Matthew 9-12
By this time, Jesus has performed a number of miracles, but not using the words “your sins are forgiven” until now. Why did he choose those words? Well, as always he was intending to teach, yet not as many of us still in school are accustomed to. The thing is, once we learn to listen to God and recognize when he is teaching us or answering prayers, do we respond as the crowds did in Mat. 9:8 – “filled with awe; and praising God”?
Later on when Jesus has dinner with Matthew and other tax collectors & sinners, the Pharisees are confused as to why he would associate with sinners. Jesus explains very directly that he came to heal the “sick” or the “sinners” as it were and I can’t help but wonder why today so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ chose to isolate themselves with other Christians when we are supposed to be “Christ-like” as the name Christian denotes. Is it easier to be surrounded by like-minded individuals? Sure it is, but it’s not how Jesus lived and though I’m guilty of retreating to my comfort zone at times, I know it’s not where Christ would have me.
Jesus sent out his disciples to harvest human beings and he also gave them some incredible assurances. When you are serving the Lord, you can trust in one thing – He WILL provide whatever means necessary to sustain you. If you’ve ever had anxiety over sharing your faith with somebody because maybe it’s your first time doing so, or maybe someone you respect is challenging the foundations of Christianity and waiting for you to respond, then just remember that “it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Your Father will not forsake you!
As in John 3:16, Jesus states that only through himself can anyone “know God.” Along those lines He also lays out some guidelines for us to follow and repercussions if we don’t. “…whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. Anyone who loves his father or mother…son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” There are no two ways about it! We are all raised to revere our family above all else, but Christ says NO! God first, whatever else second. Additionally, each of us must account for every “careless word” spoken here on earth on judgment day. I can’t even imagine how ashamed I will feel that day and I think it’s something that we ought to consider daily.
Nevertheless, we can rest easy because our Lord is “gentle and humble in heart and we can find rest for our souls. For His yoke is easy and His burden is light.” What’s even greater is that Jesus, our Lord and Savior, regards you and me as his “brother and sister and mother.” Wow!
Zach
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