MAD AT THE MIRACLE WORKER (Matthew Chapter 12)

The Pharisees of Jesus’ day lived according to an extensive set of rules. This was nowhere more evident than in their keeping of the Sabbath. In his book, “The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah,” Alfred Edersheim pointed out: “On no other subject is Rabbinic teaching more minute and more manifestly incongruous to its professed object.” There were laws that dealt with how far a person could travel, how much weight a person could lift, and what could and could not be done to deal with a medical need or injury. These smaller traditions worked to cloud the original intent of the setting aside of the Sabbath—weightier concerns of the Law were lost in the minutia of petty rules (Matthew 15:3, 6-9; 23:23-24). Jesus perfectly upheld the law (2 Corinthians 5:21), but refused to be bound by the man-made traditions of the Pharisees.

After one Sabbath-breaking controversy (Matthew 12:1-8), Jesus entered “their” synagogue and caused another (Matthew 12:9). A man with a “withered hand” was there, along with the people, Jesus’ disciples, and the Pharisees. We are given no history and few details regarding the man, though Luke’s gospel records that it was the man’s right hand (Luke 6:6). It is possible that the Pharisees had deliberately brought the man—to see what Jesus would do. Alfred Edersheim comments regarding the scene: “We can now imagine the scene in the Synagogue. The place is crowded. Christ probably occupies a prominent position as leading the prayers or teaching: a position whence He can see, and be seen by all. Here, eagerly bending forward, are the dark faces of the Pharisees, expressive of curiosity, malice, cunning. They are looking round at a man whose right hand is withered, perhaps putting him forward, drawing attention to him, loudly whispering, ‘Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath-day?’ The Lord takes up the challenge.”

Jesus had the man come forward. He asked the Pharisees, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to kill (Mark 3:4)?” “But they kept silent.” “And after looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart” (Mark 3:5), the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8), healed the man on the Sabbath. “Then He said to the man ‘stretch out your hand!’ And he stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other” (Matthew 12:13). As with Jesus’ other miracles, this one revealed His Divine authority and identity (Cf. John 20:30-31). We are not told of the reaction of the people, though a future miracle caused the people to ask ‘This man cannot be the Son of David, can He?’ (Matthew 12:23). The reaction of the Pharisees was both tragic and predictable: “But they themselves were filled with rage, and discussed together what they might do to Jesus” (Luke 6:11).

They were, after all, nothing but white-washed tombs, filled with dead men’s bones and all uncleanness (Matthew 23:27). A lively love for God that would have responded to the Spirit’s testimony was absent (Matthew 12:31-32). A genuine love for man that would have delighted in the restoration of this man’s health was missing. In its place was a violent disdain for the One who was working to reveal the true nature of their puffed-up religiosity (Matthew 12:34-35). Henceforth they would not rest until the Light was extinguished.

Religious rule-keeping is no substitute for right relationship with God. It is the nature of “self-made religions” to invent “commandments and teachings of men” (Colossians 2:22-23). But the inferiority of anyone’s self-righteousness is readily exposed in the presence of the Light. Henceforth there are but two choices, hate the light or come to it (John 3:20-21)--stand with Jesus or against Him (Matthew 12:30). The Sabbath-day healing of the man with the withered hand enraged the Pharisees, but I’m thinking that the man with the withered hand probably had a different opinion.

DOUBTS AND DISREGARD (Matthew Chapter 11)

“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Jesus once asked His disciples that question (Matthew 16:13).  They gave several answers reflective of the prevailing opinions of that day.  And so it is still—people respond in various ways to the truth about Jesus.  Matthew chapter 11 speaks to some of these various responses and opinions…

Belief but with doubts.  John the Baptist was sent by God as the forerunner of the Christ (John 1:6-7; Mark 1:1-3).  He preached in the wilderness calling people to repentance (Matthew 3:1-2).  He faithfully bore witness of Jesus identifying Him to be the Christ (John 1:19-28).  He was later imprisoned (Matthew 11:2).  From prison, having heard of “the deeds of the Christ,” he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another? (Matthew 11:2-3).  How are we to account for this change in John?  What caused him to doubt?  We should note that there is no record of Jesus rebuking or criticizing John.  In fact, Jesus would go on to both assure him and commend him to others (Matthew 11:7-15).  He doubted not as a skeptical unbeliever, but as one who believed but had questions.  No doubt John’s doubts were rooted in Jesus’ failure to measure up to his preconceived expectations.  John was in prison.  Jesus was not acting like a King--hence his doubt.  But John did the right thing.  He took his doubts directly to the One who alone could address them.

Criticism no matter what.  Jesus used the example of John the Baptist to address the problem of critical unbelief that was characteristic of the masses.  They were like “children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn’ (Matthew 11:16-17).”  In those days the marketplace was a busy place filled with families and children.  Children would gather and play.  What would they play?  The main social events of that day were weddings and funerals.  And so the children would play games related to both.  But whether with the flute and a dance (as in a wedding) or a dirge (as in a funeral), there were some who would in either case refuse to join in.  John the Baptist came “neither eating nor drinking” and they said “He has a demon” (Matthew 11:18).”  Jesus came “eating and drinking” and they said, ‘Look at him!  A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!’ (Matthew 11:19).”  William Barclay commented on this kind of response: "The plain fact is that when people do not want to listen to the truth, they will easily enough find an excuse for not listening. They do not even try to be consistent in their criticism. They'll criticize the same person and the same institution from quite opposite grounds and reasons. If people are determined to make no response, they will remain stubbornly and sullenly unresponsive no matter what invitation is made to them."

Apathetic disregard.  Jesus’ harshest criticism was reserved for the cities “where most of his mighty works had been done” (Matthew 11:20).  Despite the clear evidence of his miracles they “did not repent” (Matthew 11:20).  Hard-hearted in their unbelief they refused to concern themselves with either Jesus or their sin.  No amount of evidence, no matter how substantial, could work to pry open their sin-shut eyes and ears.  Their apathy would be their undoing as they would ultimately experience the severity of God’s judgment for their unbelief (Matthew 11:20-24).  Some will never be convinced “even if someone should rise from the dead” (Matthew 16:31).

Childlike faith.  The chapter ends with a reassuring truth and an invitation.  The reassuring truth is that God desires to reveal Himself to us.  It is the “gracious will” of the “Lord of heaven and earth” to make known His truth to those who are as “little children” before Him (Matthew 11:25-26)  This precious reality is reaffirmed in Jesus’ invitation to the weary and heavy laden to find rest for their souls in Him (Matthew 11:28-30).  Criticism and apathy are the norm in this sin-weary world, but Jesus promises relief to those who come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28-30).

THE MASTER'S PLAN (Matthew Chapter 10)

Jesus saw the crowds and had compassion for them, “because they were-as they still are--harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).  Recognizing the scarcity of hands for such a plentiful harvest, He asked His disciples to pray that the Lord of the Harvest might send laborers (Matthew 9:37-38).

The answer to these prayers were the disciples themselves.  Jesus called them (Matthew 10:1).  He sent them out with His instructions (Matthew 10:5; 11:1).  Much in this chapter has specific relevance to the Apostles—they were to proclaim a message of the kingdom (Matthew 10:7); they were to go only to the “lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 10:6); and they were to go doing good in miraculous ways (even raising the dead; Matthew 10:8).  Portions of the chapter look forward to a future time, but the passage still has relevance to us.

It is striking to note the means through which God chose to do the work He intended to do.  Jesus chose and called ordinary men to do the work of ministry (Matthew 10:2-4).  Jesus did not recruit and call men from the powerful, well-connected, or even well-educated.  He deliberately chose ordinary men—fishermen, a tax-collector, a zealot, and others.  These men were merely human and would demonstrate their limitations on countless occasions as disciples, but once Spirit-filled, after Christ’s resurrection, God would use them (all but Judas) and others like them to “(turn) the world upside down” (Acts 17:6).  God’s plan remains the same.  He still chooses and privileges mere ordinary people like us to do the work of His ministry.  “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.  But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even the things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

The chapter is full of warnings regarding difficulties associated with ministry.  These same difficulties exist in this day and are experienced in varying degrees by Christ’s followers around the world.  He sent them out as “sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matthew 10:16).  He Himself, the Lamb of God, ministered amidst wolves.  These “wolves” relentlessly worked and conspired against Him, seeking His demise.  His followers should expect to experience the same kind of abuse (Matthew 10:24-25; Cf. Philippians 1:29; 1 Timothy 3:12).  So it is important that they be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

“Have no fear of them,” He said (Matthew 10:26).  Contend for the truth—“say it in the light…proclaim it on the housetops” (Matthew 10:26-27; Jude 3).  The truth will prevail (Matthew 10:26; Cf. 2 Timothy 2:9).  Have no fear—“even the hairs of your head are all numbered” by Him (Matthew 10:30).  The Master’s Plan?  Ordinary men facing extraordinary opposition made victorious through the Master and HIs power and love (Cf. Romans 8:31-39)!

And ‘tho this world with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.

The prince of darkness grim, We tremble not at him—His rage we can endure,

For lo, his doom is sure: One little word shall fell him.

LAUGHING AT JESUS (Matthew Chapter 9)

His daughter had died, but he believed that Jesus could bring her back to life, so the synagogue official made his way to Jesus and asked for His help.  Jesus followed the man, and after stopping to heal a woman, made his way to his house.  There he found a crowd in noisy disorder and heard the flute players serenading her departure.  He bid the crowd to depart, they began “laughing at him” (Matthew 9:18-26).

Such responses were nothing new to Jesus.  His behavior was anything but typical and His activities were frequently met with skepticism or criticism.  Matthew chapter 9 includes other examples of this…

Some men brought a paralytic to Jesus to be healed.  Jesus said, “Take courage, My Son, your sins are forgiven” (Matthew 9:2).  The response of the religious leaders?  They accused him of blasphemy (Matthew 9:3).

On another occasion He was reclining at a table in a house with His disciples and other guests, including many tax-gatherers and sinners.  The religious leaders took note and asked the disciples why (Matthew 9:10-13).

Even the disciples of John were puzzled by Him.  They fasted as did the Pharisees.  But they questioned why Jesus and His disciples did not fast (Matthew 9:14-17).

A dumb and demon-possessed man was brought to Jesus.  Jesus cast out the demon and made the man to speak.  The multitudes marveled, but the Pharisees attributed His work to the devil (Matthew 9:32-34).

He was questioned and criticized by both friends and foes and those who didn’t know any better. They questioned everything about Him--His motives, His ability, His ministry style, and His choice of friends.  They accused Him of blasphemy, but the man was both healed and forgiven.  They wondered about his questionable friends, but He had come to seek and save such people.  They were puzzled as to why His disciples didn’t fast--but why should they in the presence of the bridegroom?  They accused Him of healing by the power of the devil, but since when does the devil work against himself (Cf. Matthew 12:25-29).

They were laughing at Him, but no doubt stopped when the little girl arose (Matthew 9:24).  He was ridiculed and mocked even as hung on a cross for man’s sin.  To this day most doubt Him or while doubting accuse Him of all sorts of things.  The cynicism, questions, and accusations should have ceased when He rose from the dead.  That great triumph over sin and death proved His identity and worth.  But the laughing and criticism continues.  How patient and compassionate is Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  He was patient with the doubters and critics when He walked the earth, He is patient still “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).  He is Lord of all—one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that truth (Philippians 2:10-11).  On that day all laughing at Jesus will cease.

LOST AND ALL ALONE (Matthew Chapter 8)

The leper (Matthew 8:1-4) likely didn’t know the crazy men (Matthew 8:28-34), but he’s been perpetually “bound-together” with them as bookends to a chapter which speaks to the miracle working power of the Lord Jesus.  In that sense and in another they shared much in common.

I’ve been lonely.  You’ve likely experienced loneliness too.  But it’s hard to imagine what must have been the lonely and hopeless experience of these three needy souls.  The kin of Adam all bear the tragic consequences of sin, these seemingly bore more than their fair share.

Disfigured by leprous sores and scars the diseased leper was deemed unclean.  Others were prohibited from any direct contact with him.  “Unclean, Unclean” he would warn lest any might come too close.  He had said it so often it had become his identity—how he thought of himself.  Forsaken by family and friends, he was a lonely man.  A discard of human society.  Parents warned their children to stay away from him.  How long had it been since he experienced the hug of his mother or embrace of his friend?  The affectionate or caring touch of another was but a distant memory.  He was a man without hope, utterly alone and rejected.  But then Jesus came.  By faith the leper made his way to Him.  Disregarding earthly protocol he bowed down to Jesus.  Confidently he proclaimed, “Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean” (Matthew 8:2).  And you know what Jesus did?  He did what no one else would dare do--what the leper had not experienced in months, maybe years.  “He stretched out His hand and touched him” (Matthew 8:3).  “Be cleansed” He said.  And the leper was cleansed.  One can only imagine the happy reunion that was the result when the leper was made whole and restored to his family and friends.

The demon possessed men lived in the tombs, far away from everyone else.  They were so violent that nobody else could pass by that way.  Their naked bodies bore the bruises and scars of self-afflicted wounds.  Though often bound with shackles and chains, with demonic power they would tear the chains from them and break the shackles into pieces.  The fearful neighbors could hear them crying out constantly “day and night,” their devil-inspired shrieks instilling fear in their hearts.  They were all alone.  Two men deemed too crazy and too dangerous to associate with.  Rejected and relegated to the place where dead men dwelt.  Lonely and helpless and hopeless men.  But then Jesus came.  The two men “met Him as they were coming out of the tombs” (Matthew 8:28).  The demons spoke.  “Begone” Jesus replied!  And with a word the men were delivered of their demons and made right of mind (Mark 5:15).  One can only imagine the happy reunion that was the result when the demon-possessed men were restored to their family and friends.

The Savior of all hung there on a cross.  The Only Begotten of God despised and rejected.  Conspired against and unfairly tried he was declared guilty and condemned to die.  His friends forsook Him.  His created mocked Him.  A cacophony of voices filled the air with insults and abuse.  Humanity declared Him unwelcome.  The loneliness of that experience is hard to fathom, but it was worse even than that.  The burden of the ugly sin of the lost and lonely sons of Adam was put upon Him.  He who had never sinned, was made to be sin.  And for a moment of time the eternal and perfect fellowship between the Father and the Son was severed.  The pain and agony and loneliness of that event transcends all human understanding.  He cried out, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”  But the grave could not hold Him, He rose from the dead triumphing over sin and death and the devil.

He was made to be sin that we might be made righteous in Him.  He was made to be lonely in sin that He might rescue the lonely from sin.  In Him there is hope for all of Adam’s kin.  He was not afraid to reach out and touch a leper.  He was powerful enough to subdue the demons.  He cares.  He is able.  He alone is able to rescue the lost and lonely.

DO NOT JUDGE? (Matthew Chapter 7)

Matthew 7:1, “Do not judge lest you be judged.”

In this age of tolerance this oft-cited verse has gained much in popularity.  Many who know nothing else of Scripture, know this verse.  It is oftentimes misused to rationalize and excuse all sorts of beliefs and behaviors under the mistaken notion that to do otherwise would be to judge others.

It is helpful to consider the context of this passage.  In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) Jesus confronted many of the ills of the Pharisaic religious cult that governed that day.  The religion of that day was a religion of self-effort and self-exaltation.  The pursuit of self-righteousness came at the expense of others.  A perfect example of this is found in the parable Jesus once told: “And He also told this parable of certain ones who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee, and the other a tax-gatherer.  The Pharisee stood and was praying thus to himself, ‘God, I thank Thee I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-gatherer’ (Luke 18:9-11).”

The Pharisee pridefully viewed the tax-gatherer “with contempt.”  He exalted himself in his condemnation of others.  That’s exactly the kind of judging that Jesus condemned.  To judge others with a view to their condemnation is always wrong.  Jesus gives a warning to those who practice that kind of judgment: “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2).  It is never okay to indict, criticize, gossip about, or condemn someone in order to feel better about oneself or to justify one’s own wrong behavior.  To take note of someone’s ‘speck’ while ignoring one’s own ‘log’ is both sinful and hypocritical (Matthew 7:4-5).

Does that mean that we should never practice ‘judgment’?  That is what some are misinterpreting this verse to mean.  But amongst the varied definitions given for this word is this: Judgment = “The process of forming an opinion or evaluation by discerning or comparing; an opinion or estimate so formed.”  That this kind of “judging” is vital and necessary is clear even in the following context of Matthew 7:1.  It is necessary to distinguish through comparison between the broad path that leads to destruction and the narrow way that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).  Judgment is essential to discerning and avoiding false prophets (Matthew 7:15-23).  Jesus Himself will exercise judgment in condemning the false professors (Matthew 7:21-23).

The Corinthian church was rightly chastised by the Apostle Paul—he himself exercising judgment--inasmuch as they did “not judge” the man caught in gross immorality (1 Corinthians 5:1-13; esp. 5:12).  ‘Judgment’ (i.e. discernment) is necessary if a person is to abide by the warning given in verse 11 to not associate with any “so-called brother if he should be an immoral person” (1 Corinthians 5:11).  Discernment is called for with regards to that which we believe: “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).  Discernment is to be exercised with regards to behavior: “For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.  Let no one deceive you with empty words (exercise discernment; i.e. judgment), for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 5:5-6).”

Judgment is exercised by a parent in disciplining a misbehaving child.  Why is this kind of judgment not sinful?  Because it is to be exercised in love for the child’s own good (Cf. Hebrews 12:10).  God does the same with His children (Hebrews 12:9-11).  Believers in Christ are exhorted to “admonish one another”—why does that not violate Jesus’ Matthew 7:1 command?  Because they are to admonish a brother “by the Spirit” (i.e. in love, with truth, and for the purpose of their edification; Cf. Romans 15:14; Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 3:16).

To share the gospel with an unbeliever or care enough to lovingly confront someone concerning some sinfully destructive behavior in their life, does not constitute judging them in the Matthew 7:1 sense.  It is only that when it is done apart from Spirit-imparted humility, gentleness, and love (Cf. Galatians 6:1).  The kind of judging that finds faults and criticizes merely for the sake of personal gain is always wrong and destructive.

WHAT ME WORRY? (Matthew Chapter 6)

Worry is defined as “a state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems.” It is a common and popular sin, despite the fact that is can lead to a wide array of spiritual, physical, and emotional difficulties. Worry reflects a lack of trust in God and His ability or desire to care for us—it therefore tends to undermine the intimacy of our fellowship and credibility of our witness. Jesus spoke to the problem in depth in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:24-35).

There are at least 10 reasons given here to refrain from worry. Here they are:

1.       God commands us not to worry.  “Do not be anxious” (Matthew 6:25a).

2.       There is more to life than the concerns we tend to worry about.  “Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25b).

3.       God takes care of the birds—and you are of more value than they are.  ”Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not worth more than they” (Matthew 6:26)?

4.       Worry doesn’t accomplish anything.  “And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life’s span” (Matthew 6:27)?

5.       God beautifully arrays the lilies of the field—though they expend no effort.  “And why are you so anxious about clothing?  Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not cloth himself like one of these.  But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith” (Matthew 6:28-30)?

6.       To worry--being preoccupied with earthly concerns-is to live no different than the unsaved.  “Do not be anxious then, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’  For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek” (Matthew 6:31-32b).

7.       God knows all about your needs. “”For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matthew 6:32b).

8.       Instead of worrying about earthly concerns, be concerned about His kingdom and His righteousness.  “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

9.       Don’t borrow, by worrying, from tomorrow’s troubles. “Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

10.   Instead of worrying—pray (Matthew 6:8-14; Philippians 4:6-7).

John Newton, “We can easily manage if we will only take, each day, the burden appointed to it. But the load will be too heavy for us if we carry yesterday's burden over again today, and then add the burden of the morrow before we are required to bear it.”

The words below, from an old song, by B.J. Thomas, put things in right perspective:

He's got it all in control, He's got it all in control

He's put that reassurance, Way down in my soul

He's got it all in control

I've put my life in His hands, I've put my life in His hands

So every road I walk down, I'm sure is in His plan

'Cause I've put my life in His hands

He holds the stars in the sky, He holds the land back from the sea

If He can do all of that, Surely he can take care-of you and me