THOUGHTS FROM MATTHEW

March 30

Text: Matthew 12:13-15

 Then He *said to the man, "Stretch out your hand!" And he stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other.  But the Pharisees went out, and counseled together against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.  But Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed Him, and He healed them all . . . (NASB)

It is amazing how often good is rejected by a religious fervor that declares allegiance to a good God.   It is amazing how often those who trust Jesus Christ feel threatened when someone unknown does good. It is as though in some way that good is a threat to the God of goodness. 

Jesus, disregarding the opposition of some, healed the withered hand on the Sabbath.  The man was immediately blessed with the use of his hand—no rehabilitation period, no medical procedure, no treatments of any kind.  What happened took place immediately.

Notice that some saw good, trusted Jesus enough to follow, and were rewarded with a massive healing.  Yet, blessings are just a springboard to challenge our understandings.   Jesus is never through with our transformation.  Everyone is a long way from God’s holiness—no matter how much faith we have!

Notice some saw nothing good—they saw only the danger of rebellion.  They were convinced that it was a good thing to destroy Jesus’ influence.  They knowingly, deliberately plotted to destroy his influence.

Amazing!  Both groups saw the same person, the same power, and the same need in the same environment at the same time.  The result: both groups held radically different conclusions.  One group saw danger while the other group saw good.  One group was open-minded; one was not.    

To share what you find in Jesus is good.  To expect everyone to see what you see gives Satan an unnecessary advantage over you.  Sharing is encouraging!  False expectations are discouraging!

Suggestion for reflection: Why is faith in Jesus a good thing in your life?  (Read Romans 10:6-11.)

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