22 Aug (Matt 9)

The Gospels: The Compassion of Jesus

Matthew 9

(v.5) I love it when Jesus debates with the Pharisees! He answers their questions with His own question! There is so much wisdom in His Word, and they become speechless.

(v.9) We don't know what passed through Matthew's mind when Jesus told him to follow Him, but we do know that he didn't hesitate. Today, we consider lawyers who defend the guilty to be the lowest of the low, since they don't seek to find justice and truth, but they do all that they can to deny truth and justice, in order to free their client. Well, the tax collectors of that day were the lowest of the low, since they were Jews who were helping and profiting off fellow Jews for the Romans.

(v.12) Like the proclaimed traitors, called tax collectors, Jesus came to save all the sick and lost. But before we think we're not in that group, we need to ask if we are sinless, and do we need a Physician to heal us? We do, and He did on the cross for us over 2,000 years ago!

(v.15) We need to remember that Jesus is speaking in terms that Jews will understand Him. Jesus is saying that the disciples have no need to fast, for their God and Messiah is there with them! But when He is gone and in heaven, then they will fast and pray, like we need to do today.

(v.21) I show my kids that this woman displayed great faith. Jesus honors that, and He healed her immediately.

(v.27) Son of David is Messianic...they knew He was the Promised One of David's line!

(v.29) Again, notice that Jesus heals people who have faith, and believe in Him.

(v.37) This is sobering...there are so many people out there lost without Jesus, but we as Christians don't serve enough. I am guilty of this. We get so caught up in our own lives, that we forget to put other people's lives before our own. I am reminded of Gal 6:2

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.