Matthew 10:24-42
I realized after today that Thursdays are going to be the toughest days of this semester. Today was just really really really bad. By the end of today I was drained. I couldn't do anything but stare blankly at my computer. I was so tired I couldn't sleep. Here's what my schedule looks like for Thursday:
10:30am-11:20am Chinese 202
11:30am-2:20pm ECE 440 Lab
2:30pm-5:20pm ECE Senior Design Lab
Yes, 10:30 to 5:20 straight. No breaks. No lunch. Just classes. And I wish they were just lectures. No, they're labs. They require effort. I'm just glad it's over. Before I came home, I went to Chipotle to grab a burrito because I thought it would fill me up and give me some energy. It just made me more tired lol. And then I spent the next 3 hours reading stuff on the Internet, watching Youtube videos, and being a complete waste of space. I need to find a better way to make my Thursdays efficient.
Anyways enough complaining and looking back at what a terrible Thursday it was and will be. I think my blogs have been a place to come complain about everything. I'm sorry if it's depressing you guys. :( I'll try to brighten up a little more on my blogs. I swear I'm not a depressing person. Well I think so anyway. To brighten up my day, I had a discussion with my buddy about the greatness that is Vince Carter. How I wish I could dunk...
The Meaning Of Discipleship
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2010:24-39;&version=31;
This is a continuation from yesterday's reading about the disciples. Jesus continues to advise them and tell them what they're going to face. He tells them that it is good enough to be like the teacher. He tells the disciples not to be afraid for they will not be able to break the soul. They can do anything to the body, but nothing to the soul. Only God holds that power. He is the only one we should truly fear. This is a rather important concept and gives us a reason to stay strong and bold. We should not be afraid of what others may think of us. God is on our side. Nobody is stronger than God. Be strong.
Jesus talks about acknowledgement. If we acknowledge Him, He will in turn acknowledge us. Similarly, if we disown Him, He will do the same. That's a pretty clear cut deal. It also really tests our faith a little. We can't do this 50/50 business with Jesus. It's 100% or 0%. You believe Him or you don't.
How serious does Jesus take this? Pretty darn seriously. Look what He has to say about it. He claims He did not come to create peace but rather the opposite. He brought a SWORD. He says anyone who puts someone else before Him, He will disown. Ouch. Even parents, children, and anyone you may love. Nobody should come before Jesus. Now when you first read this, it sounds rather harsh. It sounds selfish. But this is how much trust and faith we need to have in Jesus. At the end of the day, He is all that matters. This is still a hard concept for me to swallow, but that's just the way it is. He said it, and what He says is truth.
One interesting part about this reading is where Jesus says to take up the cross. This clearly happened way before His death, yet he mentions cross. I don't know if that was just the thing to say back in the day (kind of like how we say "I'd die for you") or if He meant to say that on purpose. I just thought it was interesting.
The Reward Of Service
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2010:40-42;&version=31;
Thankfully He doesn't end it on that note because so far all He told the disciples was a list of instructions and things they should not do. He ends with what will result. He promises them the rightful reward. He will make sure it is a just reward. He doesn't necessarily specify what that may be, but He gives them His word. That may make it a little harder to follow, but that's where faith comes into play again. Faith is so crucial. It's tough, and I still struggle with it. I need to grow stronger...
Summary:
The Meaning Of Discipleship
24-31 Jesus says that no student is above his teacher and no servant is above his master. The best they can do is be like them. Thus, He tells the disciples to not be afraid. They can take their bodies, but not their souls. They are very valuable to the Lord.
32-33 Jesus states taht whoever acknowledges Him, will be acknowledged in Heaven.
34-39 Jesus did not come for peace but rather with a sword. He will disown anyone who puts another person before Him. This includes family and any other loved ones. He states that whoever does not take up the cross with Him is not worthy. Whoever dies in His sake will find life.
The Reward Of Service
40-42 Jesus says that whoever receives Him will receive God. Whoever receives the prophet will receive the prophet's reward and the righteous will receive the reward of a righteous. He promises nobody will lose his reward.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The Tough Road Ahead
Matthew 10:1-23
It's finally Wednesday! It took forever to get here. Oh wait, we had Monday off... Was Tuesday really that long? *sigh*
Work is starting to pile up fast, like exponentially. I was going to write this blog earlier today, but work got in the way. Yes yes, whining after whining. Such is my life these days. :(
Classes were pretty good today, however. I didn't have any problems paying attention. I did run into trouble calling our car company today though. My mom needed some help with a bill that was never sent and now it's late. The crazy thing is we don't even have the car anymore. So really we shouldn't even have to pay the bill. But of course talking with them was more than impossible. Oh and I hate that machine that makes you go through a series of options. I completely skip them now (learned that trick kinda late) and just wait till it connects me to a human being. Stupid machines.
Jesus Sends Out The Twelve
We get the names of the 12 disciples for the first time in the Bible here. Just in case you don't know them, here's the list (in no particular order):
1. Peter (aka Simon)
2. Andrew
3. James (son of Zebedee)
4. John
5. Philip
6. Bartholomew
7. Thomas
8. Matthew
9. James (son of Alphaeus)
10. Thaddeus
11. Simon
12. Judas
Jesus instructs them of what they can/should do. He also advises them of what not to do. He warns them about the hard trip ahead of them. People will persecute and hate them because they are associated with Jesus. They must persist. It is important to note that when they do get persecuted, they will know what to do because of God. God will tell them what needs to be done.
What can we learn from this? Well while we're not one of the twelve disciples, we are a follower and so these advices and warnings can be applied to us as well. The road is tough as a Christians. There are so many people out there that love to hate us. We need to be ready and be able to fight through these tough times.
Summary:
Jesus Sends Out The Twelve
1-4 Jesus assigned the twelve disciples tasks. They were authorized to drive out spirits and to heal.
5-15 Jesus tells the disciples to seek after the lost sheep. They are to heal these people and not take anything for personal gain. They are to stay with those that are worthy.
16-20 Jesus tells the disciples that the road will be tough. People will turn them in to the courts. When this happens, Jesus tells them that the Spirit will speak for them.
21-23 Jesus also tells the disciples that many will hate them because they are associated with Jesus. He tells them that they will not finish going through all the cities until the Son of God arrives.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Jesus Continues To Amaze
Matthew 9:18-38
Well it's January 20th, 2009 and that means a lot to this nation. We now officially have a new president. Now whether you like the president or not, this is an important day for all Americans, and as citizens I think it's important to at least witness this event. Whether you agree with him or not is another story. I, for one, was anticipating this event because it may mean a lot to me and my future.
Now if you've watched the event, I was kind of mesmerized by how they made this event. I don't remember the inauguration speech being such a theaterical event. But I guess that's what happens when you put in a lot of money for it. As far as President Obama, he has shown that he can speak; his speech was very good. Now it's time to put those words into action. As an American, I wish him, our leader, the best.
On a side note, anyone chuckle when Obama screwed up the oath? Good thing he backed it up with a powerful speech...
School started again and it went pretty well. We finally made teams for our senior design, and I like it thus far. I think everyone knows a little something to get us started. It's just the beginning though, so wish us the best!
A Dead Girl And A Sick Woman
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%209:18-26;&version=31;
Jesus continues on his trek to heal and save many people. This encounter is with someone who also has faith in Jesus that He can save his daughter. The ruler saw that his daughter was dead, but he knew that Jesus was able to heal her, even when she was dead. Knowning this and having faith in Jesus, he came all the way to Jesus and asked for help.
Meanwhile Jesus encounters a woman who has been suffering from bleeding. She also seeks help and had faith that just by touching His cloak, she would be healed. Jesus, seeing this faith, said she was healed. Jesus finally sees the daughter and heals her as well.
What we can get from these messages of how Jesus healed people is our need to have faith in Him. If a ruler can have the faith that Jesus can save his dead daughter and the bleeding woman can have faith that just by TOUCHING His cloak, she can be healed, what's there to stop us from having that kind of faith? If we truly believe in Him, we need to have this kind of faith, a faith that Jesus will alleviate any pain, physical and non.
Jesus Heals The Blind And Mute
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%209:27-34;&version=31;
This reading is a continuation of all the great miracles Jesus performs.. The first is on 2 blind men who asks for help. Jesus again sees their faith and heals them. He then warns them not to spread the news of what has happened, yet they do. I don't know what the purpose of Jesus's wish for the news to not spread. The only thing I can think of is to help the men be humble. Yes being able to see is probably a huge deal to someone who was blind. However, maybe Jesus didn't want this excitement to make the men forget why they were able to get healed. They were healed because of their faith.
The second was a mute, demon-possessed man. Jesus drove the demons out and the people were astonished at the miracle. Yet, the Pharisees were skeptical. They tried to find every way to make the miracles less credible. Is this what we do when we see miracles? Perhaps. Everyday seems like a miracle in a way, yet we just accept it like we deserve it. Maybe it's time to be thankful and not be so cynical.
The Workers Are Few
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%209:35-38;&version=31;
Jesus continues on and teaches in many places. He sees the crowds and has compassion on them. He compared them to sheep with a shepherd. In many cases, that's exactly what we are. We are people that live our lives without a purpose. We're misguided and don't know what we're doing. So a shepherd like Jesus comes along and guides us. The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few. It is time for us to ask if this is what we want, and it's time to get on it. It's a message for us to serve when we're ready.
Summary:
A Dead Girl And A Sick Woman
18-19 A ruler came to Jesus and asked to save his daughter by putting a hand on her. Jesus went with him.
20-22 A woman who has been bleeding for 12 years came and touched Jesus's cloak, wishing to be healed. Jesus replied that she was healed because of her faith.
23-26 Jesus arrived at the ruler's house and told the noisy crowd to go outside. He saved the girl. This story was then spread.
Jesus Heals The Blind And The Mute
27-31 Two blind men encountered Jesus and asked to be healed. Jesus saw if they had faith and healed them once they replied that they did. He warned them not to tell anyone about this, but the news spread.
32-34 A demon-possessed mute man then came and Jesus drove the demon out and the man spoke. People were astonished, but the Pharisees were skeptical.
The Workers Are Few
35-38 Jesus went around different towns and had compassion on the people because they were like sheep without shepherd. He stated that the harvest is plentiful but workers are few. He told the crowd to ask the Lord for the harvest.
Well it's January 20th, 2009 and that means a lot to this nation. We now officially have a new president. Now whether you like the president or not, this is an important day for all Americans, and as citizens I think it's important to at least witness this event. Whether you agree with him or not is another story. I, for one, was anticipating this event because it may mean a lot to me and my future.
Now if you've watched the event, I was kind of mesmerized by how they made this event. I don't remember the inauguration speech being such a theaterical event. But I guess that's what happens when you put in a lot of money for it. As far as President Obama, he has shown that he can speak; his speech was very good. Now it's time to put those words into action. As an American, I wish him, our leader, the best.
On a side note, anyone chuckle when Obama screwed up the oath? Good thing he backed it up with a powerful speech...
School started again and it went pretty well. We finally made teams for our senior design, and I like it thus far. I think everyone knows a little something to get us started. It's just the beginning though, so wish us the best!
A Dead Girl And A Sick Woman
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%209:18-26;&version=31;
Jesus continues on his trek to heal and save many people. This encounter is with someone who also has faith in Jesus that He can save his daughter. The ruler saw that his daughter was dead, but he knew that Jesus was able to heal her, even when she was dead. Knowning this and having faith in Jesus, he came all the way to Jesus and asked for help.
Meanwhile Jesus encounters a woman who has been suffering from bleeding. She also seeks help and had faith that just by touching His cloak, she would be healed. Jesus, seeing this faith, said she was healed. Jesus finally sees the daughter and heals her as well.
What we can get from these messages of how Jesus healed people is our need to have faith in Him. If a ruler can have the faith that Jesus can save his dead daughter and the bleeding woman can have faith that just by TOUCHING His cloak, she can be healed, what's there to stop us from having that kind of faith? If we truly believe in Him, we need to have this kind of faith, a faith that Jesus will alleviate any pain, physical and non.
Jesus Heals The Blind And Mute
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%209:27-34;&version=31;
This reading is a continuation of all the great miracles Jesus performs.. The first is on 2 blind men who asks for help. Jesus again sees their faith and heals them. He then warns them not to spread the news of what has happened, yet they do. I don't know what the purpose of Jesus's wish for the news to not spread. The only thing I can think of is to help the men be humble. Yes being able to see is probably a huge deal to someone who was blind. However, maybe Jesus didn't want this excitement to make the men forget why they were able to get healed. They were healed because of their faith.
The second was a mute, demon-possessed man. Jesus drove the demons out and the people were astonished at the miracle. Yet, the Pharisees were skeptical. They tried to find every way to make the miracles less credible. Is this what we do when we see miracles? Perhaps. Everyday seems like a miracle in a way, yet we just accept it like we deserve it. Maybe it's time to be thankful and not be so cynical.
The Workers Are Few
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%209:35-38;&version=31;
Jesus continues on and teaches in many places. He sees the crowds and has compassion on them. He compared them to sheep with a shepherd. In many cases, that's exactly what we are. We are people that live our lives without a purpose. We're misguided and don't know what we're doing. So a shepherd like Jesus comes along and guides us. The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few. It is time for us to ask if this is what we want, and it's time to get on it. It's a message for us to serve when we're ready.
Summary:
A Dead Girl And A Sick Woman
18-19 A ruler came to Jesus and asked to save his daughter by putting a hand on her. Jesus went with him.
20-22 A woman who has been bleeding for 12 years came and touched Jesus's cloak, wishing to be healed. Jesus replied that she was healed because of her faith.
23-26 Jesus arrived at the ruler's house and told the noisy crowd to go outside. He saved the girl. This story was then spread.
Jesus Heals The Blind And The Mute
27-31 Two blind men encountered Jesus and asked to be healed. Jesus saw if they had faith and healed them once they replied that they did. He warned them not to tell anyone about this, but the news spread.
32-34 A demon-possessed mute man then came and Jesus drove the demon out and the man spoke. People were astonished, but the Pharisees were skeptical.
The Workers Are Few
35-38 Jesus went around different towns and had compassion on the people because they were like sheep without shepherd. He stated that the harvest is plentiful but workers are few. He told the crowd to ask the Lord for the harvest.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Fasting 101
Matthew 9:14-17
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so we didn't really go to school. Sometimes we forget how important he really was. What he did for this country is pretty important. Here's a video I found just to remember what he did for us:
Thank you Martin Luther King Jr.
Jesus Questioned About Fasting
The reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%209:14-17;&version=31;
This passage was rather interesting and important. The topic is on fasting. At first reading the passage was a bit confusing so I had to kind of research on it to comprehend it. Here's what I've deciphered.
The first part is the question that the disciples asked. Why did the people that followed Jesus not fast? Looking into Jesus's response:
"How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast."
If the bridegroom is present, why would his attendants mourn? The first thing to get from this is why people fast in the first place. According to this response, people fast to mourn. So in the past, when people were mourning for God and needed Him, they were fasting for Him. That's the first important part: why we fast.
What exactly does the answer mean? Well, if I'm comprehending this correctly, he's actually symbolizing Himself and making a huge claim. If we replace "bridegroom" with Jesus, it might make more sense to us. Here:
How can the guests of Jesus mourn while he is with them? The time will come when Jesus will be taken from them; then they will fast.
Make sense? Now if this statement is true, there are two things to consider. First, Jesus as a bridegroom. In the Old Testament, God has referred to Himself as the husband of Israel many times. Looking at Isaiah 54:5, "For your Maker is your husband. The Lord Almighty is his name. The Holy One of Israel is your redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth." There are many other passages like this. Thus, if this is true, then Jesus is proclaiming that He is indeed the son of God, or God.
The second part to this is the answer to the question. The followers are not fasting because God is here! Why would they be sad if the very being that they praise and worship is present before their eyes?!! Jesus is here! There's no time for sorrow. It's time to rejoice! Thus, that's why they were not fasting! Now if you read what comes next, He's also foreshadowing His death. He says that when the bridegroom is taken away (as in Jesus will die on the cross), then the people will mourn, and fast. Thus, while He's here, there's no reason to fast. Interesting huh?
The latter part to this passage is also important. Jesus refers to old garments and why we would not patch it up because it would ruin it. He also says you would not put wine in an old wineskin because it would rip. Rather you would want to put it in the new one. This was rather confusing at first but I think what He's trying to say is that after He is gone, we need a new setting to fast in. Before Jesus came, people fasted because they needed Him. They were full of sin and needed to be cleansed. Then Jesus came, so people did not need to fast. Finally once He leaves, people will be renewed. Thus, we would no longer fast to yearn for Him to come. Rather, we're fasting for something new, that He would come again. Or we're fasting as new, cleansed individuals. We're no longer old wineskins. We need new ones. We're saved. Now we're fasting for His second coming. And that's the real reason we're fasting now.
I don't know this was quite revealing and interesting to me. Now when I fast, I know why and what for. Let's try to keep this in mind the next time we fast.
Summary:
Jesus Questioned About Fasting
14-15 John's disciples asked why Jesus' disciples did not fast. Jesus replied that while the bridesgroom is there, there is no reason for the attendants to weep.
16-17 Jesus also said that there is no reason to patch an old garment or poor wine in an old wineskin because it will result in a worse condition.
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so we didn't really go to school. Sometimes we forget how important he really was. What he did for this country is pretty important. Here's a video I found just to remember what he did for us:
Thank you Martin Luther King Jr.
Jesus Questioned About Fasting
The reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%209:14-17;&version=31;
This passage was rather interesting and important. The topic is on fasting. At first reading the passage was a bit confusing so I had to kind of research on it to comprehend it. Here's what I've deciphered.
The first part is the question that the disciples asked. Why did the people that followed Jesus not fast? Looking into Jesus's response:
"How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast."
If the bridegroom is present, why would his attendants mourn? The first thing to get from this is why people fast in the first place. According to this response, people fast to mourn. So in the past, when people were mourning for God and needed Him, they were fasting for Him. That's the first important part: why we fast.
What exactly does the answer mean? Well, if I'm comprehending this correctly, he's actually symbolizing Himself and making a huge claim. If we replace "bridegroom" with Jesus, it might make more sense to us. Here:
How can the guests of Jesus mourn while he is with them? The time will come when Jesus will be taken from them; then they will fast.
Make sense? Now if this statement is true, there are two things to consider. First, Jesus as a bridegroom. In the Old Testament, God has referred to Himself as the husband of Israel many times. Looking at Isaiah 54:5, "For your Maker is your husband. The Lord Almighty is his name. The Holy One of Israel is your redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth." There are many other passages like this. Thus, if this is true, then Jesus is proclaiming that He is indeed the son of God, or God.
The second part to this is the answer to the question. The followers are not fasting because God is here! Why would they be sad if the very being that they praise and worship is present before their eyes?!! Jesus is here! There's no time for sorrow. It's time to rejoice! Thus, that's why they were not fasting! Now if you read what comes next, He's also foreshadowing His death. He says that when the bridegroom is taken away (as in Jesus will die on the cross), then the people will mourn, and fast. Thus, while He's here, there's no reason to fast. Interesting huh?
The latter part to this passage is also important. Jesus refers to old garments and why we would not patch it up because it would ruin it. He also says you would not put wine in an old wineskin because it would rip. Rather you would want to put it in the new one. This was rather confusing at first but I think what He's trying to say is that after He is gone, we need a new setting to fast in. Before Jesus came, people fasted because they needed Him. They were full of sin and needed to be cleansed. Then Jesus came, so people did not need to fast. Finally once He leaves, people will be renewed. Thus, we would no longer fast to yearn for Him to come. Rather, we're fasting for something new, that He would come again. Or we're fasting as new, cleansed individuals. We're no longer old wineskins. We need new ones. We're saved. Now we're fasting for His second coming. And that's the real reason we're fasting now.
I don't know this was quite revealing and interesting to me. Now when I fast, I know why and what for. Let's try to keep this in mind the next time we fast.
Summary:
Jesus Questioned About Fasting
14-15 John's disciples asked why Jesus' disciples did not fast. Jesus replied that while the bridesgroom is there, there is no reason for the attendants to weep.
16-17 Jesus also said that there is no reason to patch an old garment or poor wine in an old wineskin because it will result in a worse condition.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Understanding Jesus
Matthew 9:1-13
Well it's the first Sunday of the semester and it felt great to be back. It was nice to see everyone again and I wish the best of luck to everyone for this semester. The sermon that Joe gave was very good in that it challenged us. No matter where we are in our beliefs, we always doubt and question the existence of God. As we learned, the evidence is more than enough and is available to us in the Bible. What WE have to do is read it and understand it. So it's really up to us.
Most of today I kind of thought about that and kind of googled around for what people thought. There's a lot of stuff on the Internet and so for those who are interested and have some time, try reading some of it. Now keep in mind that every website is not 100% trustable, and that goes both ways. Meaning, some sites that claim Jesus to have existed may use some questionable evidences and others claiming otherwise also have questionable content. You really have to keep an open mind and research "smart." My first advice would be to look towards sources you know. Then start digging in from there. It's quite interesting what you can find. Maybe if I find something interesting, I'll post it on here.
Jesus Heals A Paralytic
This is another story of how Jesus healed someone that needed help, but it was different in that He showed that He was indeed the Son of Man. Jesus, before He told the paralytic that his sins were forgiven, saw where the people's faiths were at and therefore wanted to clarify things for them.
Many people are probably very skeptical at this point about Jesus. They heard of the things He has done and of the things that He can do. Yet, they're still skeptical about it. It's just like any great performance we see today. You see someone do something that's just extraordinary and you want to see it again just to make sure. Take magic for instance. Someone performs a magic trick and you can't believe your eyes. The first thing any person does is deny that it has ever happened and that it's just some trick. And we keep questioning it. It's the same concept here, but the difference is that Jesus isn't just pulling up a trick.
So in order to clarify and comfort the audience, Jesus showed what He was really capable of doing, which was to forgive sins. That was His purpose of His arrival. And that's why we believe in Him.
The Calling Of Matthew
Jesus meets Matthew, who is a tax collector and eats with him and other tax collectors and sinners. Now this is a rather strange concept to the Pharisees because here is Jesus who stands for all that is holy, and yet he's hanging out with the sinners. But that's the beauty of it. Jesus replies that He did not come for the righteous, but the sinners, the same way the doctors are there for the sick and not the poor.
This is something that we as Christians forget a lot and something that we get criticized a lot for. I think I mentioned something about it, as I mentioned judging others. We come to church and a lot of people feel as if they are being judged. We have to understand that the church is there for the sinners like us, not for perfect people. Just because we are Christians, does not make us less of a sinner. A sinner is a sinner. In those terms then, nobody is better than anyone. Jesus is here for all of us, and in this case Matthew was an example.
Summary:
Jesus Heals A Paralytic
1-3 Jesus returned to His town and some men brought to Him a paralytic. Jesus told the paralytic that his sins were forgiven and the teachers of the law cried out that it was blasphemy.
4-8 Jesus explains that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins and showed that He has healed the paralytic. Everyone was in awe of what has occurred.
The Calling Of Matthew
9-10 Jesus saw Matthew, who was a tax collector, and asked him to join Him. Matthew did. Jesus ate with the sinners and tax collectors.
11-13 Pharisees questioned why Jesus did this, Jesus replied that just as the sick need the doctor and not the healthy, He is here not to call the righteous, but the sinners.
Well it's the first Sunday of the semester and it felt great to be back. It was nice to see everyone again and I wish the best of luck to everyone for this semester. The sermon that Joe gave was very good in that it challenged us. No matter where we are in our beliefs, we always doubt and question the existence of God. As we learned, the evidence is more than enough and is available to us in the Bible. What WE have to do is read it and understand it. So it's really up to us.
Most of today I kind of thought about that and kind of googled around for what people thought. There's a lot of stuff on the Internet and so for those who are interested and have some time, try reading some of it. Now keep in mind that every website is not 100% trustable, and that goes both ways. Meaning, some sites that claim Jesus to have existed may use some questionable evidences and others claiming otherwise also have questionable content. You really have to keep an open mind and research "smart." My first advice would be to look towards sources you know. Then start digging in from there. It's quite interesting what you can find. Maybe if I find something interesting, I'll post it on here.
Jesus Heals A Paralytic
This is another story of how Jesus healed someone that needed help, but it was different in that He showed that He was indeed the Son of Man. Jesus, before He told the paralytic that his sins were forgiven, saw where the people's faiths were at and therefore wanted to clarify things for them.
Many people are probably very skeptical at this point about Jesus. They heard of the things He has done and of the things that He can do. Yet, they're still skeptical about it. It's just like any great performance we see today. You see someone do something that's just extraordinary and you want to see it again just to make sure. Take magic for instance. Someone performs a magic trick and you can't believe your eyes. The first thing any person does is deny that it has ever happened and that it's just some trick. And we keep questioning it. It's the same concept here, but the difference is that Jesus isn't just pulling up a trick.
So in order to clarify and comfort the audience, Jesus showed what He was really capable of doing, which was to forgive sins. That was His purpose of His arrival. And that's why we believe in Him.
The Calling Of Matthew
Jesus meets Matthew, who is a tax collector and eats with him and other tax collectors and sinners. Now this is a rather strange concept to the Pharisees because here is Jesus who stands for all that is holy, and yet he's hanging out with the sinners. But that's the beauty of it. Jesus replies that He did not come for the righteous, but the sinners, the same way the doctors are there for the sick and not the poor.
This is something that we as Christians forget a lot and something that we get criticized a lot for. I think I mentioned something about it, as I mentioned judging others. We come to church and a lot of people feel as if they are being judged. We have to understand that the church is there for the sinners like us, not for perfect people. Just because we are Christians, does not make us less of a sinner. A sinner is a sinner. In those terms then, nobody is better than anyone. Jesus is here for all of us, and in this case Matthew was an example.
Summary:
Jesus Heals A Paralytic
1-3 Jesus returned to His town and some men brought to Him a paralytic. Jesus told the paralytic that his sins were forgiven and the teachers of the law cried out that it was blasphemy.
4-8 Jesus explains that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins and showed that He has healed the paralytic. Everyone was in awe of what has occurred.
The Calling Of Matthew
9-10 Jesus saw Matthew, who was a tax collector, and asked him to join Him. Matthew did. Jesus ate with the sinners and tax collectors.
11-13 Pharisees questioned why Jesus did this, Jesus replied that just as the sick need the doctor and not the healthy, He is here not to call the righteous, but the sinners.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The Storm
Matthew 8:23-34
Saturday is almost over already. Weekends go by way too quickly. I haven't done much of anything today. We had leader's meeting in the morning and kind of went over the semester. Overall the semester looks very hectic; we need to pray a lot this semester. We'll have to take it step at a time and make sacrifices. Sometimes things are not going to work in our favor, but we just have to do the best with what we have. That's just life.
After the meeting I took a nap that lasted 3 hours. I felt bad at first, but seeing how much energy it gave me, I felt pretty good. Sometimes we need rest like that.
I've been reading a couple things today and just been lingering around. I figure after today I won't have times like these especially with the way my classes are shaping up. It's going to be a tough semester.
This reading could not come at a better time for me. It's about how Jesus calmed the storm when His followers were scared of it. They had little faith in Jesus and were crying for help. This is the kind of situation I'm in right now. I have so many things I'm worried about. In general, my future is very unclear. When I think about it, I am on a boat with a storm fast approaching. Not knowing how it will shape up, I'm very anxious. I'm worried that my life will go down the drain. Where's my faith in Jesus? Is this what He taught me? I need more faith than this. He is capable of calming down anything. Have faith in Him.
The Healing Of Two Demon-Possessed Men
This story is still a bit confusing to me. I understand the events that occured. Two demon-possessed men approached Jesus and the demons asked to be sent to a herd of pigs if Jesus was to drive them out. The part I'm confused about is why the town would ask Jesus to go away.
Saturday is almost over already. Weekends go by way too quickly. I haven't done much of anything today. We had leader's meeting in the morning and kind of went over the semester. Overall the semester looks very hectic; we need to pray a lot this semester. We'll have to take it step at a time and make sacrifices. Sometimes things are not going to work in our favor, but we just have to do the best with what we have. That's just life.
After the meeting I took a nap that lasted 3 hours. I felt bad at first, but seeing how much energy it gave me, I felt pretty good. Sometimes we need rest like that.
I've been reading a couple things today and just been lingering around. I figure after today I won't have times like these especially with the way my classes are shaping up. It's going to be a tough semester.
I want to make my blogs a little more less-plain by adding pictures when I can. Fortunately for today's reading I remembered a painting from Rembrandt van Rijn, a Dutch painter. It's one of his rather famous works:
This reading could not come at a better time for me. It's about how Jesus calmed the storm when His followers were scared of it. They had little faith in Jesus and were crying for help. This is the kind of situation I'm in right now. I have so many things I'm worried about. In general, my future is very unclear. When I think about it, I am on a boat with a storm fast approaching. Not knowing how it will shape up, I'm very anxious. I'm worried that my life will go down the drain. Where's my faith in Jesus? Is this what He taught me? I need more faith than this. He is capable of calming down anything. Have faith in Him.
The Healing Of Two Demon-Possessed Men
This story is still a bit confusing to me. I understand the events that occured. Two demon-possessed men approached Jesus and the demons asked to be sent to a herd of pigs if Jesus was to drive them out. The part I'm confused about is why the town would ask Jesus to go away.
I could only think up of one reason: because they're not ready for it. They're living sinful lives and they were afraid that if they accepted Jesus, they would have to give that up. The town could be so sinful that the demons actually had control over these people. When they saw that Jesus was able to drive them away and ultimately to their death, they were afraid of what they would have to give up.
One possible lesson, or challenge I can get from this is where do I stand at? Am I ready for Jesus to take over my life? That could mean getting rid of the very things that bring me joy. I would have to ask myself what's more important to me. Am I willing to put 100% of my faith into something that may ultimately result in having to sacrifice a lot of things. It's a pretty big question I think. Hopefully I am ready for it.
Summary:
Jesus Calms The Storm
23-25 Jesus and his disciples were on a boat as a storm hit. Jesus was asleep, and so the disciples were scared and woke Him up.
26-27 Jesus replied asking why they had such little faith and calmed the winds and waves. The men were amazed.
The Healing Of Two Demon-Possessed Men
28-29 Upon arrival in the region of Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men approached Jesus and asked what He wanted of them.
30-34 Jesus drove the demons out into a herd of pigs. The herd rushed into the lake and drowned. The whole town was afraid and went to Jesus and asked Him to leave.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Cost Of Following Jesus
Matthew 8:14-22
TGIF!!! This week couldn't go by any slower. I'm so happy it's Friday. It's been a very difficult and tiresome week. I hope it's just because it's the first week back and I'm just not used to going to school because it's been 3 weeks since I've done that.
Our Friday night went well even though not a lot of people showed up. It's tough to have a big crowd when the weather is so bad. Everyday it's been getting worse and when I woke up today to go to classes it was -34 with windchill. My face hurt going to class. Well now I'm in my room with the heater on full blast. I love Friday nights.
On to my readings!
Jesus Heals Many
Jesus continued to go around and heal the sick. This was a prophecy that Jesus fulfilled. This is just going back to yesterday's reading about how Jesus came to help us and heal us. He does what He promised to do. There is nothing that is impossible with Jesus. So if we have any sicknesses (whether it be an actual physical illness, mental, or spiritual) trust God is able to heal it.
The Cost Of Following Jesus
This passage was a little more difficult to comprehend. What I got out of it was that in order to follow Jesus, you have to be ready for anything. You have to be situated in a way that you're not so attached to your surroundings. Jesus talks about how foxes and birds have their places of rest, but Jesus doesn't. Jesus goes around and heals while not resting in one spot. If we want to follow Him, we have to be willing to do the same.
I think for me this means that I cannot get too comfortable with one thing. Say I do get settled and my life turns out to be great. That's not really following Jesus. I don't think it's necessarily saying that you shouldn't be comfortable at any time. Instead I think it's saying we shouldn't be too attached to being comfortable because it can be taken away at any time. In order to serve God, we need to be ready for anything.
Summary:
Jesus Heals Many
14-15 Jesus went to Peter's house and healed Peter's mother-in-law of her fever.
16-17 Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of taking up infirmities and carrying our diseases by driving evil spirits away from demon-possessed people.
The Cost Of Following Jesus
18-19 As Jesus went around, the crowd followed him and a teacher of the law asked to follow Him.
20-22 Jesus told them that while animals may have their homes, He does not have a place to rest. And when the people asked to bury their fathers before they follow, Jesus said let the dead worry about that themselves.
TGIF!!! This week couldn't go by any slower. I'm so happy it's Friday. It's been a very difficult and tiresome week. I hope it's just because it's the first week back and I'm just not used to going to school because it's been 3 weeks since I've done that.
Our Friday night went well even though not a lot of people showed up. It's tough to have a big crowd when the weather is so bad. Everyday it's been getting worse and when I woke up today to go to classes it was -34 with windchill. My face hurt going to class. Well now I'm in my room with the heater on full blast. I love Friday nights.
On to my readings!
Jesus Heals Many
Jesus continued to go around and heal the sick. This was a prophecy that Jesus fulfilled. This is just going back to yesterday's reading about how Jesus came to help us and heal us. He does what He promised to do. There is nothing that is impossible with Jesus. So if we have any sicknesses (whether it be an actual physical illness, mental, or spiritual) trust God is able to heal it.
The Cost Of Following Jesus
This passage was a little more difficult to comprehend. What I got out of it was that in order to follow Jesus, you have to be ready for anything. You have to be situated in a way that you're not so attached to your surroundings. Jesus talks about how foxes and birds have their places of rest, but Jesus doesn't. Jesus goes around and heals while not resting in one spot. If we want to follow Him, we have to be willing to do the same.
I think for me this means that I cannot get too comfortable with one thing. Say I do get settled and my life turns out to be great. That's not really following Jesus. I don't think it's necessarily saying that you shouldn't be comfortable at any time. Instead I think it's saying we shouldn't be too attached to being comfortable because it can be taken away at any time. In order to serve God, we need to be ready for anything.
Summary:
Jesus Heals Many
14-15 Jesus went to Peter's house and healed Peter's mother-in-law of her fever.
16-17 Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of taking up infirmities and carrying our diseases by driving evil spirits away from demon-possessed people.
The Cost Of Following Jesus
18-19 As Jesus went around, the crowd followed him and a teacher of the law asked to follow Him.
20-22 Jesus told them that while animals may have their homes, He does not have a place to rest. And when the people asked to bury their fathers before they follow, Jesus said let the dead worry about that themselves.
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