Matthew 12:14-28 NIV
But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. He warned them not to tell others about him. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
“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.
He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory.
In his name the nations will put their hope.”
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. All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”
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. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After Jesus had healed the man with the deformed hand at the synagogue, the religious leaders began to plot His death. Jesus left the area but crowds followed Him. He had compassion and healed them all, but His opponents said that He drove out demons by the power of the prince of demons, Beelzebul.
An alternate version of the name is Beelzebub. Some scholars consider the name to be a variation of a Ekronite god, meaning Lord of Dung or Lord of Flies. blueletterbible.com renders the meaning Lord of the House.
Strong's Definitions:
Βεελζεβούλ (Beelzeboúl, beh-el-zeb-ool'); of Chaldee origin; dung-god; Beelzebul, a name of Satan:—Beelzebub.
Basically the Pharisees were saying Jesus exorcises demons in the name and authority of Satan. In other words Jesus is an imposter, a false prophet, performing illusions with the power of evil.
Jesus reasoned that a kingdom divided will fall. So if Satan drives out his own demons, then the rule of Satan over this earth will end. That is in itself an ironic prophecy, for that is exactly what is happening. The kingdom of Christ is destroying the kingdom of darkness.
Colossians 1:13; 2:15 NIV
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves...
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Jesus' point is hard to argue, although one could reason that Satan allowed miracles and exorcism against his own minions to fool the people. He will do so through the Antichrist.
2 Thessalonians 2:9 NIV
The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie,
Matthew 24:24 NIV
For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
But we know Jesus is no false prophet, nor a worker of evil. The conclusion the Pharisees should draw is a happy one. The messiah has come, for He has performed yet another messianic sign, the healing of a deaf mute through exorcism. This is more evidence surrounding the ministry of Jesus that the kingdom of God has come.
When Matthew uses the phrase kingdom of heaven, it's the same meaning as kingdom of God, which he uses in this passage almost uncharacteristically. The leading theory, about Matthew being the only place you will see the phrase kingdom of heaven in the New Testament, is that He is honoring the Jewish tradition to exchange the name of God for something else, so as not to misuse the divine name in any way. This is confusing for modern readers. When we see the word heaven we immediately think of the happy ever after. That is not what Jesus is taking about. He is talking about the righteous and just reign of God upon the earth.
In the Lord's Prayer, we pray, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven". Therefore heaven is where God's will is done. And wherever on earth God's will is done, there is a little slice of heaven.
The good news is that the kingdom, or rather the good government of God, is here now through those who pursue and carry out His will through the leadership and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. More about Him tomorrow.
May the Lord always lead you to do His will on earth. And if you are bedeviled such that you cannot hear the truth about Jesus, if you are unable to witness to His name, then may the power of the Holy Spirit overshadow you and birth faith in Christ in you, so that you too may be healed and liberated from the madness that is tearing apart humanity.
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Matthew 12:1-13
Matthew 12:1-13 NIV
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. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”
He answered, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 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. Or haven’t you read in the Law that the priests on Sabbath duty in the temple desecrate the Sabbath and yet are innocent? I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”
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? How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
These two healing stories in Matthew 12; are they about healing or about the meaning of Sabbath? Considering that there's no mention of the crowd's response to the miracles like in previous healing stories, I think Matthew included these incidents to teach about Jesus' thoughts on keeping the Sabbath. In addition Matthew's narrative is turning up the heat for our hero, Jesus, as His opponents begin to plot His death.
The first story involves work on the Sabbath. The disciples were hungry so they plucked some heads of grain from a farmer's field and ate the raw wheat. You may think it imprudent for them to steal grain from a farmer, but the Law of Moses instructs farmers to leave the edges of their fields unharvested for the sake of the poor, which certainly is true for Jesus and His band.
Leviticus 19:9-10 NIV
When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God.
But the Law also states to rest on the Sabbath and do no work. The Pharisees belonged to a sect within Judaism that held to a strict code of conduct, to assure they kept the Law perfectly. They wrote more laws to assure the Law of Moses was kept in every conceivable situation. It was their opinion that Jesus and His disciples were breaking the Sabbath law by plucking heads of grain.
Jesus told them of how King David, when he was on the run for His life from Saul who wanted to kill him, took refuge at the tabernacle. The priest there, thinking the David was on a secret mission for King Saul, gave David the show bread off of the holy table that was meant for God alone. The bread was there as an offering. Each week fresh bread was placed on the table. The priests were permitted to eat it after the bread had served it's time in the holy place. (Lev 24:5-9) No one else was allowed. Yet David ate the bread and did not die.
What conclusions can we draw? I think that God had chosen David as His anointed king to replace Saul. Saul was not faithful to God. As such David was under God's protection. David needed to eat. God knew it. Saul was trying to kill David and God was with David providing for his needs.
Now back to Jesus. Jesus is the Lord's anointed King. He is a Son of David. And the ruling class of religious leaders want to kill Him. There's a conflict going on between kingdoms. The advancing reign of Christ is in conflict with the reign of Caesar and His puppets, Herod, Caiphas, Annas and Pilate. The Pharisees are part of the incumbent system, especially the closer they become allied with the temple and the Sanhedrin. The parallels between David and Jesus are apparent. This implies who Jesus is. He is the Son of David, but not just any king. He is the Messiah, the Christ.
If priests serving the Lord on the Sabbath is legal, how much more the Son of God who is called our high priest? (Heb 4:14-15) He tells the Pharisees plainly that something greater than the temple is here, meaning His divine self and the kingdom of heaven. He tells the Pharisees that they do not understand God's mercy, for if they had they wouldn't be harassing Jesus and His disciples. What they do not understand is that Jesus is Lord. He is Lord of all creation and certainly Lord of the Sabbath. He is the Son of Man which is a messianic title derived from the prophet Daniel.
Daniel 7:13-14 NIV
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
The next confrontation occurred in the synagogue. They bait Jesus by pointing out a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees ask if it's lawful to heal on the Sabbath. They had a law that said it was not lawful. The law came from The Halakah, a rabbinic set of teachings the Pharisees considered to be more authoritative than the scripture itself.
Jesus asks them if they had a sheep fall into a pit on the Sabbath, wouldn't they pull it out? The answer is yes because there were specific laws that allowed for just such an occasion. Then He asks, "How much more then should we rescue people who are hurting on the Sabbath?" Jesus' retort surely made them angry, for they began to plot how they might kill Him.
In spite of their oppositional behavior, Jesus turned His attention to the man with the shriveled hand and healed him.
What good news appears in these stories? Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, the One we enjoy as we rest in Him. The Sabbath was set aside as a holy day. For Christians that day is Sunday, the day Jesus rose from the tomb. We are invited to rest from work and delight in God's good creation as we commune with the Lord and one another in the family of God.
And when you are hurting and in need of healing, Jesus sees you and has compassion. No matter what others may say or do in response to your need, the Lord of the Sabbath sees you and has compassion for you.
Rest and renew in His embrace.
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. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”
He answered, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 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. Or haven’t you read in the Law that the priests on Sabbath duty in the temple desecrate the Sabbath and yet are innocent? I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”
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? How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
These two healing stories in Matthew 12; are they about healing or about the meaning of Sabbath? Considering that there's no mention of the crowd's response to the miracles like in previous healing stories, I think Matthew included these incidents to teach about Jesus' thoughts on keeping the Sabbath. In addition Matthew's narrative is turning up the heat for our hero, Jesus, as His opponents begin to plot His death.
The first story involves work on the Sabbath. The disciples were hungry so they plucked some heads of grain from a farmer's field and ate the raw wheat. You may think it imprudent for them to steal grain from a farmer, but the Law of Moses instructs farmers to leave the edges of their fields unharvested for the sake of the poor, which certainly is true for Jesus and His band.
Leviticus 19:9-10 NIV
When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God.
But the Law also states to rest on the Sabbath and do no work. The Pharisees belonged to a sect within Judaism that held to a strict code of conduct, to assure they kept the Law perfectly. They wrote more laws to assure the Law of Moses was kept in every conceivable situation. It was their opinion that Jesus and His disciples were breaking the Sabbath law by plucking heads of grain.
Jesus told them of how King David, when he was on the run for His life from Saul who wanted to kill him, took refuge at the tabernacle. The priest there, thinking the David was on a secret mission for King Saul, gave David the show bread off of the holy table that was meant for God alone. The bread was there as an offering. Each week fresh bread was placed on the table. The priests were permitted to eat it after the bread had served it's time in the holy place. (Lev 24:5-9) No one else was allowed. Yet David ate the bread and did not die.
What conclusions can we draw? I think that God had chosen David as His anointed king to replace Saul. Saul was not faithful to God. As such David was under God's protection. David needed to eat. God knew it. Saul was trying to kill David and God was with David providing for his needs.
Now back to Jesus. Jesus is the Lord's anointed King. He is a Son of David. And the ruling class of religious leaders want to kill Him. There's a conflict going on between kingdoms. The advancing reign of Christ is in conflict with the reign of Caesar and His puppets, Herod, Caiphas, Annas and Pilate. The Pharisees are part of the incumbent system, especially the closer they become allied with the temple and the Sanhedrin. The parallels between David and Jesus are apparent. This implies who Jesus is. He is the Son of David, but not just any king. He is the Messiah, the Christ.
If priests serving the Lord on the Sabbath is legal, how much more the Son of God who is called our high priest? (Heb 4:14-15) He tells the Pharisees plainly that something greater than the temple is here, meaning His divine self and the kingdom of heaven. He tells the Pharisees that they do not understand God's mercy, for if they had they wouldn't be harassing Jesus and His disciples. What they do not understand is that Jesus is Lord. He is Lord of all creation and certainly Lord of the Sabbath. He is the Son of Man which is a messianic title derived from the prophet Daniel.
Daniel 7:13-14 NIV
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
The next confrontation occurred in the synagogue. They bait Jesus by pointing out a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees ask if it's lawful to heal on the Sabbath. They had a law that said it was not lawful. The law came from The Halakah, a rabbinic set of teachings the Pharisees considered to be more authoritative than the scripture itself.
Jesus asks them if they had a sheep fall into a pit on the Sabbath, wouldn't they pull it out? The answer is yes because there were specific laws that allowed for just such an occasion. Then He asks, "How much more then should we rescue people who are hurting on the Sabbath?" Jesus' retort surely made them angry, for they began to plot how they might kill Him.
In spite of their oppositional behavior, Jesus turned His attention to the man with the shriveled hand and healed him.
What good news appears in these stories? Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, the One we enjoy as we rest in Him. The Sabbath was set aside as a holy day. For Christians that day is Sunday, the day Jesus rose from the tomb. We are invited to rest from work and delight in God's good creation as we commune with the Lord and one another in the family of God.
And when you are hurting and in need of healing, Jesus sees you and has compassion. No matter what others may say or do in response to your need, the Lord of the Sabbath sees you and has compassion for you.
Rest and renew in His embrace.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Matthew 11:20-30
Matthew 11:20-30 NIV
Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For 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. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
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. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
“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.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I was a boy Jesus was depicted in pictures with long wavy hair and either blue or brown eyes. His expression seemed to me gentle, loving, and sometimes sad. I had two plastic framed pictures of Jesus. One was of Him as the good shepherd. He carried a lamb over his shoulders. The other sheep gathered around seemingly eager to be near Him. The other picture was of Jesus knocking on a door. He looked sad. The door is a metaphor for the human heart and it is closed to Jesus.
The truth is we don't know what Jesus looked like and we don't know how He felt except for biblical passages that tell us. In these Jesus shows a range of emotions from joy to anger to sadness, like the shortest verse in the bible.
John 11:35 NIV
Jesus wept.
We see fear or anguish in Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane. And we see caution when He avoids the crowd, undue attention, and threats on His life.
In today's reading Jesus denounces three cities in Galilee: Bethsaida, Korazin, and Capernaum. All three are located on the north end of the Sea of Galilee. These cities are known as The Evangelical Triangle in biblical circles. Jesus centered His ministry out of Capernaum. Peter's mother in-law had a home there. Some of His apostles, like Philip, came from Bethsaida.
Jesus' denouncement seems harsh, so it would be easy to think Jesus was angry when He delivered this message. I've seen plenty of biblical movies that show crazy, yelling prophets delivering words of judgement. I'm aware these film characterizations influence how I might read Jesus here.
Try reading this passage, not with anger and dissatisfaction, but with compassion and sadness, like how a parent might feel when praying for her children who've gone astray. How does the passage feel to you? Angry still?
I like to think that Jesus was mourning the loss of the souls in these cities. They did not know what they were missing when they turned away from the gospel. Jesus made a similar evaluation of the fate of Jerusalem.
Luke 19:41-44 NIV
As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
Notice what was Jesus' emotion. He wept. He felt sad for the people. Perhaps Jesus felt the same way about Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Korazin.
He compares Bethsaida and Korazin to Tyre and Sidon. These are port cities on the Mediterranean Sea. These cities were populated by the Phoenicians. The cities were wealthy with trade centering from their ports to Africa, Asia, Europe and Arabia. The Old Testament prophets predicted their downfall. (See Isaiah 23, Ezekiel 26) Jesus compares Capernaum to Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities south of the Dead Sea that were destroyed by the wrath of God. Trye, Sidon, Sodom and Gomorrah are all condemned for their excesses and idolatry. For Jesus to say it will be easier for these cities on Judgement Day than for Capernaum, Korazin and Bethsaida is saying that these cities are more wicked. They rejected the gospel. They paid no mind to Jesus and the miracles He performed. The signs and wonders should have given them ample reason to embrace Jesus as messiah, but they did not.
Jesus then prayed openly to God praising Him for revealing Himself to the simple of heart, but hiding the revelation of Jesus from the so called wise and learned. Jesus is God visiting them in the flesh, but they do not see it. Some however, did see and followed Jesus.
John 1:44, 49 NIV
Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”
These men embraced Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus reveals in His prayer that God the Father reveals the Son to these men of simple faith and Jesus in turn reveals the Father God to His disciples, because only God knows His Son Jesus and only Jesus knows The Father, for He came from The Father.
When Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Christ Jesus told him that God in heaven made it known to him. (Mat 16:15-17). And when Jesus was returning to the Father in heaven, the disciples wanted to see God, but Jesus told them they had already seen God.
John 14:9 NIV
Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
So it is that some will not be able to see who Jesus is because their relationship with God has not opened their eyes. Perhaps their education has puffed up their pride and they cannot see past themselves. But people of a simple and childlike faith are given the ability to see Jesus and come to Him.
This passage ends with an invitation to come to Jesus. I read this invitation as if it is delivered to Bethsaida, Korazin and Capernaum, and for all who have not yet embraced Jesus as their Lord. Read these words with compassion knowing that Jesus' heart was torn for the lost souls around Him. It almost seems as if He is trying to portray coming to Him as attractive and easy.
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
This invitation is attractive to those who know Jesus as well as those who don't, for who isn't soul weary sometimes by the burdens of this life? Jesus is inviting you to step up next to Him and let Him help carry the load. He will carry the brunt of the weight. You do what you can and follow His lead. Rest will be yours with that peace that comes from knowing the Father through Jesus Christ.
Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For 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. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
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. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
“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.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I was a boy Jesus was depicted in pictures with long wavy hair and either blue or brown eyes. His expression seemed to me gentle, loving, and sometimes sad. I had two plastic framed pictures of Jesus. One was of Him as the good shepherd. He carried a lamb over his shoulders. The other sheep gathered around seemingly eager to be near Him. The other picture was of Jesus knocking on a door. He looked sad. The door is a metaphor for the human heart and it is closed to Jesus.
The truth is we don't know what Jesus looked like and we don't know how He felt except for biblical passages that tell us. In these Jesus shows a range of emotions from joy to anger to sadness, like the shortest verse in the bible.
John 11:35 NIV
Jesus wept.
We see fear or anguish in Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane. And we see caution when He avoids the crowd, undue attention, and threats on His life.
In today's reading Jesus denounces three cities in Galilee: Bethsaida, Korazin, and Capernaum. All three are located on the north end of the Sea of Galilee. These cities are known as The Evangelical Triangle in biblical circles. Jesus centered His ministry out of Capernaum. Peter's mother in-law had a home there. Some of His apostles, like Philip, came from Bethsaida.
Jesus' denouncement seems harsh, so it would be easy to think Jesus was angry when He delivered this message. I've seen plenty of biblical movies that show crazy, yelling prophets delivering words of judgement. I'm aware these film characterizations influence how I might read Jesus here.
Try reading this passage, not with anger and dissatisfaction, but with compassion and sadness, like how a parent might feel when praying for her children who've gone astray. How does the passage feel to you? Angry still?
I like to think that Jesus was mourning the loss of the souls in these cities. They did not know what they were missing when they turned away from the gospel. Jesus made a similar evaluation of the fate of Jerusalem.
Luke 19:41-44 NIV
As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
Notice what was Jesus' emotion. He wept. He felt sad for the people. Perhaps Jesus felt the same way about Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Korazin.
He compares Bethsaida and Korazin to Tyre and Sidon. These are port cities on the Mediterranean Sea. These cities were populated by the Phoenicians. The cities were wealthy with trade centering from their ports to Africa, Asia, Europe and Arabia. The Old Testament prophets predicted their downfall. (See Isaiah 23, Ezekiel 26) Jesus compares Capernaum to Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities south of the Dead Sea that were destroyed by the wrath of God. Trye, Sidon, Sodom and Gomorrah are all condemned for their excesses and idolatry. For Jesus to say it will be easier for these cities on Judgement Day than for Capernaum, Korazin and Bethsaida is saying that these cities are more wicked. They rejected the gospel. They paid no mind to Jesus and the miracles He performed. The signs and wonders should have given them ample reason to embrace Jesus as messiah, but they did not.
Jesus then prayed openly to God praising Him for revealing Himself to the simple of heart, but hiding the revelation of Jesus from the so called wise and learned. Jesus is God visiting them in the flesh, but they do not see it. Some however, did see and followed Jesus.
John 1:44, 49 NIV
Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”
These men embraced Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus reveals in His prayer that God the Father reveals the Son to these men of simple faith and Jesus in turn reveals the Father God to His disciples, because only God knows His Son Jesus and only Jesus knows The Father, for He came from The Father.
When Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Christ Jesus told him that God in heaven made it known to him. (Mat 16:15-17). And when Jesus was returning to the Father in heaven, the disciples wanted to see God, but Jesus told them they had already seen God.
John 14:9 NIV
Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
So it is that some will not be able to see who Jesus is because their relationship with God has not opened their eyes. Perhaps their education has puffed up their pride and they cannot see past themselves. But people of a simple and childlike faith are given the ability to see Jesus and come to Him.
This passage ends with an invitation to come to Jesus. I read this invitation as if it is delivered to Bethsaida, Korazin and Capernaum, and for all who have not yet embraced Jesus as their Lord. Read these words with compassion knowing that Jesus' heart was torn for the lost souls around Him. It almost seems as if He is trying to portray coming to Him as attractive and easy.
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
This invitation is attractive to those who know Jesus as well as those who don't, for who isn't soul weary sometimes by the burdens of this life? Jesus is inviting you to step up next to Him and let Him help carry the load. He will carry the brunt of the weight. You do what you can and follow His lead. Rest will be yours with that peace that comes from knowing the Father through Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Matthew 11:1-19
Matthew 11:1-19 NIV
After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 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. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:
“ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear.
“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
“ ‘We played the pipe for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
and you did not mourn.’
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 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 deeds.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reading Jesus here causes me to ask, "Why does He speak in riddles? Why doesn't He answer plainly." He could have responded to John's disciples by simplifying saying, "Yes, I am the Messiah."
What validity would Jesus' own testimony mean? To His hometown, He was just the carpenter's son. To the priests and Pharisees, Jesus was just some uneducated country bumpkin with no accredited training in the law of Moses. Sure, Jesus was tutored by a local rabbi like all they other kids, but who was He to say He's the messiah? No. Jesus' testimony alone wasn't enough to convince people. Signs and wonders accompanied His ministry which pointed to the fact that the Messiah had come.
Jesus makes this basic defense in John's gospel account.
John 10:36-38 NIV
Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”
The works Jesus was doing got the attention of John the Baptist. It's interesting that John needs to ask if Jesus is the one they've been waiting for. John all but said Jesus was the one when he baptised Him. But now John is in jail. We aren't told why. We have to wait until Matthew chapter 14 to learn why he was arrested. But I wonder if this ugly turn of events for John discouraged and confused him. After all he was a faithful servant of God. If Jesus is the Messiah, then why hadn't He taken control of Israel's government, thrown the Romans out with a blast of His divine nostrils, and got on with restoring Israel to glory as prophesied? John sat in jail wondering what is going on. So he sent his disciples to inquire if Jesus is the messiah.
Jesus answered affirmatively by pointing to the miracles. He is basically noting that His ministry is fulfilling scripture which prophesied the coming of Christ. Compare these passages from Isaiah to Jesus' answer.
Isaiah 35:5-6 NIV
Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
Isaiah 61:1 NIV
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
Matthew 11:5 NIV
The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.
According to some sources the first century Jews believed there would be four messianic miracles as signs affirming that the Christ had come. These were
1) curing leprosy
2) giving speech to the mute (which in the Jewish mind was some sort of exorcism)
3) healing birth defects like lameness
4) raising the dead
Jesus has performed all these signs and yet many still do not believe. And so He addressed the crowd arround Him. He told of how righteous John the Baptist was. In fact John was the pinnacle of the era under the law of Moses. Now, however, there is a new era unfolding under a new covenant in Christ. Therefore the least in this new era are greater than the best of the former era. It is because of the righteousness that comes by faith which enables a greater righteousness.
Those who live by rules will find they fail to become the kind of person God desires. The rules can turn some into hard hearted legalists. The rules become a damning burden. But in Christ there is a new way to please God. It is to accept Christ as Saviour and live in God's grace. Grace gives us a power that is greater than sin. Those who are led by the Spirit can become what the law intended to create in us.
The apostle Paul states this in Romans.
Romans 8:3-4 NIV
For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
In essence God enables the followers of Christ, through a reconciled relationship with God, to attain a righteousness greater than what is achievable under the law, for it is God's own righteousness working in and through the believer. John the Baptist functioned as the herald for the coming Christ. He is an embodiment of the prophecy that Elijah will come to announce the arrival of the messiah. John baptized with water for repentance and forgiveness of sin, but Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit who transforms the believer to become like Christ.
Matthew 11:12 NIV
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.
As far as I'm concerned, interpreters really do not know what Jesus meant in verse 12 above. The 1984 version of the NIV said, " the Kingdom of Heaven has been advancing forcefully and forceful men take hold of it."
Clearly the 2011 NIV offers a reading focused not upon the transforming effect of the kingdom, but attacks by opponents upon it. Personally I prefer the 1984 reading. It fits well with what follows. The fickleness of the crowd will not give them entry to the kingdom. Only wholehearted surrender to Christ will do. That takes courage. That takes faith! It takes a kind of force of will to become a disciple of Christ, to throw off the things of this world and enlist in His mission to transform the world in love.
Jesus ends this public interaction with a prophetic pronouncement to the onlookers. The fickle crowd who followed the spectacle, whether John or Jesus, are like children wanting to be entertained. "Show us another miracle, Jesus!" "Oh come on! We've come to see what you can do. Don't disappoint us!" And the crowd in its fickle approach also enjoys gossip. Some say John has a demon. Some say Jesus is a drunkard and hangs out with lowlifes. But wisdom will be seen for what it is, wise and good deeds that lead to life. In the same way the deeds of Jesus or John, the lasting effect of their ministries, will prove themselves as good, true and right.
The question this passage presents is, "Where am I in regards to Christ?"
"Do I believe He is the Messiah and Saviour of the world, or do I think perhaps He was just a really good man, maybe even a prophet?"
"Do I believe Jesus performed the miracles reported here in the gospels, or do I consider them metaphors for some spiritual lesson?"
"Do I really believe Jesus has the power to change me to be like Him?"
"Do I even want change or am I fickle?"
"Am I like the crowd following Jesus around or am I a disciple stepping out of the crowd to follow Jesus in transforming the world in His love and grace?"
God be with you as you confront these searching questions. Step out of the crowd. Muster your will and follow Jesus into life.
After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 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. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:
“ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear.
“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
“ ‘We played the pipe for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
and you did not mourn.’
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 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 deeds.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reading Jesus here causes me to ask, "Why does He speak in riddles? Why doesn't He answer plainly." He could have responded to John's disciples by simplifying saying, "Yes, I am the Messiah."
What validity would Jesus' own testimony mean? To His hometown, He was just the carpenter's son. To the priests and Pharisees, Jesus was just some uneducated country bumpkin with no accredited training in the law of Moses. Sure, Jesus was tutored by a local rabbi like all they other kids, but who was He to say He's the messiah? No. Jesus' testimony alone wasn't enough to convince people. Signs and wonders accompanied His ministry which pointed to the fact that the Messiah had come.
Jesus makes this basic defense in John's gospel account.
John 10:36-38 NIV
Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”
The works Jesus was doing got the attention of John the Baptist. It's interesting that John needs to ask if Jesus is the one they've been waiting for. John all but said Jesus was the one when he baptised Him. But now John is in jail. We aren't told why. We have to wait until Matthew chapter 14 to learn why he was arrested. But I wonder if this ugly turn of events for John discouraged and confused him. After all he was a faithful servant of God. If Jesus is the Messiah, then why hadn't He taken control of Israel's government, thrown the Romans out with a blast of His divine nostrils, and got on with restoring Israel to glory as prophesied? John sat in jail wondering what is going on. So he sent his disciples to inquire if Jesus is the messiah.
Jesus answered affirmatively by pointing to the miracles. He is basically noting that His ministry is fulfilling scripture which prophesied the coming of Christ. Compare these passages from Isaiah to Jesus' answer.
Isaiah 35:5-6 NIV
Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
Isaiah 61:1 NIV
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
Matthew 11:5 NIV
The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.
According to some sources the first century Jews believed there would be four messianic miracles as signs affirming that the Christ had come. These were
1) curing leprosy
2) giving speech to the mute (which in the Jewish mind was some sort of exorcism)
3) healing birth defects like lameness
4) raising the dead
Jesus has performed all these signs and yet many still do not believe. And so He addressed the crowd arround Him. He told of how righteous John the Baptist was. In fact John was the pinnacle of the era under the law of Moses. Now, however, there is a new era unfolding under a new covenant in Christ. Therefore the least in this new era are greater than the best of the former era. It is because of the righteousness that comes by faith which enables a greater righteousness.
Those who live by rules will find they fail to become the kind of person God desires. The rules can turn some into hard hearted legalists. The rules become a damning burden. But in Christ there is a new way to please God. It is to accept Christ as Saviour and live in God's grace. Grace gives us a power that is greater than sin. Those who are led by the Spirit can become what the law intended to create in us.
The apostle Paul states this in Romans.
Romans 8:3-4 NIV
For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
In essence God enables the followers of Christ, through a reconciled relationship with God, to attain a righteousness greater than what is achievable under the law, for it is God's own righteousness working in and through the believer. John the Baptist functioned as the herald for the coming Christ. He is an embodiment of the prophecy that Elijah will come to announce the arrival of the messiah. John baptized with water for repentance and forgiveness of sin, but Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit who transforms the believer to become like Christ.
Matthew 11:12 NIV
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.
As far as I'm concerned, interpreters really do not know what Jesus meant in verse 12 above. The 1984 version of the NIV said, " the Kingdom of Heaven has been advancing forcefully and forceful men take hold of it."
Clearly the 2011 NIV offers a reading focused not upon the transforming effect of the kingdom, but attacks by opponents upon it. Personally I prefer the 1984 reading. It fits well with what follows. The fickleness of the crowd will not give them entry to the kingdom. Only wholehearted surrender to Christ will do. That takes courage. That takes faith! It takes a kind of force of will to become a disciple of Christ, to throw off the things of this world and enlist in His mission to transform the world in love.
Jesus ends this public interaction with a prophetic pronouncement to the onlookers. The fickle crowd who followed the spectacle, whether John or Jesus, are like children wanting to be entertained. "Show us another miracle, Jesus!" "Oh come on! We've come to see what you can do. Don't disappoint us!" And the crowd in its fickle approach also enjoys gossip. Some say John has a demon. Some say Jesus is a drunkard and hangs out with lowlifes. But wisdom will be seen for what it is, wise and good deeds that lead to life. In the same way the deeds of Jesus or John, the lasting effect of their ministries, will prove themselves as good, true and right.
The question this passage presents is, "Where am I in regards to Christ?"
"Do I believe He is the Messiah and Saviour of the world, or do I think perhaps He was just a really good man, maybe even a prophet?"
"Do I believe Jesus performed the miracles reported here in the gospels, or do I consider them metaphors for some spiritual lesson?"
"Do I really believe Jesus has the power to change me to be like Him?"
"Do I even want change or am I fickle?"
"Am I like the crowd following Jesus around or am I a disciple stepping out of the crowd to follow Jesus in transforming the world in His love and grace?"
God be with you as you confront these searching questions. Step out of the crowd. Muster your will and follow Jesus into life.
Monday, September 12, 2016
Matthew 10:24-42
Matthew 10:24-42 NIV
“The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
“So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 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.
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 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—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This section of Matthew 10 continues Jesus' instructions to the 12 apostles as He sent them out to minister in the surrounding villages of Galilee and Judea. He had warned them that, on account of His name, they would be dragged before rulers and judges. They may be punished for heresy by flogging. Their families may turn against them as their kin choose sides between Christians and Jews. Their family and friends will likely demonize them on account of Jesus, saying all kinds of terrible things about them. If they say Jesus is in league with Beelzebul, the prince of demons, then how much more will they slander and mistreat His followers? But Jesus tells them not to be afraid of them. Rather be afraid of the judge of all souls.
There won't be anyone getting away with anything without consequence. The Lord sees all and justice will be served. Nothing done in secret, will remain hidden. God will expose all wrongdoing. And as much as the ruling religious authorities wish to silence Jesus and His followers, they will not be able to stop the proliferation of the gospel of hope. Jesus tells His apostles to just keep sharing the good news. Keep on proclaiming all that He has told them.
Jesus, at once, both humbles His apostles and exalts them. They are not above Jesus for they are His students and servants, but they are becoming like Him. That is why Jesus entrusted the leadership of the church to these men. The book of Acts describes instances where the apostles are persecuted and put in prison. The first Christian martyr, Stephen, a Greek speaking Jew who was appointed to a ministry of service, was an adept evangelist. His teaching got him in trouble and he was stoned to death by order of the Sanhedrin, the religious ruling council of 70 elders.
Not one of these apostles would fall to their deaths apart from God's care. I do appreciate how the 2011 NIV puts it.
Matthew 10:29 NIV
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.
The Greek word "aneu" is often translated as "apart from", but it means in this context "without one's will or intervention." In other words the apostles will not suffer or die without God's knowledge and consent. It would seem wicked for God to consent to the death of those who serve Him, but we make no such claims against city officials when police officers die in the line of duty. They are in danger of violence because they enforce law and order upon those who do not obey the law. In the same way the apostles were up against the powers of the world, the establishment. As representatives of Christ and His kingdom they were a threat to the status quo. They died advancing the Lordship of Christ and diminishing the grip the devil has upon this earth. These spiritual dominions clash and violence occurs on the front lines where the apostles led and served. Some will necessarily fall for the cause. They gave their lives gladly so that the world might be set free in the love and grace of Jesus Christ. But God did not hand His cherished servants over to death without pain. He cares deeply. So when death is necessary to further the advancement of the kingdom of heaven, it occurs under the care of God. The dead are immediately rescued into the eternal embrace of the creator with His gratitude. Great is their reward.
Jesus continues by promising to acknowledge His apostles before God when they stand before the Judge of all souls. He will speak up for them because they spoke up for Jesus when under persecution. When ordered to be silent, the apostles kept on proclaiming the gospel.
Acts 4:18-20 NIV
Then they (The Sanhedrin) called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
He also warned that if they deny Him, He will do the same when they stand at the final judgement. He will deny He knows them.
Matthew 7:23 NIV
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
The battle between the power of love and life versus the power of sin and death is violent and causes casualties. The appearance of the Christ did not bring peace immediately, except to the hearts of those who believe. The kingdom of heaven creates a rift, even within the home as members choose sides. Jesus speaks of families torn apart when one chooses Christ but others do not.
It would be understandable if a disciple of Jesus felt that losing his family over his beliefs may not be a cost he's willing to pay. Jesus plainly states that if you choose your family over Him, you are not worthy to be His. That may hurt, but that's the kind of dedication required for the battle being waged. The apostles gave up everything so that the world would hear the good news. Thank God for them and all who have sacrificed over the centuries that we might enjoy the freedom Christ gives.
Then, as if Jesus knows others are listening in on God's instructions to His apostles, He promises rewards to those who do receive the apostles with open hearts and open homes. Those who support the apostles when they come to town will be rewarded. The least show of kindness will not go unrewarded. What you give in support of those on the front lines, the evangelists, the missionaries, the community leaders working for social justice, the pastors and teachers, the same reward will return to you and more.
The call of the apostle was all consuming. But their sacrifice changed the world. Look how the world has changed since Jesus walked the earth in Palestine! Look what 12 dedicated men, and those who supported them, accomplished with the grace of God! Be forever grateful and desire your heavenly reward for your part in the great overturning of power that is occurring even now. The kingdom of heaven is advancing and the kingdom of darkness is fading. Do not fear them. Fear God and join the campaign.
“The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
“So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 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.
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 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—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This section of Matthew 10 continues Jesus' instructions to the 12 apostles as He sent them out to minister in the surrounding villages of Galilee and Judea. He had warned them that, on account of His name, they would be dragged before rulers and judges. They may be punished for heresy by flogging. Their families may turn against them as their kin choose sides between Christians and Jews. Their family and friends will likely demonize them on account of Jesus, saying all kinds of terrible things about them. If they say Jesus is in league with Beelzebul, the prince of demons, then how much more will they slander and mistreat His followers? But Jesus tells them not to be afraid of them. Rather be afraid of the judge of all souls.
There won't be anyone getting away with anything without consequence. The Lord sees all and justice will be served. Nothing done in secret, will remain hidden. God will expose all wrongdoing. And as much as the ruling religious authorities wish to silence Jesus and His followers, they will not be able to stop the proliferation of the gospel of hope. Jesus tells His apostles to just keep sharing the good news. Keep on proclaiming all that He has told them.
Jesus, at once, both humbles His apostles and exalts them. They are not above Jesus for they are His students and servants, but they are becoming like Him. That is why Jesus entrusted the leadership of the church to these men. The book of Acts describes instances where the apostles are persecuted and put in prison. The first Christian martyr, Stephen, a Greek speaking Jew who was appointed to a ministry of service, was an adept evangelist. His teaching got him in trouble and he was stoned to death by order of the Sanhedrin, the religious ruling council of 70 elders.
Not one of these apostles would fall to their deaths apart from God's care. I do appreciate how the 2011 NIV puts it.
Matthew 10:29 NIV
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.
The Greek word "aneu" is often translated as "apart from", but it means in this context "without one's will or intervention." In other words the apostles will not suffer or die without God's knowledge and consent. It would seem wicked for God to consent to the death of those who serve Him, but we make no such claims against city officials when police officers die in the line of duty. They are in danger of violence because they enforce law and order upon those who do not obey the law. In the same way the apostles were up against the powers of the world, the establishment. As representatives of Christ and His kingdom they were a threat to the status quo. They died advancing the Lordship of Christ and diminishing the grip the devil has upon this earth. These spiritual dominions clash and violence occurs on the front lines where the apostles led and served. Some will necessarily fall for the cause. They gave their lives gladly so that the world might be set free in the love and grace of Jesus Christ. But God did not hand His cherished servants over to death without pain. He cares deeply. So when death is necessary to further the advancement of the kingdom of heaven, it occurs under the care of God. The dead are immediately rescued into the eternal embrace of the creator with His gratitude. Great is their reward.
Jesus continues by promising to acknowledge His apostles before God when they stand before the Judge of all souls. He will speak up for them because they spoke up for Jesus when under persecution. When ordered to be silent, the apostles kept on proclaiming the gospel.
Acts 4:18-20 NIV
Then they (The Sanhedrin) called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
He also warned that if they deny Him, He will do the same when they stand at the final judgement. He will deny He knows them.
Matthew 7:23 NIV
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
The battle between the power of love and life versus the power of sin and death is violent and causes casualties. The appearance of the Christ did not bring peace immediately, except to the hearts of those who believe. The kingdom of heaven creates a rift, even within the home as members choose sides. Jesus speaks of families torn apart when one chooses Christ but others do not.
It would be understandable if a disciple of Jesus felt that losing his family over his beliefs may not be a cost he's willing to pay. Jesus plainly states that if you choose your family over Him, you are not worthy to be His. That may hurt, but that's the kind of dedication required for the battle being waged. The apostles gave up everything so that the world would hear the good news. Thank God for them and all who have sacrificed over the centuries that we might enjoy the freedom Christ gives.
Then, as if Jesus knows others are listening in on God's instructions to His apostles, He promises rewards to those who do receive the apostles with open hearts and open homes. Those who support the apostles when they come to town will be rewarded. The least show of kindness will not go unrewarded. What you give in support of those on the front lines, the evangelists, the missionaries, the community leaders working for social justice, the pastors and teachers, the same reward will return to you and more.
The call of the apostle was all consuming. But their sacrifice changed the world. Look how the world has changed since Jesus walked the earth in Palestine! Look what 12 dedicated men, and those who supported them, accomplished with the grace of God! Be forever grateful and desire your heavenly reward for your part in the great overturning of power that is occurring even now. The kingdom of heaven is advancing and the kingdom of darkness is fading. Do not fear them. Fear God and join the campaign.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Matthew 10:5-23
Matthew 10:5-23 NIV
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give."
“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town."
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 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, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After choosing His 12 apostles to help build and lead His church, Jesus gave them instructions as He sent them out to the towns and villages of Galilee and Judea. The entire 10th chapter of Matthew is dedicated to these instructions. We read only a portion today of the 38 verses of instruction.
He directs the apostles to only go to the spiritually lost Jews in Israel. They were not yet ready to reach Samaritans, who have no context for understanding hope in a messianic Son of David. Samaritans only recognize the five books of Moses (Genesis through Deuteronomy) as scripture. They reject Jerusalem as the capital and the Davidic line of kings. The gentiles have no context at all to understand the very Jewish notion that the one true God fulfilled His promise by sending the messiah. So the apostles kept their ministry at first only to Jews.
He told them to proclaim the kingdom of heaven is near. As proof of the claim He gave them authority to heal the sick and drive out demons. The words of the good news came with signs and wonders. Jesus gave this grace to the apostles. They did not earn it. Just as freely as they had received the gift of God's grace, they were to give grace freely to others by healing, liberating and giving hope with the gospel.
Jesus instructed them to rely upon the hospitality of God's people in the towns they visit. They were to take no bag of gold or any other special provisions for their missionary journey. They were to trust God to provide along the way. They were working for the Messiah, so they were going to be taken care of. "The worker is with his wages."
The apostles were to search for a home where they'd be welcomed and provided shelter and food. Hospitality to strangers was a custom among faithful Jews. When they were welcomed the apostles were to let the peace of Christ bless their hosts. However, if they were turned away, they were to keep their peace and not cause a ruckus. Instead they were to shake it off. It's as if Jesus is saying, "Don't get upset, but just forget about that town and move on. They'll face the consequences of their hostility to the gospel in due time."
Jesus says that it will be worse for a town that rejects the gospel than for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment. That is a harsh claim because God's wrath utterly destroyed these cities for their sin, turning them to ash and cinder. (Gen 19:24-25) The Old Testament prophets used the same warning. Sodom was always a metaphor for brash and shameless behavior. Sodom and Gomorrah were often used by the prophets to announce impending judgement upon unfaithful Israel or their enemies. If it will be worse for those who reject Jesus and His emissaries than Sodom and Gomorrah's fate, then that kind of warning ought to grab one's attention.
Jesus warned the apostles of the kind of resistance they would meet. He was sending them out like sheep surrounded by a pack of hungry wolves! Because of the resistance to their message that Jesus is Lord and King, the apostles will face fierce punishment like floggings, prison and trial before judges and governors.
I've always found the encouragement here to be inspiring.
Matthew 10:19-20 NIV
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, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
When I first began witnessing through a preaching ministry I struggled fearfully about what I was going to say. The thought that the Spirit would give me the words to say gave me confidence and courage. Jesus' words gave me peace and assurance. But I've not been dragged before government officials. My listeners were, for the most part, kind and open to the good news. My own insecurities were the most fierce. Knowing that God promised to speak through me set my heart at ease.
Christianity today is under attack in America because of some of our moral stances. The current political climate wishes to place a gag order on the church. In 2014, the city of Houston, Texas tried to force pastors to send their sermons into the mayor's office for pre-screening, to look for any so-called hate speech. (http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/10/
In first century Palestine, no such liberties were acknowledged. Christians were imprisoned, tortured and executed by the state, both by Jewish authorities and the Romans. Jesus warns the apostles that severe times are ahead. Family's will be torn apart over the gospel. Believing in Jesus will be a crime. Jews will betray Christians to the authorities, including their own family members.
Matthew 10:22 NIV
You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
The apostles faced terrible persecution. According to Roman Catholic tradition, the apostles were killed as they carried out Christ's mission to preach the gospel. All except John died by some form of execution. John was exiled to the island of Patmos, perhaps until his death. Jesus told the apostles to flee to another town when persecuted. So there's no shame in protecting yourself from attack. Perseverance will be rewarded.
Few of us are answering a call to a traveling ministry of evangelistic preaching. We quietly serve our communities from a local church, often still held with respect. So Jesus' instructions to the apostles aren't quite relevant to American Christians. But remember those Christians in other countries, especially where radicalized Islam is the predominate religion. Horror stories of what is happening to Christians overseas shock me to the core. Jesus' counsel for them is incredibly relevant. Pray for the persecuted church and, should the day come in America where you are dragged into court for your beliefs, remember the promise that God will speak through you. Those who stand firm will be saved.
Christ promises a return to bring the kingdom of heaven in all its fullness. We are charged with preaching the gospel, until then, to every tongue, tribe, and nation. We will not reach everyone before the Son of Man appears. So stand firm in your faith and true to your calling. Allow no persecution to stop your mission to bring hope through the gospel and healing through they grace of our God. In the end you will be rewarded.
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give."
“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town."
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 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, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After choosing His 12 apostles to help build and lead His church, Jesus gave them instructions as He sent them out to the towns and villages of Galilee and Judea. The entire 10th chapter of Matthew is dedicated to these instructions. We read only a portion today of the 38 verses of instruction.
He directs the apostles to only go to the spiritually lost Jews in Israel. They were not yet ready to reach Samaritans, who have no context for understanding hope in a messianic Son of David. Samaritans only recognize the five books of Moses (Genesis through Deuteronomy) as scripture. They reject Jerusalem as the capital and the Davidic line of kings. The gentiles have no context at all to understand the very Jewish notion that the one true God fulfilled His promise by sending the messiah. So the apostles kept their ministry at first only to Jews.
He told them to proclaim the kingdom of heaven is near. As proof of the claim He gave them authority to heal the sick and drive out demons. The words of the good news came with signs and wonders. Jesus gave this grace to the apostles. They did not earn it. Just as freely as they had received the gift of God's grace, they were to give grace freely to others by healing, liberating and giving hope with the gospel.
Jesus instructed them to rely upon the hospitality of God's people in the towns they visit. They were to take no bag of gold or any other special provisions for their missionary journey. They were to trust God to provide along the way. They were working for the Messiah, so they were going to be taken care of. "The worker is with his wages."
The apostles were to search for a home where they'd be welcomed and provided shelter and food. Hospitality to strangers was a custom among faithful Jews. When they were welcomed the apostles were to let the peace of Christ bless their hosts. However, if they were turned away, they were to keep their peace and not cause a ruckus. Instead they were to shake it off. It's as if Jesus is saying, "Don't get upset, but just forget about that town and move on. They'll face the consequences of their hostility to the gospel in due time."
Jesus says that it will be worse for a town that rejects the gospel than for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment. That is a harsh claim because God's wrath utterly destroyed these cities for their sin, turning them to ash and cinder. (Gen 19:24-25) The Old Testament prophets used the same warning. Sodom was always a metaphor for brash and shameless behavior. Sodom and Gomorrah were often used by the prophets to announce impending judgement upon unfaithful Israel or their enemies. If it will be worse for those who reject Jesus and His emissaries than Sodom and Gomorrah's fate, then that kind of warning ought to grab one's attention.
Jesus warned the apostles of the kind of resistance they would meet. He was sending them out like sheep surrounded by a pack of hungry wolves! Because of the resistance to their message that Jesus is Lord and King, the apostles will face fierce punishment like floggings, prison and trial before judges and governors.
I've always found the encouragement here to be inspiring.
Matthew 10:19-20 NIV
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, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
When I first began witnessing through a preaching ministry I struggled fearfully about what I was going to say. The thought that the Spirit would give me the words to say gave me confidence and courage. Jesus' words gave me peace and assurance. But I've not been dragged before government officials. My listeners were, for the most part, kind and open to the good news. My own insecurities were the most fierce. Knowing that God promised to speak through me set my heart at ease.
Christianity today is under attack in America because of some of our moral stances. The current political climate wishes to place a gag order on the church. In 2014, the city of Houston, Texas tried to force pastors to send their sermons into the mayor's office for pre-screening, to look for any so-called hate speech. (http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/10/
In first century Palestine, no such liberties were acknowledged. Christians were imprisoned, tortured and executed by the state, both by Jewish authorities and the Romans. Jesus warns the apostles that severe times are ahead. Family's will be torn apart over the gospel. Believing in Jesus will be a crime. Jews will betray Christians to the authorities, including their own family members.
Matthew 10:22 NIV
You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
The apostles faced terrible persecution. According to Roman Catholic tradition, the apostles were killed as they carried out Christ's mission to preach the gospel. All except John died by some form of execution. John was exiled to the island of Patmos, perhaps until his death. Jesus told the apostles to flee to another town when persecuted. So there's no shame in protecting yourself from attack. Perseverance will be rewarded.
Few of us are answering a call to a traveling ministry of evangelistic preaching. We quietly serve our communities from a local church, often still held with respect. So Jesus' instructions to the apostles aren't quite relevant to American Christians. But remember those Christians in other countries, especially where radicalized Islam is the predominate religion. Horror stories of what is happening to Christians overseas shock me to the core. Jesus' counsel for them is incredibly relevant. Pray for the persecuted church and, should the day come in America where you are dragged into court for your beliefs, remember the promise that God will speak through you. Those who stand firm will be saved.
Christ promises a return to bring the kingdom of heaven in all its fullness. We are charged with preaching the gospel, until then, to every tongue, tribe, and nation. We will not reach everyone before the Son of Man appears. So stand firm in your faith and true to your calling. Allow no persecution to stop your mission to bring hope through the gospel and healing through they grace of our God. In the end you will be rewarded.
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Matthew 9:35-38; 10:1-4
Matthew 9:35-38; 10:1-4 NIV
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. 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; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Did you ever wish that Christ would call you like He did His 12 apostles? I used to wish my name would be called when I was a small boy. I fantasized about walking with Jesus, helping Him in His ministry of healing and hope and holiness. I would hear the bible stories and imagine myself there with Jesus. But childhood fantasies give way to real life challenges. When my wife and I were involved in a ministry known as Marriage Encounter. We attended a weekend retreat in which we were presented a question. "Do you wish to hear the Lord call your name?" We each shared our answers. I remember being visibly shaken by the question. Deep in my core that boyhood fantasy was alive! I longed to hear the Lord call my name more than anything. Eventually I heard the call into ordained ministry, a ministry akin to apostleship.
There are many disciples, all of whom are called to share in Jesus' ministry. Some are financers, like some of the women who supported Jesus.
Luke 8:1-3 NIV
After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
Others provided shelter like Simon the leper. (Mat 26:6) Still others housed churches like Mary, mother of John Mark. (Ac 12:12), but apostleship is a unique calling apart from others. It is to plant new churches, to lead churches toward spiritual maturity and effective ministry. It is to cast vision and lead ministry to fulfill God's vision. It is to birth new expressions of ministry or revitalize existing ministries in new directions. But apostleship is not simply administrative leadership. It's sharing fully in the ministry of Jesus, leading and participating in a ministry of teaching, healing and liberation.
The gospels summarize Jesus' ministry in several places. Matthew 9:35 and 10:1 does a nice job of encapsulating the dimensions of His ministry.
Matthew 9:35 NIV
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
Matthew 10:1 NIV
Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
Jesus taught hope as He proclaimed good news about the kingdom of heaven and of God. He touched the sick and healed them, restoring health. He drove out demons, liberating souls from captivity. He liberated masses from hunger with miraculous food. He shares this ministry with His disciples, with the apostles leading them, and Christ leading us all. He gives authority to His followers in order that they might carry on a ministry of hope, health and holiness, through teaching, healing and liberation in the power of Christ.
As we've seen already, Jesus is connecting people to God, the source of life. Holiness is to be set free from everything that keeps people from living their fullest life in God. It is to be set free from our addictions and earthly attachments that we might fully live in God and serve God's redemptive mission in the world. To be holy is to be like God. To be holy is to be fully set aside for God's purposes. In order for holiness to happen we need liberation from sin, demonic influence or bondage, and social injustice. Christ sets us free to live for Him and join His ministry. Filled with Christ we can lead others compassionately into God's loving embrace.
Jesus looked upon the crowds and felt pain for them like a mother feels when her children are hurting. He said, "Look at all these people in need of God! The harvest is plentiful. But there's a problem. Many souls will rot on the vine because there aren't enough of My disciples who will go and do the hard work it takes to reach them. The workers are few."
Jesus beckons the church to pray for the Lord to send workers into the harvest of souls that Jesus began. Jesus picked 12 that He discerned were ready to join Him and lead His church. There's Peter, Andrew, James and John, fisherman from Galilee. He chose Matthew the tax collector. He chose a zealot, and Judas Iscariot who ended up betraying Him.
How about you? As a Christian you too are called to share in Christ's ministry in some capacity according to your faith and giftedness. Do you look at your neighbors and yearn for them to know the love of God as you do? Do you feel compassion for the harassed and helpless of our world? Then perhaps you are hearing the Lord call you to join Him in the harvest.
Pray for the church to be what the Lord knows we can be, a light in the darkness and the salt of the earth. We are the people of hope, health and holiness. Find your place in the harvest field and gather people to Christ Jesus.
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. 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; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Did you ever wish that Christ would call you like He did His 12 apostles? I used to wish my name would be called when I was a small boy. I fantasized about walking with Jesus, helping Him in His ministry of healing and hope and holiness. I would hear the bible stories and imagine myself there with Jesus. But childhood fantasies give way to real life challenges. When my wife and I were involved in a ministry known as Marriage Encounter. We attended a weekend retreat in which we were presented a question. "Do you wish to hear the Lord call your name?" We each shared our answers. I remember being visibly shaken by the question. Deep in my core that boyhood fantasy was alive! I longed to hear the Lord call my name more than anything. Eventually I heard the call into ordained ministry, a ministry akin to apostleship.
There are many disciples, all of whom are called to share in Jesus' ministry. Some are financers, like some of the women who supported Jesus.
Luke 8:1-3 NIV
After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
Others provided shelter like Simon the leper. (Mat 26:6) Still others housed churches like Mary, mother of John Mark. (Ac 12:12), but apostleship is a unique calling apart from others. It is to plant new churches, to lead churches toward spiritual maturity and effective ministry. It is to cast vision and lead ministry to fulfill God's vision. It is to birth new expressions of ministry or revitalize existing ministries in new directions. But apostleship is not simply administrative leadership. It's sharing fully in the ministry of Jesus, leading and participating in a ministry of teaching, healing and liberation.
The gospels summarize Jesus' ministry in several places. Matthew 9:35 and 10:1 does a nice job of encapsulating the dimensions of His ministry.
Matthew 9:35 NIV
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
Matthew 10:1 NIV
Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
Jesus taught hope as He proclaimed good news about the kingdom of heaven and of God. He touched the sick and healed them, restoring health. He drove out demons, liberating souls from captivity. He liberated masses from hunger with miraculous food. He shares this ministry with His disciples, with the apostles leading them, and Christ leading us all. He gives authority to His followers in order that they might carry on a ministry of hope, health and holiness, through teaching, healing and liberation in the power of Christ.
As we've seen already, Jesus is connecting people to God, the source of life. Holiness is to be set free from everything that keeps people from living their fullest life in God. It is to be set free from our addictions and earthly attachments that we might fully live in God and serve God's redemptive mission in the world. To be holy is to be like God. To be holy is to be fully set aside for God's purposes. In order for holiness to happen we need liberation from sin, demonic influence or bondage, and social injustice. Christ sets us free to live for Him and join His ministry. Filled with Christ we can lead others compassionately into God's loving embrace.
Jesus looked upon the crowds and felt pain for them like a mother feels when her children are hurting. He said, "Look at all these people in need of God! The harvest is plentiful. But there's a problem. Many souls will rot on the vine because there aren't enough of My disciples who will go and do the hard work it takes to reach them. The workers are few."
Jesus beckons the church to pray for the Lord to send workers into the harvest of souls that Jesus began. Jesus picked 12 that He discerned were ready to join Him and lead His church. There's Peter, Andrew, James and John, fisherman from Galilee. He chose Matthew the tax collector. He chose a zealot, and Judas Iscariot who ended up betraying Him.
How about you? As a Christian you too are called to share in Christ's ministry in some capacity according to your faith and giftedness. Do you look at your neighbors and yearn for them to know the love of God as you do? Do you feel compassion for the harassed and helpless of our world? Then perhaps you are hearing the Lord call you to join Him in the harvest.
Pray for the church to be what the Lord knows we can be, a light in the darkness and the salt of the earth. We are the people of hope, health and holiness. Find your place in the harvest field and gather people to Christ Jesus.
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