1/6/10 Matthew 9
I did not make any comments on chapter 8 yesterday because there is a distinct division from chapter 7 to chapter 8. Chapter 8 and 9 are a better match. In chapter 8 I noticed again that Jesus has “all authority on earth” Mt 28:18. After the Sermon on the Mount he is approached by a leper seeking cleansing. When Jesus touched him immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Authority!
Upon entering Capernaum a centurion asks Jesus to heal one of his servants that is paralyzed. Jesus said that he would come and heal him, and the centurion responds that he is not worthy for Jesus to come to his house. The centurion understands authority, because he possesses some and recognizes that Jesus authority is greater than his. Jesus states that he has not seen such great faith in all of Israel. Jesus says it has been done for you according to your belief and at that moment the servant was healed. Authority!
Jesus then heals Peter’s mother-in-law. (If you would like to see where this is believed to happen go to http://www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/capernaum-photos/slides/peters-house-cc-mustardseeds) This draws a lot of followers and Jesus describes what it means to be a disciple. Then Jesus is in a boat on the Sea of Galilee and rebukes a raging storm. Authority!
On the other side of the Sea Jesus is confronted with two demon possessed men. Jesus rebukes the demons by one simple word “Go.” Authority!
Chapter 9 begins with Jesus returning to Capernaum and he is met with another paralytic. Now we learn that Jesus does not have “all authority on earth”, but “all authority in heaven and on earth” Mt 28:18. Jesus pronounces the paralytic’s sins are forgiven. Authority! He answers his skeptics by healing the man for this reason; 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” Jesus goes on from there and calls Matthew to “Follow me” and be a disciple. The remaining part of chapter 9 Jesus show us more of his authority. A woman who has had a medical condition for twelve years touches him and is healed. Authority! He then heals a girl who had died and brings her back to life. Authority! He then heals two blind men. Authority! A demon possessed mute man was then brought to Jesus and He healed him also. Authority!
Jesus then tells his disciples that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few and to earnestly pray for more laborers. It is amazing after reading about Jesus’ authority in these two chapters that there is not a multitude of laborers back then or even today. I thank that Lord that someone was praying for more laborers before I realized the great blessing of being a laborer. I encourage all to earnestly pray for more laborers for our Lord.
Prayer: Lord of the harvest, Lord with all authority in heaven and on earth, I pray that you would call and send more laborers into your harvest. Old and young, tall and short, all colors, all languages, you are able to use anyone who seeks employment in your fields, because you have all authority. There is no discrimination with you. May my life be one of a laboring disciple being faithful in your fields. Put in my heart a compassion for people that are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. May I have opportunity to lead them to You. Amen.