Matthew9:35-38
Jesus sees crowds of people coming to him. He says this is a "harvest." Jesus sees the crowds as "sheep without a shepherd." In this way, Jesus reveals to us a crucial element of reaching people with the good news.
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In the light of three stories in Matthew 9:18-31 we learn that acts upon much more than it can see. These insights challenge Christians to raise the bar in how we pray.
Matthew 9:14-17
Some of the followers of John the Baptist are puzzled that Jesus does not lead his disciples to fast in preparation for the Kingdom of God. Instead, Jesus is feasting with Matthew and other tax collectors and sinners. Jesus explains why he feasts by reminding John's followers that Jesus is the "bridegroom" whose presence means the Kingdom feast is about to begin. For Christians, this means we always have the joy of hope no matter if it is a time of fasting or a time of feasting. Matthew 9:9-13
Mercy is at the heart of everything Jesus did. This was on display when Jesus called Matthew, the tax collector, to be a disciple. Many other sinners came to Jesus, too, and found his mercy. Matthew 9:2-8
People react to Jesus in different ways in Matthew's Gospel. We read of them being jealous. People are often amazed or surprised by things Jesus says and does. In this passage, Matthew shows us that people are afraid of Jesus. This is important to remember for those who would follow Jesus. He is the savior. He offers that we can be his friends. Still, he is also always our master and the one coming to judge us in the end. Matthew 8:28-34
Matthew's story of Jesus freeing the Gadarene men from demon-possession challenges us to take seriously the invisible aspects of reality. Just as the disciples that day were confronted by the reality of evil, personal spirits, Matthew reminds us that Jesus' authority is just as real. More important, Jesus' authority is irresistible. Be found faithful to Jesus, and have no need to fear the demonic in our world. Matthew 8:18-27
Wise students learn key lessons from the way the winds and the sea obey Jesus one stormy day. Matthew's framing of this story with questions of discipleship points the way. Guest speaker, Mike Sickenger (one of our elders), brings a message encouraging us to pray often, pray faithfully, and pray about many things.
Guest preacher, Cecil Garrison, brings a message about letting the Lord remain in control even when we are angry.
Matthew 8:14-15
The path of discipleship in Jesus includes iitating his ministry of healing by bringing love's touch to people and situations needing to be set right. |
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