Matthew 12:38-42 The Sign of Jonah

A sign is an earthly event that points to a heavenly reality. In this case, the Pharisees wanted a sign from Jesus to have him confirm to them that he was really the Messiah. In most cases signs are granted to those who believe and need a confirmation, but rarely is a sign granted to skeptics (evil and adulterous generation) so that they might believe. The sign that Jesus recalls for them is the sign of Jonah who spent three days and three nights in the belly of a great fish as a sign of the soon to come death and resurrection of the Son of Man. The Ninevites would condemn the Pharisees because they repented at Jonah’s preaching. And Jesus is greater than Jonah!

Jesus brings up another character who will condemn the Pharisees at the judgment: the queen of the South. “She came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon.” And Jesus assures them that something greater than Solomon is before them. The Pharisees reluctance to accept Jesus as Messiah despite all the signs he performed before their own eyes is a sign of their own unbelief. Jesus was not about to cater to their unbelief by performing special signs for them. He expected them to perceive the signs already given. He expected them to respond like the Ninevites and like the queen of the South.

Many today, like the Pharisees, are still asking for a sign from God to know if they should give up their ways and follow Jesus. Many still like to cut deals with God: “If you grant me this one thing, I will follow you.” The signs are already before us and the deal has already been cut in Jesus Christ our Lord. To follow Jesus is to be able to read the signs of the times and respond with repentance and pursuit of his wisdom.

Father, grant me the sensitivity to see the signs of the times and to respond appropriately with a heart of repentance and pursuit of your wisdom. Take away my unbelief and fill be with trust and obedience.

Matthew 9:18-26 A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed

Matthew presents Jesus as the Messiah evidenced by his ability to heal (Is. 53:4-5). In this snapshot we have a vivid portrayal of Jesus’ powerful healing ministry. The ruler, named Jairus (Luke 8:41), refers to the person in charge of the synagogue and the city - some kind of city manager. It is very significant to see a man of his stature come and kneel before Jesus to plead for the life of his daughter. Such a display of humility! Not only that, but he comes asking Jesus to give life because she was already dead. And Jesus responds immediately to his plea by following him home. Such a display of faith!

Now, on the way to Jairus’ home, a woman suffering from a discharge of blood for twelve years comes behind Jesus and touches the fringe of his garment thinking that she can be healed that way. People suffering from bodily discharges were declared unclean and could not participate of social functions and religious gatherings. Her condition was private and she probably did not want to make it public. She was probably fearful of touching Jesus not wanting to make him unclean and humbly lowers herself to touch the fringe of his garment. All in all, she does not go unnoticed. Jesus perceived her humility and faith and addressed her directly as “daughter” declaring her healed and well. We again have great humility and faith meeting up with great compassion and power to heal.

Once at Jairus’ home, Jesus meets the mourner’s crowd. Mourners in those days were hired to play music (the flute) and wail before the body. It was an important part of the culture. The wailing is loud (shrieks and screams) causing a commotion. When Jesus declares to them that the girl is not dead, but sleeping they all laugh at Jesus. I find it ironic that the wailing crowd, payed to mourn, laughs at Jesus, the only hope of life. Their arrogance and unbelief is in stark contrast with Jairus’ humility and faith. After getting rid of the crowd, Jesus takes the girl by the hand and gives her life. This deed was reported through all that district.

To follow Jesus is to come in humility and faith believing he is able to do what is impossible for us.

Father, grant me a humble spirit to recognize my frailty and need. Fill me with faith that beleives your Son is not just a prophet, but God in the flesh who is able to do what is impossible for me.

Psalm 17 Vindication

While in this world, Christians will always be despised by unbelievers. The scientific community says we are closed minded, social groups say we are fanatics, and others just plain think religion is not the way to go. But as long as we are on this planet, we are called to be witnesses for the kingdom of God. We should never hide our light from the world. Unfortunately, the accusations that come against us are sometimes heavy upon us and a cry for vindication arises in our hearts. The desire to be clear of blame or even suspicion is a cry for justice deep within our hearts. Unfortunately, we are not to take justice in our own hands and vindication comes from the Lord.

In this lament in Psalm 17, David cries out to the Lord for the many false accusation made against him and pleads with the Lord for his vindication. If there is one thing I can learn from this Psalm is that I need to pray when I feel that I have been mistreated, falsely accused, or misjudged. Prayer in the presence of God makes the difference between bitterness and resentment and fullness of joy. Whether the accusations come from the world or from brothers and sisters, I am to seek God with all my heart.

Though David was asking for God to act in the here and now, he realizes that vindication sometimes will not be exacted until the end of times. He was content to exclaim: 

"15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness." 

We may never receive our vindication in this lifetime. Many prophets and servants of God did not receive theirs while in this life. But one day, we will be vindicated in full. For now, we should behold God's face and look forward to the day when we awake and will be satisfied with his likeness. That day will come! We will be vindicated! Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Father, fill my heart with joy everlasting. May I seek you and find in you my refuge. Give me endurance to wait for my full vindication on that day. Don't let my heart become resentful or bitter while I await.
Amen.

Acts 9:32-43 Aeneas and Dorcas

Miracles abound in the book of Acts. One of them is the healing of Aeneas, a paralytic who was bedridden for eight years. It is astonishing to read how a word spoken by Peter heals this man after so many years of suffering. It is important to understand that it is not Peter's resources that bring about the miracle. Peter clearly states "Jesus Christ heals you." Yes, Jesus Christ is our healer! Peter is just an instrument in God's hands. Healing is a manifestation gift. God chooses whom he wants to heal and when and how. If we could have healing in our back pocket, we could empty out hospitals, but we can't. The ultimate purpose of miracles is to back up the preaching of the Gospel to have people turn to the Lord.

Lydda and Sharon were very strategic places during this time. Lydda was at the intersection between the road leading to Egypt and the road leading to the Mediterranean. It was a hub for commerce and cultural exchange. Of course, the story of a miracle like Aeneas' would spread very quickly in an area like this. It spread all the way to the Sharon valley, a very fertile and beautiful area on the Mediterranean coast. The preaching of the Gospel must be led by the Spirit. The Spirit is all about being strategic to spread the Gospel. What are some strategic places in our area where we can proclaim the Gospel?

Joppa was also a famous port on the Mediterranean in those days. Talk about strategic! Peter is called to pray for a woman named Tabitha (Hebrew) or Dorcas (Greek) who was very much loved by the people in her town. She was already dead when Peter arrives. Peter's dependence on the Spirit of God is demonstrated by his prayer before he prays for Dorcas. Peter asks people to leave him alone so he can focus on his prayer for guidance and direction. Again, the manifestation of the Spirit in the resurrection of Dorcas brought people in contact with the Gospel and many believed.

It is imperative to seek the guidance of the Spirit in the proclamation of the Gospel. I cannot depend on my own wisdom and resources for a task that has as its ultimate purpose the transformation of people's lives. The signs and the wonders are in God's hands and I should not be concerned with them. I must have faith and believe that God can work wondrous things in people's lives. I must also believe that God could use me as an instrument for his miraculous works. I should be on the lookout for strategic places and strategic relationships that could benefit the spread of the Gospel.

Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit. Teach me to listen and follow his guidance day by day. Grant me a keen sense for what is important for the Gospel proclamation and fill me with faith to believe that you can do the impossible in people's lives. Amen.

Acts 4:1-22 Peter and John Before the Council

The healing of the lame beggar was an indisputable sign from God. There were people who witnessed the healing. There were people who knew firsthand the beggar, who was over forty years old, and his condition. Though many people came to Christ as a result of the miracle (estimated 5,000), some still opposed the message. The priests and the Sadducees were annoyed with the preaching for different reasons. The priests opposed it because they didn't believe in Jesus as the Son of God. The Sadducees opposed it because they did not believe in the resurrection and did not like the proclamation that Jesus had resurrected from the dead. No matter how powerful a sign God may perform in our midst, there will be opposition.

Peter and John, after being arrested, were questioned about their good deed. The officials asked by what power they had performed it. Peter, filled with the Spirit answers that it was in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they crucified, whom God raised from the dead. Now, this is what I call courage and boldness! Knowing that he was arrested by people who hate Jesus and the resurrection, Peter still pounds, without fear, the truth in their faces. This is the kind of courage and boldness I need in this world to make known the message of the kingdom of God.

The message of the kingdom is clear. Jesus Christ is the one killed and resurrected; the stone they rejected and God made him the cornerstone; the salvation of the world. For there is no other name in which we must be saved. Peter not only demonstrated courage and boldness in preaching Jesus' name and his resurrection, but he makes the claim that Jesus is the exclusive savior - there is no other. We think that a message of exclusivity is not accepted today, but in those days, there were many religions and some pagan religions had many gods. To make a claim of exclusivity was counter-cultural, even daring. The gospel of the kingdom does not have room for polytheism (many gods) or syncretism (mix of religions). I need to make a decision about Jesus: Is he or is he not the Savior of the world? If he is, I must proclaim him as the exclusive savior with resolve and unapologetically.

The Spirit of God takes uneducated, common people and transforms them into true witnesses to the world. People who are determined to speak the name of Jesus no matter the cost. Even under threat to speak to no one, they were more concerned with God's perspective - "whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you." What they had witnessed was so life-changing that they could not be silent - "for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." Have I truly experienced the saving power of Jesus in my life? If I have, what is holding me back from sharing the greatest thing that has happened in my life? If I fear something, it means I am not filled of the Holy Spirit. I need his fullness today, every day!

Father, send your Spirit and fill me up. May I boldly proclaim the name of your Son Jesus no matter the opposition. Grant me courage and boldness. Amen.

Acts 1:1-5 The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Theophilus must've been a good friend of Luke and very interested in Jesus and his ministry. Luke's two volume work (the Gospel and Acts) seems to have been a response to Theophilus' questions about Jesus. I like Luke's diligence in researching answers for his friend. It speaks volumes of the importance to convey the message as clearly as possible to those who don't know. Am I diligent in researching answers for my friends about Jesus?

The central theme of Luke's writings is about what Jesus did and taught. The centrality of Christ in Luke's message to Theophilus is worthy of note. There are many things to talk about in life, but Jesus' ministry and teaching should be at the center of what I communicate to those seeking to know him. Jesus only! I should not water down the message of the Gospel with other matters of secondary importance. My message, like Luke's, should be Jesus.

Now, at the center of Jesus' teaching is the kingdom of God. Luke records that Jesus spent 4o days after the resurrection to talk about it. The greatest obstacle to the reality of the kingdom of God is Jesus' suffering. How can there be a kingdom when the so called King has been killed?

Jesus presented himself alive with many proofs. Jesus' appearance was not an isolated incident, but he appeared to the apostles and other disciples to calm their fears and eliminate their doubts. The message of God's kingdom has Jesus alive at its center as the King of kings. The reality of God's kingdom in my life depends on this issue. Do I believe that Jesus is alive? His life and ministry have no meaning to me unless he is truly alive today.

Finally, Luke highlights the Holy Spirit, the Father's promise. Jesus instructs them to wait until they receive the promise. The parallel made here is with baptism in water. Baptism is a public proclamation of faith that signifies the cleansing of a believer's sins. It is an essential step in the life of a believer. The promised baptism in the Spirit is also an essential part of a believer's life in the new covenant. All followers of Jesus will receive the promised Holy Spirit. I am grateful for the provision God has made for me to be dwelt, empowered, and guided by his Spirit in this world.

Father, may your Son Jesus Christ be the center of my own life. May I be willing to share his life, ministry, and resurrection with others. Thanks for the Holy Spirit who dwells in me and guides me in my faith journey day by day. Amen.

Matthew 28:1-10 The Resurrection

The tomb had been sealed and secured with a guard of Roman soldiers. But nothing could contain the Son of God. An earthquake shook the tomb. An angel rolled back the stone. The sealed tomb was opened. The guard became like dead. A message is given to the women who came to see the tomb: "He is not here! He has risen!" How fitting to deliver the message firsthand to those who were seeking Jesus. A call is issued: "Come and see!" And once they realize that the tomb is empty a commission is given: "Go and tell!"

This is the essence of the Gospel. The message of the cross compels me to seek Jesus. His display of love and forgiveness is like no other in the universe. He loved me so much as to give his life for me. He hung on the cross to give me the opportunity into a new life. He unselfishly offered himself in my place to spare me of condemnation. He loved me first so that I could love him back. At the cross my sin was washed away with all my guilt and shame.

But if I want to truly seek Jesus, I have to settle in my heart who he is for me. In order to do that, I need to come to the tomb! It is not enough to come to the cross; I must also visit the tomb and see it empty. The resurrection is the seal of approval from the Father that Jesus is who he said he is. It is the proof that his teachings were not mere words into the wind. At the cross, I am forgiven. At the tomb, I am convinced. The call is there for me: "Come and see!"

I must come to the tomb because it is there that I am commissioned. The call to "Come and See" is followed by the command to "Go and Tell!" Once I am convinced of the reality that has taken place in my heart, I have the duty to proclaim it to the four winds. I cannot keep it inside. I must tell. I become a genuine witness of what took place at the cross after I come to the tomb and am convinced of the reality of the resurrection. A visit to the tomb strips the cross of its mere sentimentality and fills it with true fear and joy. Fear of an awesome God who orchestrated such a plan. Joy of the reality of my freedom from sin and condemnation. Hallelujah!

Father, take me to the tomb and convince me in mind and heart of the reality of the resurrection. Make me a true witness of Christ that I may proclaim the good news to all who need to hear. 

Matthew 27:57-66 Jesus Is Buried

Here is one of the greatest stories that prove the reality of Jesus' life, ministry, and resurrection. Joseph of Arimathea requests the body of Jesus from Pilate and it is given to him. Here is a rich man who was also a disciple. Rich people can become true disciples. It is not easy, but not impossible. He was also a member of the Council (Sanhedrin) and did not agree to go against Jesus. It is also possible to work in high places as a believer. He wraps the body in a linen shroud and places it in his new tomb cut out from the rock and rolls a great stone over it to fulfill the Scriptures that he would be buried in a rich man's tomb.

It was Jewish custom to bury their dead before the Sabbath. Jesus died on the day of Preparation and the Sabbath would start at sundown that day. It was imperative to act quickly to remove the body. This may have been the reason Pilate granted the body to Joseph. Come the next day, the Pharisees want to ensure that Jesus' body is not stolen by his disciples to claim his resurrection. They had heard Jesus teach on his death and resurrection on the third day and they wanted to avoid a "fraud." The opinion of the Pharisees and chief priests has not changed about Jesus; they still believe he is an "impostor." They get Pilate to order the sealing and securing of the tomb.

The world will go to great lengths to suppress the Gospel. They hate so much the truth of the kingdom of God that they are willing to do anything to see it squelched and fail. They will lie, bribe, and manipulate whomever they can in order to put a stop to it. Unfortunately for them, the will of the Lord is fulfilled according to the Scriptures. The plans of the Lord cannot be thwarted. Woe to the ones who stand in his way. 

Where are the disciples? There is a mention of the women, but the disciples are not mentioned at all. They were terrified and hid themselves not knowing what to do next. Not understanding the meaning of his death. Probably doubting that any resurrection would take place, though Jesus had been teaching it for quite some time. Will I shrink in my faith when things get difficult? Will I hide when things look grim?

Lord, help me believe in your Word no matter what is going on in the world. Fill me with the expectation of the fulfillment of your promises. Grant me strength in the midst of opposition.