[:en]SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 9
Bible Verses:
“On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:12-13)
“Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment” (Matthew 9:22)
“Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” (Matthew 9:29-30)
“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 9:37-38)
JESUS HEALS A PARALYTIC (vs. 1-8)
When a paralytic was brought to Jesus, he not only healed him, but he also forgave his sins. But the teachers of the law accused Jesus of blasphemy because they did not accept His kingship and sonship.
THE CALLING OF MATTHEW (vs. 9-13)
Matthew was a tax-collector whom the people hated. But Jesus called him to be his disciple and Matthew followed Him. He even invited many tax collectors and “sinners” to have dinner in his house. When the Pharisees saw this, they questioned Christ’s integrity. But Jesus answered: “It is not healthy who need a doctor but the sick. I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous but sinners” (v. 13)
JESUS QUESTIONED ABOUT FASTING (vs. 14-17)
John’s disciples and the Pharisees questioned Jesus why His disciples did not fast. Jesus’ reply was about a new garment and new wine. The new message of the Gospel cannot be poured into the old container of the law.
A DEAD GIRL AND A SICK WOMAN (vs. 18-26)
A ruler came to Jesus to inform him that his daughter had just died. Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him. While on his way, a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years believed that if she touched the edge of Jesus’ cloak, she will be healed. Jesus saw her faith and healed her. When Jesus reached the ruler’s house, there was a noisy crowd with flute players. He told them that the girl was not dead but asleep. The crowd laughed at him but Jesus went inside and touched the girl’s hand and she got up.
JESUS HEALS THE BLIND AND MUTE (vs. 27-34)
Two blind men followed Jesus and said: “Have mercy on us, Son of David”. Jesus asked them: “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They replied “Yes Lord” (vs. 28) Then Jesus touched their eyes and according to their faith, there sight were restored.
Then a man who was demon-possessed and mute was brought to Jesus. Jesus drove the demon out and the man began to speak. People were amused but the Pharisee accused him of being in league with Satan.,
THE WORKERS ARE FEW (VS. 35-38)
Jesus taught and preached the good news of the kingdom, healing every diseases and sickness. He saw people being harassed and were helpless like sheep without shepherd. So, He sent His disciples to his harvest field.
REFLECTION:
- Jesus is the greatest physician who healed many kinds of diseases – paralytic, bleeding woman, blind and mute, demon-possessed man, and even raising a dead girl to life. He has even the power to forgive sins. So, if you have any physical illness, believe that He can heal you. Faith is the most important factor in making you well. If you have committed any sins, ask God to forgive you.
- Matthew left his profession as tax collector to follow Christ. Are you willing to follow Jesus?
- The Pharisees strictly followed the Old Testament laws of fasting. But Jesus introduced the message of Gospel which is grace. Mixing law and grace will cause religious confusion. The new life in Christ must be taken in new form.
- Today, we still need a Shepherd to lead and guide us. Jesus is the great Shepherd and Lord of Harvest. His great commission is ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always to the every end of the ages (Mat. 28:19-20). He is now calling us to preach the gospel for him to harvest lost souls.
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