Category: Gospel of Matthew
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Foundation Stones: The 12 Apostles and the Mission of the Church
Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness … These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As…
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Pray the Lord of the Harvest: The Harvest, the Need, and the Need to Be Sent
When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:36-38) Ever…
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Sheep Without a Shepherd: Jesus’s Mission and the Rescue of Israel, Part 2
Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:35-36) “I am the Good…
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Sheep Without a Shepherd: Jesus’s Mission and the Rescue of Israel, Part 1
Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:35-36) This passage is the…
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The Tragedy of the Pharisees: How Good People Become Enemies of God
When the demon had been driven out, the man spoke. And the crowds were amazed, saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the ruler of the demons!” (Matthew 9:33-34) The plot of Matthew’s gospel involves two parallel tracks, rising up alongside one another…
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Too Many Demons and the Bigger Story of the Bible: Understanding Deliverance in Jesus’ Ministry
Just as they were going out, a demon-possessed man who was unable to speak was brought to Him. When the demon had been driven out, the man spoke. (Matthew 9:32-33) Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about our need to stop and notice what’s weird in Scripture, especially in the gospels. When we don’t, our…
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A Strange Note in the Symphony: Jesus’ Secrets and the Summons to Seek
Then He touched their eyes, saying, “Let it be done for you according to your faith!” And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus warned them sternly, “Be sure that no one finds out!” But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout that whole area. (Matthew 9:29-31) Having challenged the blind men to…
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“Do You Believe That I Can Do This?”: Faith, Love, and the Endless Possibilities of Knowing God
When He entered the house, the blind men approached Him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they answered Him. Then He touched their eyes, saying, “Let it be done for you according to your faith!” And their eyes were opened. (Matthew 9:28-30) When the blind men…
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The God Who Cares: Appealing to the Rule and the Mercy of God
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, shouting, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” (Matthew 9:27) For several weeks we’ve been looking at Jesus’ encounters with different individuals and groups after launching his ministry. He has taught, healed, delivered, and challenged. Now, he is simply “going on”—traveling, literally walking the…
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Living in the Public Eye: How Jesus Related to the Masses and Why We Can’t Remain in the Crowd
When Jesus came to the leader’s house, He saw the flute players and a crowd lamenting loudly. “Leave,” He said, “because the girl isn’t dead, but sleeping.” And they started laughing at Him. But when the crowd had been put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up.…