Matt. 9-13

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Let the Doctor Speak

Maybe we don't see them as much in the age of ad-free streaming, but chances are you've seen those awkward commercials for oddly named medications, often with frightening side effects. They usually encourage viewers to, "talk to your doctor to see if this medication is right for you." In this week's readings, we'll find the greatest physician speaking profound and healing words to those he meets.

Speaking to the Sick

On Monday (Matt. 9), Jesus speaks forgiveness and healing to the paralyzed man (Matt. 9:1-8). He declares himself the great physician for those sick in their sins (Matt. 9:11-13). Then he speaks to a woman who touched his coat on his way to raise a girl from the dead (Matt. 9:18-26) and to two blind men, restoring their sight (Matt. 9:27-31). He even made a demon-possessed man speak who had previously been mute (Matt. 9:32-24).

How do you view the spiritually (and physically) sick people around you?

Speaking to (and Through) His Disciples

On Tuesday (Matt. 10), Jesus sends out his disciples on a parallel preaching path with the Spirit's power. If they're concerned about public speaking, Jesus offers some encouragement.

"... do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you" (Matt. 10:19-20).

Then on Wednesday (Matt. 11), John the Baptist sends some of his disciples to ask if Jesus is "the one who is to come" (Matt. 11:3). Jesus speaks a message for John about the signs of the Messiah. When they left, Jesus called John a great prophet, "... Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matt. 11:11).

What does John's question teach you about being confident in your understanding of the truth?

Speaking to His Critics

On Thursday (Matt. 12), Jesus faces accusations of breaking the Sabbath because his disciples picked heads of grain, and Jesus healed a man with a withered hand (Matt. 12:1-14). And if that weren't enough, as Jesus healed a blind, mute, and demon-possessed man, they accused him of working for Beelzebul, the prince of demons (Matt. 12:22-24)!

So Jesus addresses their hypocrisy with these chilling words, "You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matt. 12:34).

Are you prepared to face opposition like Jesus and his disciples did?

Speaking in Parables

And finally, on Friday (Matt. 13), Jesus began some of his most powerful, yet puzzling teaching — speaking in parables. He shows us the kingdom's unique nature in stories about dirt, plants, treasure, nets, and pearls. The point is to open a window into God's purposes.

Why do people receive the kingdom in different ways?
How can God's kingdom coexist with the evil in the world around us?
And why would someone joyfully sell everything they have for the kingdom, and consider it the most reasonable thing they could do?

Jer. 21-35

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

In Jeremiah chapters 21-35, the prophet continues to confront the impending doom facing Judah, emphasizing the dire consequences of unfaithfulness to God. In these passages, Jeremiah delivers specific messages to the kings and people, urging them to turn away from their wicked ways and seek God's mercy. He foretells the siege of Jerusalem and urges surrender to Babylon as a means of survival. Despite the bleak outlook, God’s commitment to His covenant people is evident, as He reassures them of future restoration. The promise of a new covenant emerges, highlighting a transformative relationship where the law will be written on their hearts. This hope acts as a pivotal contrast to the warnings of judgment, reminding the people that genuine repentance and faithfulness will bring about divine renewal and peace.

REFLECTING ON THE PSALMS

Psalms 85-87 continue the themes of justice, divine protection, and the longing for God's presence. Psalm 85 reflects a desire for restoration, where the psalmist asks God to restore His favor upon the land and expresses hope for peace and righteousness to flourish. In contrast, Psalm 86 is a personal plea for mercy and guidance, highlighting the individual's dependence on God amidst troubles. The psalmist affirms God's unique greatness and faithfulness, appealing for His protection. Psalm 87 shifts focus to Zion, celebrating it as the birthplace of God's people, emphasizing the joy and significance of belonging to Him. Together, these psalms intertwine themes of communal hope, individual supplication, and the celebration of God's enduring promise, offering a rich tapestry of faith and divine interaction with humanity.

Week 29