Day 3

Reading: MATTHEW 8-10

Journal

After presenting the King (Messiah) and proclaiming His Kingdom, Matthew goes on to describe His power through a series of ten miracles, revealing His authority over every realm (diseases, demons, death and nature). The words of the King are thus supported by His works, and His claims are verified by His credentials.

There are three major periods in which miracles are prominent in the bible, and these are usually accompanied by divine revelations. Two are found in the OT during the times of Moses and the prophets Elijah and Elisha; the time of Christ and the early Church in the NT ushered in a new era in which the dynamics of faith and the power of God are clearly and visibly demonstrated.

Matthew intentionally grouped Jesus' miracles into three accounts, the first being miracles of healing (the leper, the Centurion's servant, Peter's mother-in-law), next the miracles of authority (calming the sea storm, casting out the demons, forgiving the paralytic), and lastly the miracles of restoration (life to the dead, sight to the blind, speech to the mute).

In between these accounts, the demands of discipleship (8:18-22) the distinction of the disciples (9:9-17), and the delegation of authority to His followers (9:35-10:42) are interjected. This brings out a number of lessons:

1. We serve and follow a King who has real authority and power.
2. Faith in Jesus and following Him go hand in hand and are not optional.
3. Jesus is not looking for spectators but soldiers to do the work of expanding His Kingdom.
4. We are empowered to the extent we are willing to do His bidding.
5. We must be prepared to pay the price if we are to experience firsthand the reality of Kingdom power in our lives.

The clarion call of the King is clear. What is our response?

Ponder & Meditate

The conversion of Matthew (also known as Levi, cf. Luke 5:27-29) shows a man that was so changed by his encounter with Jesus, he not only left his disreputable profession immediately, but went so far as to invite his friends and acquaintances to his home to hear Jesus. As a result, many of them believed and were saved.

What about us? If we too have tasted Jesus' love, experienced His life-transforming grace, should we not do likewise for our families and friends?

Matthew 10:29 says that two sparrows were sold for a penny but Luke 12:6 says that five were sold for two pennies instead. Why five and not four? Actually, the Jews also practiced giving freebies for buying more. Even so, that 'free' sparrow in God's eye is just as precious and will not fall to the ground without His knowing. In comparison, we are made in His image and definitely more valuable than many sparrows.

Think about it!