Tuesday, March 09th, 2010 | Author: Chris
Today we’re reading through Matthew 9. Since we invite everyone to fast with us until 5 PM every Wednesday, let’s talk about Matthew 9:14-17. What did Jesus’ Words on fasting mean to John’s disciples 2000 years ago? What do you think Jesus’ Words have to say to ekklesia today?
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Tuesday, 9. March 2010
I’m sure they were sacrificing plenty of luxuries at the time but Jesus uses the word mourn. Later he gives instructions on fasting that does not call for mourning either. And so for me when fasting i am feeling happy cause I am growing in relationship with God . Deliberately doing something Jesus said to do.
Jesus brings a newness that cannot be confined within the old forms. (16-17)
Tuesday, 9. March 2010
Fasting is good. I think it is something a believer should practice today. I bet if we’d unite in prayer and fasting we’d see God pull down the strongholds of the adversary. With places like Dearborn (outside of the middle east it is Islam Central) and Detroit (one of the if not the highest murder rate in the US), Michigan is probably in the middle of a pretty big spiritual battle (Daniel 10).
Tuesday, 9. March 2010
There is a LOT happening in this chapter as well. I think I’ll just say that this is a great story with GREAT dialogue:
(Matthew 9:27-29) As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David !” When He entered the house, the blind men came up to Him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this ?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “It shall be done to you according to your faith.”
Beautiful! Jesus heals them completely because they have trust in Him completely. If a man is not feeling spiritually “healed” sometimes, maybe the problem isn’t a lack of will power, but a lack of strong faith in the Son of God. Cry out to Him and believe that He is good and that He will show you kindness.
Tuesday, 9. March 2010
I love verse 9 through 13 where Jesus goes and hangs out at
Mathew’s house. He enjoyed being around sinners because those were the people that were open to the Gospel and He could make a difference in their lives. That is also true today. Question is, do we love to hang around sinners? Not because we enjoy what they do, but because we know that we could make a difference just like Jesus did.
Tuesday, 9. March 2010
I think fasting shows that a relationship with God is more important than eating. Fasting can cover a lot more than just eating it can also be drinking and activities we like to do. It really means sacrifice – we’re sacrificing something important to us to show that God is more important in our lives.
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘People do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”" (Mark 4:4)
Tuesday, 9. March 2010
Correction (Matthew 4:4) not Mark 4:4
Wednesday, 10. March 2010
Jesus makes it very clear that there will come a time when His disciples WILL fast. That time is NOW. During this time we await the return of our bridegroom (Jesus), Jesus expects His disciples to fast.
So based on this command, the disciples of Jesus have and continue to practice the spiritual discipline of fasting. When the bridegroom returns (how awesome will that be!) there will be no more need for fasting.
Wednesday, 10. March 2010
John’s disciples must have been taken back! I mean they probably thought they were doing the righteous thing aligning themselves with the Pharisees and all. In v15 “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?” Jesus is the bridegroom and His disciples are the guests. Most of the Pharisees hadn’t accepted Jesus as the Messiah so they were still waiting, fasting and praying.
John’s disciples and the Pharisees were too busy trying to connect with God to recognize that He was standing right in front of them! Jesus’ disciples were busy enjoying the whirl wind that was following with Jesus. They were constantly learning from Jesus first hand what it meant to serve mankind in the kingdom of God.
Thursday, 11. March 2010
@Cecile
“John’s disciples and the Pharisees were too busy trying to connect with God to recognize that He was standing right in front of them!”
Very profound statement! Reminds me of Jesus’ message to the Ephesian Church in Revelation. Also, I think many Christians need to learn how to rest in God by faith in His completed work.