A couple of weeks ago I posted the first half of a set of reflections on Matthew 9:35-38, borrowed from a talk by Josh McDowell. This passage in the ESV reads,
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
The four simple yet powerful points in here are:
See what Jesus saw
Feel what Jesus felt
Pray what Jesus prayed
Do what Jesus did
Pray What Jesus Prayed Jesus saw the true spiritual condition of the people, and he felt deep compassion for them. Have you ever wondered what would motivate yourself, or our church, to be more involved with outreach, caring for other people? It’s hard to think of anything that would be more powerful than this. It’s about letting ourselves see the reality of lives without Christ, and be touched inwardly by it.
When Jesus saw and felt these things, he called his disciples to pray. “The harvest is plentiful,” he said. He was actually seeing more than the crowd’s desperation when he said this. He was also seeing hope. Elsewhere (John 4:34-36) he had said “lift up your eyes and see, the fields are white for harvest.” Jesus prayed for laborers, and called on us to do the same. As our eyes see the condition of our neighbors, and others around the world, how can we help but pray that God would send laborers to help, or workers to join in the harvest?
Do What Jesus Did To pray is also to commit our hearts, though; and as we pray what Jesus prayed, God will lead us to do what Jesus did. In this passage he taught, he proclaimed, he healed. He got involved. He spent himself caring for the full range of human needs, spiritual and physical, setting us an example to do the same.
Oh, and by the way, the story doesn’t end there. It’s the end of a chapter in Matthew, but the chapter divisions aren’t part of the original Bible, and they’re not divinely inspired breaks in the flow of thought. Matthew 10 begins with Jesus doing one more thing: he sent out his disciples, whom he had trained, and was still in the process of training (which is part of the reason he had them focus on Israel):
These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons…. (Matthew 10:5-8)
Jesus is still doing what he did then: sending us out to proclaim the kingdom of heaven and to minister to the full range of human need. He is still our example to see what he saw, feel what he felt, pray as he prayed, and do as he did and still does today.
All around Jesus were the very evident signs of unbelief and rejection. That did not deter Him from extending His invitation to those that were listening to trust Him. He invites His hearers to receive His yoke.
Edershiem says – One of the most common figurative expressions of the time was that of ‘the yoke’ . . . to indicate submission to an occupation or obligation. Thus, we read not only of the ‘yoke of the Law,’ but of that of ‘earthly governments,’ and ordinary ‘civil obligations.’ . . . to ‘take upon oneself the yoke’ meant to submit to it of free choice and deliberate resolution.
But it is more than just submission. It is to be His disciple as well, for we need to learn from Him. We are to emulate Him! It wasn’t suppose to be a hard or heavy yoke – like the ones offered by the Pharisees that these folks were so familiar with. It was a light yoke, not unbearable at all. Jesus is gentle and humble in heart, a welcome respite to these folks that had been so burdened. Jesus did what He taught, and He taught what He did.
Is it like that for us? Or do we feel like we have a burden to carry, and it is the burden of religion? Or of living up to others expectations. Or maybe it is keeping up appearances. If we experience the gentle yoke of Christ, we should be able to experience that peace that passes understanding flowing from the Father – where peace is given freely to His kids. Really – what is it like for you? And why is it that way?
Why did the Jews, those folks that had been schooled in the Scriptures from infancy, reject the Messiah? Some say it was because He was not the fulfillment of the prophecies. Others say He could not substantiate His claims. But why not let Jesus speak for Himself. Look over these verses.
The fault was not in Him, but with them.
The view of the Lord was one of a nation that was blind, a nation that was unable to see until that blindness had been removed. The nation’s ‘fathers’ had willfully rejected the revelation which God had given them through the law. They had turned in disobedience from the law and abandoned the worship of the true God to serve idols. They had become blind. And all that was part of the nation’s history!
The story has been told of a waterman who worked day in and day out. One day, his grandchild took his hand and pricked it with a needle. The waterman never moved. This was curious to the child. So he took his grandfather’s hand and, with him looking on, tried again and again to no avail. You see, while this would have certainly affected him in his younger days, the years of toil had taken their toll. The waterman’s hands were calloused. This reminds me of us and our hearts. Our hearts towards sin, how we become enamored by the world and blind to the things of the Lord.
The Pharisees had a high view of themselves – they were wise because they were students of the Scriptures. This put them in a right relationship with God…in their view! These words that Jesus was speaking, they must have been aimed at some other group, certainly not them.
Ah…Jesus, just as much today as when these words were spoken, wishes to reveal the Father to any who accept His word. So, where are you in this area? Are you listening? Or do you think you’re OK and will ‘make it’ based on some other criteria (I go to church, I put money in the plate, my Dad is a deacon or preacher, or some other criteria)? We need to look at Jesus, listen to His words, and accept His offer of Salvation.
When you give irrefutable proof of something, and those that witnessed it reject it anyway…what then? Here, Jesus pronounces woe upon the cities that His miracles had been performed in. His words indicate that the hearts of the Jewish people were harder than the hearts of Gentiles. You see, if these miracles had been performed in the Gentile places, those folks would have believed His message and turned (repented) in faith to Him!
There is a price to be paid. That price remains today. If you hear the words of the Lord, the Living Word of Christ, and you choose to reject them, you do not enter the kingdom. In this set of scripture, you see the imagery of not being lifted to the skies and instead going down to the depths.
Let me throw out a concept here. Degrees of punishment are determined by the amount of light that one has received and rejected. What are your thoughts on that concept?
I’ve heard the story told of a man who lived a life like many others. He didn’t care much about the things of the Lord, but did his best to be a ‘good man’, doing the ‘right things’. He did accept Christ as his Savior, but other than attend church every now and again, that was pretty much the extent of his Christian growth.
Eventually, this man died. As promised, he got a home in heaven with Jesus! Upon his arrival at the pearly gates, he is greeted by one of the heavenly hosts and ushered in. He views that street of gold and starts to walk down it, admiring the mansions on either side and thinking to himself ‘I wonder which one is mine!’
As he goes further and further down the street, the mansions become more…middle class dwellings. ‘Not too bad,’ he thinks to himself, ‘this is certainly sufficient to meet my needs during eternity!’
But the journey continues, and the rent looks to continue to spiral down as he progresses down the street. His guide stops him near the end of the street in front of a shack that is barely holding together, it looks pretty sparse, small, and pathetic. ‘Here’s your dwelling!’ announces the angel. The man is shocked and can’t help but voice his disappointment, ‘Are you sure this is it? We passed many fine dwellings on our journey here.’
The angel looked at him and sighed, ‘We did the best that we could with what you sent up before your arrival.’
Ah – just an illustration of what many think of. And if the concept above caught your attention, perhaps you can think again about it. Remember last weeks lesson? In spite of the growing rejection of Christ and His person, the Gentiles saw the light and embraced it. The truth of what He had been teaching was validated – not only by His miracles and works – but also by the reception of His word by the Gentiles.
How much is expected of those that have been exposed to the truth of the Lord? I would contend that because the people had had the light of both Christ’s words and works, they were subject to greater judgment than the Gentiles who had not had that testimony.
So, for us today, many centuries removed from the happenings of Jesus. What light have we been exposed to? What are we doing about it? What are God’s expectations on us (we didn’t see the miracles, so are we less exposed to the light or more exposed)? Many are quick to lean on grace and cry ‘You created us Lord, You know we’re only human!’ If that is our stance, how will we measure up when we stand before Him at judgment day?
The church is a family expecting guests! Every week God intentionally sends to churches those they are able and willing to welcome. He prepares the heart of the guest, prompts and invitation from a friend or neighbor and wakes them up Sunday morning walking them through your doors. Are you ready to accept these gifts from God?
Greeting, caring, and preparing for those who walk through the door as though they are walking into your own home. A family expecting guests!
Whether you are on a greeter ministry team or not, every church member (family member) has the responsibilty to accept the gifts that God sends them weekly.
The Responsibility of Every Member
Ministering to Guests
1. Speak with guests when you first see them, and again before they leave. Invite them to come again.
2. Always, Always, Always offer help to a guest that seems unsure or apprehensive.
3. Never leave a guest to find their way alone with spoken directions. Walk them to the right place and use this opportunity to get to know your guests.
4. Introduce your guest to 2 other family members.
5. After the closing prayer, turn on your “guest radars” and greet everyone in your section. Go immediately! The slightest delay could mean loss of contact!
If every family member would respond in these ways and make intentional adjustments to treat these gifts as if they were guests in your own home, I believe God will be honored. As God sends gifts to your church, what will you do with them? Be a family expecting guests!
You know, there’s something about a headline like that that reaches out and smacks you. It’s like putting a sign ‘wet cement’ or ‘wet paint’ up - it begs you to write your name in it or touch it!
So I thought I’d start this post with those words. My son (Josiah) is absolutely the most awesome kid I know (and I admit the bias right up front). Unfortunately for his wonderful mom, Josiah likes the same types of music I do. So I have the pleasure of turning my son on to some awesome tunes, and he does the same for me. This is the music that makes the two of us move, and it solidifies our bonds on many levels. It never ceases to amaze me the conversations music starts between us, and the teaching opportunities it opens up both ways.
A few months back, he calls me to his computer. ‘Dad - we’ve got to go and get the new album by this group. Listen to this!’ Hey, it was good stuff! Then the band released the video before the official release of the album. I was floored.
The song was about suicide. It’s not something we talk much about. In fact, it’s not something we think much about. But don’t think it hasn’t impacted folks - maybe even someone reading this. Less than a year ago a co-worker took his life, and I still get to see the impact it has on my circle of coworkers.
So if you were wondering what this post was about, now you know. And I hope it is thought provoking, maybe even discussion provoking.
Theologically - I have issues with this song’s lyrics. But then again, this song isn’t written (as far as I can tell) to preach. It seems to be more of a release. So I thought I’d start the discussion on some of the theological stuff.
Does the Bible speak of suicide? If so, what does it have to say? Now at this point, I could do the dirty work for you, the reader. But I don’t think I’m going to here, because this is a subject that perhaps YOU need to do the leg work on. Oh, I don’t mind answering questions (’Don’t the Catholic’s have some issues around this?’ or ‘What do other denominations say about it?’ are good questions). But I’m wondering what YOU have to say about it and how God is using His word to speak to you on the issue. That’s what I’m wondering.
I admit - I love the music. I don’t have many Christian bands that are real ‘in your face’ on this issue (and yes, I love Christian rock / metal). And for the adults reading - I’m not wanting to upset our kids (I think you know I love them too!). But I’m wondering if we have the ‘guts’ (if you will) to discuss this issue with them. They are getting information about it in the world…are you ready for the discussion? Better check The Book first! And I’m guessing it’s been a while since you looked there for much on this issue!
Here’s the link to the video below (after the lyrics). I’ve also posted the lyrics below so you see the song is ‘clean’. If you don’t make it through the video, I understand. The first part is the lead singer expressing how he was touched by this issue, and giving out information to the suicide prevention hotline. Some folks in the church may need to know that information as well, it’s hard to tell…
Lyrics
“Inside The Fire”
Band - Disturbed
Devin
Won’t go to heaven
She’s just another lost soul,
About to be mine again
Leave her
we will receive her
It is beyond your control
will you ever meet again
Devin
No longer living
Who had been rendered unwhole
As a little child,
she was taken
and then forsaken
you will remember it all
Let it fill your mind again
[Chorus:]
Devin lies beyond this portal
take the word of one immortal
Give your soul to me
For eternity
release your life
to begin another time with her
End your grief with me
there’s another way
release your life
take your place inside the fire with her
Sever
Now and forever
you’re just another lost soul about to be mine again
see her, you’ll never free her
you must surrender it all
If you’d like to meet again
Fire
For your desire
As she begins to turn cold for the final time
you will shiver
till you deliver
you will remember it all
Let it fill your mind again
[Chorus]
Give your soul to me
For eternity
release your life
to begin another time with her
End your grief with me
there’s another way
release your life
take your place inside the fire with her
Devin
No longer living
Who had been rendered unwhole
As a little child
she was taken,
and then forsaken
you will remember it all
Let it fill your mind again
Video Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R0z0H8MjAk
Or…here it is embedded so you don’t need to go anywhere.
We need to look back. In the previous lessons we looked at the authentication of Christ by His message and His miracles. Are we sure He had this authority? You betcha! He exercised it over and over again so those that were there had no doubt about it. He is The Savior, He is Sovereign! This brought some issues to the surface though. His rejection by the religious leaders broke out into the open over a running feud over the Sabbath Day controversies. What did Christ do? He revealed these leaders as false shepherds. That’s where we pick up with the rejection of the herald.
John was cast into prison by order of Herod Antipas, a little after our Lord began his public ministry (Matt 4:12) and after the first Passover (John 3:24). Word had reached him concerning the miracles Jesus had been performing. So he sent some of his disciples to ask Christ a curious question – are you the One who was to come, or should we expect someone else? So…some have postulated that John was having a crisis (or failure) of faith. What do you think?
Plummer states: John had had such convincing evidence that Jesus was the Messiah, that he could hardly doubt now. And if he did doubt, what use to send to Jesus? A false Messiah would not own that he was an imposter. More probably it was John’s patience that was failing, not his faith. He wished Jesus to come forward more publicly and decidedly as the Messiah. ‘If Thou do these things, manifest Thyself to the world.’ To do Messianic works and not claim the position of the Messiah seemed to be futile inconsistency.
Ah, if we are to mull this over in our minds, perhaps we can better see ourselves. After all, it’s been over 2,000 years…and we still cry ‘why do you tarry Lord?’ We’ve seen the miracles, experienced Your presence, have a hold of the hope of Your salvation, and carry burdens that we should put on You and not keep to ourselves – Marana tha! (1 Cor 16:22 In Aramaic the expression Come, O Lord is Marana tha) Perhaps we can better understand John’s frustration and impatience…
So what would Jesus give John as an answer? Jesus had no authentication to give John but what He had been giving to the nation. No secret handshake, no special word of encouragement. But Jesus did speak to the crowd that surrounded Him concerning John’s person and position. A tree planted and not moved by the wind (certainly not a reed), a man uninterested in seeking physical comfort or material goods (not in a palace). No, John fulfilled Malachi 3:1 and Jesus gives John the highest honor, a higher ‘position’ than anyone else had been given. Greater than any of the prophets!
Think of it. In the face of the rejection of John’s message and ministry, Jesus declares to the crowd that John fulfilled Malachi’s prophecy. He said in Matt. 11:14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. An angel had announced to John’s father, Luke 1:17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous — to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Wow…it was an ultimate stamp of authentication and reaffirmation of John’s place.
There is some controversy or continued discussion around verse 12. This verse seems to be dealing with the rejection of Christ and John rather than the reception given to them by the leaders of the nation. Why? Look at the analogy Jesus gives in verses 16-17. He likened the generation to children who desire to have their own way no matter what others do. Basically, the generation found fault no matter what was done or not done.
But in spite of the growing rumble and rejection of the truth Christ gave these folks, some still believed. These people became His children, and our brothers and sisters in the family. The truth of what He had been teaching was validated by the reception of His word on the part of some, and thus ‘wisdom was proved right by her actions.’
And us? Do we have various crises of faith or are we just impatient with the perception of the speed that God chooses to work in our world? Looking at the growing rejection of the world to His word and ways, how do we respond?
Many years ago I heard a literally unforgettable talk by Josh McDowell on Matthew 9:35-38. I can still remember the four main points, which seem to be very appropriate to Seaford Church today. The four points are:
See what Jesus saw
Feel what Jesus felt
Pray what Jesus prayed
Do what Jesus did
Four points, very simple and easy to remember. I’m going to split them up into two posts here.
The passage reads (ESV),
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
See What Jesus Saw Jesus was traveling the cities and villages, stopping in at the places of religion, which were after all the main gathering spots in those days. Chances are there was nothing out of the ordinary in any of those places: your normal mix of successful, wealthy people, along with the poor, the diseased, and the hurting. If we had been walking the streets of Capernaum, say, chances are you and I would have noticed nothing but business as usual. “This is the way things are, this is the way people are.” That’s our usual response, today in Virginia, too. I confess I’m often so preoccupied I don’t notice the most obvious things about people in the stores and restaurants; while, on the road, they’re often just obstacles to my getting where I want to be.
Jesus saw differently. When he saw the crowds, he saw people who were “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” We don’t have lots of experience with sheep these days, so the figure of speech may be partly lost on us. “Harassed and helpless” ought to communicate, though. Young’s Literal Translation says they were “faint and cast aside.” The Message says they were “confused and aimless.”
It’s a description of their spiritual state. Without Christ, they had no direction, no guidance, no way of sorting out truth from lies, no peace, no connection. Where others saw the crowds as business as usual, Jesus saw them as spiritually needy.
I wonder if he just took the time to look into their eyes? I wonder what would happen if we took the time to see what’s going on around us?
Feel What Jesus Felt
When he saw the crowds this way, Jesus “had compassion for them.” Our English word compassion comes from root words meaning “to feel with another,” to share their hurts and pains. The Greek word used there, if I recall correctly, is even stronger. It relates to the inner person, the gut. Jesus’ stomach ached, seeing the pain of the people.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t care for pain. I don’t prefer having my stomach ache. Not only that, but having a tendency to think I have enough pain of my own to deal with, I’m not often eager to give myself over to hurting for someone else. But we know that Jesus wept–for Lazarus and his family, for Jerusalem. He was willing to be vulnerable to their pain. Ultimately he took on every person’s pain and bore it on the cross.
Are we too aware of our needs? Too conscious of our own problems, our own pains? Are we willing to see the crowds for what they are (even if the “crowd” you see is just a couple of neighbors working in their yards)? Can we allow ourselves to look beyond ourselves, our family, even our church to see the deep spiritual needs of people around us? For no matter how our church is struggling, we have life and we have direction from Christ. Our problems compared to the world’s are small.
And then what? There are two more points to this borrowed talk yet to come.
Today’s notes from the Case for a Creator Sunday School class are posted here, where you can also take part in the discussion with atheists and skeptics that’s expected to follow, in the comments.
