Matthew 9:18-26
WhileHe was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.”
19 And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples.
20 And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, 21 for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.
23 And when Jesus came to the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, 24 he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. 25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went through all that district.
So many people say the Gospels were written in the 4th century by oral history. Which conflicts with Paul writing of the Temple sacrifices being done as he wrote. The Christian bishop, Papias of Hierapolis, about 100–140 AD, wrote: "Matthew collected the sayings of Jesus." Matthew identifies himself as a Tax Collector in this Chapter.
Does Jesus know about the confusion mere mortals face? How life isn't always apply this solution to this verse??
Jesus had 3 years to wow the crowd. When we get to the 9th Chapter of Matthew, Jesus had called the first set of disciples together, Matthew had not been part of the group called together in the 4th Chapter. The 8th Chapter lists 4 miracles. Jesus had been speaking with crowds of people who gathered to hear Him. This is the way Matthew arranges his introduction of Jesus ministry. An outsider, later invited in.
It would seem that Jesus, with His exact ideas of what is going to occur would have asked Matthew right away. Instead, Matthew is given time. Just like John the Baptist. John the Baptist tells us he did not know Jesus. He didn't grow up with his cousin. He had time to grow into understanding Jesus. In the middle of being given the idea Jesus did not march along with a perfect day planner, let's remember Jesus rowed back and forth over the Sea of Galilee sometimes several times in one day. If you were God, wouldn't you want to arrange people so you didn't have to row or sail back and forth?
It is another example of God making time for the give and take in life. Jesus has done 4 amazing miracles and, of course, everyone treats Him with respect. It makes sense. No, we are still the people God has to contend with. Still the grumblers in the desert asking for God to do more. People laughed at Jesus. Not with Him. Elijah would have called down fire. If you'll remember, the disciples asked Jesus to do this on one occasion. And Jesus, being God, said no, He had other plans.
Back to the Day Planner thought. In the middle of working with the ruler, Jesus heals. So. There is a 5th miracle and the people still don't like it. And don't trust Him.
How does Jesus feel being pressed in all the time? We see an example.
When Jesus came to the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away."
He is kind enough to give a reason. We don't know Jesus' tone. The people leave after being put out. We can assume the synagogue ruler was responsible for getting them out of the way. You can imagine the ruler wasn't too fussed about moving the laugh-ers out of the way because he'd just seen Jesus heal. Not a huge decision of politically correct thought going on there.
Jesus deliberately chose to step away from being God the Father. He was there in the spoken Word of Creation and saw things we only hope to see in Heaven. He didn't say, "Let me chase the people and not let the sun go down on my anger." He allowed time for obedience and quiet. He saw order and privately settled the matter with the people.
We hold maxims because we remember them. We readily remember, 'don't let the sun go down on your anger'. 'Turn the other cheek'. And we hold them to be the immediate Biblical answer. Yet sometimes turning the other cheek is exactly what the evil one would want. Sometimes we have to employ "Rebuke the devil and he will flee from you." Exactly like, if people are not going to reason with you, why provoke another fight by saying there is a time limit.
Jesus knew about conflict, struggling to apply the right solution to the right opportunity for a solution.
Matthew 18:15-17
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
To get into the Promised Land, Joshua had to decide.
Joshua 24:14-16
The Scriptures are written for you. A message of Love explaining the nature of God. Explaining mercy, explaining the subtitles are not from God. Asking Him, how each matter requires integrity, honesty, and expecting the best of mankind - God saw a reason to save each on of us - a Light lighting all mankind. Prayer, believing God will care when our cares are placed upon Him.
Abba, Father,
Where is our Joy? The adventure of what You have brought us through.
You have been steadfast.
How many things have we overcome? Many.
You are Strong, Lord.
Make us strong again in Your Might.
Let us hold up our Problems to You.
You are our armor, strength and shield.
The Armor of God cannot be removed. You are our fortress.
In the fortress of God, we will see the mercies of God renew.
If we don't count the blessings - they fly by unappreciated.
Jesus is compassionate and merciful.
Our advocate.
You will call us to defend our hopes with gentleness and respect
but our defense in You is sure.
God will call me to do what He strengthens me to do.
We ask healing
of Your Good Creation
The fullness of the earth is Yours.
The healing of those we pray for
in our heart and soul.
The safety of Your people.
Let evil and practicing evil
depart far from us
and our children.
The safety of Your people.
The Healing
of the Nation.
Wholeness
Holy.
Goodness.
Dwell in us, Father,
Dwell fully in those we love,
Help us to seek You first
and we will finish well in Jesus Christ.
I trust in Jesus,
our Strong Deliverer.
Amen.
♔ Lord Jesus Saves †
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