A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL

John– the harbinger of a new age

Reading: Matthew 11:17-15

John’s disciples were about to head back when Jesus pays this extraordinary tribute to their master. Jesus speaks to the crowd and he asks who they went out into the desert to see? Was it someone who was weak and vacillating like a clump of reeds by the side of a river? Or was it someone dressed in splendid clothes? OK, says Jesus, so you were expecting a prophet – but can’t you see that John was more than that? John was the greatest son a woman could have but even the least person in the Kingdom of God will be greater than him.

Jesus is saying that John the Baptizer was the harbinger of the Kingdom of God that Kingdom which was being prepared to force its way into space-time history. All before John were looking forward but he was the Elijah figure Malachi spoke about, the One who would announce the arrival of the Messiah and his Kingdom, (Malachi 3:1).

Meditation: The Kingdom has begun and part of our task is to point to that fact.

Prayer pointer: I must pray that I won’t be a weak vacillating witness of the Messiah

Matthew: 73

A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL

Who is Jesus really?

Reading: Matthew 11:1-6

“Who is Jesus really?” was the title of the BH Mission recently, it was also the question on the mind of John the Baptizer. He was in prison because he had been outspoken about King Herod putting away his wife and marrying his brother’s ex-wife. John was also disappointed with Jesus. Why wasn’t he the fiery preacher the Messiah should be and why hadn’t he toppled Herod and taken his place on the throne? So John sent his disciples to ask, “Are you the One who is to come?”(v3). This was the most common way of referring to the Messiah. Jesus doesn’t answer John’s question directly but sends the disciples back with a message about what he is doing (vv4-5) All these miracles authenticate the Messiah (Isaiah 25:8; 29:18; 35:5,6: 42:7). Jesus points out that blessing flows from having confidence in him even if the circumstances are mystifying (v6).

Meditation: Am I expecting Jesus to be my sort of Messiah or the one promised in the bible.

Prayer pointer: I must give thanks that the miracles authenticate Jesus.

Matthew: 72

A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL

We can’t all be great men of God – but we can all share their reward.

Reading: Matthew 10:40-42

In every century there is probably only one great evangelist. In every church there is only one vicar. Or in the language of this verse, we can’t all be “prophets” or “righteous men,” BUT we can all share the same reward. Rabbis called their disciples “little ones” and simply by receiving the disciples of Christ we get their reward. Isn’t that amazing!

Meditation: I must lookout for Christ’s “little ones” everywhere.

Prayer pointer: I mustn’t have my eye on rewards.

Matthew:71

A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL

The cost and rewards of discipleship

Reading: Matthew 10:34-39

The whole idea of “taking up your cross” (v38) is totally foreign to us. Indeed some people can refer to a minor irritation as “their cross.” However, to the people of Palestine in the 1^st century it was a real and terrifying concept. One Roman general in charge of the area, having put down a revolt by Judas of Galilee, ordered that 2,000 Jews be crucified and that their crosses should be displayed next to the roads for everybody to see. Those Jews would have carried, probably stumbled would be a better word, to the place of execution carrying their own instrument of death. To every Jew in Palestine it was blindingly the obvious what it meant “to take up your cross.” So: (i) The cost is the sacrifice that a Christian has to make to do the will of Jesus. In Christianity there is always a cross, you could describe Christianity as the way of the cross.

(ii) The reward is “finding your life by loosing it”(v39). It is a very tempting option to save your life but if you do, you will loose it and your place and hold on history will be lost for ever. The adventure is finding your life by loosing it. That prospect never cases to excite me.

Meditation: I can find my life by loosing it.

Prayer pointer: I need to be ready for sacrifice.

Matthew: 70

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The crunch

Reading: Matthew 10:34-39 Click to view passage

We may have begun this study of Matthew with a rather romantic notion of becoming a 21^st century follower and helper of Jesus. We may even have been stirred by the Sermon on the Mount and see its radical agenda as something that could change our planet for the good. Indeed, it probably presents us with the only real chance to deal with this world’s ills. Now comes the crunch. Nowhere else in the gospels will you feel the sheer honesty of Jesus to would be followers and helpers more powerfully than this. In these verses we are offered. (i) Warfare. This in the end is the uncompromising demand of Jesus. He didn’t come “to send peace, but a sword,” (v34). Our personal faith in Christ brings inward peace now, but only when the final struggle is over will we have peace surrounding us. (ii) A choice. Sometimes the choice will be between those near and dear to us and loyalty to Jesus. It is a heart wrenching choice, nowhere expressed better than by John Bunyan who said it is like, “pulling the flesh from (our) bones.” He was talking about his imprisonment and being parted from his wife and children.

Meditation: Am I ready to meet this challenge?

Prayer pointer: I need to put away “airy-fairy” ideas about the cost of discipleship.

Matthew:69

A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL

Acknowledging Jesus at all times

Reading: Matthew 10:32-33

The plain fact of history is that if the men and women of the early church hadn’t openly acknowledged Jesus we wouldn’t be here. The Roman Governor Pliny confessed his helplessness to shake the loyalty of those who were really committed to Christ. So which are the areas of my life where Jesus must be acknowledged? Well certainly (i) with my lips. There is a famous story of J.P. Mahaffy of Trinity College, Dublin, who when asked if he was a Christian replied, “Yes, but not offensively so.” He didn’t want anything to hinder his enjoyment of life. Then there is (ii) silence that can be a secret denial of Jesus. This is where I have failed so often; in the office or on the train, someone has said something with which I knew I had to disagree – and I didn’t. Then I can (iii) deny him by my actions. Our actions can often be a negation of what we believe. When I was a young Christian I came across a powerful book called “The church of Judas Christ.” Its argument was plain, if we profess Christianity but constantly deny it by our actions, we are disciples of Judas rather than Christ.

Meditation: We need to be doers as well as hearers of the word.

Prayer pointer: I need help to stop me becoming a secret disciple

Matthew: 68

A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL

Don’t be afraid

Reading: Matthew 10:26-31

You don’t say, “Don’t be afraid” to a heavy rugby back who with his head down is charging into the apposing pack. Fear is the last thing on his mind. You certainly don’t need to keep repeating it, “Don’t be afraid(v26)..don’t be afraid(v28)…don’t be afraid(V31).” However it is obvious why we need the challenge. We are not heavy weight Christians, most of us are seven stone weaklings who wish we had signed up for Mr Universe’s muscle building course years ago.

Notice these verses speak to three different situations. (i) There is fear that we might not know what to say.(v26). The answer is we will be told but this will necessitate us waiting in prayer for the words. (ii) Then there is the fear of death (v28). The answer to this is that men can only kill our bodies. They can’t touch our souls. Then there is (iii) the fear that God doesn’t really care (v31). We need to go back to the KJV where we are told that not a sparrow “falleth” to the ground without God’s knowledge. In this context “falleth” suggests death. However it is possible that the Greek is a translation of an Aramaic word that means to “alight.” So Jesus is saying that the Father sees every sparrow and notices every time it alights onto the ground. That is how much the Father cares.

Meditation: Faith is the antidote to fear

Prayer pointer: I need help me to live every moment in the light of eternity.

Matthew: 67

A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL

Yes, but…..

Reading: Matthew 10:24-25

We are to act prudently but some suffering is inevitable for the people of God. What we have here is (i) a clear warning. The phrase “members of his household” (v25) is very interesting, it means “the members of the household of a government official” the word we would normally use is “staff.” So Jesus is saying, if I the leader am called to suffer then the members of my staff can’t escape it. We also have a clear reminder that to suffer is (ii) a privilege. To suffer is to follow the way of Christ and it is a privilege. Paul actually prayed, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection the fellowship of sharing in his suffering. . . “ (Philippians 3:10). There is also a hint of (iii) just how disreputable we will appear to some. Some have actually suggested that Jesus is “Beelzebub” (v25). You might remember that William Golding translated this as “Lord of the flies.” A better translation would be “Lord of where the flies live.” So some might think therefore that we come from the local rubbish tip! If they called Jesus names, we can hardly expect to be treated differently.

Meditation: Am I ready for this?

Prayer pointer: Help me to share in the suffering of Christ.

Matthew: 66

A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL

The little band of helpers – (vii) Prudence

Reading: Matthew 10:23

When Gordon Brown was Chancellor of the Exchequer, the word often on his lips was, “prudence.” That is exactly what Jesus is saying here. “Prudence” is “the careful avoidance of unnecessary consequences” (OED). We mustn’t shrink from martyrdom if that is called for but we are not to court it as many did in fanatical times (cf. periods of the early church and the Reformation). Rather, if given the chance flee and bear witness elsewhere. In fact, being driven from one location can bring a wider audience in the next. This is what happened in Acts 11:19.

Some scholar think this verse is looking ahead to the destruction of Jerusalem in ad70 but I don’t see any evidence of that.

Meditation: In the circumstances before me today is “prudence” something I need to think about?

Prayer pointer: What unnecessary things do I need to avoid today?

Matthew: 65

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The little band of helpers – (vi) A bit of honesty before they begin

Reading: Matthew 10:16-22

These words are reminiscent of a great leader in difficult times. Think of Churchill after Dunkirk, he offered the country, “Blood, sweat and tears.” In 1849 Garibaldi said to his soldiers, “I have nothing to offer you but hunger and thirst, hardship and death.” When Shackleton proposed to march to the South Pole, he expected few volunteers and was overwhelmed by the number he received.

Perhaps we need to relearn the lesson that men need a challenge? Jesus wants helpers but he wants them to be under no illusions; the task will be tough and difficult.

Jesus says that his helpers must expect persecution and it will come from three directions: (i) the state, (ii) the church and (iii) the family. These three areas of persecution still raise their ugly head to oppose those who are truly committed.

Meditation: Am I prepared for difficulty and even persecution?

Prayer pointer: Help me to respond to my leader’s call whatever the cost.

Matthew: 64

A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL

The little band of helpers – (v) Their conduct

Reading: Matthew 10:11-15

There are one or two things we need to notice about the conduct of the helpers. (i) They are to work from a “worthy” base. Obviously, in doing the work of the Kingdom helpers can end up in pretty disreputable places. However, where they base themselves must be “worthy”(v11) so that it doesn’t compromise either them or the message. (ii) Helpers must bless their hosts. Thankfulness, thoughtfulness, graciousness and peace (v13) will always commend the messenger and the message. (iii)The rejection of the helpers will bring its own judgement The wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah is proverbial and so we can imagine their punishment, but even Sodom and Gomorrah will have fared far better than anywhere where helpers are rejected.

Meditation: It is still true today that thankfulness, thoughtfulness, graciousness and peace commend the message and the messenger.

Prayer pointer: I need to take the peace of Kingdom wherever I go today.

Matthew: 63

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The little band of helpers – (iv) The rule they live by

Reading: Matthew 10:8b-10 Click to view passage

“Freely you have received, freely give,”(v8b). You could say this is the rule that must undergird the whole of the helper’s life. Everything they have, their treasure, their talents and their time too.

This passage would have spoken so loudly to the Jews who first heard it. A Rabbi was forbidden to take money for teaching. The principle was simple, “God taught Moses gratis – do so thou.”

There is an emphasis here that the twelve are not to be dazzled by riches. They are not to set out to take “gold or silver” for their “purses.” The “purse” is literally the “girdle” which was the wide piece of material around the waist where they kept their money. The word “bag” could be the bag that wandering philosophers took around the crowd after teaching. There is to be “no extra tunic, or sandals or staff” which might sound surprising. The point for the Jew is that when they entered the Temple they took nothing with them, to show they had left everything behind. Jesus is saying to his helpers, treat the whole world as you would the Temple.

However, “A workman is worth his keep.”

Meditation: “Freely you have received, freely give.”

Prayer pointer: I must learn to treat the whole of my world as God’s Temple?

Matthew:62

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The little band of helpers – (iii) walking the talk

Reading: Matthew 10:5-8a Click to view passage

The twelve are not only to talk about the Kingdom, they are to back it up with the deeds of the Kingdom too. This passage reflects all they have just seen Jesus do, (9:18-34). Michael Green suggests we are to deal with this passage on two levels: (a) what it is saying to the original apostles and (b) what it is saying to us as we seek to be more committed. (i) Heal the sick (v8). The word “sick” here means “to be weak.” At the very least, we are to be the encouragers of the weak as Isaiah says, we are to “strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way,” (35:3). (ii) Raise the dead (v8). Human beings, left to themselves, are “dead” in their sins, (Ephesians 2:1). We need to show them that in Christ, they can be made alive. (iii) Cleanse the lepers (v8) For us this could be dealing with the pain of social suffering such as HIV Aids as well as leprosy. (iv) Casting out demons (v8). It would be wrong to equate emotional problems with demon possession. However Christian counselling can release people from being enslaved to very deep problems.

Meditation: How can I help those around me in a really constructive, life-giving way?

Prayer pointer: We need to be instruments of hope and peace., dealing with pain and problems

Matthew:61

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The little band of helpers – (ii) their task

Reading: Matthew 10: 1-5a

We noticed at the beginning of our study of Matthew that “disciple” (v1) means “learner,” they were people who followed a teacher expecting to learn from them. Jesus seems to have had a large group of “learners” many of whom were hardly more than “hangers-on.” However, from this group Jesus selected a smaller group of 12 he called “apostles” (v2) from the Greek “apostello” meaning “to send forth with a commission.” If you translate “disciple” as “learner” then you should translate “apostle” as “pioneer missionary” because that is the etymological meaning of the word.

There are other “apostles” in the New Testament but these 12 are special and haven’t been repeated in the church. The point for us, is do we want to move on from just being a “hanger-on learner” to something more committed? That is what Jesus wants.

Meditation: Just how committed am I?

Prayer pointer: Am I ready to move on from being a “hanger-on?”

A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL

The little band of helpers (i) Jesus asks for help

Reading: Matthew 10:1-4

It is hardly possibly that Jesus couldn’t continue his ministry without human help. So it is much more likely that he sees after his death as the time when he will need help for his work is to continue, a time when men and women will be “God’s fellow workers,” (2Corinthians 6:1). However, there are three things we need to note about the little band of helpers Jesus had with him while he was on earth. (i) They were very ordinary people. The history of Christianity is not about an ordinary God who did wonderful things through extraordinary men and women. It is quite the reverse, it is about an extraordinary God who did things through very ordinary people. And you can only describe this very ordinary group as (ii) The rag-bag of the people of God. It is such an extraordinary mix, among them were people of no wealth, no education, no social standing, there were fishermen, a tax collector, an ardent nationalist, you couldn’t possibly have a greater mix of people. (iii) Then there were twelve. We are not sure why this number. It could be to reflect the twelve tribes in the old order, so now there are twelve apostles in the new Israel. Some sociologists say that twelve is the biggest number of people with whom we can have a meaningful relationship. One thing is clear, they were important. There are twelve foundation stones in the New Jerusalem, (Revelation 21:14).

Meditation: The “ordinariness” of the twelve tells me he can use anyone, even me.

Prayer pointer: Do I realize I am part of an amazing mix of people, the “rag bag” of the people of God?

A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL

The God of big hugs

Reading: Matthew 9:36-38

Jesus had compassion on the “crowds”(v36) and longed to ease their pain. He had a mission to the marginalized, those who were “harassed and helpless.”(v36) “Harassed” is an interesting word, it can be used of a corpse that has been “flayed and mangled.” “Helpless” means to have been “knocked out” or “laid flat” as a man could be by wounds or alcohol. The “crowds” had been “mangled” and completely “knocked out” by life.

Their spiritual leaders, the Pharisees. should have been giving them strength to carry on but instead they added to their misery by giving them extra “religious” burdens.

In the Old Testament “El Shadai” is one of the great names for God. Often, in rather stayed English, it is translated “the many breasted one.” Alec Motyer always used to say it means “the God of big hugs.” That is a good description of Jesus here, he is the “God of big hugs.” That is what must motivate our evangelism. The context of Jesus’s observation that “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few”(v37) is the “flayed and mangled” who have been completely “knocked out” by life. What must send us out is the desperate need of the crowd and the knowledge that it is only “the God of big hugs” who can help them.

Meditation: Do I really see the desperate need of the people around me?

Prayer pointer: I want to live each day as a disciple of the “God of big hugs.”

A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL

What about my work?

Reading: Matthew 9:35

Yesterday we looked at the essential work of Jesus. As followers of Jesus we need to be involved in his work but the problem for most of us is that we don’t have the luxury of doing that all the time. So what about my work, the job that occupies most of my day? How do I regard it? Is it just a bore, a daily slog, something that I have put up with, simply a means of earning money to pay the bills, a waste of time? The word for “work” in Hebrew is the same as the word for “worship, (Avodah). That single thought totally revolutionized my attitude to work. Whether it is commuting or the daily grind at the office or doing the dishes when I get home, I can now tackle it with a new enthusiasm. No wonder Ruth Graham had a sign over her kitchen sink, “divine service is held here three times a day.” William Tyndale said, “There is no work better than another to please God; to pour water, to wash dishes, to be a cobbler or an apostle.”

Meditation: I must learn to turn my work into worship

Prayer pointer: I need help to turn my whole day into “divine service.”

Matthew:56

A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL
What about my work?
Reading: Matthew 9:35 click to view passage

Yesterday we looked at the essential work of Jesus. As followers of Jesus we need to be involved in his work but the problem for most of us is that we don’t have the luxury of doing that all the time. So what about my work, the job that occupies most of my day? How do I regard it? Is it just a bore, a daily slog, something that I have put up with, simply a means of earning money to pay the bills, a waste of time? The word for “work” in Hebrew is the same as the word for “worship, (Avodah). That single thought totally revolutionized my attitude to work. Whether it is commuting or the daily grind at the office or doing the dishes when I get home, I can now tackle it with a new enthusiasm. No wonder Ruth Graham had a sign over her kitchen sink, “divine service is held here three times a day.” William Tyndale said, “There is no work better than another to please God; to pour water, to wash dishes, to be a cobbler or an apostle.”

Meditation: I must learn to turn my work into worship
Prayer pointer: I need help to turn my whole day into “divine service.”