Day 284 – Matthew 9, Luke 7

Talking Points

• Jesus’ miraculous ministry continued. As He moved about declaring the Kingdom, He “cured many people of diseases and afflictions and evil spirits; and He gave sight to many who were blind” (Luke 7:21). He even restored life to the dead. In response, people were truly astonished. In their amazement, they praised God — “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel” (Matthew 9:33). Little did they know the truth of their words!
• Calling Matthew, Jesus made a simple and direct, yet urgent plea: “Follow Me!” (Matthew 9:9). Jesus’ words were few, however the implications were profound. Matthew had a personal invitation to walk with the Messiah. Today, Jesus offers the same invitation to sinners. “Follow Me!”
• Only the Divine, the righteous Judge, has the authority to forgive sins.
  Only the Divine, the omniscient One, can know the thoughts and hearts of men.
  Only the Divine, the Creator of life, has the power to heal and restore life.
• In contrasting the Pharisee who requested Jesus to dine with him and the woman, “a sinner” with an alabaster jar, the difference becomes clear: he judged and condemned a Man he did not know, while she lavishly and reverently worshiped because she knew (Luke 7:37).
• The mission of believers is not to judge, harass, or condemn sinners. The mission, given by Christ, is to kindly lead them to their Savior and the gentle peace that only He can bring.

Thoughts

If someone asked you to list your favorite characteristic of Jesus, what would it be? Maybe you would mention His humility, giving countless examples of God who took on flesh and walked it through a humble life all the way to death on a cross. Maybe you would tell me of His power, reminding me of His many great miracles demonstrating His infinite might and supernatural abilities. Maybe it would be His forgiving nature, and you would tell me about a Savior on a cross who cried out, “Father, forgive them!” Maybe you’re impressed by Jesus, the Man who loved His friends and family and cared for His mother, even providing for her in His dying moments. Or maybe you love that He is God — that He possesses life within Himself as the Giver and Creator of life, and that He rose from the dead and lives forever. Maybe you would speak of His great love, proven again and again throughout His life and in His substitutionary death at Calvary.

In two different accounts in these verses, it is said that Jesus “felt compassion” for people (Matthew 9:36, Luke 7:13). Compassion is pity and mercy that moves into action. And, I think this may be my favorite. While each and every characteristic of Christ is absolutely indispensable — essential to who He is, I find His compassion truly beautiful and mind-blowing. The infinite God is infinite in His compassion — He sees people “distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd,” and He is moved to action on our behalf (Matthew 9:36). That’s our Savior.