One Important Question All Must Answer

N.T.#187 "One Important Question All Must Answer"

Nov. 17, 2023

Matthew 16-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Throughout our educational life, we had final exams. Probably, it was a few questions inquiring what we had learned in the course. Some tests were essay to reveal this, while others had specific questions. The time had come for the disciples to take their final exam. Read on to find out how they did.

Jesus and His disciples were on the move again. They went north to Caesare Philippi, which was at the mouth of the Jordan River. (verse 13) An underground stream bubbled up from a cave. The place was a center of idol worship. 

Jesus knew the end of His earthly ministry was coming to an end soon. He had spiritual things left to teach His disciples. These men had heard His teaching, observed His actions, witnessed His miracles, and got to know Him up close and personal. They observed Jesus' methods of ministry and learn His ways, hopefully. The day for the final exam came. How they answered this question had everything to do with their eternal destiny. (also ours)

Here is the question: Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am? (verse 13b)

What was the word on the street? What was the murmuring among the crowds?

How did the disciples answer?

• Some say You are John the Baptist. Had he returned from the dead? John announced the coming of the Savior, challenged people to turn from their sins, and baptized them as a symbol of their repentance. He spoke the truth, which cost him his life.
• Some say You are Elijah. Had he returned from his ascent to heaven? (2 Kings 2:11) He was used by God to perform miracles., confront priests of Baal and Asherah. 
• Others say You are Jeremiah. He spoke for God to Judah for 40 years, was rejected, stood alone, predicted the fall of Israel and Judah, as well as other nations.
• Others say You are one of the prophets.

There was a lot of speculation as whom Jesus was. One thing for sure, Jesus was not a dead, dumb idol, as people in that city worshiped.

LET IT GROW

If Jesus asked you that question, how would you answer Him? Is He Messiah, Savior, Redeemer, Son of God to you? 

Or is Jesus just another good man, a good teacher, one of the prophets?

Folks, it take faith to believe Jesus is God's Son, sent to save us from the penalty of our sins. The Bible is truth. Jesus is the only way to heaven and to God. He is the Expected One the prophets foretold about to come.

 LET IT GO 

Help us let go of false teachings, sayings of others, and have faith in You, Jesus.

To know You love us more than anyone.

Draw the lost to You.

Where is Your Focus?

N.T.#186  "Where is Your Focus?"

Nov. 16, 2023

Matthew 16-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

I have a tendency to focus on the physical rather than the spiritual. Right now, my house is a mess from moving. And that messes me up. However, I am continuing to study the Word and praying God will show me His will for the day. How about you, friend? Where is your focus today?

The Pharisees and Sadducees were so concerned with heavenly signs that they cannot interpret the signs of the times all around them. Jesus referred them to the same sign He gave before, the sign of the prophet Jonah. (12:39) the Ninevites had committed spiritual adultery by being unfaithful to God through idols.  (MacArthur)

When Jesus told them they had the sign of Jonah, who was in the great fish 3 days and 3 nights, He was predicting His death and resurrection. That would be their sign that Jesus is the Messiah. Yet, Jesus knew those men would not believe in Him after His sign.

Jesus said in John 20:29, Those who believe without seeing are blessed. 

Folks, we have the old and New Testaments, over 2,000 years of church history, and witnesses of thousands. Do we need more evidence? Are you waiting for a sign before you believe in Jesus as your Savior? It takes faith, not works, believing that He is who He says He is-Son of the Living God, Messiah, Savior.

LET IT GROW

Jesus left those religious leaders, for they only wanted to argue and nitpick over what was actually a sign from heaven and a sign from earth. So Jesus left them. He and His disciples left Magadan in a boat for Bethsaida. Only the disciples forgot to load enough bread for the trip. Somewhere along the way they unloaded the 7 baskets of bread after feeding the 4,000. while the disciples fretted over bread, Jesus was still thinking about those critics who had a stubborn heart. Jesus warned His disciples to beware of the leaven (sin) of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees, not the leaven of bread. (verses 11-12)

Those men were so concerned with their stomachs that their little faith showed. Jesus was concerned with spiritual things. After all, guys, Jesus could have said the word, and the boat would have been filled with bread until it sunk. Empty stomachs vs. empty souls. Jesus wasn't speaking literally about bread and yeast, but the poisonous corruption of the teachings of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. 

don't you know the disciples felt low with their worrying about physical bread instead of those who rejected the Bread of Life. Are you dealing with people who won't accept the Truth? You may need to walk away like Jesus dis, then leave them in God's hands. Pray for them, but don't waste your time arguing. 

Let's not become so preoccupied with physical things that our ears become stopped up and we miss God speaking to us. 

LET IT GO

Help us let go and let You lead us, Jesus.

May we not become dull disciples, but deep disciples. 

Grow our faith, for You are faithful. 

Does Your Faith Require a Sign?

N.T.#185 "Does Your Faith Require a Sign?"

Nov. 15, 2023

Matthew 16 

LET IT GLOW

It is good to review what we have learned thus far in our study. What a challenge of our Christian beliefs and teaching us about the life of our Savior.

So far, this tax collector/disciple called Matthew has made the announcement and arrival of the King of the Jews-Jesus Christ. In chapters 1-4, we read of His unusual birth, baptism, perfect man/God passing Satan's tests. Then, Matthew witnesses the proclamation and reception of the King in chapters 5-15. Jesus' extraordinary teaching through the Sermon on the Mount, and parables reveals the Savior's insights and mysteries of the kingdom. We read how He was challenged by the religious leaders of the time,yet continued to perform miracles and show compassion to the sick and disabled. 

Now in chapters 16-25, we will see the opposition and rejection of King Jesus by the Pharisees and Sadducees, as well as the Roman government and Israel's long-awaited Messiah. The passion and triumph of King Jesus will indicate His power over death and commissioning His disciples to a new mission of sharing salvation by faith in Jesus.

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights-Matthew 16-28]

Can we put down the years of our life in a few paragraphs for our funeral? Have we endured testings and challenges which have have an impact upon us? Have we shared with our children and grandchildren the faithfulness of Jesus and His goodness in our life?

LET IT GROW

Before we left church Sunday night, the western sky was lite up with red. What a gorgeous sight. Jesus reassures us He is in control. we just need to trust Him is our situation that we are facing. Yet, does our faith require a sign? Then it wouldn't be faith, right? Jesus was confronted by two groups of people asking for a sign from Him. 

The Pharisees had previously confronted Jesus, but now the Sadducees joined them. These two Jewish religious groups had little in common, but their disdain for Jesus brought them together to test Him and ask for a sign from heaven by Jesus. The miracles Jesus had performed wasn't enough for these religious leaders to believe Jesus is the Messiah, they desired Jesus to prove Himself with a supernatural sign.

The Pharisees had a strong belief in the sovereignty of God, predestination, angelic beings, and afterlife. The held to the rewards or punishments after death and the resurrection of the body. Oral traditions were strong and so was holding to the five books of Moses' writings. However, the Sadducees rejected the doctrine of predestination and emphasized human free will. They denied the existence of angels, continuation of the soul after death, and the resurrection of the body. 

Jesus wasn't going to succumb to their demands for miraculous signs. He knew these guys' hearts. His critics were weather-wise, but spiritually foolish. What a meteorological lesson. We know a saying about the red sky at night being the sailor's delight and the red sky in the morning being the sailor's warning. 

If the miracles Jesus had performed wasn't enough to convince these fellows of the truth that Jesus is the Messiah, nothing else would. This pursuit of a sign was evil because they rejected what God had done through Jesus, yet they commanded a custom-tailored performance. 

They wanted a sign? Jesus was going to give them a whopper-His resurrection from the dead. God provided the greatest sign ever done. Easter morning is our proof that Jesus is who He says He is and can do what He says He will do.

Sometimes the greatest act of faith is not to ask for a miracle. The three Hebrews didn't, for they simply obeyed God by not bowing down and worshiping an idol. Their faith knew God had the ability to rescue them from the fiery furnace. Yet it didn't require such a thing in order for them to continue to believe in God. 

Does our faith require miracles to sustain it? Or do we trust God totally? 

Personally, my faith does not require a sign. When I almost died, not breathing after surgery, I did not have an out of body experience. I was simply asleep. Jesus didn't come to me, like many say happened to them. I believe He wasn't finished with me yet and showed His power to those around me. Glory to God in the Highest!

LET IT GO 

Lord God, You are still God of us, no matter what happens to us.

We will continue to trust You know best.

Jesus, You are alive, so live in us today.

Are We Meeting Needs?

N.T.#184 "Are We Meeting Needs?"

Nov. 14, 2023 

Matthew 15-Part 10

LET IT GLOW

Here is some background concerning the last part of this chapter, which I didn't know: Jesus spent about 6 months in Gentile country. There is no record of His ministering to others during this time other than the desperate woman and feeding of 4,000 men. So the disciples must have had uninterrupted and intense training at the feet of Jesus. The Decapolis area was surrounded by a federation of ten Greek cities. It was located on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. Jews considered those people as lost, outcast, and needy. With the cross coming for Him, Jesus could have been showing his followers the need to minister to all in need. 

While there, Jesus healed the sick and suffering. (verse 31) He had compassion (feel sympathy; to pity) on them. (verse 32) Jesus treated no one as outcast. As a result, the people glorified the God of Israel. Those Gentile gods could not do what Jesus did. the Gentiles were proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah, that salvation was of the Jews. (John 4:22)

[Resource: The Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible]

As followers of Jesus, do we treat no one as an outcast? People have souls and need His salvation, physical needs to be met, and need to know they are loved. Are we like Jesus? 

LET IT GROW

If we are to minister to the needs of others, are we willing to meet the need with what we have? Being willing is not enough, so we must give. Do we use the opportunity to meet physical needs as a time to share salvation in the One who meets all needs-spiritually? When we meet needs, others witness the Lord's power and provision in action. It strengthens our faith. 

LET IT GO 

Open our eyes, Lord, to see the needs of others.

Use us to meet those needs, physically and spiritually (bringing them to Jesus).

Showing Compassion

N.T.#183 "Showing Compassion"

Nov. 13, 2023

Matthew 15-Part 9

LET IT GLOW

Has the Lord met your needs lately? Has He provided for you in unexpected ways? What about His boundless grace and love? Continue as we read about it in the end this chapter.

In the latter part of this chapter, we have a feeding of 4,000 men, not including woman and children. Before we get into those details, what was Jesus doing near Decapolis, located on the southeast shore of Galilee? 

• Jesus made the lame to walk.
• He caused those blind to see clearly.
• Those who had been disabled now danced with joy.
• Those that had been speechless were now singing praises.
• And many other illnesses and disabilities were brought to Jesus for healing. Scripture doesn't elaborate what problems they had, but Jesus took care of them with healings.
• The crowd glorified God. (verse 31)

Do we consider helping those who are disabled, sick? Whenever our loved one gets well, do we glorify God for the healing?

LET IT GROW

Now the crowd had been on the mountainside with Jesus for 3 days. He didn't have the disciples take on the role as bouncers or bodyguards. He was not like an unreachable superstar. 

Instead, in verse 32, Jesus said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with Me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest, they faint in the way.

Where were the disciples to get food for such a crowd. guys, did you not learn about the power of Jesus earlier whenever He fed the 5,000 men (about 20,000 total)?

With 7 loaves of bread and a few fish, Jesus gave thanks, brake it into pieces, and gave to the disciples to distribute. (Seven large baskets were left over.) This isn't a flashback nor a retelling of the same story.

What can we learn from this? Don't ever think there's a need too big for God.  (Phil. 4:19; Eph. 3:20) Don't forget the times He answers your prayers. (Ps. 103:2)

LET IT GO 

Thank You for providing for our needs, Jesus.

How compassionate You are, Savior!

Help us show compassion to those in need and hurt.

Developing Great Faith

N.T.#182 "Developing Great Faith"

Nov. 9, 2023

Matthew 15-Part 8

LET IT GLOW

We are still looking at the event of the Canaanite woman who sought deliverance from a demon for her daughter. Jesus' silence in response to her could have been to draw out the woman's words of faith, as well as point out the hasty prejudice of the disciples. Here was a Gentile speaking to a Jew and a woman speaking to a man. But it did not discourage her to bow down in worship and total surrender, simply asking the Messiah for help. The woman didn't need Jesus to follow her home in order to heal her girl, for she believed He was able to do it long distance. she found out Jesus was willing, too. She did not she need a sign, either. That hour the girl was healed.

What can we learn for this?

• Christ loves to be cried after. Do we seek Him for healing, direction, wisdom, and love?
• His answer to the disciples desiring to send her away dashed her expectations. 
• She only desired crumbs like a dog at the Master's mercy table. The woman received grace from a gracious Lord. We Gentiles find it, too, through faith in Jesus as Savior.
• Christ delights in great faith with great trials. The mother didn't consider it to have been better to stay home than be called a dog. She worshiped Jesus as the Savior and Messiah anyway.
• Pray more earnestly. A broken heart is not despised. (Jeremiah 31:18)

How sincerely do we seek Jesus? Do we desperately pray for our loved ones to be delivered from evil?So many people are addicted to drugs, alcohol, porn. They live in the flesh and fulfill the desires of the flesh, not considering the sinful state of their soul. Do we show compassion for the person? 

LET IT GROW

This woman's great faith is included in the Bible. Jesus described it as such. Her faith resulted in humility, patience, and perseverance in prayer. Does ours? 

Great faith:

• may vary in size with Christians.
• continues to love and trust the All-Sufficient Savior as a friend, not an enemy.
• Great faith pleases Christ Jesus.
• Great believers my have what they will for the asking.
• Though Satan sifted Peter, buffeted Paul, through Christ's prayer and sufficiency of His grace, we shall be more than conquerors. (Luke 22:31-32)
• This mother's faith prevailed for a daughter's cure.
• Jesus spoke and it was done. (Matthew Henry)

Does our faith not let go until Jesus has answered our request? Is our faith developing into great faith? What is in our heart? Are we seeking to honor the Savior?

LET IT GO 

Develop within us great faith.

To God be the glory forever and ever.

*Sorry for the delay of posts. We have moved and I am still searching for items in my office.

Great Faith

N.T.#181 "Great Faith"

Nov. 7, 2023

Matthew 15-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Friend, I have had prayers answered and prayers still unanswered after years of my asking. That doesn't mean I have giving up and stopped praying. God is so very faithful. It must be according His will, not ours, in order for God to bring it to pass.

Jesus moved on to the northeast, Tyre and Sidon, which is Gentile country. (verse 21) He went into a house, not wanting anyone to know He was there. Yet, news spread. A Gentile woman who lived there approached Jesus, fell down at His feet. She was there to beg Jesus to deliver her daughter from a demon. 

What did the Gentile woman cry out to Jesus? Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. (verse 22)

In the Greek language, grievously means miserably, hurt, sick, make evil affected; vexed means to beg (as binding oneself), petition , make request, pray to; devil refers to be exercised by a demon (be possessed with).

What was this Canaanite woman's problem?

1. Her daughter was suffering severely and needed delivered, which Jesus could do.
2. She acknowledged Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, the Son of David, but Jesus did not say a word to her. (verse 23)
3. Jesus did not answer her right away. (verse 23)
4. The disciples urged Jesus to send her away because she was making a spectacle, a bunch of racket. Jesus' followers were trying to shut up the woman.
5. Jesus was sent on mission to the Jews, not the Gentiles. (verse 24) Yet, Jesus brought grace to all people-Jew and Gentile.

Here was a desperate mother. making a request of healing for her little girl. Her faith knew He could deliver the sweet girl from the demon that possessed her. Yet Jesus was silent.

What do we do when Jesus is silent? When He does not answer our prayers? When we pray the same thing over and over again for years?

LET IT GROW 

Jesus said He was sent unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (verse 24)

Then came she and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, help me. (verse 25)

First, He should feed the children- His own family (Jews). It isn't right to take food from the children to and throw it to the dogs (Gentiles). How did she answer? Even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children's plate. (verse 28), NLT)

She knew what Jesus was talking about. She only wanted a crumb, scraps, leftover. Just a word from Jesus and the girl would be made whole. She wasn't going to let go until Jesus blessed her. Such desperate humility. The woman was willing to settle for Jesus' leftovers.

O woman, great is thy faith; be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. (verse 28)

Jesus commends her Gentile belief. What an illustration of us Gentiles being blessed by the Messiah of Israel! Grace and mercy is for us who ask for it.

When God doesn't answer our prayers about a specific need, it's likely He's trying to deepen our faith. so persist in prayer. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GO

We received a plaque in the shape of a cross for pastor appreciation. It has inscribed upon it, "Pray. Let go and let God take over." This came at the right time. Is there something you need to let go of and let God handle it in His timing? He will, dear one.

Grow our faith, Jesus, as we wait for You to answer our prayers.

Help us have great faith.