Month: June 2022

6/2/22
Another disciple said to Him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Follow me and let the dead bury their own dead.” Matthew 8:21-22 (Matthew 8:18-34, 9:19-34, 13:53-58, Mark 4:35-41, 5:1-43, 6:1-6 and Luke 9:57-62, 8:22-56)

A vital combination in Jesus’ ministry was the teaching of Truth and demonstrating His authority to claim this Truth. Jesus’ marvels confirm this message of a Kingdom of God and His connection to it. His miracles revealed power over nature, the spirit world, death and disease. A storm tossed sea immediately stilled at Jesus’ command, He raised Jarius’ daughter from the dead, healed a woman who touched His hem, returned sight to the blind and gave words to the speechless.

When Jesus and His friends came upon a demon possessed man, so violent he had been chained and left among the tombs, far away from civilized society, the evil spirits dwelling within him recognized Jesus and begged Him not to cast them out of the area. A herd of pigs seemed an appropriate destination for such vile beings, but when they entered the swine a stampede ensued and the entire herd ran off a cliff and died, bringing the outrage of the town’s population. These people chose personal economics over quality of life for others.

The story of a man who heard a call to go and share the good news, but asked to first bury his father, is not a narrative about a good son nursing an invalid parent. His father was not in failing health, the man was saying, “The time’s not right. When all the circumstances are convenient, I’ll follow.” God’s works and character clearly show, Christians are obligated to take care of their earthly families and obligations, but God’s work is important and He will make a way! There will never be a perfect moment except to hear and obey. Say, “Yes!” Prayer will be answered and blessings will rain down.

Love,

Gretchen

When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Matthew 9:36-37 (Matthew 9:35-10:42, 11:1, 14:1-13, Mark 6:6-33, Luke 9:1-11)

Jesus had been rejected a second time by His own community and close family, but crowds in surrounding places aggressively sought Him. Keenly aware of their need for spiritual guidance, Jesus called all who were willing to work for the Kingdom of Heaven. He gave them power to heal the sick, cast out demons and restore life to the dead. ALL who believed were called, only a few went.

With the specialized skills given to those who answered God’s voice, there was great potential for wealth. Who wouldn’t give all they owned to paralyze the threat of pain or death? However, Jesus cautioned, travel light, expect hardship and resistance, trust God’s unfailing care, keep your eyes on the eternal goal. You will find food and shelter among those who share in your mission, but take no money! God’s Love is NOT to be used for profit!

Matthew 14:1-13 tells the story of John the Baptist’s murder. To summarize this event would do an injustice, so I encourage you to read it, but keep in mind, guilt and superstition made Herod Antipas add sin upon sin. Herod had divorced his own wife to marry Herodius, wife of his half-brother Philip. John had denounced this as incest and was imprisoned for his truth. Herodius held a grudge and wanted to silence John’s voice permanently. When the opportunity emerged, she took it and John was martyred. Jesus and His disciples attempted to quietly grieve and comfort each other, but the world needed them more, and so they continued on, with Love, Grace and Mercy.

If you know Jesus as Messiah, you are called to spread the message. Compassion for the lost motivated those who went. Are you moved? It WILL cost you, but you won’t pay more than you gain, eternal life in a place that exceeds far beyond man’s comprehension.

Love,

Gretchen

You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men. Mark 7:8 (Matthew 14:14-15:20, Mark 6:34-7:23, Luke 9:11-17, John 6:1-7:1)

The second year of Jesus’ ministry was a peak year of popularity. He continued to heal the sick, and began feeding the multitudes. Following an especially long day, Jesus sent his disciples ahead, across the Sea of Galilea, while He found a quiet place to pray. Later, during the night He walked on water to join His friends. They believed Him to be a ghost, so Jesus spoke to them and Peter asked to join Him as an affirmation of who He was. Peter became the first to understand that Jesus was the Son of God, God incarnate.

The masses were ready to make Jesus king. He fed them for free, provided medical and mental health care, understood their plight and righted the wrongs they were suffering, but they misunderstood the nature of God’s Kingdom. They wanted the perks, but not the pain. Jesus explained the cost of following and many declined.

During this time, things began to heat up between Jesus and the Pharisees. He pointed out the dangers of their legalism and the pitfalls of traditional, doctrinal rules that were not at all connected to any part of the Law. His condemnation of their behavior, coupled with His threat to their authority, ignited furious hostility. Opposition in Judea became so life threatening Jesus remained in Galilea.

Many times Jesus made a clear distinction between evolved tradition and true Law. The Jewish authority’s creation of inappropriate authority to oppress and abuse was very offensive to Jesus. It was hypocrisy at its finest. Worship God for who HE IS! Then serve others because of who HE IS! This is obedience to His Law.

Love,

Gretchen

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith!” Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. Matthew 15:28 (Matthew 15:21-39, 16:1-12, Mark 7:24-30, 8:5-26)

The Jewish people of authority became increasingly hostile toward Jesus, so Jesus turned His evangelism to Tyre andSidon, away from Jewish territory. Here we hear the story of a Canaanite mother begging Jesus to heal her daughter from demon possession. Canaanites were descendants of Noah’s cursed son Ham. They were considered far beneath the status of Jews and unworthy of God’s blessing. At first it seemed as though Jesus would reject and rebuke this mother’s request. He likened her to a dog. But, we know race nor ethnicity is an issue with Jesus. He was merely mirroring the thoughts of His disciples and showing them the ugliness in their hearts. In the presence of this perceived prejudice, the woman was persistent and by her faith the child was healed. This act shows the universality of God’s loving concern for all people.

Once again, the masses follow Jesus. For three days one group of people remained with Him, listening as He taught. They grew hungry, He fed them. He also restored the speech of a man deaf and mute and gave sight to the blind. Mingled in these stories of God’s power over nature and man’s health is a story of the Pharisees and Sadducees again, badgering Jesus for a confirming sign of His deity. He refused. They had plenty of reason to believe and chose not to. When Jesus rose from the grave, they would know.

Those who shouldn’t believe did and those who should have, wouldn’t. Regardless, there will come a day when excuses and reasoning will be no more. Faith will be all that matters. You only need a little, so don’t be caught without it.

Happy Summer,

Gretchen

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” Matthew 13:44 (Matthew 13:1-52, Mark 4:1-34, Luke 8:4-18, 13:18-19)

Jesus used many methods to effectively teach the multitudes, especially His disciples, the Truth and nature of God’s Kingdom. Hyperbole, warnings, laments and denunciations as well as proverbs and the beatitudes are examples. The most interesting though, are His parables. They teach moral truth and principle using simple comparisons well suited to common man. After Jesus taught in public, He would explain in detail what He meant to His intimate circle.

Parables sorted out those who came to see miracles and be entertained, from those who seriously followed Jesus and wanted to fully understand who He was and why He had come. This is explained in the story of the sower and the cycle of seeds that wither beside those that produce fruit.

The parable of the weeds explained that evil will exist along side good till the end of this age when there will be a time of harvest and separation.  The tiny mustard seed, a very small beginning, will grow beyond comprehension, providing shelter for the carefree birds of the air, just as the Kingdom of Heaven began as a small helpless, yet Holy child. And finally,  in the parables of hidden treasure and pearl of great price, Jesus emphasized His purpose, an eternal life worth giving up everything, even this life, to make sure you obtain it.

Jesus was present at the beginning of time. Actually, He existed long before the void was brought into order. He knows all and wants us to understand. The more we seek, the more He will reveal. It’s up to you. What an honor to be given an invitation from the one who Created it all for one purpose, Love.

Love,

Gretchen