July 4, 2021
Morning Service

On our journey with Jesus through the book of Matthew, we have seen some amazing things happen.  Lepers have been made clean with the touch of His hand, all those who were sick and came to Him were healed, demons were cast out of people by His word, and even the winds and the sea were calmed by His command.  Last week things got even better as Jesus forgave the sins of a man who was paralyzed and then to prove that He had power to do that He told him to “Arise, take up your bed and go to your house;” and he did!  His actions are proving that the words that He says are true.  The multitudes were growing and were wondering “could this be the long awaited Messiah?”  Jesus then made a profound statement about His ministry in that He called Matthew, a hated tax collector to follow Him and then ate with all of his unrighteous friends.  When the Pharisees questioned Him over it He said this:

Mat 9:12-13 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  (13)  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."

            That is great news for us because as far as I know, none of us are perfect all of us are sinners in need of the Great Physician’s healing touch.  It is comforting to know that we, the imperfect of this world, are the reason He came.  We are the people He desires to have following Him; ones who are willing to leave all and put Him first in our lives.  He does not call the qualified, but qualifies the called. Today in our journey, just when we thought we had seen it all Jesus does something else new and amazing. 

 

Mat 9:18-26 While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live."  (19)  So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.  (20)  And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment.  (21)  For she said to herself, "If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well."  (22)  But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, "Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well." And the woman was made well from that hour.  (23)  When Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, (24) He said to them, "Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed Him.  (25)  But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose.  (26)  And the report of this went out into all that land.

            The other gospels tell us that this ruler’s name was Jairus and he was a leader in the synagogue.  He most likely was like the other religious leaders who were at best very skeptical of all that Jesus was doing and as we have seen and many were greatly opposed to Him.  Knowing this, isn’t it amazing how a need in our lives can quickly change our perspective.  Cancer, marriage troubles, job loss, a bad choice, and even losing a loved one has us walking down a dark path that we did not want to go.  We have troubles that we cannot fix on our own.  The pain and confusion often bring us to a point of humility where we finally can admit that we need help.  I hope you realize that it is God that has led you to this vulnerable point and for a reason.  He, the Great Physician, does His best work on those who are broken.  He loves you enough to direct you down the tough paths of life so you will fully trust in Him and know Him as your Savior and friend.  As the church, Jesus followers, it is very important that we are ready to be Jesus to these who are going through times like this and minister to the needs that arise showing them that Jesus cares for them and there is hope even in tough circumstances.  Keep your eyes open to these opportunities to share God’s love with those who are in need and made vulnerable by their circumstances.

            Now back to Jairus and his need.  Jesus agrees to go and heal the child and the disciples and a great crowd come along as well.  Along the way another life is changed by faith and the “touching of the hem of His garment.”  A lady with an issue of blood reaches out and touches Jesus believing by faith that she will be cured and it came to pass.  Jesus was not so caught up in all the excitement and huge crowd that He missed the faith of this woman.  Mark tells us that Jesus felt that “power had gone out from Him” turned and saw her, again seeing her faith, He said; “Be of good cheer, daughter, your faith has made you well.”  Even in all the craziness this world has to offer, we need to be like Jesus and be fully present in the moment we are in and not miss opportunities like this.  Pray that your spiritual eyes can see those in need and we are never too busy pushing our agenda to take time for them.  God calls us to be fully present in where we are not preoccupied by where we are going or where we want to be; be right here in this moment.  Open your eyes and look around you there is a ministry in your own home, neighborhood, or work place that you need to be active in.

            Okay now back to Jairus.  Jesus arrives and the mourning has already begun for the young child as a crowd has assembled crying for the loss.  Jesus states that “She is not dead, only sleeping” and is ridiculed by the crowd of little faith.  According to the other gospels, Jesus puts out everyone except the parents and His inner circle of Peter, James, and John; separating those without faith.  Imagine how the parents feel at this moment alone in the room with these men and their daughter who lies silently on her bed.  Is there hope in this time of great grief?   Mark records Jesus telling Jairus; “do not be afraid; only believe.”  Granted we don’t often see the dead raised or everyone miraculously healed as Jesus did then, but we must know that in our moments of hopelessness Jesus is there telling us also “do not be afraid; only believe.”   In other words; “I’ve got this you are not alone I am in control, trust Me.”  Miracles can occur, but if not He walks with us down that dark path that lies ahead and uses it for good.  No money can buy that, no religion can earn you that, but your relationship with your Savoir gives you that comfort and you have faith to trust Him in everything.  He will be there for you.

            Jesus in that quiet moment reaches down and says; “Little girl, I say to you arise” and she does.  The disciples were there and no doubt felt the heavy grief of the parents, but were in great anticipation of what their Master was about to do and did.  They had seen some amazing things that we described earlier, but now they had seen the dead come back to life; this was at a new high level of awesome!  This Jesus, whom we are following is the Lord over life and death and there is nothing out of His control.  Not all things are in His will, but all things are in His ability; He is able.  He is the One who encourages us to “Seek, ask and knock” bringing our needs and concerns before Him who is able to do all things.  As we finish out this chapter read for yourself how He healed two blind men and allowed a man to speak by removing the demon within him.  I want to skip down to verse 35 as we see the heart of our Lord.

 

Mat 9:35-38 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.  (36)  But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.  (37)  Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  (38)  Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

            Jesus was moved with compassion as He saw the multitudes “weary and scattered as sheep without a shepherd.”  They just don’t know what to do or where to go.  There are searching for something but don’t know what.  He is the answer if they will only listen.  This reminds me of our world today.  So many out there are lost with no directions not knowing what to do or where to go.  They are like crops ready to be harvested as Jesus says; “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  Pray the Lord of the harvest sends out laborers into His harvest.”

            Who is He praying for?  You!  We as His followers are called to be busy about our Father’s business and that is spreading the gospel message to those who are “weary and scattered.”  We all see the needs, now we all need to get busy being Jesus to those who are ready to be harvested for the kingdom by pointing them to the Great Shepherd who will lead them where they need to go.

 

Heavenly Father, fill our hearts with the compassion for others that You have, and enable us through the Holy Spirit to go to the fields and get to work for Your kingdom.

 

There was a whole lot in this message today.  I encourage you to take your paper home and review it again to be sure you catch all the Lord is pitching to us today.  The tough circumstances of life make us vulnerable to the voice of God, listen and allow Him to work in you.  Be aware of those who are in need and be there for them.  Be fully present in this moment and don’t be so busy you miss an opportunity to minister.  We are following a Savior who is able to do all things ask in your time of need.  We are following a Savior that is compassionate about the lost of this world who are “weary and scattered.”  We need to be compassionate and courageous as well to share Jesus with those who are seeking.  Be fully present in this moment and know God is speaking to you this morning.  He is the answer to every problem this world faces today.  Praise Him for He is good!