Burunche’s Blog

Matthew 9:14-17 Jesus Is Questioned About Fasting

Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?”

And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse. Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”

In Jesus’ day, In Jesus’ day, Jews fasted on six days a year, including two full-day fasts and four minor fasts; however, those who were particularly observant might fast more frequently. Remember Jesus’ story of the tax collector and the Pharisee praying in the temple. The Pharisee boasted that he fasted twice a week, and this was a relatively common practice. Evidently, John’s disciples may have been following a similar pattern while Jesus’ disciples were not fasting. Little wonder if John’s disciples felt that Jesus’ disciples were getting off lightly. It’s not clear whether John was demanding this frequent fasting or if his disciples were doing it on their own to prove their holiness.

Jesus gave a loving answer to John’s disciples by telling them that his disciples were not fasting now because he was with him. Once Jesus returned to heaven, then his disciples would definitely fast.

Yes, disciples should fast sometimes; however, there are all kinds of fasts, depending on the reason and the needs. The day-long traditional Jewish fasts were observed as part of days of repentance and prayer. Jesus mention after healing a boy with demonically induced epilepsy that such demons could only come out by prayer and fasting, indicating that there were times when he fasted. Earlier on, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus advised that fasting should be carried out secretly so that only God and the one fasting would know what was happening. True fasting is a matter between God and you and is not an opportunity for you to show off or to boast. Generally, one of the effects of fasting is that God can speak to you, showing you things in your life that need to change.

When Queen Esther found herself having to approach the king, she and her maids and the rest of the Jewish community went without food or water for 3 days because the need was so urgent. Many people will take only water and fruit juice or milk.

Sometimes, people may engage in a “Daniel fast,” in which they eat only vegetables and drink only water. Such fasts can be carried on for weeks if the person feels so led. If you feel God calling you to fast, ask God what He wants you to do, for He certainly knows what your body needs and is capable of handling.

Does fasting work in modern times? Yes. I was once in a ladies’ prayer meeting when a demonically possessed woman began manifesting. One of the ladies present, a slightly built older lady, stepped forward, prayed a simple prayer, and the demon left. Later we learned that this woman had been fasting all during the Christmas season because God had ordered her to do so. This meant giving up all the Christmastime goodies, but this lady was faithful. Her comment was, “Now I know why God insisted I should fast.”

Jesus mentioned patches of new material on old garments and new wine in old wineskins to indicate that new times call for new practices. John’s disciples were following traditional practices and copying the Pharisees because they thought that’s how disciples of holy men should behave. Jesus wanted John’s disciples to know that he was bringing in a new era of freedom in which believers would fast because God wanted them to and not simply because they were following tradition. The new wine of the Messiah had arrived and new times demanded new practices.

Should you fast? Ask God. You might want to begin by giving up one meal a day or by limiting your diet or by only eating within a limited time period. But ask God to show you why He wants you to fast, for He will surely do it.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, teach us to fast the way You want us to. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Matthew 9:9-13 Matthew the Tax Collector

“As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.

Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Market day was always a busy day for Matthew. As a collector of Roman taxes, it was Matthew’s job to ensure that everyone coming to market paid their fair share plus whatever he decided to add on top. Matthew was really lenient; he only charged 5% above the government tax as personal revenue. Other tax collectors might charge 10% or even 20%.

The market was crowded and Matthew could hear the din of traders crying out their wares for people to buy, buyers haggling with sellers, donkeys braying, cocks crowing, and sheep and goats baaing. Matthew was busy recording his receipts when a shadow fell on his small table. Looking up, Matthew saw that carpenter from Nazareth that everybody had been talking about. Generally, people would cringe in dread when they saw Matthew, wondering how much he would demand from them. But this Jesus was looking at Matthew with eyes of love. Matthew couldn’t remember the last time anyone had looked at him like that. Jesus lifted his eyebrows as his gaze pierced Matthew’s heart and said, “Matthew, follow me.”

Suddenly, following Jesus was the most natural thing for Matthew to do. Rolling up the recording scrolls, Matthew placed his table and chair back in the corner and followed Jesus out of the marketplace. Matthew handed in his records to his supervisor and said, “Zakaria, give these to the next man to take my place. I quit.” Zakaria, Matthew’s supervisor, was shocked. Matthew was the most productive of all the tax collectors. What could possibly be happening? Matthew stopped, turned, and said, “If you want to know why I’ve taken this decision, come to lunch at my house today and you’ll understand.”

Lunch that day was a revelation. All Matthew’s friends showed up, along with a number of others who were frankly curious. When Jesus and his disciples came in, the buzz of conversation stopped. There was an air about Jesus, an air of sanctity and an air of peace. But what those at the table felt the most was love, unconditional love.

There was nothing pretentious about Jesus; he joked and laughed and teased those around him as if they had been good friends for years. But as those at table listened, they realized their hard hearts were becoming softer. Here was a man who knew exactly what they had been doing but who loved them anyway. Here was a man who believed that there was still hope for them and that God was calling them to Himself.

Meanwhile, just outside Matthew’s door, the town’s religious leaders were fuming. Why were all these undesirables invited to eat with Jesus? Actually, the religious leaders had also been invited; however, they refused to enter for fear of making themselves unclean. Who did these people think they were anyway? The head religious leader called Peter out and queried him. “

“Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

Just as Peter is scrambling for an answer, Jesus comes to the door. Smiling, Jesus addresses the head of the group. “Rev Shmuel, those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Jesus is doing four things here: he is calling Matthew to be a disciple, he is calling Matthew’s friends and associates to repent and come to God, he is demonstrating God’s love to his disciples, and he is also reaching out to the local religious leaders.

For centuries, the all-absorbing question for religious leaders has been “What must we do to to please God?” In the process, religious leaders have developed a system with so many minutiae that observing all these rules has become a full-time job, something completely beyond the reach of normal people. But in the process of observing the rules, people have lost sight of God and His mercy. Now Jesus enters the scene and explodes all the taboos, leaving religious leaders who don’t love God reeling.

As far as the disciples are concerned, Matthew the tax collector doesn’t look like promising disciple material. This guy has been in bed with the Roman government, not to mention associating with some of the most unsavory characters in town. But Jesus knows Matthew’s heart and today is the day for Matthew to repent, to come to God, and to begin a long and fruitful career as a disciple. It’s interesting to note that despite the fact that Matthew is the one writing this account, he writes as a disinterested observer, not in the first person.

What must the disciples be thinking as they realize that Matthew has just joined them as the newest disciple? The good thing is that many of these men are pragmatic fishermen, more interested in what works than in preconceived notions, and they also have complete faith in Jesus and his judgment. “Let’s wait and see how this works,” is probably the general sentiment.

We are quite prone to judge by appearances while God knows our hearts. As the Son of God, Jesus knows the end from the beginning and he knows those who will follow to the end. While we can’t imagine some people making good disciples, Jesus already knows that some of the best disciples are those who have led the roughest lives and who have previously suffered, for they won’t quit when things get tough. Today, Jesus is offering us the same opportunity he offered Matthew: follow Jesus. Come be a disciple. Will things be easy? No. Will things be difficult? Most likely. But it’s far better to follow the One who loves you completely than to try to elicit love from those who cannot give it.

PRAYER:  Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help each of us to realize that You are calling us to be disciples, here and now, just as we are. Help us to follow hard after You all the days of our lives. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.  

Matthew 9:1-8 Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralytic

So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”

And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!”

But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” And he arose and departed to his house.

Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.”

Jesus has just left the mob scene of ungrateful Gadarenes and has returned to Capernaum, home of Peter and Andrew and several other disciples. Although Jesus is originally from Nazareth, Capernaum has become a second home for him. Jesus has scarcely gotten out of the boat when some men bring a paralyzed man to him. Let’s call this man Isaac.  Perhaps Isaac is an old polio victim or has been injured in a terrible accident. Whatever the cause, as a paralytic, Isaac can only enter the outer courts of the temple, not the inner courts or the sanctuary. (Leviticus 21:18) Isaac might be the most faithful worshiper imaginable but he is barred from accompanying his friends. Day after day, year after year, others carry Isaac as far as the outer courts, leave him, and then enter the inner courts along with all the other able-bodied men, leaving Isaac to wonder if God has truly forgiven him or is angry at him.

We don’t know the location of this incident; however it might take place in the outer courts of the temple because there are lots of scribes witnessing Jesus’ actions. Word has already made it across the Sea of Galilee about Jesus freeing men from demons, and the scribes are both furious and jealous. The scribes have scrupulously observed every bit of the Law, even the tiniest of inflections, since their youths; yet, they have never had power over a single demon. Who is this upstart carpenter anyway? Why is God favoring him and not the scribes?  

Now Isaac’s friends bring him to Jesus. Notice that when Jesus sees the faith of Isaac’s friends, he tells the man, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” As Jesus utters this statement, Isaac begins to weep for joy as he lies on his pallet. In all the years Isaac has attended temple, NOBODY has ever given him such hope. This is the assurance for which Isaac has longed and for which he has begged God. While the scribes may be quibbling over Jesus’ authority to forgive, Isaac has no such problems. Isaac KNOWS he is forgiven, and now it matters little whether he ever walks again or not. But Jesus knows Isaac and loves Isaac and now has something even more in store for Isaac.

As Jesus tells Isaac that his sins are forgiven, the scribes are muttering into their beards, “This Man blasphemes!” Jesus only smiles, for he has anticipated this reaction. Professional religious people always think they have a lock on God, little realizing that their merciless attitudes show them to be far from God or anything remotely resembling His work.

“But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” And he arose and departed to his house.”

Now the scribes are really fuming! Not only does this man claim to have authority to forgive sins, but he tops that off by healing Isaac so that Isaac can pick up his pallet and go home. How terrible! Why hasn’t God allowed THEM to be the stars of this healing? Has all their faithful service all these years counted for nothing? These men are sure that Isaac must have done something horrible to have become paralyzed in the first place. Left to them, Isaac would still be on his pallet, groveling at their feet, where he ought to be. The idea that God has allowed Isaac’s paralysis so that He can get glory is unthinkable for these men.

Meanwhile, Jesus has moved on away from the crowd, leaving the crowd to react. “Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.” Notice that Jesus doesn’t stick around for everybody to admire him, pat him on the back, shake his hand, or congratulate him in any way. Jesus wants people to know about his Heavenly Father and give glory to Him, not to Jesus. Jesus knows God has called him and empowered him and that is enough. Jesus knows Who has called him and the mission for which he has been called.

These days, advertising is everything. In Ghana, every bare surface in a city might be plastered with posters advertising an upcoming crusade. These posters always have photos of the featured speakers and promise miracles, healings, etc. Frequently, such posters also mention the Holy Spirit. But who is getting the glory in these crusades? God or the featured speakers? Sadly, many times these men and women behave as if God is their pet on a leash and they can call Him whenever they want Him to perform. In the Chronicles of Narnia, Aslan, the lion, is the Messianic figure. At several points, the statement is made that “Aslan is not a tame lion.” Jesus, the Lion of Judah, is not a tame lion, nor can you demand he perform on your commands.

One of the most effective miracle-working men of God we have ever met is a humble pastor from a small northern village in Ghana. We have been privileged to have this man pray for us, and he has no need of posters or social media announcements. This pastor prays simple prayers and people get healed and delivered from demons. Those involved in witchcraft burn their equipment and leave freed. But this man always makes sure people know that it is God who is working and not him. Again, this man knows God has called him and the mission for which he has been called.

Do you aspire to do miracles or participate in someone’s healing? Ask God to give you the Holy Spirit, that Spirit that glorifies Jesus and God the Father. The members of the Holy Trinity never work separately but always in unity. God does not call everyone to work miracles all the time, but if you will make yourself available, God may use you.

Years ago, I cared for a poor lady who had had uterine cancer along with a number of horrific side effects. This woman had received all the chemotherapy, all the radiation therapy, and every other kind of medical care possible. Her right leg was swollen to nearly three times the size of the left, and when I anointed her with skin lotion and we prayed together, all we thought we were asking for was for the pain in her leg to abate. The lady went home to die. Two years later, I was making pre-op rounds and came to see a woman with an incisional hernia who would be operated the next day. The lady looked at me and said, “You don’t remember me, do you?” I had to admit that I certainly did not. IT WAS THE LADY WITH THE CANCER!!! GOD HAD HEALED HER!!! Her legs were both normal size and she was fine. The only reason this lady had returned to the hospital was to have a minor operation to repair an incisional hernia. We had a prayer and praise meeting right there in her room!

Did I have faith for this lady’s healing? Absolutely not! Did I anticipate what God would do for her? Absolutely not! But God can use anybody, and that time He used me. Did this incident launch me into a healing ministry? No. I pray over every patient I operate and sometimes God heals them while other times He does not heal physically. But I tell this story to illustrate the fact that God is sovereign and He works as He pleases. We should never hesitate to ask God for miracles, as long as we are willing to make certain He gets all the credit.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to always be available and to always give You credit for the marvelous things You do. In the mighty and matchless Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Matthew 8: 28-33 Two Demon-Possessed Men Healed

“When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes (Gadarenes), there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”

Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.”

And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water.

Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region.”

Where does this story take place and who were the Gergesenes/Gadarenes? Wikipedia tells us this: “Gergesenes means “those who come from pilgrimage or fight.”

Many New Testament manuscripts refer to the “Country of the Gadarenes” or “Gerasenes” rather than the Gergesenes. Both Gerasa and Gadara were cities to the east of the Sea of Galilee and the River Jordan. They were both Gentile cities filled with citizens who were culturally more Greek than Semitic; this would account for the pigs in the biblical account. Gerasa and Gadara are accounted for in historical accounts (by writers such as Pliny the Elder and Josephus) and by archaeological research. Today they are the modern towns of Jerash and Umm Qais.

A third city, Hippos, was similar in character to Gadara and Gerasa, and it may fit the biblical account even better. It was located on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, whereas Gerasa and Gadara were several kilometers south-east of it. Hippos, Gerasa, and Gadara were all counted in the Decapolis, an informal grouping of Greco-Roman cities just south of the ancient city of Caesarea Philippi.”

One other bit of information: Caesarea Philippi was an ancient center for worship of the God Pan, a Roman nature god, whose worship included sexual orgies with lots of drinking. There was likely no shortage of demons in the area. Caesarea Philippi was located at the base of Mount Hermon at a point where water gushed out of a hidden spring to form one of the streams that combined to result in the Jordan River.

Everybody knew about the Gergesene demoniacs. Somehow these two men had become demon-possessed and were making their homes in the tombs, attacking anyone foolish enough to pass within their reach. Such doings were scandalous, but nobody knew how to solve the problem.

When Jesus and his disciples reached the shore after Jesus had calmed the storm, here were these two demoniacs waiting for them. The demons inhabiting these men cried out, recognizing Jesus as the Son of God, and asking if he had come to torment them before the time. But to what time were these demons referring? These demons realized that their time on earth would be limited and they wanted to create as much havoc as possible while they could.

The demons knew that Jesus was about to cast them out of the men; that’s why they begged to be allowed to enter the herd of swine. As soon as the demons entered the pigs, the poor pigs went crazy and ran off a high cliff into the sea, drowning themselves. The swine herders immediately ran into town to tell everybody what Jesus had done. Everybody in town rushed out to see Jesus.

“Fine,” you think. “All these people are going to thank Jesus for delivering them from these two mad men. The families of these two men will probably invite Jesus and the disciples home for a meal, perhaps even offer them beds for the night. Perhaps the city leaders will even arrange some special honor for them.” That’s probably what the disciples anticipated; however Jesus already knew better.

When the first rock struck the boat, the disciples were horrified. Jesus had just freed these people from an evil menace, but now they were attacking and screaming insults, even throwing rocks and dust into the air. “You evil Jew! You must be in league with the devil if you are able to control demons in this fashion! Go back to where you came from before worse things befall us! Who invited you to come here anyway? Leave our town! Leave this region now or we will settle with you!”

Why did the Gergesenes/Gadarenes react so ungratefully? Perhaps part of their reaction was due to the financial loss when all those pigs drowned themselves. While Jews refused to eat pork, there were plenty of Greeks and Romans who had no such scruples and who might pay top price for good meat. Perhaps the local people were fearful that Jesus might expose their pet sins; after all, someone who could evict demons with a single word was certainly a powerful holy man, perhaps even a wizard. And perhaps these two men were not the only demonically influenced people in the area. Perhaps others were also demonically influenced but their evil was far more subtle and hidden. Certainly, the citizens of the area had a reaction very similar to that of the demons.

One lesson for would-be disciples is this: just because you do miracles, healing people or casting out demons, don’t expect that people are going to praise you or welcome you. Holiness frightens many people and you never know who has secret sin in their lives and who fears for that sin to be exposed. If people receive you, fine. But if people do not receive you, go elsewhere. You never know what God might do in your absence.

A pastor friend of ours used to say that we are only in advertising while God is in management. We are responsible for telling the Gospel in the best and most effective way we can; however, we must leave the results to God. As long we are obedient, we can trust God to handle things to bring people to Himself.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to consistently and persistently spread the word about You. But also help us to trust You for the results and not to worry if people reject us. We cannot know how You are working in people’s hearts. We pray all this in the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Matthew 8:23-27 Wind and Wave Obey Jesus

“Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

Storms on the Sea of Galilee can be sudden and fierce. The mountains to the east of the Sea of Galilee form natural wind tunnels that funnel winds right on to the lake. During a visit to Israel, my tour group was eating supper at a restaurant on the west bank of the Sea of Galilee. The moon was bright and there was only a mild breeze when we went in to supper. But suddenly we heard roaring winds. Looking out the windows of the restaurant, we could see high waves crashing over the boat dock just outside the restaurant. Later we were told of a group of youngsters who started out floating on inflatable rafts near the shore, only to be blown into the center of the lake when such winds suddenly came up. Local fishermen had to go out in their boats to rescue the kids.

Look at this story critically. Most of Jesus disciples were either local fishermen or citizens of villages around the Sea of Galilee. These men were highly experienced and could foretell the weather by looking at the clouds and testing the wind. Had these men anticipated such a storm, they would certainly not have ventured out onto the lake. But everybody wanted to escape the crowds for a while, and it made sense to cross to the other side of the lake.

Jesus was asleep in the bottom of the boat. Some people say that there was a big leather cushion that was part of the normal equipment in such boats and that Jesus was asleep on that. At any rate, Jesus was undoubtedly exhausted; otherwise, he would have wakened up as soon as the wind picked up and the waves began slapping against the side of the ship. Jesus was so tired that the disciples had to shake him awake before he realized what was going on. Little wonder then, that the disciples were shouting to be heard over the wind, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” Every one of those men had probably lost friends in similar storms and knew how deadly those storms could be. While we would like to flatter ourselves that had we been there, we would have had complete faith in Jesus, the plain fact is that we probably would have been right there shouting at Jesus and shaking him awake also.

You can almost feel sorry for the disciples as Jesus asked them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” How were these guys to know what Jesus was going to do next? They probably weren’t even sure that Jesus could do anything, but they were fearful and desperate. What happened next was beyond description, for Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves and everything immediately became calm. The only response the disciples could utter was ,“Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

So many times God allows storms to come into our lives. Like the disciples in that boat, all we can think of doing is to beg for deliverance. We are angry and disgusted with God; doesn’t He realize we are suffering? Doesn’t He care? But God brings storms into our lives so that we will witness His power to save and deliver us. When things are going smoothly, we are quite likely to take complete credit for the peace, little realizing that God is the One giving us peace and not we ourselves.

Jesus still has power to save and deliver. A few years ago, a friend and his family were at home one evening when they were suddenly attacked by armed robbers. While the robbers were collecting cell phones and computers, they also threatened to rape his daughters. When the oldest daughter began calling on the name of Jesus, the robbers became angry and agitated and then suddenly left without harming the family.

We make a terrible mistake if we reduce Jesus to the status of a great teacher, or a wise holy man, or a miracle worker, for Jesus is all those things and far more. Jesus Christ is the Son of God and God has given him all power and glory to work in heaven and on earth. When we take on the role of a disciple of Jesus, we are allying ourself with the greatest power in the universe. After all, why settle for adulating a sports hero or a movie star or a musician? Sooner or later, every one of those people will disappoint you because they are only human. But Jesus is far more than human and far more powerful than any human hero or heroine can possibly be.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to appreciate You and to worship You. Help us to trust that You have power to save and deliver us from every calamity. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Matthew 8:18-22 The Cost of Discipleship

“And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side. (of the Sea of Galilee) Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

In the early days, everything was great-the crowds were coming, Jesus was healing people, casting out demons, and teaching glorious things. So if things were going so well, why did Jesus insist on leaving a place of fruitful ministry to cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee where they might not even know about him? The answer lies in Jesus’ relationship with his Heavenly Father. The crowds that were now coming were seeking entertainment, not enlightenment. Jesus wasn’t looking for popularity but for God’s will for his ministry. Jesus was not blindly wandering around the shores of the Sea of Galilee but was taking divine instruction on where to go next. Now God the Father was telling Jesus it was time to move on.

During the discourse we know as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus laid out the fundamental principles of the Kingdom of God for most of the people around Capernaum and its surrounding villages. Now it was time to take the Gospel to other places. (Remember that the term “Gospel” means “good news.”

“Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Once Jesus left his parents’ home in Nazareth, he never owned a house of his own but was totally dependent on the charity of others. It’s possible that this scribe was honestly hungry for an experience of the One True Living God and was moved by that passion. But as a scribe, this man already had considerable standing in the community. Jesus was not refusing to allow the man to become a disciple; however, he was warning him that discipleship would cost him his social standing, his reputation within the religious sphere, and the security of remaining in one place with a comfortable home and people to care for him. If this scribe had a business, someone else would have to run the business, and the scribe would have to hope that they would do a good job. Perhaps the scribe’s wife wouldn’t understand and might complain to her parents and to the community at large. Becoming an object of charity, losing his social and financial standing, and having to trust God completely for His provision was something this scribe had never considered.

 “Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” Notice that this man was already a disciple, not a casual observer. Many Bible scholars believe that this man’s father was still very much alive and that this man wanted to hang around home until his father died so that he would not miss out on an inheritance. While the Scriptures had always taught reverence for parents, this man was trying to use regard for his father-and whatever he would gain when his father died-as an excuse to delay following Jesus. But Jesus already had a sense of urgency, knowing that his time of ministry would be short. Once someone began giving such excuses, one excuse would follow another and there would never be a “right time” to follow Jesus. This man would have to choose between material gain and spiritual gain, and his choice was already clear.

Who were “the dead who were to bury their dead?”  Here Jesus was likely referring to those who were spiritually dead and were content to remain at home, never even considering discipleship. But these people were those from whom this would-be disciple would have to wrest his inheritance. Perhaps this man was the eldest son and was set to receive a double portion of his father’s goods if he was present when his father died. For this man, money and possessions were more important than following Jesus, no matter how high-sounding his excuses.

When we read of Jesus calling his disciples, we might not realize the sacrifices they made for their discipleship. According to the Vineyard Community Church Richmond, Jesus’ disciples made many sacrifices when he called them to leave their ordinary lives and follow him: 

• Gave up careers: They left their productive trades, such as fishing and tax collecting, to become spiritually productive. 
• Left loved ones: They left their wives, children, and comfortable homes. 
• Lost status: They lost their clout in their communities and good friends and families. 

Jesus also said that following him meant putting away selfish desires and carrying a cross every day. Some say that disciples of Christ are called to be “dead to this world” and to live a life of sacrifice for Christ and others. (Vineyard Community Church Richmond, March 9, 2020)

When we were first preparing to leave for the mission field, we needed a place to stay for two months. When I quoted Jesus’ descriptions of foxes and birds, some friends immediately offered us the use of a small house for those months. In more than four decades of marriage we have never owned a house but have depended on the charity of friends. But sharing accommodation has numerous advantages, chief of which is forging very strong friendships that have stood the test of time. We have not owned a vehicle in America since 1998 but have borrowed vehicles, occasionally renting them when necessary. We can testify with conviction that discipleship costs, but the prize of knowing Jesus is worth far more than any amount of sacrifice.

There were many who wished to follow Jesus but who were unwilling to pay the price. What must those people have felt when they heard of Jesus’ death and resurrection? Did many of these people become Jesus followers later? We can hope so. But during Jesus’ ministry, many listened but did not commit. Today there are those who are attracted to Jesus but who refuse to pay the price because they have no idea what they are missing. These people may be stirred while hearing a Gospel message but once their enthusiasm cools, they back off. If this is your condition, please study the words of this old country Gospel song.

I’m Tired of Being Stirred But Not Being Changed
1. Have I heard it for so long that He’s just another song?
Has the story lost its thrill that I once knew?
Lord, give me a burden that’s so strong,
That it will last when my tears are gone.
I’m tired of what I’ve been. Lord, make me over again.

2. But this time Lord change me, let the work begin just now,
this time Lord change me, please change me somehow,
this time Lord change me, let my life be rearranged,
I’m so tired of being stirred but not being changed.

Chorus
I’m so tired of being stirred about the lost who need to hear.
I’m so tired of being stirred that His coming is so near;
I’m so tired of being stirred till I cry bitter tears.
I’m so tired of being stirred but not being changed.”

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, please change us! We are fed up with compromise; yet, that’s what we keep doing. Help us to follow hard after You all the days of our lives. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.  

Matthew 8:14-17 Peter’s Mother-in-Law Healed

“Now when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them.

Many Healed in the Evening

When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.”

Today is the day of ballyhoo. Ballyhoo has been defined as “to praise or publicize extravagantly.” Whether on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Twitter, or some other social media, people trumpet their achievements at every opportunity, adding selfie photos as well. But how did Jesus minister? These two short vignettes give a screenshot of Jesus’ practice of ministry.

Jesus entered Peter’s home in Capernaum and found that Peter’s mother-in-law was sick with a fever. This fever might have been pneumonia, typhoid, malaria, or some viral illness; perhaps she even had cholera and was dehydrating at an alarming rate. Whatever the malady, this busy housewife had been forced to take to her bed. We don’t know this lady’s name, but let’s call this lady Mariam. As a conscientious hostess expecting an honored guest, the last thing Mariam would do would be to lie down for any reason, so she was obviously quite sick, perhaps even dying.

Did Jesus pray a lengthy prayer over Mariam or wave his hands and cut off curses, or summon others so that they could conduct a prayer meeting and scream at the Devil? No. Jesus touched Mariam’s hand and she was healed immediately. Once healed, Mariam immediately got up and served her guests as tradition demanded.

There’s no record that anybody said anything outside the house; however, obviously some nosy neighbor was watching and ran off to inform the community. How do we know this? “When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.”

Word spreads fast in a small town and Capernaum likely had about 1500 residents in Jesus’ day. Jesus and the disciples had just finished supper when there was a knock on the door. Peter walked outside to find that most of Capernaum plus many of the surrounding villages were now on his doorstep. At that point, Peter may well have panicked and called out to Jesus, “Lord, there’s a huge crowd outside! What are we going to do?” Jesus simply smiled and told Peter, “No problem. Get them to line up in the order in which they arrived, and I’ll do the rest.”

After Peter had arranged the petitioners, Jesus began walking down the line, speaking to the demons and healing all the sick. Although Peter was certain that this process would take all night, Jesus worked calmly and efficiently. As soon as one person was healed or delivered, they would leave so another could take his/her place. There was no rush, but Matthew records that Jesus healed ALL who were sick, without neglecting anybody. Within a few hours, everyone had been cared for and had left praising God. What truly amazed the disciples was that as Jesus was ministering, he was calling all these people by name without their informing him ahead of time. What Matthew does not describe but what is indubitably true is that each time Jesus reached out to someone or spoke to someone, he looked at them with eyes full of love.

Centuries later, Henry Twells, a British cleric wrote a lovely hymn describing that scene at Peter’s home in Capernaum. There are no prayers more eloquent than the final stanzas of this hymn.

AT EVEN, ERE THE SUN WAS SET

1 At even, ere the sun was set,
the sick, O Lord, around thee lay;
O in what divers pains they met!
O with what joy they went away!

2 Once more ’tis eventide, and we
oppressed with various ills draw near;
what if thy form we cannot see?
we know and feel that thou art here.

3 O Saviour Christ, our woes dispel;
for some are sick, and some are sad,
and some have never loved thee well,
and some have lost the love they had;

4 And some have found the world is vain,
yet from the world they break not free;
and some have friends who give them pain,
yet have not sought a friend in thee;

5 And none, O Lord, have perfect rest,
for none are wholly free from sin;
and they who fain would serve thee best
are conscious most of wrong within.

6 O Saviour Christ, thou too art man;
thou hast been troubled, tempted, tried;
thy kind but searching glance can scan
the very wounds that shame would hide.

7 Thy touch has still its ancient power;
no word from thee can fruitless fall:
Hear, in this solemn evening hour,
and in thy mercy heal us all.

Matthew 8:5-13″Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him. ”The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it. ”When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.”

The centurion respected Jesus’ authority and his servant was healed. Disciples respect their master’s authority. But does our respect match that of the centurion? Many of us who are “sons of the kingdom” behave as if our Master has no authority whatsoever. Others respect Jesus as long as his will appears to match theirs. Disciples don’t get to pick and choose when to obey or to respect. We must discipline ourselves to trust and obey even when we don’t understand. May God help us to truly respect, to truly trust, and truly obey!

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, help us to realize You have all authority and to be obedient. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Jesus Cleanses a Leper

Matthew 8:1-4 “When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

Recently, we passed through our regional capital. As we made our way down the main streets of town, we saw poster after poster advertising a local evangelist who would be conducting healing services for several nights. These posters promised signs and wonders and miracles. While such advertising is quite common, the question is this: Did Jesus advertise his miracles?

Look at the setting. Jesus has just finished delivering the teachings known to us as the Sermon on the Mount and is now surrounded by huge crowds who follow him wherever he goes. Suddenly, a leper staggers into Jesus’ path, kneeling before Jesus and begging Jesus to heal him.

According to Mosaic law, lepers were social outcasts and were barred from any public gathering. Anyone touching a leper would become ritually unclean and would have to go through special rituals for cleansing. This poor man was taking a terrible risk, for zealous believers might start throwing stones at him to drive him away so that they would not accidentally touch him and become unclean in the process.

It’s likely that this leper might not have felt any human touch for several years; yet, Jesus doesn’t hesitate but immediately reaches out and touches the leper. Does Jesus make any announcement or encourage the crowd to watch? Does Jesus ask for someone to play special music or to sound a trumpet? No. Jesus quietly touches the leper and says, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Power goes out from Jesus, the leper is instantly healed, and Jesus tells the man, “See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

“See that you tell no one?” Jesus? What are you thinking? Here you have a golden opportunity to demonstrate your power before an entire crowd and yet you have gone off in a corner with an untouchable, healed him, and then ordered him not to tell anyone but simply follow the rules laid down by Moses. Not only that, Jesus wants this man to go to the priest and make the appropriate offering “as a testimony to them.”

Who is the “them” to whom Jesus is referring? The priests-Jesus wants this man’s healing to be a testimony to the priests. Those regulations have been in the Mosaic Law for more than 1500 years, and this might be the first time any leper has ever been healed. Jesus realizes that this leper is well known around town. When those priests see this man and examine him, finding him whole and healthy, they will have no choice apart from praising God and gaining in their faith.

Recently, an elderly man of God prayed simple prayers over the two of us for healing. We were sitting in a corner at a conference and there was nothing dramatic or noisy about those prayers; yet, both of us felt remarkably better immediately.

If we are to be true disciples, we must follow the pattern laid down for us by our Master, Jesus. Later on, the Book of Acts describes many miraculous healings when Peter and other disciples pray in the Name of Jesus. Not once do any of these men take credit but instead, they give all the glory to Jesus.

There is nothing wrong with praying for people for healing or for deliverance. But Jesus never advertised and therefore we don’t have to behave as if we are anything apart from being channels of God’s grace. Advertise Jesus? Certainly! Advertise ourselves and we risk being sent away as partners in lawlessness.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to quietly do good, following your pattern. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Matthew 7:24-29  Build on the Rock

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

In the last few decades, several ministries that once appeared to be solid have now fallen apart. What has happened? In some cases, the ministry made a good start, but either leadership changed personnel or the leaders lost sight of their calling and God’s will for them. But yet another problem may have been a shaky foundation in the wrong location.

What does Jesus say about those listening to his teachings? “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them…” Good disciples must begin by listening to their Master and following His leading completely. Discipleship means submission to the Master in every regard, not arguing, or complaining, or attempting to change the Master’s teachings so that they are more palatable.

“I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” Part of being a disciple is recognizing the authority of the Master and the wisdom of the Master. Yet another part of discipleship is consistency; you can’t accept the Master’s teachings today and succumb to doubts, changing your mind tomorrow if you want true wisdom.

James 1:5-8 tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” Asking in faith without doubting allows us to build spiritual houses on the Rock of Jesus Christ.

“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” When we are double-minded, we will be unstable in all our ways, and as soon as we come under any stress, our spiritual houses will be swept away in a tide of doubts and disappointments.

“And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”  While we are not able to hear Jesus utter these teachings, we can trust the reaction of the people who did hear them. Those people had heard enough religious experts that they recognized true spiritual authority when Jesus was teaching. Many if not all of those people eventually became Jesus followers despite all opposition because they had faith that Jesus was sent from God to give them this message.

If you consider yourself to be a disciple of Jesus, what is the basis for your discipleship? Are you really trusting Jesus, or are you trusting in your own righteousness? Trust in yourself and you will be as foolish as the man who built his house on the sand. Notice that Jesus did not say, “If you hear my words and trust in your ideas about me…” Jesus did not say, “If you decide that you like what I am saying…” Jesus doesn’t give any of us choices apart from hearing his sayings and doing them. David Yonggi Cho once told an American evangelist that the secret of his ministry was simple: “I pray and I obey.” For any of us wanting to be disciples, we should follow that advice. Pray and obey.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to pray, to obey, and to do Your teachings. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.