Matthew 9
From our childhood, we have always wanted loving and trusting relationships.
We wanted the very best from our parents.
We wanted teachers who give their all to help us learn.
We wanted mechanics who do not cheat us, but tell us exactly what is needed to keep our cars running properly.
We wanted pastors who lead us with honesty and integrity.
We wanted spouses and friends who are loving, committed, and supportive through the highs and lows of life.
We grow up with these desires and expectations. But somewhere along the way, we are disappointed and let down. Our parents are not as loving or supportive as we thought. Not all teachers want to inspire children. Some mechanics do cheat people. Pastors violate our trust. Spouses and friends hurt us and leave us at our most vulnerable moments.
Matthew 9:1-8 – And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
When Jesus came into His own city, friends of a paralytic was brought to Jesus. They believed Jesus was able to heal him. When Jesus considered the faith of those that brought the paralytic, He healed him.
In processing the friends’ faith, they not only believed Jesus could heal their friend, but they were also motivated by several emotions. As their faith encouraged them to action, they exercised compassion, belief in Jesus, and hope.
Matthew 9:35-38 – And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
As Jesus went through the cities and villages teaching, preaching, and healing, he saw the multitudes. He was moved with compassion for the multitudes of people had fainted and were scattered. He noted to His disciples that the harvest is plenteous, but there are few laborers to work the harvest. Jesus told them to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His harvest.
Many times we see the multitudes of people in need. We see them in our churches, schools, communities, and abroad. We see the people with so many needs and so few resources. They are without Jesus and the help and support to sustain themselves from day to day. We see a bountiful harvest of souls.
A disciple is a person that is conformed into the image of Jesus through careful study and obedience to His life example, commands, and guidance through the Spirit.
Jesus outlines what one must do to be a disciple, how a disciple is identified, and how they are to live. Below is a listing of scriptural references that further outline the preceding sentence. Disciples:
1. Are not forced to follow Jesus (John 6:43-71).
2. Are drawn by the Father (John 6:44).
3. Must hate their father, mother, wife, children, and their own life (Matthew 10:32-39; Luke 14:26-33).
Follow Us
Search the site
Disclaimer
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions
Website Information
Shopping cart
Total
Shipping and discount codes are added at checkout.
Checkout