Matthew 9
As Jesus continues His ministry, He raises a dead girl (whose father is a synagogue leader), heals a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years, restores the sight of two men, and drove out the demon from a man.
Jesus gave a stern warning to the blind men not to speak of what they experienced (v30) but they spread news of Jesus all over the region.
Jesus of course knows what is to happen to Him and knows that regardless of what the blind men do, He will still go to the cross. Yet this warning to the blind men makes me think of how Jesus provides these men an opportunity to be obedient - a test if you will. They fail, but Jesus does provide a "way out" (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).
John Piper addresses such tests in the following posts.
Will God Ever Give Us More Than We Can Handle?
Suffering That Strengthens Faith
In the latter post, Piper refers us to James 1:2, where we are warned of how we will face "trials of many kinds". The definition of trial includes that of a "test" where we are intended to grow in our abilities, to perform to a higher level.
Jesus does want us to grow. See also spiritual growth, spiritual maturity
My Prayer: Jesus, You are a great God who loves and cares for me a great deal, wanting me to grow into who You intend for me. Thank You Jesus for Your care and love. I am not worth such love as I daily miss the mark. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin and towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region. v30-31
As Jesus continues His ministry, He raises a dead girl (whose father is a synagogue leader), heals a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years, restores the sight of two men, and drove out the demon from a man.
Jesus gave a stern warning to the blind men not to speak of what they experienced (v30) but they spread news of Jesus all over the region.
Jesus of course knows what is to happen to Him and knows that regardless of what the blind men do, He will still go to the cross. Yet this warning to the blind men makes me think of how Jesus provides these men an opportunity to be obedient - a test if you will. They fail, but Jesus does provide a "way out" (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).
John Piper addresses such tests in the following posts.
Will God Ever Give Us More Than We Can Handle?
Suffering That Strengthens Faith
In the latter post, Piper refers us to James 1:2, where we are warned of how we will face "trials of many kinds". The definition of trial includes that of a "test" where we are intended to grow in our abilities, to perform to a higher level.
Jesus does want us to grow. See also spiritual growth, spiritual maturity
My Prayer: Jesus, You are a great God who loves and cares for me a great deal, wanting me to grow into who You intend for me. Thank You Jesus for Your care and love. I am not worth such love as I daily miss the mark. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin and towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
