Matthew 8-10

January 3, 2007
Matthew 8-10


Why did Jesus eat with tax collectors and sinners?

Tax collectors and sinners referred to the "cast offs" of society. They were easily ignored. That is until, Jesus sat down and ate with them. They were the ones who needed what he had to offer. But more importantly, they were the ones who were willing to receive what he had to offer. Jesus told the religious leaders to,"go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.." (9:12)

So, what have you learned about the meaning? Specifically, what did Jesus mean by desiring mercy more than sacrifice?

Jesus sent the 12 disciples out to the lost sheep of the house of Israel to do what?

7As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. (10:7ff)

They were to proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of heaven. The era when God would rule. They were to use the power of God to make the impossible, possible. I think it also means that they were to do it freely, with a sense of generosity. The kingdom of heaven is not something to be clenched in our fists but shared with open hands and open hearts. Do we have the power to proclaim the message making the impossible possible? Do we try to keep the kingdom with clenched fists or do we share it with open arms and hearts welcoming ALL who would enter in?

What will those who lose their life for Jesus sake find?

They will find the true meaning of their life. How many times have you heard people agonizing over the meaning and purpose of their life? It seems that the answer is simple. To find meaning in purpose in life lose your purpose in Jesus’ purpose for your life. Of course, while the answer is simple, it is in the day to day challenges of life that makes it so difficult to practice. The pull and lure of the "things of this world" are so compelling we often succumb. For Jesus, his encounter and temptation in the dessert with the evil one helped him to settle his direction. Through the struggle he determined his decision and response before the crisis appeared. Times of crises are not the best time to evaluate possible responses.