He gave them authority

He gave them authority

Scripture:

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. Matthew 10:1-4

Observation:

At this stage, Matthew now gives us the Lord’s appointment of the 12 key disciples, whom He gives authority to drive out impure spirits and heal every disease and sickness. This authority Jesus also gives to us who are His disciples today, to drive out demons and heal in His name. As mentioned in the previous chapter, much of the success of this application is in the degree of faith that a Christian has.

Looking at the twelve Apostles, we see that there are two sets of brothers – Simon Peter and Andrew, and James and John, the sons of Zebedee. So we see here the Lord’s desire that families serve Him together. Other than that, we see that His disciples come from various unusual backgrounds. There was Simon the Zealot who was a nationalist which could quite possibly be termed a terrorist in today’s terms. Then there was Matthew himself the tax collector. And then there were the brothers who were fishermen. Personality wise, the disciples were also quite diverse. Peter was impulsive. Thomas was pessimistic. James and John lost their temper easily, giving rise to their name as the sons of thunder. Judas of course, loved money and ultimately betrayed Jesus.

On the whole thus, we see that Jesus can use anyone, regardless of occupation or background, regardless of personality. He even gave Judas a chance, despite his many faults.

Application:

Remember that we have the authority given by Jesus to drive out demons and heal the sick. Ask Him for wisdom and faith to use this authority effectively and wisely according to God’s will. Thank God that He is able to use every one of us, regardless of our background, education, occupation or personality. Come before God simply as ourselves, ready to serve Him in whichever way He may call us.

Prayer:

Praise thee, Lord Jesus, for the divine authority that You have given us, giving us power over demons, and over sickness. Increase our faith and wisdom O Lord, that we may use this authority at opportune times, according to Your will. We praise You, Lord, that You chose Your disciples from diverse backgrounds and occupations and personalities. In spite of ourselves and our weaknesses You are able to bring out something precious. Draw us to Yourself, we pray, and change our hearts to be more and more inclined to You. Call us Lord, lead us to the destiny You have prepared for us. In Jesus name, Amen.

They were harassed and helpless

They were harassed and helpless

Scripture:

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.” Matthew 9:35-38

Observation:

In this passage, we see the life of Jesus as an itinerant preacher, going through all the towns and villages, visiting the synagogues, preaching, teaching and healing. We should note that the Lord went to both the towns and villages. His mission was to reach everyone whether young or old, city dwellers or village folk. Today, it is the same. God is concerned with saving people everywhere, in the cities, in the villages, even in the jungles.

Now wherever Jesus went, the crowds of people had one thing in common. They were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus had compassion on them and told his disciples, the harvest is plentiful. There is an important lesson for us here. When people are harassed and helpless, therein lies great opportunity for them to be saved, and this is consistent with the Beatitudes where Jesus taught “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven” and “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”. Where is the harvest? Just look where people are harassed and helpless, be it in the cities or the villages. Contrast this to the rick folk who think they have everything they need and do not need anything. That’s why Jesus mentioned how hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.

The second thing Jesus then said was that the workers are few. The workers particularly referred to here are the harvesters, those who bring in the crop. There are many workers who perhaps plant seeds and water the plants, but somehow the harvesters are hard to come by. It is not hard to show some kindness to colleagues and be a good testimony, but to actually engage a friend and challenge them to accept Christ as Lord and Savior is something few are willing or able to do well.

Seeing that the workers are few, are we to conscript workers from the church, and force or coerce our members to fulfill the great commission by hook or by crook. Without the right heart, or if a person is not ready, it is not easy to be a harvester. What did Jesus say then? Ask God to send out workers into his harvest field.

When we pray, Lord, send out workers, what happens? We, in fact, acknowledge that the role of the harvester is a calling from God. It must begin with God. As we pray, would the Lord call us too to be a harvester? Quite certainly, He might, when the time is right for us. Would we be reluctant like Moses, and ask God to send someone else? Would we be overcome by our fears of rejection and ridicule? The Lord reassures us that He will give us the words to speak, like He did for Moses.

Application:

Remember that God loves everyone, rural folk or city folk, young or old, male or female. Remember that the harvest is especially plentiful when people are most in need. Look out for opportunities like that when we can show people how our God helps us. Pray for the Lord to send workers into His field. By recognizing that God is the originator of the calling, we wait for His guidance to see if He will call us in that particular area. At the same time, our prayer strengthens and confirms the calling of those the Lord calls.

Prayer

I praise You, Heavenly Father, for Your great love for all of us, young or old, male or female, rural or city folk. You love us all like Your children and it is Your will that none should perish but should come to salvation in Jesus Christ. Give me a new heart I pray, that looks to offer those in need a helping hand. Help us recognize opportunities where we may bring Your salvation to those who yearn for it. Send forth workers into Your field, Heavenly Father. Prepare even me, I pray, O Lord, if it is Your will to call me. Speak through me, work through me. Let me be Your vessel. In Jesus name, Amen

He touched their eyes

He touched their eyes

Scripture:

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”

When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

“Yes, Lord,” they replied.

Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.

While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”

But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.” Matthew 9:27-34

Observation:

In this passage, Matthew records two miracles. In the first, Jesus heals two blind men, and in the second, he drives out a demon from a mute man, who starts to speak. The prophecy of Isaiah of the Messiah who would “open eyes that are blind, free captives from prison  and release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness” was being fulfilled before Israel’s eyes.

The two blind men followed Jesus for some time, calling out “have mercy on us, Son of David!” By calling Jesus “Son of David”, they were showing their belief that He was indeed Israel’s prophesied Messiah for the Scriptures were clear that the Savior would come from the line of David. How was it they were able to follow Jesus when they could not see? Perhaps they had friends or kind strangers who helped them or perhaps they could sense the excitement of the crowd following Jesus and followed along using their keen ears.

After Jesus had gone indoors, they were allowed to come and see Him, and He asked a very important question. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Belief or Faith is so key to healing. And this aspect is relevant not only in regard to healing but to any miracle, any prayer we bring before the Lord. Do we believe God is able to turn our bad marriage around, or change our wayward kids, or give us a good job after a year of unemployment, or save us from severe financial distress? Do you believe I am able to do this? The Lord is asking us today. If we can truly learn to believe, it will certainly take us to another level in our Christian faith.

Then Jesus touched their eyes and said “According to your faith, let it be done to you.” The touch of Jesus bringing healing is a precious image in all of Scripture. Even in praying for others or even ourselves, imagine it is Jesus hands’ that touches. Just as Jesus touched the blind men’s eyes, we too need the Lord to touch our eyes, that we may see better and deeper spiritually. “According to your faith”, Jesus said. Again and again, the Lord reminds us that it is our faith that makes so much difference in our prayers. There is a two-way exchange of power - our faith in God, and God’s power flowing to us and through us.

In the second incident, Jesus drives out a demon that had caused a man to be mute. And the effect of the man starting to speak again so greatly amazed the crowd they excitedly said among themselves “nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” Unfortunately, the bitter Pharisees, instead of rejoicing for such a blessed miracle, condemned Jesus as doing it by satanic means. Today, even in rural villages and poor communities, we hear of incredible miracles, of the fillings of poor villagers being turned to gold, people raised from the dead and God showing incredible signs in the sky. What is our attitude to these things? Are they really the works of God? We are told in Scripture to test everything and that we will know the truth by the fruit produced. Nevertheless, our attitude should be open and praise God that He is able to work great miracles even today while asking Him for discernment to ascertain if a work is not from Him.

Application:

Meditate on the truth of the power of faith. In whatever we are praying for, picture our Lord asking “Do you believe I can do this?” Look to the Lord in our mind’s eye, and say “Yes, Lord, I believe.” Remember to picture the Lord’s hand as we pray for others or ourselves, imagining it is the Lord Himself who touches. Imagine the Lord Himself, touching our eyes, enabling us to see new spiritual truths and having deep new insights and discernment. Praise God, that in Him, we have power and authority over demons. Praise Him for the great miracles we see or heart about happening in His name. Still, pray to God for wisdom and discernment to determine if any miracle is not of Him.

Prayer:

I praise You, Lord Jesus, that You are able to do all things. I believe in You, that You are able to do all things. Even as I pray O Lord, I see You working, I see my prayer being answered. Praise You, Heavenly Lord. You are Healer. You are God. Blessed be Your name O Lord. I see Your hands touching, healing, bringing life, blessing my loved ones. I praise You, Lord, that in Your name, I have power over every demon and power and principality. You reign supreme over all. Touch my eyes, O Lord, that I too may see. Grant me wisdom and discernment O Lord, to know if miracles are from You. Blessed be Your name always. In Jesus name, Amen.

A desperate father & a woman of faith

A desperate father & a woman of faith

Scripture:

While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”

Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. News of this spread through all that region. Matthew 9:18-26

Observation:

In this passage, Matthew records two subsequent incidents, where Jesus heals a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years, and raises a little girl from the dead.

Right while Jesus was telling John the Baptist’s disciples about the patch of unshrunk cloth and the old and new wineskins, a synagogue ruler appears and kneels before Jesus. In those days, synagogues were gatherings which consisted of Jews in the vicinity who came together to hear the Torah read and be instructed in the Jewish faith. A synagogue ruler would be someone who was in charge of the building where the synagogue met and also appointing the various persons who would be on duty for the service, which was held on the Sabbath. Usually, wherever there was at least 10 Jewish men, a synagogue would be formed, and this was the way the Jewish faith was preserved through the centuries up till today. In any case, a synagogue leader or ruler was someone of respectable standing, and at the time, with many of the Pharisees and teachers of the law already against Jesus, it was not easy for a synagogue ruler to come to Him and risk the wrath of the religious elite. Nevertheless, this synagogue ruler was no longer bothered with all that for he was in such sorrow in regard to his daughter who was dying or even already dead at the time. In desperation, the father came to Jesus, whom he heard had healed the sick and cast out demons, hoping that the Lord could somehow heal his daughter.

While walking to the synagogue leader’s house, a crowd accompanies Jesus, and just then, a woman with an issue of blood approaches Jesus and touches the edge of his cloak, believing that she will be healed. Jesus noticed her and tells her “take heart daughter, your faith has healed you”. Is healing dependent on the supplicant’s faith then? In another portion of Scripture, it is written how Jesus could not do many miracles in his own village because of the lack of faith of the people. Notice how the woman kept telling herself “if only I touch his cloak, I will be healed”.

At the ruler’s house, Jesus tells the mourning band to go away because the girl is only sleeping, but they just laugh at him. Nevertheless, Jesus just goes in and takes the girl by the hand, upon which she gets up to everyone’s great amazement. The Lord has shown His authority even over death.

Application:

Drawing from the experience of the woman with the issue of blood, we can see that while Jesus’ power is ready and available, faith is also a most important factor on the part of the supplicant or intercessor. When we pray for healing, we must believe that our Lord Jesus is able and willing to heal.

                                                                                                                                 

Do all get healed? Do all get raised from the dead? Certainly not! However, our part is to pray in faith. The healing or miracle is God’s prerogative according to His wisdom and timing.

Another lesson we can learn from this passage is the father’s desperation. The father was desperate to the point he no longer cared about his position as synagogue ruler or what other people thought, he just wanted his daughter to live, and cried out to Jesus with all his passion. When we seek with Jesus with such passion and desperation, it is inevitable things will happen. Let us learn to be passionate in our prayer.

Prayer:

Praise You, Father Lord, for Your generosity and love towards us. Praise You, Lord Jesus for Your compassion, for those who are lost, for those who are sick. Just as You healed the woman with the issue of blood, and You raised Jairus’ daughter so long ago, heal today O Lord. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. Teach us O Lord to pray with passion, with desperation. Let us see Your power come in deep reality into our lives. May Your name be praised always, precious Lord! In Jesus name, Amen

New wine for new wineskins

New wine for new wineskins

Scripture:

Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”

Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” Matthew 9:14-17

Observation:

In this passage, Matthew records for us the incident of John the Baptist’s disciples coming to the Lord and asking him why his disciples do not fast. The Lord replies by picturing Himself as the bridegroom and His disciples as His guests. Logically, it would not be an appropriate time to fast. However, the Lord further reveals to them how He will be taken away from His disciples, and it is in that time of mourning when they will really fast because of their sorrow.

Our Lord then goes on to speak of sewing and wineskins. On sewing, he remarks how when there is a tear, no one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away, making the tear worst. On wineskins, He remarks how pouring new wine into old wineskins will only cause the skins to burst, ruining it, while the wine runs out. What was Jesus trying to say?

In fact, Jesus was likening the teachings and traditions of the Pharisees brought down along the ages as the old garment and the old wineskins. Garments are often illustrated in Scripture as the acts of a person. In Isaiah, our righteous acts are akin to filthy rags. Under the old covenant, righteousness was obtained by strict observance of the Torah and man failed because they were unable in their own strength to overcome their sinful nature. However, that’s why through Jesus, God brought in the prophesied New Covenant, that we might be made righteous through faith in God through Jesus Christ, not by works, so that no one can boast. If we try to mix works with salvation, it is like putting in new wine into old wineskins ruining both.

Basically, Jesus was telling the disciples of John that it was time to put away their old ways of thinking and instead follow Him and His teachings – to embrace the new, and do away with the old.

Application:

Remember that Jesus is the bridegroom of the church, who consists of us, the body of Believers regardless of denominations, and we are invited to the wedding. He has gone back to Heaven for now and is at the right hand of the Father, but our Lord is coming back again soon, when He will make all things new!

Meditate on the old cloth and the old wineskins. Are there old traditions or ways of thinking that we are still adhering to that is holding us back? Ask the Lord for a new heart, and a new perspective that we may grow by leaps and bounds in Him. Remember and be thankful that our salvation is by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and there is nothing we can or have to do to add to it. Having said that, we need to know too that true faith in Him will lead to desire to follow Jesus and His teachings, and as we seek Him, He will teach us and give us the grace to obey and serve Him in loving God and loving others.

Prayer:

We praise You, Lord Jesus, that You are the Bridegroom and You are coming again soon for Your bride, the Church! We thank You, Lord that we are invited to the great Wedding in Heaven. We look forward to that wondrous day O Lord. Keep us safe and secure in You always, O Lord till that faithful day comes. Give us a new heart we pray, O Lord, that seeks You and Your Holy Spirit, who gives us all truth and leads us to follow and obey You. Let the old in us pass away, but let the new man in us dwell from strength to strength. Praise You, O Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Not the healthy, but the sick

Not the healthy, but the sick

Scripture:

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:9-13

Observation:

In this passage, which was very personal to the author Matthew, he tells us how the Lord first called him, where he was sitting at the tax collector’s booth. The Lord said “Follow me”, and Matthew just got up and followed him. It was the same with the fishermen, and now with Matthew. They heard the calling and answered it, following Jesus. They didn’t know where Jesus would lead them, or what they would have to do, but they just trusted in Jesus.

Later, Jesus went to Matthew’s house to have dinner with him, and there were many tax collectors and sinners among them. The indignant Pharisees were quick to condemn Jesus asking his disciples how his master could eat with tax collectors and sinners. Tax collectors were considered as traitors by the Jewish people, and they had a habit of enriching themselves by collecting more than they should from the people, causing general society to disdain them utterly.

The Lord’s divine reply holds a deep lesson for all of us. It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. God desires mercy, not sacrifice. He came not to call the “righteous” but sinners. Human nature is such that we tend to easily condemn others. However, the truth is that we are all sinners alike, regardless of degree. Jesus came to save even the worst of sinners, and only those who are humble and recognize their need for salvation from sin can be saved by Him.

Application:

Recognize that God came to save everyone, even the worst sinners, even the pariahs of society. His arms are open to all, and we too, need to learn to open our arms to others, regardless of race or religion, regardless of status in society. All need His salvation. All need the Lord. God desires mercy, not sacrifice. We need to check our hearts, the root of all we do. Do we just do deeds out of rote and obligation. The Lord wants us to serve Him from our hearts. When we serve others, pray for God to let us serve from our heart, from the compassion only He can give us. 

Prayer:

Thank You, Heavenly Lord Jesus, that You came to seek and save the lost, even the worst of us, even those whom no one else cares about. Thank You for Your great compassion O Lord. Teach us to be like You, to have a heart of true mercy, looking to seek and save the lost. Forgive our lack of compassion and imperviousness to those around us. Give us hope and peace O Lord, we pray. In Jesus name, Amen.

He saw their faith

He saw their faith

Scripture:

Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!”

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” Then the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. Matthew 9:1-8

Observation:

In this passage, Matthew records the incident of Jesus healing a paralyzed man who was bedridden such that he had to lie on a mat and have friends carry him. This incident happened in the Lord’s own town, and His first words upon seeing the man caused a huge uproar among the teachers of the law for He said to the man “Your sins are forgiven”. It is interesting to note that the Lord said this upon seeing “their faith” referring to the men who had brought their paralyzed friend. Can our faith bring about healing and salvation for others who may not have faith? This incident certainly shows us that there is great power in the faith of intercessors who bring loved ones or friends to God.

Why did Jesus focus on having the man’s sin’s forgiven first before healing him? No doubt, the forgiveness of one’s sins is far more important than healing. However, in this case, it seems that the man’s paralysis was tied in deeply with particular sins, which once forgiven, freed the man to be healed, and Jesus completed the healing by asking Him to get up, take his mat and go home. Quite possible, the man’s healing had already occurred at the point of having his sins forgiven, but he only realized it when following Jesus’ instructions to get up.

Now, on observing the teachers of the law, we see that they were quick to pounce on the perceived blasphemy while failing to see the great good that Jesus was doing everywhere He went. Prophecy was fulfilled before their eyes, yet they missed it because of their own jealousy and pride.

Application:

Praise the Lord that our sins are forgiven. This is the most important thing that our Lord has given us. It is only because our sins are forgiven that we have access to our Heavenly Father, to seek Him and commune with Him, and ultimately be with Him forever one day after this earth passes away. Pray to the Lord for increased faith. Realize the power we hold in faith and prayer that can greatly influence and even save and heal our loved ones and friends. Set time aside to spend in prayer for our loved ones, especially those unsaved or sick. Thank God that our faith has great impact, and pray for more faith even as we intercede for them. Pray to God for a humble, teachable heart, that would not be judgmental of others.

Prayer:

We praise thee O Lord, for You O Lord came that our sins may be forgiven. You died on the cross that we might have life and complete forgiveness from our sins. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the faith and power You give us in our prayer. Strengthen us and quicken our spirits to understand more and more how to pray in faith, how to believe and intercede for our loved ones and friends. Show us O Lord, the right ways to pray. Give us humble and teachable hearts that will seek You. Let us not be judgmental of others, but to learn to live and discern more and more by Your Spirit day by day, in all humility and love. Bless You, Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Precious Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen.