Daily Devotional, Matthew 11, 12
Jesus Challenges the Norm of Religion and Government
Jesus said of John the Baptist (His cousin,) that he was the greatest of all
who had come before Him. Yet, we don't really read much about John. There are
things we can learn if we read between the lines.
This chapter starts with John in prison, asking questions about Jesus. He asks
his disciples, followers, to go ask Jesus if He is the Messiah promised in
scripture.
Jesus knows John's situation but does nothing to change the situation
although He could have. Sometimes the truth is, not only does it rain on the
just and unjust, but sometimes, bad things happen to good people, like John.
Jesus speaks to those gathered around who have just seen the conversations take
place between Him and John's followers. He does something rather remarkable, He
praises John but in His praise of John He also praises the reality that John
was among the least of these. John didn't dress like, act like someone in
authority. Jesus tells those around Him that John was the one God chose to prepare
the way of the of the Messiah and that none were greater than John among those
born on earth.
Praise, recognition, worth, are not always based on material things. John
certainly had none of those but the spirit of his heart spoke to the truth to
the need of redemption and salvation as well as his willingness to live among
the least of these. A concept we read about later on in Matthew. If this
chapter does not play havoc with the thoughts of some in the prosperity name it
claim it area of "christianity," we clearly see they are not reading
and taking to heart the words of Jesus here.
For the remainder of the chapter Jesus does what I call, complicate things,
especially in a time and era where we seem today to blend nationalism and faith
with some going so far as preaching a gospel that promotes health and wealth. There
are those who would deny God's judgment and condemnation for those who refuse
to listen to the message. One may not like the message but that doesn't change
the message unless we put words and intent into Jesus own words and actions, If
we're doing that we are making ourselves the savior as opposed to listening to
the Savior.
Jesus gives the warning for not listening to His teachings here. There are
consequences to pay that He says will make Sodom
and Gomorrah
look tame. It doesn't stop there, there is also praise and recognition to those
who do listen. There is relief, salvation, and one who will help us carry on
the burden's that life throws our way.
In Chapter 12 we see a new direction. The first part of the passage has Jesus and His disciples picking grain and then eating it in the temple. The Pharisees confront Jesus about this and He speaks to the intent of the law as opposed to the letter of the law. He emphasizes the importance of treating others with compassion. This continues through the chapter. Jesus shows mercy and love be it a healing, eating, whatever. The religious leaders try to nail Jesus down for not practicing the faith as they thought it should be practiced. They have more of a focus on the law as opposed to the needs of the people. Even today, we see this in our world, in my country, the USA, where many people find reasons to not show compassion for those suffering from this terrible virus, Covid-19. We see it in their constant attempts, just like we do the Pharisees who look at the concepts of the law, as opposed to the needs and compassion of the people. The Pharisees didn't like being challenged and for the first time we see their plan start to take place; find a way to kill Jesus. It wasn't just Jesus they wanted to kill though, it was the things He taught, mainly, caring for, loving and showing compassion to others over the importance of the law, or their political beliefs. Does our faith model and represent those ideologies?
Jesus left that place aware of the efforts of the Pharisees, yet, He knew He
had work to do and went about showing compassion and love. We see here the
references to the prophesy of the Messiah in the book Isaiah in the Old
Testament that speaks specifically of how the Messiagh will be different, especially
in the following verses quoting Isaiah starting with verse 18.
“Here is my chosen servant!
I love him,
and he pleases me.
I will give him my Spirit,
and he will bring justice
to the nations.
19 He won’t
shout or yell
or call out in the streets.
20 He won’t
break off a bent reed
or put out a dying flame,
but he will make sure
that justice is done.
21 All nations
will place
their hope in him.”
Jesus continues the miracles that show He is the Messiah. The Pharisees continue their attack on Jesus going so far as accusing Him of being the Devil. Jesus responds in ways that puts them in their place, using reasoning and logic. He also attacks their intentions.
Jesus goes on to address the ways we can tell those who are and are not of God. You tell it by inspecting their fruit, in other words, what are their results? Who are they reaching? Who are they saying Jesus is? Do they promote the Kingdom of God? These ideas and more are the things Jesus starts to emphasize. He also addresses the attitudes of their hearts. Are their concerns more about the law, rules and so forth? We are supposed to show love and compassion the way John the Baptist did. In their attempts trick Jesus, He tells them the story of Jonah, in reference to how He will be in the grave for 3 days and then return. He also tells them that because they are evil, they won't understand or accept Him.
The next part of this passage is troubling and is often taken out of
context. Jesus tells of the need to search for and fill ourselves with truth, not
misperceptions. While demons are the analogy He is using, I believe Jesus is
speaking about much more than that. We have to be on the search to not just
understand and formulate our ideas but to do so with truth as opposed to
perceptions. If we fill our minds with falsehoods those falsehoods only create
more falsehoods. It won't take long before a false narrative takes over our
minds and we will have to do a total cleansing to replace all of falsehoods. I
believe Jesus is saying, truth is from God, fill it with the things and ways of
God. Remember, Jesus just finished talking about and showing the importance of compassion
with the attitudes and ways of John the Baptist.
The chapter concludes with the popular story of Jesus mother, Mary and family
wanting to talk to Jesus while He is doing this teaching. I recognize there are
many different ways to interpret Jesus words as to who His brothers and sisters
are. Yes, Jesus says this, but I think it's because of the importance He wants
to place on actually being there for our real brothers and sisters in the
faith. This is how we show real compassion. Are we there? Do we show love, or,
do we make excuses?
To see this post in it's original setting, along with information on how to support The Virtual Pew, click on the link in the comments. of who is his mother and father, and the importance of obeying. To see Matthew 11, 12 Click the following link:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%2C+12&version=CEV
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