Matthew 14

 What a crazy day yesterday- again! Sitting doing some church work and the power goes out. I was about ready to cry- but held it in and did some reading (The Good Girl by Mary Kubica). Power came on after just a few hours, but there was no internet until about dinner time. How did we work prior to technology?! And now the flooding all over the place, especially PA. I hope you are all making it through this weather and strange phenomenon we have been having! Our fun yesterday was playing in the puddles with Finn and Sully!

This chapter deals with three big stories- the death of John the Baptist, the feeding of the 500, and Jesus walking on water. 

The Herod we are introduced here (v 1), is Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great- the ruler during the birth of Jesus. It is likely Herod's guilt and superstition led Herod to believe that John had been resurrected. Historical accounts say that John the Baptist and Jesus looked very similar, so they could be mistaken for each other. Herod had John the Baptist killed at the request of the daughter of Herodias. John had spoken out about the marriage between Herod and Herodias; Herod illegally divorced his first wife and then seduced and married Herodias, his brother Phillip's wife! Who sys the Bible is boring and dull! Her daughter danced (likely scantily clad and very seductively) for Herod and his party goers. She requests the head of John the Baptist as her "payment" (obviously at the direction of Herodias). Fear of Herodias made Herod kill John. John's disciples came to bury John's body.

Jesus tries to get some quiet time to grieve the death of his beloved cousin (v 13), but the crowd continued to press in on him. The feeding of the multitudes is in all four gospels- so it must be an important story! We see Jesus' compassion, though, as he "feels sorry for them and heals them" (v 14) even despite his need to grieve and be alone. Do we have that ability to forget about our needs and look at the needs of others? The day is getting late and the disciples come to have Jesus ask the crowds to go home and get their own food. I love Jesus' response, "You feed them!" (v 16). How many times have we told people to "go home" or denied them "feeding"? Did the disciples not remember the wedding at Cana? Do we not remember the wedding at Cana? From John's Gospel, we hear that a boy donated the bread and fish, we don't hear that in Matthew (v 17). It was someone small and insignificant that provided for others.  How do we interpret the actions of others that we feel are less than us? Jesus blesses the bread and then gives it to the disciples to pass out- they were originally the ones who wanted the people  to go away. God provides in unexpected ways! There are 12 baskets left over- 12: the number of disciples, the number of tribes of Israel. Who are we in this story: in the crowd, the disciples, the little boy donating his food?

Immediately (v 22) Jesus and the disciples leave. Why immediately? Jesus did get some away time and finally had prayer time with God. It is important for us to see that even as connected as Jesus and God were- Jesus needed prayer time. What does that say about prayer time for us? A storm comes up suddenly (not uncommon in the sea of Galilee) and the disciples are alone in the boat. The disciples are exhausted from rowing and fighting the storm and Jesus comes out, walking on water. Imagine the fear and questions they must have had! Jesus comforts them with words, "It is me." Do we ever hear Jesus say those words to us? Then Jesus says "those words" 'If it really is You' Why did Peter doubt? Why do we doubt? Peter begins to make progress- walking across the water as he kept his eyes on Jesus, but then when he realized what was happening and that the storm was still violent, he lost control and began to sink. Has that happened to you? Human nature- we get caught up in the small things that we lose sight of the big picture. Jesus talks with Peter about Peter's "little faith." How little (or big) is your faith? Does it match the faith of Peter or the faith of the people on the shores of Gennesaret (where they land after the storm) that only needed to touch Jesus garment to be healed?

Some tough thoughts and questions to struggle with in today's reading! Keep the faith and keep up the good work!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Matthew 13

 Wow! What a crazy few days! I hope you all survived the wind and the power outage and the rain from last night! Crazy weather these last few days!! No power for many hours, followed by no internet for over a day! It is amazing how dependent we are on technology! Worship filled weekend for me too! Led worship at Little Meadows at 9AM (with some unusual excitement) and then worship at Apalachin UMC (filling in for July as they search for new pastor) and then led worship at Good Shepherd Village in Endwell at 2PM. Is there such a thing as church over-load?! We did celebrate my 10 year anniversary at Little Meadows. Ten years?! My first message there was my "envy" of Moses. He got to hear God's voice coming out of the burning bush saying take off your sandals because you are walking on Holy Ground. God then tells Moses that he is selected to lead the Hebrew people. I still envy Moses- I want to see the bush, on fire, right here, and hear God's voice! My congregation gave me a Euonymus plant ("Burning Bush") and a butterfly gazing ball in celebration!

The stand was made by paternal great- uncle about 80 years ago. The original globe was a hand made (by him also) 24" diameter mirrored gazing ball that I accidentally broke this spring. This butterfly one is a great replacement. After my dad died, my mom would say when a butterfly was visiting that it was Dad checking up on us. Now that she is also in Paradise, I think the same thing when I see butterflies- she and dad are with me.

So, let's begin with Matthew 13! Matthew 13 is filled with parables...stories used by Jesus to teach.  We have read many of these and heard many of these before. I am goin to start with VV 10-17- Jesus explains his use of the parables.

Jesus begins with the story about planting seeds, and then the disciples ask, "Why do you use stories to teach people?" (v 10). Sometimes the stories/ parables are more confusing than just staying what Jesus means! Jesus explains that he uses the parables to teach so that the hearts of those that reject the message won't be hardened any more. Parables are "earthly stories with a heavenly message."  Those that are open to the message will gain much more meaning from them; those that reject the message will end up in a worse condition. Not a good situation to be in! There is a statement that I have used a few times in worship: the same heat that softens a potato also hardens the egg. What is good for one person may not be so good for another. The use of parables will enhance the understanding of those that are spiritually in tune, yet will not confuse or cause "others" to reject the Gospel more. I get and understand some of the  parables, but am really confused at others- where does that put me in the continuum of spiritual openness?!

Back to v 1 and the first parable of the sower (or the seed or the soil- depending on how we look at it!). Jesus is creative in his teaching positions. Today, he uses a boat slightly off shore. That distances him somewhat from the  crowd, but also amplifies his voice. I can remember a few times in school, I would use a tree stump or larger rock to stand on when talking with my kids when I was outside- same idea! Definitely not a "synagogue approved" method of teaching- I could just hear the elders of the synagogue saying, "You can't do that!" It reminds me of the movie "Dead Poet's Society" when Robin Williams has his students stand on top of their desk to get a different perspective; the head master of the school comes in and there is shock and disapproval on his face!

Anyway- this first parable is planting seeds in various soils. Agricultural to those that don't have "spiritual ears" yet a heavenly message for those that are open to God and the Kingdom. Planting seeds in/on a hard path (v 4), rocky ground (v 5-6), over-fertile soil (v 7), and just right soil (v 8). Jumping ahead to v 18- Jesus begins to explain the story. The hardened path is like those that have hardened hearts- they hear the words but it is quickly snatched away by the "Evil One" (the birds). I wonder how many listeners of the word have been too "sermonized" that we have become like the hardened path. We hear the words, but they just bounce away and get snatched up! Any thoughts? The seeds on rocky soil represent the people that are full of enthusiasm, but then "burn out" quickly (vv 20-21). It isn't the sudden acceptance, it is the lack of depth that causes these to wither and fall away. In my ministry at Little Meadows, I have experienced this a few times. People full of energy and full of the desire to know, but when something difficult comes or they get shaken in their faith- they fall away. No depth. The thorny weeds (vv 22) may represent the riches of our world that we have that cause us to stumble or be chocked out when we hear the Word. It is the over fertilized life that causes all things to grow up in our life and take us away from God and the kingdom. We need a good balance (v 23) of soil and fertilizer and water to be productive members of the Kingdom. The seed is the same, the sower uses the same method- it is the soil (the person) upon which the seed was sown that makes the difference. What type of soil are you?

 

 

The next parable (vv 24- 30; 36-43 explained)- about the wheat (good plants) and tares (weed-like plants) is about the corruption and bad influences that are among the people of God. Tares probably refers to a plant called darnel- a poisonous relative of wheat that looks like wheat up until the heads of grain form- thus the reference to the final harvest (v 30). When the final harvest comes, when the Kingdom of God comes to fruition, then the weeds will be thrown into the fires! The "frightening aspect of this is that we don't know the difference between the good wheat and the bad tares. Who are those "tares" in your life? Are you one?

 

And we just lost power…again!

 

Two hours later we are back- but now no internet!

 

Our next parable is the familiar mustard seed yeast (vv 31- 35). On the outside, it looks like a parable of the dominance of the church- the mustard seed growing to a huge tree. Something so tiny (the initial church) becoming so large that it dominates the landscape. The church began like that-  av small group of people going out and planting seeds; eventually the church became one of the major influencers of the world. However, as we look more into it, we see the birds begin nesting in the tree (v 32). This portrays a beautiful picture for us. The issue is, when we look back at v 4 and the birds came by to eat the seed- birds are symbolic of the evil in the world. In many Hebrew texts and old world literature, the bird  was a symbol for Satan and the evil powers of Satan. So, the church is now beginning to harbor evil! Do we see "birds nesting" in our churches? In the same fashion, the leaven (the yeast) reference (v 33) is a reference to evil and corruption. Remember the story of the Exodus Passover meal- use no yeast- so the loves were unleavened. There is a hint also in the word usage, "…the woman hid it in the meal…" Hiding something is usually a symbol for something bad. This may be a reference to the outside pagan influences that are part of the world and are counter to the church. What "leavening" do we have in our communities?

 

The hidden treasure (v 44) is an interesting parable. The idea here is that, according to Judaic law, if a man finds a treasure or something in a field and digs it up, it becomes the property of the owner of the field. So the man (in this case representing Jesus), buys the field and the treasure (humanity) becomes His. Similarly, the pearl (humanity) is so precious, that the man (Jesus) would do whatever he could to obtain that valuable piece of property. Do you feel as if you are a hidden treasure or a worthy pearl in the eyes of God?

 

The final parable is one about  the end times (vv 47- 50). The world will remain divided, even up until the end; there will be good and bad coexisting at the same time.  When the Kingdom of God is ushered in, the angles will be there to assist God in separating the good fish (and adding them to the Kingdom) from the bad fish (and throwing them into the eternal flames)! What a great movie this would make!

 

Jesus then questions the disciples, "Do you guys get this?" They respond, "Why certainly, rabbi!" Did they? Do we? Jesus then essentially then charges them with taking their understanding and giving/teaching to others. The disciples (v 52) now know the old ways (Jewish laws and customs) and the new ways (Jesus' life and ministry). Do we accept that charge from Jesus- to go and teach?

 

Jesus leaves the area and goes to his home town (Nazareth, although some texts claim Capernaum is Jesus' "home town" as he spent most of his ministry there). He must have had a typical, unspectacular childhood as the villagers comment, "Isn't this Joseph's son?" (v 55). They seem torn that He could be doing miracles and healings in his home town, yet "just be the son of a carpenter".  Do we question peoples' faith/belief systems based on their earlier life? The list of siblings that Matthew provides shows us that Jesus had a "normal" family; the Roman Catholic church desires perpetual virginity for Mary, so Jesus' family is usually left out of their texts! The word choice, "…this man…" (v 56) by the villagers (and by Matthew) give us the impression that they are not very welcoming or friendly to Jesus. Jesus recognizes this and calls them out saying. "A prophet is not welcome in their home town." I have used that line a few times when I made some "controversial" remarks at several meetings at a former church of mine. I get what Jesus is feeling and saying. Sometimes, people don't want the truth. Jack Nicholson in one of his movies (no internet here yet, so can't look it up!) says, "You can't handle the truth!" I think that is what Jesus is saying here. Have you ever felt that-- telling the truth but then becoming alienated because of it?

 

Well my friends…this post has been done for a few hours, but alas, there is still no internet…so it will appear when Spectrum figures out what is wrong with the web!

 Internet finally is on (after about 6 hours). Sorry this is late but it is here!!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Rough Few Days

 Good afternoon- I think- on Friday- I think!

What a wicked storm on Wednesday! We lost power about 9PM Wednesday and it just came back on...no power means no internet or computer...so no posts. Sorry! I will begin posting again on Monday as I still have this Sunday's message to write!!

I am tired!

Peace+
Pastor Paul

Matthew 12

 Good morning again! I hope you all had a good day yesterday. Nice day with a few wicked storms! It was good to get away for a few days, but then when you get back there is so much work to get caught up on!

Today's chapter has some familiar stories and statements from Jesus. We begin with the Pharisees getting upset at the disciples and Jesus when they pick grains of wheat from the plants (v 2). The gleaning of the wheat wasn't the "illegal" point- it was they day that they were doing it. The laws allowed people that were travelling to glean from the fields when they were hungry; farmers were required to leave a small amount of grain standing so that travelers could have that option. Jesus and the disciples didn't break God's command of observing the Sabbath, but they did break man's command of no work on the Sabbath! Jesus comes back with the example from David (from 1 Samuel 21)- peoples' well-being is more important than rituals. Jesus then discusses the temple priests (v 5)- they break the Sabbath rules all the time (lighting a fire on the Sabbath, preparing the animal sacrifices, the actual sacrifice- the list could continue). Jesus then says some shocking(?) words, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" (v 8). This was a direct claim of divine life! I could imagine the Pharisees just squirming at these words! They had to do something about this man Jesus! The rising of opposition to Jesus is beginning.

Jesus set an example of attending public worship (v 9). Did he have to attend worship? I mean, he is God. The man with the withered hand is there. The rulers probably knew Jesus would do something; was the  man a plant to see just what Jesus would do? Through his compassion, Jesus healed the man while shutting down the Pharisees- we obviously need to have more compassion for people than for sheep- right? Do we- have more compassion for people rather than our possessions? The chilling result comes in v 14- the Pharisees being their plot to kill Jesus. Prior to this, they were just finding fault in what Jesus was doing, but this act of compassion seems to be a tipping point of the Pharisees. Luke 6:11 says the "critics were filled with rage..."

Jesus leaves the town and goes out healing and teaching. Jesus had compassion for all and showed his compassion through acts of healing and grace. Jesus, like several times before, asks people not to say anything, quoting from Isaiah about the "Servant chosen by God" (vv 18-21). In these words we hear compassion, love, humbleness, humility, and gentleness. The closing words- "the non-Jewish people will find hope" show us the ultimate goal of Jesus' ministry. This statement was definitely revealing and surprising to Matthew's readers- probably they even found it offensive!

Jesus goes on to heal a demon possessed person (v 22)- something we have seen before. Demonstrating his power and authority even over demons, the people begin to look at Jesus as Messiah (v 23), but the religious leaders say it is because of Jesus' relationship with Satan (v 24). Jesus counters with the fact that Satan would not want to cast out a demon- it would benefit Satan nothing (vv 25- 26). Jesus continues with the point that religious leaders cast out demons, yet they claim power from God to do it (v 27). How can something be true for one person and not for another? Envy begins to show more and more in these stories. Jesus explains (using an analogy of a strong man) that He is stronger than Satan (v 29). Jesus is "stealing" people one by one from Satan's dominion. What follows are string words from Jesus (v 30). "If you are not with me then you are against me." Blasphemy will not be tolerated by God and God's judgement will be harsh. Aimed directly at the Pharisees and other religious leaders, Jesus uses these words to caution them about going against Jesus.

The true hearts and souls of the religious leaders (and us) are found in the words and "fruits" we display (vv 33-37). Words are powerful indicators of what we feel; words do tell what our hearts are like. The reference to snakes (vipers, v 34) is a direct reference to Satan. How can you be of Satan yet also try to be of God. 

The Pharisees turn to Jesus looking for a sign or miracle. They wanted a sign so they could comment against him again? Hadn't they seen enough signs already? Jesus then references the story of Jonah (vv 39- 41). Notice the similarities in Jonah's story and the death of Jesus: Jonah gave his life for the sins of others, he was dead three days, he came "back to life". The people of Nineveh repented and Jesus is greater than Jonah. Jesus is essentially saying- Don't you get it?!

Jesus capitalizes on the demon possessed man who has been healed. Jesus is saying that Satan can only inhabit lifeless and empty people, so we must do our best to fill people with the Holy Spirit. The more full we are, the less likely we can be inhabited by demons. If we are filled with Jesus, then we cannot be filled with evil. How full of Jesus are you?

We hear that Jesus' family is close by and wanting to talk to Jesus. Were they going to convince him to back off some at the face of opposition? Were they worried about his life? We expect Jesus' family to have some special privileges, but it doesn't seem that way. Jesus looks to the crowd and says that whoever believes and works with Jesus are part of the family. Are we brothers and sisters of Jesus?

Some hard words from Jesus during these verses. We begin to sense the opposition rising. We know the end of the story- but how much did the people know and understand? Tomorrow's chapter brings us the beginning of the parables of Jesus and we will read several tat are familiar to us.

Enjoy the day that we are being blessed with. Thanks for continuing in this tough work.

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Matthew 11

 Good morning! What a beautiful morning so far!

I hope you all had a great weekend. We went to my brother's home in Orchard Park NY for the weekend for a small family gathering. Saturday was a fun day of sailing and the Buffalo Science Museum, Sunday was family picnic with my sister-in-law's family and then Monday we had breakfast in the park with the extended Reed family. Nice to see everyone, but we are tired! Back to "real life" again!

This chapter begins with an interesting question (v 3) from John the Baptist- "Are you the One?" In John's Gospel, we hear John the Baptist proclaiming Jesus is the One; here we hear John asking it in question form? Is this for his benefit or for his disciples' benefit? Do we ask that same question or is it a statement that we ask?

Jesus counters with an affirmation that he is the One, but that his acts are more humble and caring than the people may have expected (v 5). We cold interpret John's question as, "Why aren't you doing more?" People were expecting someone to come with fire and fight, no love and peace! The Jews expected deliverance from political oppression, but needed to have faith that Jesus was the Messiah (v 6). What do we expect from Jesus?

Jesus reminds the people that were gathered that John was a hand selected herald of the Messiah and is therefore one of the greatest people that has lived (v 10). Some people put John into a doubting person because of the question he had his disciples ask earlier, but Jesus heightens him to greatness and faithful with Jesus' words (v 11). Many people thought John was the  Messiah, but he would correct them- saying someone greater than me is coming! The one "issue" with John (that Jesus brings out, v 11) is that he (John) is still born of the former covenant. He will die before Jesus' new covenant will come to fruition; John will never see the glory of Jesus' resurrection.

Jesus then talks of Moses and Elijah and some of the other prophets; their role was to say The Messiah is coming." Jesus compares that to John who says "The Messiah is here!" (vv 12- 14). What are people proclaiming today? Jesus then goes on too say that even with the proclamations from John and the  former prophets- there are still some people that will not believe that Jesus is the Messiah (vv 16- 19). What do people believe today? People were critical of Jesus' ministry; they expected more- not someone who would eat with "them" (the tax collectors and sinners!)

Jesus then confronts the towns that he did his miracles in. Since they had a greater opportunity to see and witness the light, they are more accountable (something we have heard Paul say in his writings). Greater light means greater accountability- where does that put us? Jesus tells of upcoming judgement and wrath for the non-believers (that have seen). These are tough words from Jesus! Words that we often forget He said!

Jesus then turns to God and offers praise and joy (v 25). Jesus thanks God for allowing him to go to the "babes" (v 25), the unexpected people, the people that were lower on the class scale, to reveal Jesus' miracles and teachings. The common thought was that the rich and haughty should have been the ones Jesus went to, but God used the lowly and outcasts for Jesus' mission. What does that say to us?

Jesus then makes some bold statements: He is God's son (v 27)! An astonishing self-claim! The joy is that if we know Jesus, then we also know God! Jesus then invites people (v 28) to join in the kingdom. Jesus loves those words, "Come to me" and we hear variations of that statement throughout the Gospels. Jesus refers to the "yoke"; this is a reference to an expression of obligation to God (rather than a yoke of burden as in carrying water buckets, but it can also reference that too). Jesus is asking to join- and many people did. Jesus goes on to describe his nature- humble, calm, loving (v 29). We can have that life if we accept Jesus' yoke. The yoke is light, the burden is easy (v 30) when we join with Jesus because he is carrying the load. In the context of farming- people would often yoke a young, newly trained animal to an older, experienced animal so that the new one would learn from "the master" how to carry a load. Jesus does that with us; when we are yoked with Him, we learn how to carry those loads and burdens. 

This was a tough chapter- some harsh and difficult words from Jesus about God's judgement, followed by some comforting and uplifting words with an invitation to join!

I hope you have a great day! Thanks for all the hard work you are putting in to this study. I know it is tough but I think well worth it!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Matthew 10

 Technology! Ugh! My old (15 years or so) laptop is finally spent! Took most of yesterday working on fixing and reinstalling things, and still nothing. So hopefully a new one will be here in a few days! I am still using Sherri's Mac and the keys are smaller and things are set up different…so who knows what I am actually typing!

Beautiful day- except for the rain- but so cool. Almost thought I was going to have to start a fire in the fireplace!!

We are leaving this afternoon for road trip to Buffalo. All three Reed boys will be gathered or the weekend! Lauren and Joseph will be coming (Chris is staying hoe to get some work done that he is behind on). Morgan and Bobbi-Jo will not be there; it is an 8 hour drive to Buffalo from Vermont- too much for the weekend. Kevin's two kids (Liam and Kassidy) are home for the summer; Eric's husband (Joe) is in Louisville- he dad is quite old and health is failing quickly- so he extended his stay there. It will be good to see the family! 

Jesus begins this chapter with the disciples. An important point of the group of men that are Jesus' disciples is the diversity of the group: none of them are "entitled" or upper class, most are working-class, some "hated" by the commoners (Matthew the tax collector eg). Not only did Jesus call them to follow and earn- he sent them out to work! Do we feel called? Do we feel sent out? All 12- even Judas- have an important role in God's goal of redemption and salvation. Some people ask why 12 were chosen- remember the 12 tribes of Israel. It is important to note that Jesus sent the 12 to the lost sheep of Israel first- the Jews. He commands them to no go to the non-Jews (v 5). Quite a contrast to what we will hear Jesus say later. Remember- Matthew was written for the Jews- so thus would make sense for Jesus to say this in this interpretation of the events.  They are sent to preach and teach! And they are to do it frequently (v 8). Jesus commands them to do it at no cost and to expect nothing from the people they meet. Jesus says to find a worthy person to stay with (v 11) not a wealthy person! If they are not well received- then just leave the town and don't get upset (v 14); again the concept of judgement comes up!

Jesus then cautions the disciples to be wary and to know that they will face persecution. How would you respond in this situation? Imagine going to work and having your boss say that you will be persecuted! These men had no police protection and had no idea how they would be received in the towns the visited. Can you imagine that? We at least can travel and know that we will be (usually) safe. And this will happen because of Jesus (v 17). Would you be willing to be persecuted because of your boss? Jesus continues with his warnings and cautions-- and the men still went. I don't know how I would have felt hearing all these warnings! V 23 is somewhat confusing. Is Jesus saying that He would return before the disciples finished their work?

An interesting comment that Jesus makes is vv 24-25: Jesus and his disciples are equal. One is not better than the other and they should be treated the same. Imagine if our bosses today felt the same way?! The reference to Satan (v 25) is the second time in Matthew that this has come up. It was a definite slur and negative feeling to be associated with Beelzebul!

After all of this, Jesus comments (v 26), "Do not be afraid." My response (and maybe the disciples), "Yah, sure, do not be afraid?!" Jesus affirmed that the truth of their honorable sacrifices would be recognized and "remembered" by God. The reminder continues that the message of God should not be hidden form people and should be sent out to all people (v 27). Do we shout out God's message form the rooftops?

There are some tough words in the next verse (v 32- 33). If we are public about Jesus and the kingdom for God, then Jesus will confirm that with God- however, the opposite is true to. If we hold back and don't say anything- Jesus will confirm that with God.  What is Jesus saying about us? Are we public or are we holding back? The message of Jesus us peace, but it is a peace that will require work and commitment and troubles. The world of the time (and now) is not a peaceful place- so there may be battles, there may be division in the family, there may be troubles (vv 34-37+). Then some familiar words- take up your cross (v 38). To take up your cross meant to face certain death, as people sentenced to death y crucifixion would be rehired to carry the cross piece of their own cross. Imagine being a disciple hearing that to follow Jesus may mean death by crucifixion-- but they still followed! Would we?

There are some closing words of comfort in this tough chapter. Words of peace and grace and salvation. These words must have been comfort enough, as the message of God continued to spread and move throughout the world!

This was a tough chapter- filled with potential harm and persecution  and possible death.  If I were a disciple- I'm not sure I could hear these words and continue in the "program"! There must have been something really special about Jesus and his workings and teachings that the disciples really believed. They were a special group of people!

Have a great weekend. I hope we all get time with family and friends as we celebrate July 4th on Sunday!!

Shalom+

Pastor Paul

Matthew 9

 Good morning! What a beautiful rain last night! We needed it and the temperatures will be re tolerable for a while. My computer finally died (after 15 years of operation!) so I am using Sherri's Mac…set up is slightly different so its not going well for me!! Time for a new one!!

Jesus returns to Capernaum (v 1), his home town as suggested in Matthew 4:13. He was on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee (8:18) and now returns to the western side. He is preaching/teaching to a house full of people. The other Gospels tell us the man was lowered through the roof. This healing is one of the many tat are prophesied (Isaiah 35:5-6, eg) when the prophets said, "The eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf will hear, the tongues of the dumb will be loosed and the lame will leap with joy." Jesus didn't heal to please the crowds or to attain greatness, he healed to minister to the humble. It is interesting to notice that it was the faith of the friends that Jesus noticed- not necessarily the lame man (v 2); we know nothing about the faith of the man. Jesus healed not only the man's paralytic condition, but also his sins (v 2).

The scribes aren't too happy and begin to complain and object-privately- about Jesus (v 3). They were correct in complaining that Jesus did only something God could do- but they didn't realize that Jesus was God! Jesus catches them as Matthew says "Knowing their thoughts..." (v 4). This should have been enough to convince the scribes that Jesus was divine! The scribes are shocked that Jesus is acting all powerful and all God-like. To settle the question- the man gets up and walks away- proving that Jesus had the power of God to heal. The man gets up and goes home; the crowds are amazed and give glory to God- not to Jesus- which is what Jesus wanted. 

Matthew (aka Levi, son of Alphaeus, Mark 2:14) the tax collector was tapped by Jesus to join in his disciples. Tax collectors were some of the most mistrusted and hated people as they were seen to be huge collaborators with Rome. Often times the tax collectors were Jewish, but had a string tie to Rome; people looked at them as traitors. Does God select people we feel are "unfit" to be disciples? Jesus says to Matthew, "Follow me" (v 9) and Matthew gets up and follows Jesus. What was it about Jesus that caused Matthew to do this? As an aside...there is some evidence that fish collected form the Sea of Galilee were taxed. So when Peter, James, and John (all fishermen) met Matthew (the tax collector) I wonder if there was an awkward moment?!

Jesus sits and eats with "them" (v 10). Can you imagine- eating with "them"!? We don't even want "them" as part of our group, and now He is eating with "them"?! The nerve of that guy, Jesus! The Pharisees were the most critical of Jesus and Jesus comes back with he comment- Aren't the sick the ones who need the doctors?" (v 12). I am glad that God calls the sinners and not just the well people!

Jesus then opens a ball of wax when he says, "Go and figure this one out..." in v 13.Jesus begins to approach the old v new covenant and the laws that Paul was always talking about. Remember- these words were addressed to the Pharisees- the educated teachers of the masses! John's disciples begin to pick up on this and address the old v new covenants in the questions of fasting (v 14).  The Pharisees and John;s disciples would fast twice a week (especially for the Pharisees it was to often to impress the community); Jesus' disciples did not. What's up with that?! The time will come when Jesus' followers will fast, but now isn't the time (v 15). Jesus hints at his "removal" as the "bridegroom  will be taken away." Jesus continues with the old wine-skins and the new wine. The two are incompatible. The new covenant (new wine) doesn't repair or reform the old (old wineskins)...it is a replacement. New also refers to the Gentiles as being part of the covenant.

As Jesus is talking, a leader of the synagogue comes and worships Jesus (v 18). Had Jesus not been God, this would have been blasphemy! Notice the words here- "lay hands on my daughter" compared to the centurion (in chapter 8) that wanted Jesus just to say the words. The leader had less faith? The story is interrupted by the woman with a bleeding condition (vv 20- 22). It was her faith, that just touching Jesus' outer garment (worn by all Jews) would heal her. Her private condition was made public and she was healed Jesus finally makes it to the rulers home and the (likely paid) mourners turn from mourning to ridicule very quickly (vv 23-24). "Professional mourners" were hired by even the poorest people! Jesus turns the tables and rebukes them by saying she is just sleeping. She is resurrected and people talk even more!

Jesus goes on to heal several more people: two blind men and the mute demon possessed man. In both cases it is the faith of the people that Jesus comments on. And in both these cases, the Pharisees begin questioning Jesus and Jesus' intentions. They are beginning to build a case against him, and I am sure Rome is involved!

The closing of this chapter we see Jesus' compassion and love for people. The image of shepherding is strong here. Sheep are worrisome and anxious creatures without guidance. Jesus notices their conditions and shows them love. There is great need and Jesus is there, ready and able to fill those needs...are we?

Shalom+

Pastor Paul