Matthew 8,9,10

Was thinking to myself last night, it is getting more challenging to continue writing my blog for Matthew PUP. This time round, we had to tackle 3 chapters of reading plus homework! Jia you, Irene! :)

Last week's lesson ended with "..He was teaching them as one having authority..." from Matt 7:29. This week we look at how Jesus taught with authority of the kingdom in Matt 8-10.

Jesus demonstrated:

1) Authority over illness
In Matt 8:2, the leper came to Jesus and said "LORD, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Here we see Jesus demonstrated GOD's power in healing the leper. He also healed the Centurion's servant and Peter's mother-in-law. Why all these healings? In v.17 we read "This was to fulfil what was spoken through Isaiah... He Himself took our infirmities and carried away our diseases." In this context, it is a fulfilment of OT prophecy pointing to the Messiah, the anticipated One whom the Jews are waiting for to rule over Israel II Sam 7:12-13(Ref: Matt 5:17 Jesus came to fulfil the Law, not abolish it.)

2) Authority over nature
This divine action in Matt 8:26-27 is another clue that Jesus is the Messiah, having authority over winds and sea. In Ps 107:6, 23-25 we learnt that in the ancient days, the people cried out to the LORD; those who go down to sea in ships, have seen the works of the LORD... He spoke and raise up a stormy wind which lifted up the waves of the sea. If Jesus has control over the winds and the sea, He is able also to still the storms in our lives.

3) Authority over demons
We were told in Matt 8:28-34 that two extremely violent, demon-possessed men know and acknowledged Jesus as the Son of GOD, His divinity and that it is not time yet for them to be cast into the lake of fire as mentioned in the book of Revelation. It is sad that many who have experienced Jesus and seen His power but still do not know who He is. Forgive us, Jesus, for many a times, taking You for granted. Open our spiritual eyes and heart towards You and Your work so that we may see You in every aspects of life and know that You are GOD.

4) Authority over sins Only GOD can forgive sins. Matt 9: 2 Jesus said to the paralytic "Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven." The religious leader cannot "tahan" Jesus said "this fellow blasphemes" but Jesus, knows their evil thinking and said ".. so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" v. 3-6. Here Jesus introduced Himself as "Son of Man", another Messianic title.
We will pause here to look at the different colours of faith and also the costs of following Jesus in these 3 chapters before summing up.
Matt 8:10 - Jesus marveled at the great faith of the Centurion. He compares His own kinsmen with this Roman officer and said He has not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.

Matt 8: 26 - Jesus said to the men who got into the boat with Him "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith." Even with Jesus in the same boat, they were afraid of the storm. How about us, GOD said He is always with us, do not worry, why then, do we still doubt Him at times when we face challenges in life? May we intentionally walk with Jesus daily to know and experience Him in our lives that our faith (trust and dependence) in Him will increase.

Matt 9: 2 - ".... Seeing the faith of the paralytic's friends, Jesus said to the paralytic, "Take courage, son, your sins are forgiven." This is a good lesson for us to preserve in prayer for our unsaved loved ones, friends and people whom the LORD bring to mind.

Costs of following Jesus:

Matt 8: 1 - Large crowd (no cost)

Matt 8:10 - Referring to the faith of the Centurion, Jesus said to those who followed Him. We presume this is the same large crowd (no cost)

Matt 8:19 - The Scribe who wanted to follow Jesus (cost of no place to stay; no comfort of life)

Matt 8:22 - Another disciple (cost of immediate obedience)

Matt 8:23 - His disciples who got into the boat (cost of expecting storms in life when we follow Jesus)

Matt 9: 9 - Matthew (cost of his job and money)

Matt 9:27 - 2 blind men (no cost but they received their eyesight)

Matt 10:38 - Anyone (take up his cross; let your life's mission be replaced with Jesus' mission)

As a Christian, even though I have experienced some trials, "persecutions", storms, etc in life, these can never be measured up to what Jesus did for me on the cross. What more can I ask for from Him, having received eternal life and GOD with me in my life's journey on earth. Thank You, Jesus :)

In conclusion, Jesus said He desire compassion, and not sacrifice, for I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." Matt 9:13 and in v. 36 "seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd." Because of His compassion, He said to His disciples, "the harvest is plentiful, but the workers few, therefore to beseech the LORD of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." v. 37-38.

Immediately after Matt 9:38, we see in Matt 10:1 that Jesus summoned His 12 disciples and gave them authority....." I like Jesus' speed at work. He does not need to meet in committees and discuss, then review, then finalize His plans before execution, unlike many church organizations taking years before implementing some plans. Jesus led by example and authorized His disciples; gave them clear instructions, directions and sent them forth. He even warned them of the dangers (persecutions, rejections, etc) they will face but He said "the very hairs of your head are numbered... you are more valuable...do not fear...." V. 30-33 Wow, that's leadership!

What kind of a Man is this?

Son of GOD, Son of Man

You gave up heaven's glory for a sinful world

who do not appreciate what You have done.

Son of GOD, Son of Man

You emptied Yourself of all to fulfil the Law

And yet to find nowhere to lay Your head.

Son of GOD, Son of Man

Thank you for Your compassion, love,

Grace sufficient and everlasting life.

Chorus:

O what sacrifice

O what love

I worship You,

Jesus, my LORD