Thy Word:

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles

“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 (also called Peter),

then Andrew (Peter’s brother),

James (son of Zebedee),

John (James’s brother),

Philip,

Bartholomew,

Thomas,

Matthew (the tax collector),

James (son of Alphaeus),

Thaddaeus, Simon (the zealot ),

Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).

Matthew 10:1-4 NLT

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My Thoughts: I can’t even get into the story because I can’t get beyond the title and those first two verses! Apostle…, Disciples…, Apostles! Are these men Apostles or are they Disciples? Did you wonder too?

Let’s look at some definitions from Webster’s 1828 Dictionary. Yes, that is the year of this Dictionary! If you’ve never looked up definitions here, I highly recommend it because I love the older definitions to compare with the modern. Since we don’t really use the words disciple or apostle as much anymore I thought this dictionary’s description might be a little more detailed.

Disciple: 1. A learner; a scholar; one who receives or professes to receive instruction from another. 2. A follower; an adherent to the doctrines of another. Hence the constant attendants of Christ were called his disciples; and hence all Christians are called his disciples, as they profess to learn and receive his doctrines and precepts.

Apostle: A person deputed to execute some important business; but appropriately, a disciple of Christ commissioned to preach the gospel.

Do you see the difference? While the twelve were following Jesus he was teaching them and they were learning how to share the gospel so they were disciples.

Our chapter begins with Jesus telling his faithful twelve that he was sending them out “with authority” to do what he was doing. Jesus knew their training was over and it was time for them to be apostles and demonstrate what they had learned.

It is the same for us when we become believers and followers of Jesus Christ. He wants us to start our journey by getting to know all about him; therefore, we are his disciples.

When I became a Christian I immediately had an unquenchable thirst to learn about Jesus and have a relationship with him. I started by regularly attending a Bible teaching church, I took classes at that church, and also attended independent Bible training (BSF). I learned how to pray, and I regularly read the Bible. I was an active disciple!

But I remember the day I finished my last BSF training class I felt a new stirring in my soul that I can only explain as a sense of urgency to get busy. I knew the Lord was calling me to be his apostle. Since then I have been using my gifts to share the gospel. I started small, although those victories were huge confidence boosters. Now I share the gospel through my writings until Jesus tells me the next phase. 😊

The day will also come when all believers will have learned enough and be ready to move from being a disciple to an apostle. The last thing Jesus said to his disciples, and also to us was:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NIV

The training we get prepares us to share the good news of Jesus no matter where he sends us. He also tells us we must be prepared to share what we believe:

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”

1 Peter 3:15b NIV

We have all been asked (as believers of Jesus) to share the gospel with gentleness and respect.

That last part is extremely important. We won’t win hearts for Jesus by abrasive behavior. Believe me, I made this mistake one time and I continue to suffer the consequences. Jesus tells us to heal not hurt. We are ALL sinners so our humility, love, and grace with truth are critical to pointing hearts to Jesus so he can capture them.

Of course, the best part about being an apostle is seeing sinners surrender their hearts to Jesus. They are not only forgiven, but the healing process from the consequences of their sins, and maybe even a broken past, begins. Changes don’t happen in an instant, but there is nothing more amazing than watching brokenness turn into stunning pieces of stained glass, all put together to form something beautiful. The scars may remain, but that’s part of their (our) salvation story to share and draw others to Christ. I love that, don’t you?

Learning about Jesus and telling about Jesus is one of the greatest privileges of my life and I pray it is for you too! Remember, we have a harvest waiting for us!

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Let’s Talk About Bibles: When I became a Christian my husband bought me a beautiful King James Bible which I still cherish. However, as a new Christian, I needed something a little easier to help me learn. Together we bought a Life Application Study (LAS) Bible. I recommend everyone own a LAS Bible (there are multiple versions) because comments are written at the bottom of each page. They provide a lot of extra information about Bible verses which was great for me as a new believer/reader. In fact, I still refer to them from time to time!

Another very helpful item in the back of my LAS Bible was a daily Bible reading guide. I started in September and never missed a day reading because I wanted that relationship with Jesus so badly. By January of the next year the words I was reading were very personal! I knew God was talking with me specifically every day and while I still hear from God, that time remains one of the most precious times of my life!

For the record, this was MY experience and I’m sure yours is/will be different. But if you are faithful, God is faithful and the Bible is one of the greatest ways He speaks to us. Don’t give up reading!

Bible Versions: There are a lot of Bible versions on the market. When I bought my LAS Bible, I got a NIV version because that was what our church was using. I recommend you also use what your church of choice uses. I currently own multiple Bible versions and I refer to them often.

If you are a new believer, more conversational versions of the Bible are The Message (MSG), The New Living Translation (NLT), which I use for my blog, and the Amplified Version (AMP).

If you want to quickly look at and compare verses easily I recommend an online Bible. I use YouVersion when I’m reading daily and want to quickly compare different versions. It also has daily bible devotions which I find helpful for learning. I also use it for blogging so I can quickly and accurately copy the verses for us to read. Another online version is The Blue Letter Bible and it is full of lots of additional information which will be helpful as you learn.

Bibles are not inexpensive, although some Bible bookstores will have them on sale. There are also used bookstores, Amazon, and eBay, for purchasing Bibles. In other words, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. The YouVersion app is free and you can download it to your smart phone or tablet.

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Closing Prayer: Father thank you for this lesson that helps us understand the difference between disciples and apostles. Sometimes taking the time to understand before we jump into a chapter makes the reading that much more meaningful and I thank you for your guidance in this specific lesson. Father my prayers are that all of us take the time to learn about you, develop that relationship with you and then using your guidance with your words in the Bible, share what you want us to tell gently and respectfully! Amen!

Thy Word:

Jesus Heals The Blind

“After Jesus left the girl’s home, two blind men followed along behind him, shouting, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”

They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?”

“Yes, Lord,” they told him, “we do.”

Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, “Don’t tell anyone about this.” But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region.

When they left, a demon-possessed man who couldn’t speak was brought to Jesus. So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. “Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!” they exclaimed.

But the Pharisees said, “He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons.”

The Need For Workers

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:27-38 NLT

*****

My Thoughts: Is it just me or at this point in our study of Matthew are you starting to feel the tension from the Sadducees and the Pharisees about Jesus? One thing for sure, we know it is one-sided. Jesus knows full well what the religious leaders are up to and what they are planning, but he never attempts to stop them from following him and witnessing his miracles and healings.

Although Jesus wants to heal the people’s sicknesses, he also wants to change their hearts and change their propensity for sin. However, the crowds are clamoring for physical healing over anything else and Jesus has such compassion for the people coming to him, he heals out of mercy.

We see this mercy in action when two blind men follow Jesus all the way to the house where he is staying. When they call him Son of David they are professing faith that they believe he is the Messiah. This emphasized to Jesus the depth of their faith and how much they really wanted his help.

In spite of Jesus continually asking for confidence about what He has done to heal, those who are healed do just the opposite, which causes more and more to bring their sick to him.

As a Mother, I have mixed feelings about whether or not I could keep quiet! I know if I had a sick loved one I would be relentless in my pursuit of Jesus for help. If He healed them, how would I respond when people asked me how they were healed? I would want to shout it from the rooftops! I can’t help but think in the excitement of the moment one of the biggest questions they didn’t ask was how to honor the request of Jesus when asked.

Overall, I believe it shows us Jesus wanted to be known as more than just a miracle healer. Yes, he had compassion to heal (save) them from their illness, but Jesus wanted to redeem them and give them eternal salvation.

Then a demon possessed man is brought to Jesus. This demon was causing the man to be mute. The moment the demon is gone the man can speak and everyone is amazed…, except the Pharisees who proclaim Jesus can do it because he is empowered by the prince of demons.

That makes me have an interesting “hmm” thought…., raise your hand if you think that demon jumped right out of that mute man and right into that Pharisees dark heart! (Yeah, me too!)

In spite of the religious leader’s opposition and accusations, Jesus continues to travel from town to town teaching the Good News about the Kingdom. ”He healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

Finally, he gathers his disciples and leaves them (us) with a very important responsibility:

He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:37-38 NLT

Jesus didn’t just want to heal these people and have it end it there, he wanted committed disciples! Make no mistake about it, this is what he wants from us too. Our actions, our words, and certainly our lives should reflect the good news of Jesus, and we should bring others to Christ by using our specific gifts. We may not always get it right, but we just need to keep learning and never stop working the harvest, which are the lost who are in need of Jesus.

God didn’t gift me with a beautiful voice so I could bring people to Jesus by singing, he never gave me the ability to preach from the stage like Billy Graham, and there are lots of other ways I’m no good at sharing the gospel.

But the #1 way I pray to work the harvest is either one-on-one with someone who wants to know more about Jesus, or through these blogs. In fact, that is the primary goal of my blog and my act of obedience to the call of Jesus.

And, if you tell me you are broken and Jesus can’t love you or use you, I will stand toe-to-toe with you and tell you that is a lie from the pit of hell! Then I will show you from the word of God how He wants to use your mistakes for your benefit and His glory, just like he did with me and so many others.

And if you still don’t/won’t believe…, well, that’s on you…, because God is calling people who are willing to work the harvest and time after time in the Bible, and in real life, we see him call imperfect people to do great things.

There is only One who is perfect and that is Jesus. We have to quit making excuses and get busy working the harvest.

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Closing Prayer: Father God, I believe we all need to be taught to broaden our horizon and look beyond what is just in front of us for the harvest. Yes, we need to volunteer in our churches, but I have a feeling You have a harvest that needs some special workers which may be a little beyond our scope, so may we fully rely on You to help us. Open the eyes of our hearts so we can see where you want us to go, and use the special gifts you have given each of us. Lord I know I have been guilty of complacency and distractions, and I pray that I banish that from my life and move forward with the task you have called me to do, which is to finish my book and honor You through this blog. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Thy Word:

Jesus Heals in Response to Faith

Matthew 9:18-26 NLT

“As Jesus was saying this, the leader of a synagogue came and knelt before him. “My daughter has just died,” he said, “but you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand on her.”

So Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him. Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, for she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.”

Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

When Jesus arrived at the official’s home, he saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music. “Get out!” he told them. “The girl isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” But the crowd laughed at him. After the crowd was put outside, however, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up! The report of this miracle swept through the entire countryside.”

Mark 5:22-43 NLT

“Then a leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, pleading fervently with him. “My little daughter is dying,” he said. “Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live.”

Jesus went with him, and all the people followed, crowding around him. A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.

Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my robe?”

His disciples said to him, “Look at this crowd pressing around you. How can you ask, ‘Who touched me?’”

But he kept on looking around to see who had done it. Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”

While he was still speaking to her, messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”

But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”

Then Jesus stopped the crowd and wouldn’t let anyone go with him except Peter, James, and John (the brother of James). When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw much commotion and weeping and wailing. He went inside and asked, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.”

The crowd laughed at him. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl’s father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying. Holding her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means “Little girl, get up!” And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed. Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell anyone what had happened, and then he told them to give her something to eat.”

Luke 8:41-56 NLT

“Then a man named Jairus, a leader of the local synagogue, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come home with him. His only daughter, who was about twelve years old, was dying.

As Jesus went with him, he was surrounded by the crowds. A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped.

“Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.”

But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

While he was still speaking to her, a messenger arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. He told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”

But when Jesus heard what had happened, he said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed.”

When they arrived at the house, Jesus wouldn’t let anyone go in with him except Peter, John, James, and the little girl’s father and mother. The house was filled with people weeping and wailing, but he said, “Stop the weeping! She isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.”

But the crowd laughed at him because they all knew she had died. Then Jesus took her by the hand and said in a loud voice, “My child, get up!” And at that moment her life returned, and she immediately stood up! Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were overwhelmed, but Jesus insisted that they not tell anyone what had happened.”

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My Thoughts: Today I’ve included extra scripture from the books of Mark and Luke about the sick child and the desperate woman because they offer more personal details. I’m a lover of details and I hope you are too.

Our story opened with the leader of a local synagogue named Jairus whose daughter is very ill. In fact, Matthew’s accounts says by the time the man came to Jesus she was already dead. In the book of Luke we learn she is his only daughter and she is twelve years old.

In all three accounts we see Jairus falls at the feet of Jesus pleading for his daughter’s life, including in the account from Matthew who reported she was already dead. Jairus doesn’t hesitate to call on Jesus because he believes Jesus can bring her back to life. I love that. This man has amazing faith.

Also in all three accounts we see that Jesus doesn’t hesitate, he goes willingly to heal the child. By this time the crowds following Jesus are enormous.

As a parent, I can’t help but have these thoughts and questions about Jairus:

• I wonder if he was calm as they were headed to his home?
• I wonder if he felt such urgency for his child he wanted to take the hand of Jesus and run to his home?
• I love that this synagogue leader never hesitated to humble himself and ask for the help of Jesus in spite of the Pharisees and Sadducees obvious hatred of Jesus. In fact, the eyes of those leaders would have probably been on him that very day, but I wonder if he ever gave that a thought?
• Jairus had to have known incurring the leaders wrath meant he might have lost his job, but I wonder if that even crossed his mind?
• I wonder if he realized what an expression and example of love and faith he was for the followers then and continues to be for us today?

Regardless of all the pro’s and con’s for going to Jesus, this man appears to have one goal in mind: to save his beloved daughter.

Then something big happens, Jesus is suddenly interrupted on the way to the home of Jairus by a very physically ill woman. Here is what we learn about her: she’s been bleeding for twelve years, she had suffered a great deal at the hands of doctors AND paid them all she had. She had gotten no better but in fact had gotten worse. Their conclusion was there was no cure for what she had. I wonder if the doctors reached this conclusion when she had no more money?

In spite of their conclusion, the woman believes she has one hope left: Jesus. She believes this so deeply in her heart, she doesn’t believe it is even necessary to speak with Jesus or touch Him. Her faith is so strong she believes He can heal her if she simply touches his robe. She discreetly works her way through the crowd to get close enough to Jesus in order to bend down and touch the edge of his garment.

Why? Well, she wasn’t supposed to be out among the people because the law clearly stated:

Whenever a woman has her menstrual period, she will be ceremonially unclean for seven days. Anyone who touches her during that time will be unclean until evening. Leviticus 15:19 NLT

She was literally breaking Jewish law being out among the people. But Jesus was her only hope and He was there so she took a huge step of faith. Leaving her home she put her faith ahead of any fear of retaliation from the religious leaders (remember they are there!). Instead she puts everything at risk on the hope she could get near enough to Jesus to touch his robe and have her faith fulfilled. I love that!

Jesus knows all about her before she even came near to him (oh yes He did!). He walked to Jairus’s home giving her the opportunity to catch him and fulfill her faith. He could have turned around at any time and said, “woman, you are healed” but He wanted her to exhibit her faith in Him by going against all odds including the law. I love the idea that her faith was so big Jesus could hear the cries of her heart.

Once she touches the garment of Jesus she is healed, and she knows it! Jesus does too, of course, and He wants the crowds to witness her great faith so he calls out the person who touched him. Can you imagine her fear, especially by breaking the law and being among so many people? She could have been stoned! However, in the Mark and Luke account we see instead she comes forward and humbles herself at the feet of Jesus, the same way Jairus did.

Although Jesus’ request for her to come forward could have caused her to lose her life, in all three accounts Jesus tells her, “your faith has made you well.” He confirms her healing and acknowledges her faith which was and continues to be a mighty example then and now.

Then Jesus and the crowd continue on to the home of Jairus. I’m back to my “wondering” about this man. I’m wondering is he feeling desperate about the delay, especially when the messenger arrives (in Mark and Luke) to tell him his only daughter, whom he obviously loves, has died?

However, before the father sheds a single tear Jesus says to Jairus in the book of Luke, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed.” He knows and sees this desperate father’s emotions. Everything has happened so quickly from the moment Jairus first approaches Jesus and we can only imagine the ricochet of emotions going through his heart and mind. However, like this woman what other choice does he have but to believe Jesus can and will do what he says He will do?

When they arrive at the house the funeral crowd laughs at Jesus when he declares the child is just asleep. Jesus sends everyone away but the loving parents and three of his disciples, then Jesus takes the child’s hand and she is raised from the dead. In spite of Jesus asking to keep it quiet, it spreads through the countryside. Then Jesus sits down in the house of a Jairus and eats with them.

We have two desperate situations, but Jesus changed everything in a matter of moments. Our take away from these two amazing stories is that Jesus Christ can make a difference when all else seems impossible depending on our faith. It doesn’t even have to be faith as amazing as these two people had:

“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible. ” Matthew 17:20 NLT

Have you taken an inventory of your faith lately about circumstances you may be praying about, even for a long time? These stories cause me to look at two very long term prayers again and how I am praying…, is it with faith for the outcome?

When I look at family situations in my life, I cannot fathom how it can be healed because there is such self-centeredness and hatred. But I know God sees more than what I see and He can do anything. So I believe and I pray.

There are many I love who have not surrendered to Christ and I don’t understand how it will happen because of what I know. But I also know and believe the information I have is irrelevant to God. He wants my faith, so I pray, I trust, and I believe in Him.

That’s exactly where God wants us, humbled at the feet of Jesus. Amen

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Closing Prayer: Father I surrender the desires of my heart to You because I know you are a holy, righteous, and loving God. I ask for your forgiveness for where I have failed to believe that with You all things are possible, especially when I surrender to Your plan, Your will, Your way. Thank you Jesus that I can come to You for all things at all times. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

Thy Word:

One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?”

Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

“Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.” Matthew 9:14-17 NLT

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My Thoughts: We covered the subject of fasting in my blog Matthew 6:16-18 ( https://tinyurl.com/ycgzzbd9 ).

So let’s look at what’s really happening here: a little envy and absolutely some disgruntled comparisons!

Comparison…, how many times have I gotten myself in trouble by comparing what I have or don’t have, or what I do or don’t do with someone else? Too many, and this time I’m not sharing details!

Definition of comparison: An examination of two or more items to establish similarities and dissimilarities

John the Baptist’s (JTB) disciples saw a distinct difference between how they worshipped God, and how the disciples of Jesus worshipped God. What I love is JTB’s disciples went directly to Jesus to ask their question and express confusion. When we are confused about something Jesus wants us to seek answers from Him through prayer, looking for answers in the Bible, and by asking Godly men or women.

Where they went wrong was their hearts already had a pre-determined answer for the question and Jesus knew it. They believed Jesus and His disciples were not worshipping properly and they also didn’t believe Jesus was the Messiah. We already know the religious leaders had rejected Jesus as Messiah, so including the Pharisees in their comparison was a very bad idea!

Fasting, in the old religious laws, was a sign of mourning for sin and to prepare for the coming Messiah. Jesus’ disciples didn’t need to fast because Jesus is the Messiah and He was with the disciples. Jesus didn’t condemn fasting—He himself fasted, but Jesus wanted everyone to understand that fasting must be done for the right reasons. John’s disciples had the right start, but they needed to take the next step and trust in Jesus as the Messiah.

Whenever we compare, we usually focus on the wrong things which may only be a small piece of the larger picture, don’t you think? Perhaps their question should have been “Jesus, help us to understand why we are fasting and You and your disciples are not.” Their hearts would also require a change, and they would need to be willing to listen and learn, rather than accuse.

I love how my Life Application Study Bible summarizes these verses regarding Jesus and the old religious system: “His [Jesus] purpose was to bring in something new, though it had been prophesied for centuries. The new message, the gospel, said that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, came to earth to offer all people forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God. The gospel did not fit into the old rigid legalistic system of religion. It needed a fresh start.”

I love getting a fresh and new start because the old is erased, and everything is new again!

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Closing Prayer: Father God, we are so grateful for Jesus Christ, who died so we can not only have everlasting life, but we can also have a fresh new start. The old “me” is gone and I’ve been made new in Christ and I praise Him for that truth! Father I also pray that when we find ourselves in a position of comparing, before we get disgruntled and allow our feelings to make a mess of the situation, we STOP, DROP and PRAY. May we first ask for Your guidance to help us to have eyes to see the bigger picture before we embarrass and bring shame on ourselves! We ask this in the loving name of Jesus. Amen.

 

Thy Word:

Jesus Calls Matthew

“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.

Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”

When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”” Matthew 9:9-13 NLT

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My Thoughts: Today we get to meet Matthew who becomes a disciple and writes this book in the Bible that we are walking through. Matthew (also called Levi) was a despised Jewish tax collector and his life was dramatically changed by Jesus.

Don’t you love how Jesus uses imperfect people to do some of the most amazing things? I do, because as a broken woman (i.e. sinner) it gives me hope that God can and will continue to use me!

I seem to be in a “tell on myself” kinda mode lately and I’m about to do that again!

My husband and I attended a large church many years ago and they started making some big changes. I typically love changes because it means they have a new plan to bring in new people which also means the potential for new believers. However, there was one big change that didn’t set well with either of us. In fact, let’s just say one of us (me) may have been a little more disgruntled about it than normal.

My husband, who is wise, suggested we take this matter to the Lord, so we did. We started by praying to get our hearts in the right place, which was doing what was best for our church, even if that meant the best solution was for us to leave. Then we chose a book in the Bible and read it together for a few weeks. It was amazing how God led us to answers and peace about the situation. Here were our conclusions about the changes, especially the one we were not fond of:

1. Was it illegal? No.
2. Was it immoral? No.
3. Was it unjust? No.
4. Was it about us? NO!! We were already saved!!!!
5. Was the goal to bring unbelievers into the church and change their hearts? YES!!!!!!

The church was attempting to achieve all the right goals, and we learned that when we asked questions about the new changes. The more we learned the more we supported their goals. It was exactly as this verse said:

When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.”

We still didn’t like the one change but we learned to work around it. For the next two years we volunteered in multiple roles to help the church staff achieve their goals.

Eventually we did change churches but it was because we moved. Leaving our old church on good terms was so much better for our hearts and souls than had we changed because of frustration or for selfish reasons!

We must never forget as believers we are there to support the church and use our skills as volunteers to help them bring in unbelievers! Finally, when those unbelievers begin to arrive don’t be judgmental for goodness sake! Jesus tells us:

“I want you to show mercy…. For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” (Emphasis is mine)

And I believe as sinners that continues to define all of us, even if we are believers! (If you aren’t sure you are a sinner, read last week’s blog!)

*****

Closing Prayer: Father God, it’s been my experience that one of the hardest break ups we can face as believers is when we leave our church for any reason, so I pray we do it with the right motivation in our hearts. Once we’ve been saved it’s our job to support the church however we can to bring those unbelievers to our doorstep, and show mercy when they arrive. May I remember that always and serve as You served us, Jesus; with everything. Amen.

 

Thy Word:

Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man

“Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town. Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.”

But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?”

Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”

And the man jumped up and went home! Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for giving humans such authority.” Matthew 9:1-8 NLT

*****

My Thoughts: This story gives me chills because of the paralyzed man’s faith. Remember, Jesus knows everything in our heart and He knew this man was suffering from his sins more than from his paralyzed condition.

I want to share a personal story about myself that may give you a chuckle in the beginning, but when reality hit me, it was no longer funny.

As a new believer I didn’t really know how to pray so I used a method from our pastor called P.R.A.Y. It meant: Praise God, Repent and ask forgiveness of my sins, Ask God for my prayer requests, and Yield my heart and will to Jesus daily. Since I’m structure oriented this was a wonderful style for me. I was so proud because at the end of a week of prayer, I reflected that I had no sins (okay this is where you can laugh)!

Since Jesus wants us to face the truth that we are all sinners (“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 3:23 NLT), that weekend out pastor gave a sermon about sin and he told us there was not a day that went by he didn’t sin. Can I tell you I immediately felt sick to my stomach? I knew if that man sinned daily, I most certainly did too!

So I asked God to open my eyes to my sins. Oh. My. To this day that remains the most reckless prayer I have ever prayed, and within hours my eyes were opened to the awful truth of my sins (this part is totally not funny). After a week, I was exhausted, I cried a lot, and I couldn’t even stand to look at myself in the mirror. I would no sooner get over the revelation of one sin, when I would remember a past sin. I was literally begging God to take me out of the world because I could see how wretched I was! Thankfully the next week our pastor talked about God’s forgiving grace and redemption when I was saved otherwise I’m not sure what I would have done.

Therefore, I understand this man’s torment over his sins and his desire to come to Jesus for the ultimate healing power of forgiveness. Sometimes it’s the consequences of our reckless sins that make us realize how much we need the forgiveness of Jesus to receive His highest and best healing.

To affirm that Jesus knew this man’s heart and thoughts we read that He knew the thoughts of the teachers of religious laws who considered Jesus blasphemous.

“Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts?” Matthew 9:4 NLT

Because of their unbelief and evil thoughts, the paralyzed man was not only forgiven for his sins, he was healed from his paralysis. His faith was so strong he JUMPED up and went home at the command of Jesus.

Jesus demonstrated the power of His words to forgive and heal; then the crowds were amazed.

My hope today is two-fold:

1. I pray that our words and actions reflect the power and blessing of Jesus in our lives. We can say we love Jesus and others but if the majority of our words and actions say or show otherwise, we must reconsider the level of our faith. (For instance if you preach the glory of God out of one side of your mouth and racism out of the other…, you might want to reconsider your faith!)
2. I pray that everyone reading this blog has the life saving grace and forgiveness of Jesus. If you are a believer, we all must put our faith in action by using the gifts God gave us to share the news of Jesus. If you aren’t a believer but want that forgiveness and grace of God then:

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced. Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”” Romans 10:9-13 NLT

I’m always available to discuss a choice for salvation, or you can discuss it with any pastor at a Bible believing/Jesus following church.

*****

Closing Prayer: Father God, thank you for this lesson today that reminds us when we are healed from our sins that alone can heal our bodies! I pray if there is someone struggling with salvation You will point them to a Bible believing/Jesus following church to walk them through the process. I pray we live our faith out loud by loving all people and walking in obedience to You. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

 

Thy Word:

When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They came out of the tombs and were so violent that no one could go through that area. They began screaming at him,

“Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?” There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance. So the demons begged,

“If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.”

“All right, go!” Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.

The herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone. Matthew 8:28-34 NLT

More about one of the demon possessed men in the books of Mark and Luke:

Mark 5:9, 18-20

“Then Jesus demanded, “What is your name?” And he replied, “My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man.”

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.”

Luke 8:38-39

“The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.”

(Please read all of the verses of this same story located in Mark 5:1-20 and Luke 8:26-39.)

*****

Important Note: First, I’d like to address why Matthew speaks of two possessed men and the account in Mark and Luke only mention one man. To clarify the difference, I recently read this explanation from LifeMark Ministries: “…don’t be concerned that Matthew describes two men and the Mark and Luke accounts only describe one man. In the gospel accounts, it is not unusual to focus on the primary person (as Mark and Luke did). It is not a mistake or contradiction.”

(To read more from LifeMark Ministries or follow along with more of their great teachings go to: https://lifemark.mykajabi.com )

My Thoughts: Today we have a lot of content but it is important (and fascinating!) so I hope you read it all.

Jesus and the disciples go by boat to the region of Gadarenes which is somewhat unusual because it was probably inhabited by Gentiles. I believe it was Gentiles because the herdsmen were pig farmers. No old covenant Jew would ever be associated with these animals as they were considered unclean. (See Lev. 11:7–8.)

Another unusual thing about this area is that it was dangerous because violent, demon possessed men lived in tombs near the shore. Their violent behavior made it dangerous for anyone to pass through to any of the towns. But Jesus intentionally goes there.

The moment Jesus arrives, the crazed men address Jesus by calling him Son of God. The demons in the men are afraid because they know who Jesus is and they also know what is going to happen to them in their future. However, they quickly remind Jesus it is not God’s appointed time to destroy them.

The Bible tells us in several places demons know and fear Jesus. Jesus’ brother James tells us this truth with what appears to be a hint of sarcasm:

“You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.” James 2:19 NLT

These demons knew right away Jesus would heal the men of their torment but they wanted to remind Jesus it was not yet time for them to be banished to hell. The book of Revelation tells us (and the demons) what will be their future:

“And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Revelation 20:10 NLT

In spite of their knowledge, the demons are still very much afraid of Jesus so they plead to be sent into the pigs. Jesus does so immediately, and the moment the demons enter into the pigs the animals are driven into the sea to their destruction.

Jesus wanted to show his disciples and the herdsmen who were watching that the demons true intentions were to kill the men. By contrast, when Jesus drives the demons out, it shows how much value He had for the men and His intentions were to heal them.

The herdsmen of the pigs immediately go to town to tell the people all they had seen. Instead of being amazed by the compassion Jesus showed to free the demon possessed men, they plead for Jesus to leave their town.

I find that very interesting, don’t you? They demonstrate by their words and actions they valued their pigs and their broken lifestyle more than Jesus or the lives of those men!

Jesus demonstrated He could restore the lives of those men with one command, which the herdsmen witnessed. So why wouldn’t they thank Jesus and ask for other lives to be healed like the recent crowds who had been following Jesus?

I believe the answer is we get so comfortable with our pain and trouble, we think what we know (the demons), is better than the unknown (healing) we don’t know. These people only knew a dark and demon possessed world, and by asking Jesus to leave they were saying they would rather have that than something different.

We read in the book of Mark one very violent man, filled with many demons was called Legion. He could easily break chains and shackles because of his enormous strength from all the demons. The demons even caused him to harm himself by using stones to slash his own flesh. That man was so grateful for the mercy and healing of Jesus, he begs Jesus to follow Him.

“This man lived in the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.” Mark 5:3-5 NLT

Instead of allowing the man to follow him, Jesus does something very compassionate; he sends the man back to his family and the town to proclaim what Jesus had done for him.

“So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.” Mark 5:20 NLT

In spite of the truth that the townspeople had no compassion for him, he obediently does as Jesus asks and returns to the town to share the great thing Jesus had done for him. His compassion for the town is so great, they are amazed at what they hear. I believe his great faith changed lives in those towns.

We are all commanded to do the same, did you know that? The last thing Jesus said before He ascended to Heaven was:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts of the Apostles 1:8 NLT

Let’s not keep our salvation story, our blessings, and all the good things Jesus has done for us to ourselves! We are His witnesses, and each of us is gifted in our own way to go and tell about Him.

Lord, we are your servants, may it be as You ask!

*****

Closing Prayer: Father God, thank You for this story about the amazing healing of these broken men and that in spite of their brokenness, they were valuable to You. I love the stories that You show us over and over how You aren’t looking for perfect men and women to share the gospel, You are looking for willing men and women. LORD, I pray that my writing glorifies You, shares the good news of Jesus, and increases Your warriors for the Kingdom. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

 

 

Thy Word:

Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!

Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.

The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” Matthew 8:23-27 NLT

*****

My Thoughts: I believe our world is experiencing a storm of epic proportions because there is so much chaos and calamity in the world.

Let’s look at the definition of proportion: harmonious relation of parts to each other or to the whole; balance; symmetry.

There is nothing balanced, symmetrical, and certainly nothing harmonious about the battle in our world between politics, rich/poor, races, countries, religions…, just to name a few. It’s exhausting. In fact, I’ve sat on this blog for more than a week when I felt the Lord prompting me what to write because I didn’t want to stir the ‘ugly pot’ any more than it’s already being stirred.

 

But God continued to gently nudging my heart to write about this chaos. Why? Because I believe we are at a point in our world where we can fight each other to our bitter and tragic ends, or we can cry out to Jesus “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” The Bible says:

“Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.” Psalms 119:1-2 NLT

In spite of the chaos and turmoil God wants us to have His joy through our integrity and obedience. He doesn’t want us to focus on the fears caused by current storms, He wants us to lean into and rely on our faith. He wants us to believe whatever is impossible for us is easy for Him.

There are so many storms it would be easy to take a negative stance and jump into the middle of the battles. Don’t. The Bible also says:

“Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.” Psalms 119:37 NLT

Yesterday we honored the late Martin Luther King Jr who also said these powerful words:

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

Instead of being divisive, let’s join together in compassion, caring, sharing, loving, and lending a helping hand. Let’s show grace when someone doesn’t deserve our grace. Let’s look into how we can share our resources with those who have been affected by the government shutdown. Let’s be peacemakers. Let’s ask ourselves: is what I am about to do going to be for the greater good of everyone or am I about to make a bad situation worse? Let’s stand together, in harmony, and not allow these storms to tear us apart.

“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Matthew 22:36-39 NLT

*****

Closing Prayer: Father God we are all in dire need of a softener for our hearts! In view of that, I pray that my teeth hold my tongue captive unless I am speaking words of love and kindness. I also pray my actions reflect only compassion and joy. Father give all of Your children’s faith a boost of power so that in all we do, we reflect You! In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

 

Thy Word:

Jesus Heals Many People

When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her.

Then she got up and prepared a meal for him.

That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick. This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said,

“He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.”

Matthew 8:14-17 NLT

The Cost of Following Jesus

When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake.

Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

Another of his disciples said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”

But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead. ”

Matthew 8:18-22 NLT

*****

My Thoughts: Okay, let’s be honest, how many of you gals were shocked (and maybe irritated) when directly after Peter’s mother-in-law is healed she gets up and makes Jesus and the disciples a meal? Maybe you said to yourself, “Can a girl get a cool drink of water and maybe have someone make her a meal? I’ve been sick, after all…” [Sheepishly raising my hand…:-/ )

Oooooh, we do that don’t we? We get a miraculous healing and/or a miraculous answer to prayer then we want ALL the attention to be on us and not on the one who just performed the miracle. To make matters worse, we grumble instead of having grateful hearts.

“IF” Peter’s M-I-L had ungrateful thoughts she pushed her feelings aside and obediently showed her gratitude to Jesus. That is a HUGE lesson for us! Remember, our feelings aren’t reliable, but The Lord sure is! So when He blesses us, let’s show our gratitude by looking for ways to serve and follow Him.

 

After Jesus dined we see him continue his faithful work with the people who were following him. He healed the sick and cast out evil spirits with a single command. Jesus wanted the people to see he had full authority over sickness, evil spirits, and sin.

What I love is that all of these miracles are a taste of what we (his faithful followers) will one day experience when Jesus returns. Are we ready? Are we living with grateful hearts giving glory to God? Have we established our priorities and are we faithfully keeping them?

“Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord! Praise him, you who serve the Lord,” Psalms 135:1 NLT

“Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” Romans 12:11 NLT

Jesus Teaches There Is a Cost of Following Him

One of the teachers of religious law had probably been following Jesus and watched many of his miracles. Perhaps in a moment of passion, he tells Jesus he will follow Him wherever he goes.

 

Jesus answers by simply letting this teacher know following Him meant making sacrifices, and one sacrifice could impact his personal comfort. Jesus specifically mentions a home when he cautions this teacher. We don’t know how the man responded to Jesus, but remember Jesus would have known his heart intimately. Perhaps Jesus saw a “conditional” heart in this man?

“Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” John 12:26 NLT

 

Following Jesus is not always easy or comfortable, and it can come at a great cost or sacrifice. It can mean the loss of friends, popularity, leisure time, and we could even be asked to sacrifice everything and move to a mission field. However, the value of being a disciple of Christ has a lot of benefits towards our eternity. It’s a reminder of a lesson we learned in Matthew 6:19-24 about where out “treasure lies” (https://thywordmythoughts.com/2018/11/08/matthew-619-24/).

I also believe one of the benefits of following Jesus is he specifically uses the gifts and strengths he gives each of us (at birth) to advance the kingdom. As a servant I have been asked to do a lot of different things that involve serving in different capacities. Although some initially took me out of my comfort zone, because I used my gift I eventually loved every opportunity.

(Special Note: If you are seeking to know more about your own personal gift, there are many good books and classes, but my favorite book is “The Gift of Giftedness” by Tracy Goyne. It can be purchased on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Giftedness-Tracy-Goyne/dp/1724672177/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1547349635&sr=8-2&keywords=Tracy+Goyne )

 

In close, the last section seems like a harsh response from Jesus when the disciple asks to return home to bury his father. My Study Bible notes suggest that he might not have been asking to go to a funeral, but rather to be with his father until he died. Was his father sick, was he fearful his father wouldn’t approve of his decision to follow Jesus, or maybe there was an inheritance at stake? We don’t really know, but it is evident the disciple wasn’t ready to make a full commitment to follow Jesus and Jesus knew it.

Jesus was always direct with those who wanted to follow Him. He wanted them to be willing to give their complete loyalty. I think one of the hardest lessons I learned as a new believer is that family loyalty or relationships cannot come before our relationship with Jesus. The blessing is when we choose Jesus to be first in our life many of our relationships get stronger.

Sadly, it is also true some can become more difficult. I’ve been excluded from events and gatherings and some family or friends prefer to spend as little time with me as possible. Yes, it has been painful and heartbreaking but I will not change that I’ve chosen Jesus to be first in my life. Instead, I lay them (by prayer) in the arms of Jesus, who loves them even more than I do.

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.” 2 Samuel 22:2-4 NLT

*****

Closing Prayer: Father God, I rejoice that You are my King! May I go forward always in strength and courage proclaiming this truth. Father I lift up those who refuse to bow the knee to You and ask for their hearts to be changed to crave a loving relationship with You as well. Thank You for the truth that You love them more than me, Lord. It is this truth that gives me peace as I wait for their hearts to change for You. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

 

 

 

Thy Word:

The Faith of a Roman Officer

“When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”

Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”

But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.” Matthew 8:5-13 NLT

*****

My Thoughts:  I love this story for so many reasons!

1. We have a Roman officer, who was a Gentile and although typically tyrannical to Jews, asking for help from Jesus, a Jew. Although we know Jesus was a King, the officer would not know this and would normally have considered Jesus beneath his standing as a people and in the community. Yet the officer didn’t hesitate to ask for help and Jesus showed no hesitation in His willingness to help.
2. This officer “pleaded” with Jesus, a clear sign of humility. By his request this Roman officer was declaring Jesus’ authority over him.
3. The officer, a man of authority and position, has such compassion for his servant who was in pain and paralyzed, he pleads for his healing. It was not common behavior for a Roman officer to even know their servants, let alone have compassion for them.
4. By asking Jesus to heal his servant he had to have been aware of or seen Jesus’ miracles. (“News about him [Jesus] spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all.” Matthew 4:24 NLT)
5. The officer also knew enough about what Jesus had done he had faith Jesus could heal his servant with just His word.

I am certain Jesus recognized all of these amazing qualities and more about this officer. I also believe that through this story Jesus wants us to know and believe that if we ask, with the goal towards God’s perfect will and a greater good, He wants to answer all of our requests too.

This doesn’t mean Jesus is our magic genie to give us everything we ask. But it does mean Jesus knows the entire situation surrounding our “ask” and the greater good for how He will answer. We have to trust and believe His response will always bring the answer that best fits the entire situation. While it may not be what we asked for initially, it will be the right answer and glorify God!

So we have some compelling questions to ask ourselves today:

1. Do we hesitate to ask Jesus for help? Or do we think God is too big and our problems are too small? Jesus tells us: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 NLT
2. Have we humbled our hearts to Jesus and do we present our requests in humility? The Bible says: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” James 4:10 NLT
3. Do we have compassion for everyone regardless of who they are or what they look like? The Bible says: “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12 NLT
4. Have we experienced or seen a miracle from Jesus in the lives of others and spoken about it? The Bible says: “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.” Psalms 66:16 NLT
5. If so, are we willing to publicly voice the same faith? Jesus said: “And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” Mark 16:15 NLT

This story is very enlightening and includes “action” items for us; it’s not just a good read!

*****

Closing Prayer:  Father God thank You for this remarkable story about a faithful and compassionate Roman soldier who had such faith in Jesus, he believed his servant could be healed just by His word. May we mirror our lives and behavior after him. Thank You for leaving us the Bible that answers our questions and guides us in our obedience and reflection of You. Father I pray that the eyes that read these words, including my own, follow in obedient action. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.