December 11, 2012
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 9:18-26
OBSERVATIONS
1. It’s interesting that people have no time for Jesus, unless they need something. The synagogue was the Jewish high court for religious purposes, made up of Pharisees and Sadducees. Here this religious leader is desperate for his own daughter, and he will even risk ridicule or rejection from his own people for the sake of his daughter’s life. Desperation is often the first step of faith.
2. This desperation is also seen in the bleeding woman. Years and years of being ‘unclean’ (Leviticus 15:19-31), and she does not even dare approach Jesus. Shame, fear and desperation drive her to Jesus. Jesus describes this as her faith, not a confident understanding of the truth of Jesus, but a desperate hope in the power of Jesus. I think there are many people out there who share this desperate hope, but have not made a profession of faith.
3. I’ve never really noticed the “play pipes” before. Other translations have ‘funeral musicians’. I suspect it was mournful mood music that was played, along with the wailing family. Public, community displays of grief like this were normal, and still happen in the middle east today. Not dead but asleep? Is this a medical observation, was she in something like a deep coma, or is “sleep” a euphemism for death (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Either way, her sudden restoration to life is still a miracle.
What do you notice in this passage?
APPLICATION
1. Desperation is an important part of the faith process. As long as we think we are OK without God, we will remain indifferent or closed to God. It is deep angst in the face of life’s crises and struggles that drives many people to God, even those who do not believe. It is not confident understanding, but desperate hope. Does this make faith an illusion of desperation (like a mirage in the desert)? Or are they finally coming to their senses, like an alcoholic who refuses to accept he has a problem, thinking she can handle it on her own; it is not until they become desperate enough in their own strength that they finally reach out to others for help. This is how I see it.
2. How desperately do I feel my need for God? How would my prayers and my faith change if I faced a serious crisis like the suffering or death of someone I loved? How would my priorities and values change? Desperation has a way of opening our eyes to what really matters. Am I like Job (according to Satan) who believes in God because my life is good and easy (Job 1:9-11)? Would I still cling to my faith if God stretched out His hand against me and against all that I have?
3. If I think this through, I sense that my own faith is more like desperate hope than confident understanding. I have questions and doubts and times when it’s hard to believe, yet I still reach out in desperate hope, still cling to God and Jesus – not like a thirsty wanderer in a desert but like a desperate woman eager for help and hope. I take comfort from jesus’ words here, ‘take heart, your faith has healed you.’
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I have more questions than answers, but I cannot NOT believe. You are my only hope, our only hope. Thank You for accepting my weak, desperate faith.
A ruler came to Jesus to come and help. His daughter had died. Mark and Luke also tell this story with more detail, saying she was dying, but died before Jesus arrived. It is interesting to note the type of people that Jesus healed or helped. It seems that he helps those who ask. Some are regular folk, many are helpless, such as lepers, blind etc. and some are leaders, like the man today, and the centurion, a few days back. Some ask for themselves, and some, like this man, asked for help for his daughter.
Another thing in today’s passage that is interesting is the faith that is involved in healing. In the case of the woman who was bleeding, it was not Jesus faith that he could heal her that was apparent. This woman believed, based on what she saw happening with Jesus, that if she just touched his clothing she would be healed. I am not sure where she got this idea? It doesn’t really sound theologically correct? But Jesus sees her, and acknowledges her need, and she is healed.
It is one thing to have healing while someone is still alive, but when someone has died, then the healing is quite an awesome thing. It almost makes me fearful of the power of God. If I were there at that time, it would be an awe inspiring event.
Why did Jesus heal? The girl would have died again, as well as all of those whom Jesus healed. It seems to me to be a sign to the person healed as well as those around. Also, he was concerned for individuals, and helped where he could.
I hope that I can pray for others, knowing that God, the healer, is interested in individuals, and that healing is from God. I pray for health and for knowing God better in an individual and personal way.
Observations:
The passage describes the many different ways responded to the situations He encountered in the healing process. The first Christ was asked to come. The second was the woman’s touch. What drives people to Christ – the Source of Life.
Application:
The woman’s faith was real – if only I can touch Him. Jesus is the living cure for all things. Real life is knowing Him. Know God. GodStrong.
The synagogue leader also had faith for He too knew the Source of Life. yet the mourners did not understand. Only Christ is the Source of true Life so that they can live with Him forever. Those who will not accept this will be put outside forever. All need the Master’s touch – taken by His hand and be lifted up unto eternal life for He is
the Way
the Truth.
and the Life.
hear His voice and follow Him.
Prayer:
Listening to the Word today I hear You Lord saying – Follow me – and I will give all that you need for today. In that power I go forward this day and all my days. Lead me and guide me Lord.
Precious Lord, take my hand.
Lead me on, let me stand.
I am tired, I am weak, and worn.
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light.
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.
When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, lead me near,
When my life is almost gone.
Hear my cry, hear my call.
Hold my hand, lest I fall.
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.
When the darkness appears
And the night draws near,
And the day is past and gone,
At the river I stand.
Guide my feet, hold my hand,
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.