and this one:
24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
At the end of this section of the Sermon on the Mount(chapters 5-7) Jesus concludes with the word 'therefore'. I heard someone say once that whenever there's a 'therefore' you should find out what it's 'there for'!
In this instance Jesus is saying that those who have heard His message and put it into practice are wise. Those who just hear it and don't change the way they live, they are foolish. What are the main points 'sound bites' Jesus taught in this specific chapter? Here are few ideas I gleaned:
1. Be gracious. Don't be critical of others... no one's perfect. (sawdust)
2. Be humble. Realize you have faults too... the sin you see in others may be one you need to address. (plank)
3. Be discerning. Realize that not everyone is who they appear to be.... otherwise some will turn to devour you, and others will lead you astray. (dogs & pigs)
4. Be reliant on God. Realize that He will provide all you need as a father does for his children. (loving Father)
5. Be authentic. God isn't interested in those who play act the Christian life - doing what they think is right without the right motivation. (wolf in sheep's clothing)
This way of living isn't always easy. In fact it's often difficult. It isn't the way most people live. Most people are on the way through the wide gate. Life in God's Kingdom involves walking/living along the narrow path that leads to the small gate. This is the way of the wise. It is the way that ensures we aren't capsized by temporary struggles or passing trends. Living in the Kingdom, Jesus' way, results in a stable life because our life is grounded on the solid foundation of Christ.
As children we sang this song ... do you remember it?
The wise man built his house upon the rock
The wise man built his house upon the rock
The wise man built his house upon the rock
And the rain came tumbling down
Oh, the rain came down
And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
And the wise man's house stood firm.
The foolish man built his house upon the sand
The foolish man built his house upon the sand
The foolish man built his house upon the sand
And the rain came tumbling down
Oh, the rain came down
And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
And the foolish man's house went "splat!" [clap hands once]
So, build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
And the blessings will come down
Oh, the blessings come down
As your prayers go up
The blessings come down
As your prayers go up
The blessings come down
As your prayer go up
So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Life in relationship with Jesus Christ - prayers going up and God's provision 'coming down' to us. This is life in the Kingdom of God and a wisely lived life.
The crowds were amazed by Jesus words. He had authority like no one else. I wonder how many chose to heed his words and live differently? I wonder how many will today?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Matthew 7: 1-6
Judging Others
1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
What type of person are you? Do you think that all people should do things the way you do or do you enjoy diversity? Toronto is such a diverse city culturally, religiously, economically. It is, at times, difficult to find people who are like minded. And yet because of its diversity it is a wonderful expression of the world - of God's creative genius.
The passage today speaks of not judging. "Do not judge." It's very straightforward yet I managed to miss the precise meaning until this week as I was meditating on these 6 verses as a whole.
"Do not judge" I took the command quite literally to mean don't judge at all - ever - be always accepting - always loving no matter what. Coupled with this thought was the warning in the next few verses that God would judge me with the same measure I used ... and the picture of the person with the plank in their eye trying to take the speck out of someone else's. I've always thought ... maybe I have a plank ... when tempted to judge someone.
The last verse of the six has always puzzled me. I didn't get where it fit in; if it did at all. What was this about dogs and pigs? It conjured up pictures of the prodigal son in the pig pen eating the pig's food.
But as I read it over earlier this week - the six verses in a row and just sat there and thought about it - it seemed to come together. It seemed that Jesus was meaning, 'Don't be critical - hyper sensitive to others differences, don't be mean spirited about it just trying to point out others faults, don't forget that you are not perfect too HOWEVER, don't be naive in thinking all people are being straight with you, don't share your precious things (the gospel - the most precious 'thing' we have to give) with those who aren't interested - or are just feigning interest to win you over.'
The word that jumped out at me regarding the verses about the dogs and pigs was "discerning". Be discerning - not judgemental - but wise.
Life in God's kingdom does mean we live in His abundant love and we show others this love ... but it seems here Jesus is saying life in God's kingdom includes thinking, being aware, and not being taken advantage of.
Discernment.
It made me think ...
Yes - still love others into the Kingdom, still be forgiving, look for the good in others, but be discerning. Hmmmm.
1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
What type of person are you? Do you think that all people should do things the way you do or do you enjoy diversity? Toronto is such a diverse city culturally, religiously, economically. It is, at times, difficult to find people who are like minded. And yet because of its diversity it is a wonderful expression of the world - of God's creative genius.
The passage today speaks of not judging. "Do not judge." It's very straightforward yet I managed to miss the precise meaning until this week as I was meditating on these 6 verses as a whole.
"Do not judge" I took the command quite literally to mean don't judge at all - ever - be always accepting - always loving no matter what. Coupled with this thought was the warning in the next few verses that God would judge me with the same measure I used ... and the picture of the person with the plank in their eye trying to take the speck out of someone else's. I've always thought ... maybe I have a plank ... when tempted to judge someone.
The last verse of the six has always puzzled me. I didn't get where it fit in; if it did at all. What was this about dogs and pigs? It conjured up pictures of the prodigal son in the pig pen eating the pig's food.
But as I read it over earlier this week - the six verses in a row and just sat there and thought about it - it seemed to come together. It seemed that Jesus was meaning, 'Don't be critical - hyper sensitive to others differences, don't be mean spirited about it just trying to point out others faults, don't forget that you are not perfect too HOWEVER, don't be naive in thinking all people are being straight with you, don't share your precious things (the gospel - the most precious 'thing' we have to give) with those who aren't interested - or are just feigning interest to win you over.'
The word that jumped out at me regarding the verses about the dogs and pigs was "discerning". Be discerning - not judgemental - but wise.
Life in God's kingdom does mean we live in His abundant love and we show others this love ... but it seems here Jesus is saying life in God's kingdom includes thinking, being aware, and not being taken advantage of.
Discernment.
It made me think ...
Yes - still love others into the Kingdom, still be forgiving, look for the good in others, but be discerning. Hmmmm.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Matthew 7
Judging Others
1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
Ask, Seek, Knock
7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
The Narrow and Wide Gates
13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
A Tree and Its Fruit
15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
The Wise and Foolish Builders
24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
Ask, Seek, Knock
7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
The Narrow and Wide Gates
13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
A Tree and Its Fruit
15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
The Wise and Foolish Builders
24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Matthew 6 - Motive
In the daily grind of life do you think about why you do what you do? What motivates you to be kind, to work hard, to get angry? What motivates some people to hold the elevator door while others push the button to close it?! In Matthew 6 Jesus addresses the issue of motive; why we do the things we do.
Jesus speaks of worship more than the mundane acts of life (elevator door issues). He talks about giving to others, prayer and fasting. These were all acceptable and common acts of worship in His day. Jesus didn't ask the people whether or not they would do these things, but rather He questioned their motive for doing them.
Repeatedly He speaks of those who do these things in full view of others, to receive praise from men. For those who do their good deeds for all the world's praise Jesus says, "they have received their reward in full" (Matthew 6:2, 5b, 16) In contrast those who do their good deeds "in secret", so that one hand doesn't know what the other is doing, about these people Jesus says, "... and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (vs. 4b, 6b, 18b)
The purpose of communing with God, or helping others, or denying ourselves food should be to connect with God; to bring Him praise.
I wonder if this is how we feel on a Sunday morning? Or when we are out helping the family down the street? Or when we are spending a day fasting?
I've been thinking about it this morning and realize that often times we start out with the right motive but then someone notices our act of devotion and they praise us. Immediately our mind shifts and may even think, "Hmmmm someone thinks I'm pretty committed to God, I must be on the right track spiritually, I may even 'have it all together'!" And in the blink of an eye our motivation has been compromised - or at least challenged.
Continually I find I have to 're-orient' myself back to fully focusing on God. Like when walking through a forest or unfamiliar terrain using a compass. A few meters in the right direction, then some brush gets in the way and we take a walk around it (or perhaps it was some beautiful wild flowers off to the side we had to take a picture of). Our destination is not forgotten but our route needs readjusting. Checking the compass we re-orient ourselves to north and get back on track.
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6 that we are in connection with the Father - not a heartless, stone god who doesn't know how we are thinking. We are in a relationship with the Person of God who, in love, provides all that we need so that we don't need to worry; not about things or about what others are thinking.
Jesus sums up His message for this chapter in this sentence ...
With His Kingdom as our focus our motive remains pure... in the sanctuary ... in our homes ... and even in the elevator.
Jesus speaks of worship more than the mundane acts of life (elevator door issues). He talks about giving to others, prayer and fasting. These were all acceptable and common acts of worship in His day. Jesus didn't ask the people whether or not they would do these things, but rather He questioned their motive for doing them.
Repeatedly He speaks of those who do these things in full view of others, to receive praise from men. For those who do their good deeds for all the world's praise Jesus says, "they have received their reward in full" (Matthew 6:2, 5b, 16) In contrast those who do their good deeds "in secret", so that one hand doesn't know what the other is doing, about these people Jesus says, "... and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (vs. 4b, 6b, 18b)
The purpose of communing with God, or helping others, or denying ourselves food should be to connect with God; to bring Him praise.
I wonder if this is how we feel on a Sunday morning? Or when we are out helping the family down the street? Or when we are spending a day fasting?
I've been thinking about it this morning and realize that often times we start out with the right motive but then someone notices our act of devotion and they praise us. Immediately our mind shifts and may even think, "Hmmmm someone thinks I'm pretty committed to God, I must be on the right track spiritually, I may even 'have it all together'!" And in the blink of an eye our motivation has been compromised - or at least challenged.
Continually I find I have to 're-orient' myself back to fully focusing on God. Like when walking through a forest or unfamiliar terrain using a compass. A few meters in the right direction, then some brush gets in the way and we take a walk around it (or perhaps it was some beautiful wild flowers off to the side we had to take a picture of). Our destination is not forgotten but our route needs readjusting. Checking the compass we re-orient ourselves to north and get back on track.
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6 that we are in connection with the Father - not a heartless, stone god who doesn't know how we are thinking. We are in a relationship with the Person of God who, in love, provides all that we need so that we don't need to worry; not about things or about what others are thinking.
Jesus sums up His message for this chapter in this sentence ...
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
With His Kingdom as our focus our motive remains pure... in the sanctuary ... in our homes ... and even in the elevator.
As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after thee
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship thee
Chorus
You alone are my strength my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship thee
You're my friend and You are my brother,
Even though you are a king.
I love you more thank any other,
So much more than anything.
I want You more than gold or silver,
Only You can satisfy.
You alone are the real joy Giver,
And the apple of my eye.
by Marth Nystrom
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Matthew 6 - The Message version
I thought I'd read through another 'version' of Matthew 6 to get another perspective, to try and understand the message. Just hearing/seeing it written in another way opens my eyes, speaks to me again. I thought I'd post it here ...
What speaks to you in this version?
Matthew 6 (The Message)
The World Is Not a Stage
1 "Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding. 2-4 "When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure—'playactors' I call them— treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's all they get. When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.
Pray with Simplicity
5 "And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
6 "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
7-13 "The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
14-15 "In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.
16-18 "When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well.
A Life of God-Worship
19-21 "Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.
22-23 "Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!
24 "You can't worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you'll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can't worship God and Money both.
25-26 "If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.
27-29 "Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.
30-33 "If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
34 "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
I like verses 6, 14 & 15, 34
This sums it up I think ...
"Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions" v.33
What speaks to you in this version?
Matthew 6 (The Message)
The World Is Not a Stage
1 "Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding. 2-4 "When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure—'playactors' I call them— treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's all they get. When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.
Pray with Simplicity
5 "And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
6 "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
7-13 "The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
14-15 "In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.
16-18 "When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well.
A Life of God-Worship
19-21 "Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.
22-23 "Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!
24 "You can't worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you'll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can't worship God and Money both.
25-26 "If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.
27-29 "Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.
30-33 "If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
34 "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
I like verses 6, 14 & 15, 34
This sums it up I think ...
"Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions" v.33
Monday, January 4, 2010
Matthew 6
Giving to the Needy
1 "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Prayer
5 "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 "This, then, is how you should pray:
Fasting
16 "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Treasures in Heaven
19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy,
and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
Do Not Worry
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
1 "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Prayer
5 "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 "This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.'
Fasting
16 "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Treasures in Heaven
19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy,
and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
Do Not Worry
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
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