Meditations On Matthews Gospel

Meditations on Matthews Gospel
Contents:
Contents
COMMENTS ON MATTHEW 1 & 2 MEDITATION:............................................2
MEDITATION ON MATTHEW 1 & 2...............................................................3
COMMENTS ON MATTHEW 03 MEDITATION:................................................5
MEDITATION ON MATTHEW 3.....................................................................6
COMMENTS ON MATTHEW 4 MEDITATION:..................................................8
MEDITATION ON MATTHEW 4.....................................................................9
COMMENTS ON MATTHEW 05 MEDITATION:..............................................11
MEDITATION ON MATTHEW 5...................................................................12
COMMENTS ON MATTHEW 9 MEDITATION:................................................26
MEDITATION ON MATTHEW 10.................................................................31
All Scripture passages are taken from the New International Version (NIV).
By Mark B. Nemzek
c2005, c2006, c2011
9-10-11
Comments on Matthew 1 & 2 Meditation:

2/20/05
The beginning of the Gospel of Matthew is about a seemingly ordinary woman,
named Mary, and her husband-to-be, named Joseph. They were regular folks just like
every one else. There was at least one difference about them though. They both
listened for Gods voice in their lives and when they heard him they obeyed.
Lets pretend for just a moment that the Messiah had not come until the 21 st century.
Women readers, pretend you are Mary. Men, imagine you are a modern day Joseph.
Women imagine what it would be like to go to your fianc and let him know that you
are pregnant and that God made you with child. Men imagine your wife-to-be comes
to you and tells you she is to give birth to the Son of God and that she is still a virgin.
If you are an ordinary person like I am, this will surely cause quite an imaginative
scenario in your minds. I know it does mine. No matter how much we profess to love
one another think of the stresses. Would you even get married? Would either of you
believe the other? Yet as tough as it is for us today it was far harder in ancient Israel.
Not only was there plenty of worldly wisdom, generated by the Roman occupation,
but I believe the religious values of the day would require that Mary should be stoned
to death for becoming pregnant out of wedlock. These were two ordinary people
faced with God intervening in their lives in a very inconvenient manner.
Today we dont have to deal with the idea of a spouse being pregnant and still being
a virgin. That was a one time event. Yet are times really so different? Are we not
faced with similar life and death eternity issues? Does not God still expect us to be
his hands, hearts and tongues in every situation we are confronted with? Do I have a
burden for every lost person I meet? Do I allow myself to fully realize that folks dying
without Jesus Christ as their savior may well be lost for eternity?
I submit to you that God does indeed want to use us ordinary folks in miraculous
ways to bring his Sons life to the lost. The question always seems to be, Will I allow
the Lords plan to be worked in my life as is his design or will I continue to interfere?
Will He lead or will I continue to choose to do my own thing? It seems to me that
when I look at life from this perspective it appears that God wants to use all his
willing believers in extraordinary ways. He is just waiting for you and me to say, Yes
Lord, your will be done!
Perhaps these days are not so different after all.
Blessings, Mark
9-10-11
Meditation on Matthew 1 & 2

Listening Spirit:
Jesus, what kind of man was Joseph? You give your answer in Matt 1:18-21:
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was
pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was
found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband
was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he
had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a
dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home
as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She
will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he
will save his people from their sins." NIV
Lord, you saw Josephs loving heart when he wouldnt have anyone harm Mary even
when she seemed to become pregnant by someone else. When you told him, in a
dream, that the child was a miracle of God, he accepted it
Obedient Walk:
Jesus, was Joseph willing to do unpopular things? You have Matt 1:22-25, answer my
question:
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call
him Immanuel"-which means, "God with us."
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded
him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she
gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Lord, folks would know that Mary would have a baby before she was married. Joseph,
to protect his wifes honor, would have to take the blame and the shame. You saw his
obedience. Frequently we modern Christians want all the benefits of your Son and
we forget that you will have us go through hard situations. Lord, when those hard
times come in my life, give me the strength and the will to be like Joseph.
Other Seekers:
Jesus, was your birth a secret to the world? You have Matt 2:1-5, explain the signs
you gave for those seeking:
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod,
Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who
has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come
to worship him."
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of
the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in
Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
Lord, you have always been open to seekers finding you. Help me to always
remember that I am to be one of your witnessing tools when folks are looking for you.
I want to be ready when you want me to speak or act.
Prophets Knew:
Jesus, did your own people know where you were to be born? Your answer to me is in
Matt 2:6-8:
9-10-11
"'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among
the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the
shepherd of my people Israel.'"
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact
time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and
make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me,
so that I too may go and worship him."
Lord, the teachers of Judea knew where you were to be born. Some have hearts will
use that information against your Son and even his followers. Things havent
changed much. God, help us!
9-10-11
Revering a Baby:
Jesus, did the wise men know what to do when they saw you? You answer me in Matt
2:9-12:
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they
had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place
where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On
coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they
bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and
presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having
been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their
country by another route.
Lord, here were men of some means and yet they worshiped your Son, even when he
was a baby. It is amazing that some of the lost will make great efforts to find the
truth. And when they see that your Son is the truth they will have no problem
worshipping him. Amen!
More Obedience:
Jesus, what else did Joseph do? You explain in Matt 2:13-15:
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.
"Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay
there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for
Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what
the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."
Lord, Joseph cared for your Son and his mother, Mary at all times. He listened to your
voice when you gave him commands in dreams. Help us to remember that you will
speak to us in many ways and we need to listen and obey. Help me to know your
voice and be able to always discern it from the myriad other voices.
Hatred Still Lives:
Jesus, what will those with hardened hearts do when they feel outwitted? You have
us see one of the results in Matt 2:16-18:
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was
furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity
who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had
learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah
was fulfilled:
"A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping
for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."
Lord, those who hate you will hate anyone who loves you. Because they reject you
they will not hesitate to persecute and kill your followers. Help us to remember our
freedoms are not automatic. Our ability to worship freely was bought at a price. If
we too are not ever vigilant those who reject you could crush us. Give us courage
and determination.
The Lords Way:
Jesus, when and how often is a person expected to be prepared to do your will? Matt
2:19-23:
After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in
Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land
of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."
9-10-11
So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.
But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his
father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he
withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called
Nazareth. was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be
called a Nazarene."
Lord, help me to remember that when I choose to follow your Son, Jesus Christ, it is
not a part time job. Your desire, is that my whole life be committed to you, and that I
walk in obedience all the time. May this be so. Amen!
mbNemzek 12/21/04, 1/29/05, 2/06 2/11, 2/19
9-10-11
Comments on Matthew 03 Meditation:
5/08/04
The Gospel message in Matthew Three is very simple. It is about a guy named John
who is announcing, to all who would listen, that they needed to get ready for the
coming of the Lord. Part of getting ready was to repent of the self-ish way so that
one could be ready for the Lords coming.
His message of preparation, some two thousand years ago, is as relevant today as it
was then. Today, just like that time so long ago, we have a power and culture elite
who run things. And then there are the rest of us who try to make ends meet, discern
good from evil, support our families and doing all that, while living lives which are
often too busy to contemplate things of spiritual nature.
Then there is John over by the river. Hes telling us to drop all the crazy clutter in our
lives because there is only one thing that counts. He says we need to be ready to
meet the Lord. He also reminds us that we shouldnt be double minded people. We
have to be ready to give up our own agendas and look toward the Lords. He went so
far as to label the religiously proud (read as the cultural elite) as a brood of vipers.
Today the cultural elite routinely manipulates people and situations to gain their own
ends. No one gets in their way unless they are willing to pay a high price. It was the
same then. The proud, whether religious, political, business, entertainment,
academic or media all want their way. They have power and wont give it up. John
called them vipers. Perhaps it is because the proud have a serious problem with
humility. They simply wont bend a knee to God. Actually today they often try
ignoring or even denying that God exists.
So Johns message of repentance wasnt for everybody, or rather it was for everyone
but not all will receive it. His message is rather simple. Each one us has a soul that
will be won or lost for eternity. John makes it so simple that anyone can get it. Each
person is special to God and each person is granted the opportunity to acknowledge
him with humble heart. The question is here before me right now. Will I or will I not
repent of my way and wait on the Lords?
So the next time when Im feeling overwhelmed with lifes business I need to take
stock of the situation and reflect on things eternal. Because if I dont, I will surely
miss the whole reason for my existence.
Blessings,
Mark
9-10-11
Meditation on Matthew 3
Johns Baptism:
Jesus, what was John the Baptist preaching? You give some insight in Matt: 3:1-3:
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and
saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." This is he who was
spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
"A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make
straight paths for him.'" NIV
Lord, this is a simple message. John told us that your kingdom is near and that they
needed to repent of their own ways and be ready. It seems much the same today.
Call to Repent:
Jesus, what did people need to do to be baptized by John? Your answer is clear in
Matt: 3:4-6:
John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around
his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him
from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.
Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
Lord, the willing confessed their sins and were baptized. They desired some kind of
renewal because they knew corruption all too well. John was a simple man with
simple tastes; there was nothing worldly about him to appeal to the crowds. Yet they
came to have a renewal of heart and mind. It is similar today when weve sampled
all the false positives our culture has to offer, and then we realize something is still
essentially empty inside the soul. We desperately need the Son John was pointing to.
Pure in Heart:
Jesus, was Johns baptism open to everyone? You have Matt: 3:7-10, give me an
extremely clear answer:
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he
was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to
flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And
do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I
tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not
produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
Lord, you have an important message here for all who know about Gods Word and
use it for exploitation purposes. I need to not only hear your Word but I must allow
your Word transform my being from the inside out. All else is hypocrisy. My ears, my
mind, my heart and my action must be transformed into your design. Some will not
accept this. Often we just dont seem to understand that this is one of the key
eternity decisions.
Johns Prophecy:
Jesus, what did john believe about the messiah? You have Matt: 3:11-12: give us a
clear answer;
"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is
more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize
you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand,
9-10-11
and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and
burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
Lord, John believed that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. He saw that Jesus
was the judge of the true of heart and of those with corrupt hearts. I too believe.
Sometimes, understanding who Jesus is causes my heart to tremble in terror for
those who choose to refuse him and tremble in delightful joy for those who have
accepted him as Savior and Lord.
9-10-11
Johns Understanding:
Jesus, did John believe he should baptize you? You have Matt: 3:13-15, give us your
clear answer;
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But
John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you
come to me?"
Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all
righteousness." Then John consented.
Lord, John realized his createdness when he met your Son, Jesus. He knew Jesus was
the giver of the Holy Spirit, he was humbled, yet he obeyed. My prayer is that I too
will obey you when I think there is a better way.
Gods Three Self:
Jesus, is your plural self revealed in scripture? You reveal the beginnings of this
answer in Matt: 3:16-17:
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment
heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove
and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I
love; with him I am well pleased."
Lord, so often people say you cant be plural in essence yet single in being God. Here
your Holy Spirit is present, your Son Jesus is present, and you as Father are present.
Yet, you are one! This mystery confounds the worldly wise and brings comfort to the
humble believer. It will be so forever! Amen.
mbNemzek 3/29/05, 4/24, 4/30, 5/01, 5/08
9-10-11
10

9/05/05
Matthew 4 is simple yet hard. Jesus was tempted by Satan, even as we are yet he
overcame. He went about teaching and healing to all who would receive and he
called people to follow him. It is simple in that he overcomes Satan, he teaches and
heals and he call us to follow him.
It is hard in that he interrupts ordinary life with the complexity of the eternal. Sure
we want to be healed and we want to hear his teachings but it means we have to
drop what we are doing and go to him. If I continue my daily work and dont go to
him on his timing Ill miss him. He comes into life at inconvenient times. All the
ordinary commerce of life gets interrupted when Jesus comes. No wonder the
leadership hated him; he prevented the business of life from operating in normal
mode.
It gets harder from that point on. When I go and listen I recognize the tug on my
heart strings. You dont want me to just listen, you want me to answer the call on my
life to follow you. Sometimes it means I have to drop what Im doing and attend to
your needs for my life and it always means I need to recognize eternal things in the
middle of daily life. And I have to share those realizations with others.
All would be manageable if it werent for the very last statement. As soon as I begin
sharing, folks know where I stand. Immediately I am labeled, by those who will not
listen, as the person with the religious bent. They will share their opinion rather
vigorously. So life following Jesus always has a cost.
Yet Jesus risked everything, including his life, to bring me life. He never said following
him would be easy but he did say it is the only right thing to do with my life and that
if I followed him I would live in eternal joy with him.
So Ill do my best to infuse his extraordinary into my ordinary moments. Ill risk being
seen as a fool carrying on about each persons life being special in the eyes of the
Lord and Ill do my best to allow him to continue interrupting my ordinary life with the
splendor of eternity. Thats what living with Jesus means.
Blessings,
Mark
9-10-11
11
Jesus, did Satan ever try to tempt you? You have your answer for me in Matt. 4: 1-4:
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came
to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become
bread."
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on
every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" NIV
Lord, Satan used the easiest temptation the first time. He tried to make you do a
miracle to satisfy your own bodys desires. Your answer causes me to desire to fully
realize how your Fathers word fills my eternal hunger.
Jesus, did Satan have the right to test you? You give me your direct answer in Matt.
4: 5-7:
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest
point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself
down. For it is written:
"'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in
their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the
test.'"
Lord, first Satan tries to make you doubt that you are the Son of God and then he
says prove it. You answer him clearly by saying he should not be testing God. In my
many failings I frequently put you to the test. I use all the If or If Only questions
and try to bargain with you. Lord, forgive me and help me to remember you are God
and I am one of your created.
Jesus, was there anything that Satan could offer that would move you away from
your Father? Your response in Matt. 4: 8-11, answers my question;
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the
kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said,
"if you will bow down and worship me."
Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the
Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Lord, Satan forgot, that as creator, there was nothing he could give you that wasnt
already yours. Often you give to others for them to steward over. What will it be like
when you tell Satan his stewardship has been an abomination to yourself? How will
you judge my stewardship?
Jesus, where did you begin your ministry? You indicate your beginnings in Matt. 4:
12-16:
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee.
Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake
in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali to fulfill what was said through the
prophet Isaiah:
"Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles the people living in darkness have seen a great
light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has
dawned."
9-10-11
12
Lord, you went to Galilee, a place where the gentile would also be exposed to your
message. Thank you for including the possibility that gentiles too might hear and
follow your Word.
9-10-11
13
Jesus, what is one of your essential teachings? In Matt. 4: 17-20, you

shed light:
From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of
heaven is near."
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon
called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake,
for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make
you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.
Lord, you told people to repent because the kingdom of heaven was near. With the
exception of Johns message folks had almost forgotten the reason to repent. It is so
similar today. People dont even realize that they have souls that will be won or lost
for eternity. They dont realize that you were and remain the only way to
reconciliation with your Father.
Jesus, how did you get people to follow you? Your answer is indicated in Matt. 4: 2122:
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and
his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing
their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their
father and followed him.
Lord, you simply called them and they followed. Give me the courage to have a
simple faith that is that clear cut. You call and I follow. Give me the courage and
wisdom share your call in each time you ask me to.
Jesus, where did you teach and what else did you do? You give your answer in Matt.
4: 23-25:
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the
good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among
the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to
him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the
demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed
them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the
region across the Jordan followed him.
Lord, you taught and you healed. You healed body, mind, soul and spirit. Empower
your followers to do the same today. Amen!
mbNemzek 8/02/05, 8/14, 8/21, 9/05
9-10-11
14

11/18/05
Sometimes the Bible is descriptive and sometimes it is prescriptive. When a concept

is descriptive it is just describing consequences of an action. Example: When I drop
a ball from about four feet height it will fall to the ground. When a concept is
prescriptive it is telling us what should be. When the Bible says to love your neighbor
as yourself it is being prescriptive.
It strikes me that Matthew 5 is very prescriptive in nature. It starts out with the
Sermon on the Mount, which turns the world upside down, and proceeds to get
harder from there.
Even the blessing the pure in heart and the persecuted are noble yet hard. Think
about it for a moment. To be pure in heart I need to contemplate goodness about
everyone all the time. When I begin contemplating something less than noble about
another person, my heart motive becomes less than pure. Lord, help me, because I
have a ways to go!
As for persecution, when Im completely honest with myself, I must admit it is not
one of the top goals in my life. When Im acting out of enlightened self interest (read
as greedy or selfish) I would tend to avoid persecution altogether. That means I
would miss the blessing too. Hmmmmm.
After that, there is a whole list of prescriptions:
We are exhorted to be light in the world,
You are to be as good as your word.
Murder and lust begin in the heart. This implies every other sin does too.
Divorce options are limited.
You are as good as your word. Again.
Repay any evil with good.
Love your enemy.
It is interesting to note that Jesus says that sin begins in our hearts. Hes actually
saying evil begins at the emotional level. Modern psychology says that feelings are
all value neutral and even should be allowed expression. I am fairly certain that
Jesus means that at the moment we pay attention to our feelings our wills kick in. As
soon as we allow or entertain (will) bad thoughts or feelings about another we allow
evil or sin to occur in our lives.
This makes much more sense than saying that nothing is evil until an overt action is
committed. If only actions could be evil, it would be like saying, that evil just
happened and no one was responsible. That doesnt make any sense. Evil behavior
starts with bad thoughts and feelings that are nourished just as good behavior
happens at the feeling and thought level before it becomes action.
Anyway the list of prescriptive behaviors Jesus expects of us is impossible to do in
human strength. Even with the indwelling and empowering nature of the Holy Spirit
it is fair to say that we Christians frequently fall short of Jesus prescriptions. As Ive
reviewed this chapter Ive come to realize just how much that dying to self and
clinging to the Holy Spirit is a life long process.
Blessings,
Mark
9-10-11
15
9-10-11
16
The Blessed:
Jesus, who is blessed among the people? You give your answer in Matt.5: 1-7:
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down.
His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed
are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for
they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for
righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will
be shown mercy. NIV
Lord, you say those who are hurting and the downtrodden are blessed. It seems to
me that you are saying that if my heart is at all inclined toward you I will call on you
during the hard times and in doing so Ill have greater communion with you. Ill be
blessed.
More Blessed:
Jesus, who else is blessed among the people? You give your answer in Matt.5: 8-12:
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the
peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who
are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all
kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because
great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the
prophets who were before you.
Lord, now it seems like you transition toward the saints; the ones who willingly put
their lives on the line for you. I can see why youd bless them. Being pure in heart, a
peacemaker and persecuted seems noble yet in every day life it seems such a
stretch. I want to be that way but the cost is so high.
Be Salt:
Jesus, as your disciple what am I to be like? Your answer is given me in Matt.5: 1316:
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it
be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown
out and trampled by men.
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do
people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand,
and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light
shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your
Father in heaven.
Lord, show me how I am to flavor the world around me and show me how to be a
light in the darkness. Show me whom I am to touch in your behalf.
Your Word:
Jesus, how am I to treat your Word? You give me your clear answer in Matt.5: 17-20:
9-10-11
17
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have
not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until
heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of
a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is
accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these
commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in
the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these
commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that
unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers
of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Lord, I will treat your word with reverence. You have said it will outlast all things; this
should not surprise me since it is your word that predates all things. Only a God of
integrity would demand that his people have integrity. Lord, help me to be a man of
my word.
Heart Sin:
Jesus, does sin start with my words and actions towards another? You give me your clarifying
answer in Matt.5: 21-24:
"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder,
and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that
anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again,
anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But
anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember
that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front
of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer
your gift.
Lord, our modern world has taught that there are no bad emotions it has even taught
us that all emotions should be expressed, at least in a non-violent way. You are
telling me that sin begins in the heart that long before evil becomes an action it has
been allowed to fester in the heart. This makes sense because bad action doesnt
come out of nowhere. My actions will be a product of the overflow of my heart; if Ive
harbored bitterness and anger those around me will be the unfortunate recipients
and if Ive nourished joy and peace those around me will welcome me. Lord, help me
to harbor peace and joy in my heart.
Legal Matters:
Jesus, how quickly should legal matters be settled? You give your answer in Matt.5:
25-26:
"Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do
it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the
judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be
thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have
paid the last penny.
Lord, in my everyday matters help me to settle all accounts in short order. Dont let
me allow anything to fester in side me and grant me wisdom and humility so that I
may disarm any bitterness that may come into the heart of another because of me.
Temptation:
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Jesus, how should I deal with temptation? You give your strongly worded answer in
Matt.5: 27-30:
"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you
that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery
with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and
throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for
your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you
to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of
your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
Lord, in truth, I cannot appreciate how women perceive men. However, as a man,
there times when I do wish you had made women just a little less lovely than you
made them. Lord, with respect to all men and women, help me to first appreciate
their preciousness because they bear your image, even as I do. When my
appreciation of another starts with the understanding that they are made in your
image my heart is at peace.
On Divorce:
Jesus, is divorce ever a moral practice? Your answer is clear in Matt.5: 31-32:
"It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate
of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for
marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone
who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.
Lord, many people, even those who bear your name, dont want to hear this. They
dont realize that what happens at the material level often mirrors what happens in
spiritual terms. They dont realize or want to realize that in marriage the two become
one within the communion of God. Divorce breaks our covenant with you. Forgive us
Lord.
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Ones Word:
Jesus, what is the nature of a mans (or womans) word? Your answer in Matt.5: 3337 is very clear:
"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not
break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' But I tell
you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the
earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great
King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair
white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything
beyond this comes from the evil one.
Lord, many play roles in their lives and in so doing it is like they are a different person
in each role. You give us a simple prescription for life. Be a person of you word, say
what you mean and mean what you say. When I act as a person of integrity I am
free to move in and out of all the situations of life and I am trustworthy. Then, life
might not always be easy, but it will be good.
Love for Hate:
Jesus, what is the best response toward those who would hurt me? Your answer in
Matt.5: 38-42 is as clear as it is unsettling:
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I
tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right
cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and
take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to
go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do
not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Lord, if we were all to practice this during periods of strife we would at least be able
to discern the people who are honorable from the ones who harbor evil. The
honorable will be mortified when you repay good for harm. The evil will see the good
as weaknesses to be exploited. Most of the time we ignore these directives of yours
and never find out the difference. Lord help us!
Love Under Persecution:
Jesus, what should the persecuted do? You give a startling answer in Matt.5: 43-48:
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your
enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute
you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to
rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the
unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are
not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers,
what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be
perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Lord, it seems reasonable to love those who are kind and loving toward us. It is also
easy to do. However, as you say if Christians only do this they are no different from
pagans. Lord, this is the hardest thing you ask of us. Without your Holy Spirit
empowering my heart, mind and action I find this impossible to do. Even with your
Holy Spirit a part of me shudders at this requirement of love. I have a ways to grow.
Amen!
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mbNemzek 10/18/05, 10/21, 11/02, 11/04, 11/10, 11/14, 11/16, 11/18
9-10-11
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6/13/06
Matthew 6 is a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is giving us some

prescriptions to live life by. In the process, he is turning the world upside down and
inside out. This is not fancy theology that he is giving to the crowd and to us. He
discusses giving, prayer, fasting, motives and how we deal with material things.
However, Jesus teachings tend to reduce life to its simplest components. The
complicated works theology of the established religious leadership is thrown out the
door. In its place, he offers a way to live life that is pleasing to God. This was
offensive to the religious political leadership of the day because it did not allow the
religious elite to have manipulative control over the population. Jesus was reducing
theology into relationship between man (and woman) and God.
Some are likely to say this is just too simple and there must be something more to it
than this. Yet when I went to the funeral of friends father the other day, I noticed
that it all comes down to, Did he love God? Did he love his wife and children?
During the days allotted to him, did he reach out with a helping hand to those around
him? This is all that really mattered. It seemed that my friends dad had done the
essentials well and folks were able to celebrate his life.
So often during the business of life we (or at least I do) forget what is essential. We
say, but life is so much more complicated today, and there is much that is gray. Life
is not so black and white anymore. However, if I am intellectually honest with myself,
at the end of my days on earth, it will still come down to the essentials. Did I love
God wholeheartedly, did I love my spouse and children better than myself, and did I
reach out with a loving hand to those walking along with me down the path of life?
If, it is the essentials that count at the end of our days, then perhaps I need to live
out those essentials today. It seems to me that when Jesus teaches he reduces life
purpose to its essentials. Now, he leaves it is up to each one of us to decide.
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On Giving:
Jesus, what should our giving look like? You give me your insight in Matthew 6; 1-4:
"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by
them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the
hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men.
I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you
give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is
doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees
what is done in secret, will reward you.
Lord, you dont give us prescriptions on how much we should give under New
Covenant living. You give us prescriptions on what our heart motive should be when
we give. When we give and our giving is known to others then part of the purpose of
our action is to gain the good opinion of others. Such heart motive is double minded.
We are to give and do works of goodness because it is right and brings you pleasure
when we honor your will in this way. Lord, help me to seek only your approval.
On Praying:
Jesus, what should our praying look like? You give me your thoughts in Matthew 6; 58:
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray
standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I
tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you
pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is
unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think
they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for
your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Lord, again you are judging the heart motive of our prayer. Sometimes it seems like I
can never garner the wisdom for the right words in prayer. I feel embarrassed
because my words dont seem ornate enough. Here you seem to assure me that my
quiet imperfect prayer is just fine with you because you are looking at the heart
content of my prayer and not the perfect wording. Thank you Lord.
Your Fathers Will:
Jesus, how should we pray to Abba Father? You share your heart in this matter in
Matthew 6; 9-15:
"This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be
your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in
heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also
have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
from the evil one.' For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your
heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their
sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Lord, you remind me that your will is to be done on earth and that I, and those like
me, are to be ones to do it. You also say that my willingness to forgive others is
linked to your forgiveness for me. Grant me the grace and the heart to forgive those
who have harmed me.
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On Fasting:
Jesus, what should our fasting look like? You give me your insight in Matthew 6; 1618:
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure
their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have
received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and
wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting,
but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is
done in secret, will reward you.
Lord, my fasting should be between you and me. It is a discipline of denying myself
in order to focus on you. Help me to never be double minded when I fast.
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Life Focus:
Jesus, what should our motivations for life look like? You grant me some insight in
Matthew 6; 19-21
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust
destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves
treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where
thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your
heart will be also.
Lord, it is true we run after things. Sometimes it seems we run after things so much
so that we just dont have time to just sit down and talk with you. We chase after
things that decay. The things that wont decay seem so much less concrete; like
wisdom, peace, love, joy, faith, kindness and gentleness. It is these things, which
could become our treasure in heaven.
Seeing Things:
Jesus, what kind of things should I look at? You share your thoughts in Matthew 6;
22-23
"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body
will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of
darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that
darkness!
Lord, protect me from darkness. It is so easy to feed mind, my soul with polluted
garbage; from movies, TV, the internet, and all the ways we have learned to busy our
psyches with overload. So much of the overload is unholy! Help me to seek that
which is beautiful in your eyes.
On Money:
Jesus, what I do with money? You give me your insight in Matthew 6; 24:
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the
other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot
serve both God and Money.
Lord, we 21st century Christians have compromised ourselves. Indeed, we of Western
Europe and the United States have vigorously pursued money for 150 years and
today Europe is nearly anti-Christian and the US has seen a bias against you in our
courts, our media and our educational institutions. It is not popular to say you are
Christian in the public arena. You were most certainly correct in saying we cannot
serve both God and money!
On Worry:
Jesus, what are the things I should worry about? You share your thoughts in Matthew
6; 25-27:
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or
drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important
than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of
the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your
heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Lord, a little earlier you said to seek after treasure that has eternal value. Here you
seem to be saying we are not to worry about the practical issues of life. Are you
saying we shouldnt focus our efforts on gaining todays bread but should
concentrate on living out your Fathers will for our lives?
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More On Worrry:
Jesus, should I worry about any material things? You give me your insight in Matthew
6; 28434
28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do
not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was
dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is
here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O
you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we
drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your
heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not
worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough
trouble of its own. NIV
Lord, you advise us to seek after your Fathers kingdom and righteousness instead of
any of the material concerns and in doing so our Abba Father will ensure that our
other needs will be met. Lord, I truly wonder what our world would look like if most of
your followers pursued your Fathers will instead of things. What would my world
look like? Increase my hunger and thirst for you. Amen.
mbNemzek 3/05/06, 3/19, 5/20, 6/02, 6/03, 6/10, 6/11, 6/13
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10/15/06
In one short chapter in Matthew Jesus manages to give us words of wisdom with
respect to judging others, private matters, gifts from our Father, the narrow path,
false prophets, a heaven orientation, firm foundations and Gods Word. There is
enough packed in these 29 verses to keep a man (or woman) occupied for life.
He makes it quite clear we cannot compartmentalize our faith. Faith, understanding,
behavior, heart, mind and spirit are all intertwined. I cannot understand the truth
and then go do something different and expect God to be pleased with me. When I
do that, I walk off the narrow path.
It is not allowed for me to go about doing good works for God without having first
given Him my life and sought after His will. He does not allow duplicity between my
true spiritual motives and my behavior. I cannot con God.
Though I am not supposed to go about judging others, I am to be aware of false
prophets (teachers). That means I cannot blame my own spiritual purity on the
spiritual leaders of our church and if they are off base I need to do something about
it. Discernment is not a private matter.
Not everyone is going to heaven and fewer will go if I do nothing. Our Lord has
placed people in our lives that need ministry. Actually, they are dying and need of
salvation. Will I lift a finger to help? Will I allow the compassion of Jesus Christ flow
through me to the lost?
Yes, Matthew 7 gets under the skin. It is as if God is saying, Yes you are to be born
again and pray as if it all depended on God. Then go out and do as if it all depended
on God working through you. Our faith is to be woven into every aspect of our lives,
especially our behaviors. It is to be the Holy Spirit living through us. It is, after all, a
living faith.
Blessings,
Mark
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Judging Others:
Jesus, how should we judge others? You give me a straight answer in Matt7:1-5:
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge
others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be
measured to you.
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no
attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother,
'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in
your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and
then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. NIV
Lord, I sense you are saying I should be pure myself before I throw stones at my
neighbor. It seems you are stating that my sin should be my first concern before I go
pointing things out to others. Lord, help me!
Private Matters:
Jesus, should my life be an open book to everyone? In Matt 7:6: you answer is clear.
"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you
do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to
pieces.
Lord, you seem to be saying that I should be careful in sharing the treasures of my
heart. Some would dishonor them and even use them against me. Grant me wisdom
and discernment.
Fathers Gifts:
Jesus, will our Father give to us if we ask? You explain in clear terms in Matt 7: 7-12:
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door
will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds;
and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he
asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil,
know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your
Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything,
do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law
and the Prophets.
Lord, you say that your Father will give good gifts to those who ask. Then you apply
the golden rule to my own behavior. It is as if my behavior is somehow in balance
with respect to what your Father will give when I ask. Yet you do not say this plainly
in this spot. I hope your words will clarify this teaching.
Narrow Path:
Jesus, will everyone go to heaven? Your answer is to the point in Matt 7: 13-14:
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road
that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate
and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Lord, throughout time people have misunderstood you. Most think they are heaven
bound yet you say clearly that this is not the case. Lord, help me to be an effective
lighthouse, always pointing the way towards you. Amen.
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False Prophets:
Jesus, whom do we have to be careful of? Your answer encourages discernment in

Matt 7: 15-20:
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.
Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise
every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good
tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every
tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
Lord, your answer means we must be discerning because not all will be what they
pretend to be. You are giving us an understanding that some will try to deceive us.
We need to test the fruit or the teachings and the behaviors of our teachers.
Heaven Bound:
Jesus, will everyone go to heaven? Your answer is to the point in Matt 7: 21-23:
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of
heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many
will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name,
and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I
will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
Lord, this is a hard teaching because you are plainly saying that not everyone will go
to heaven. Even those who prophesied and performed miracles might not be there if
they were not doing your Fathers will. Lord, help us to discern your Fathers will and
then do it.
A Firm Foundation:
Jesus, how should I treat your teachings? Your answer is clear in Matt 7: 24-27:
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into
practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came
down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house;
yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone
who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a
foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams
rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a
great crash."
Lord, I do not want an empty faith. Remind me continually about the correct path to
follow and give me the strength to follow. Knowing the right thing and doing the right
thing are sometimes two different things. In my life Lord, make the two mirrors of
one another. Amen.
Gods Word:
Jesus, why should I treat your teachings differently? Your answer is direct and simple
in Matt 7: 28-29:
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at
his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their
teachers of the law.
Lord, you are Gods Word. May you be the living Word in my life. May your Word be
the first that greets me in the morning, a strength that permeates my day and a
consolation of peace as I go to rest each night.
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mbNemzek 8/26/06, 9/05, 9/16, 10/04, 10/14, 10/15
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7/15/07
A little better than 14 weeks ago I went through triple bypass surgery. It caught me
by surprise. My particular genetic endowment, an enjoyment of food combined with
a desk job yielded consequences I could no longer ignore. On Friday the 23 rd of
March I was told I would have a triple bypass within a few days.
I went into surgery with a peace that seemed somewhat unusual considering what I
was about to experience. My journal summary tells that story and I will attach it. My
point is that individuals experience watershed events in their lives. These are events
that change your perspective and by which other events are sometimes measured.
The realization of my hearts mortality has been one such event in my life.
Today I respect choices with respect to food where as before I usually just ate what
tasted good. Today I exercise everyday whereas before I exercised when I wanted to.
It is not that I fear death more than I did before the surgery; I dont, in fact in some
ways death is less a threat. Ive developed a better trust in God; that he will see me
through the last mysterious event of temporal life.
When you encounter an event in your life that makes you face your real mortality,
the kind of event, which you survive, but which makes you think, Time is short;
then you are faced with two options. You can continue to pretend that nothing makes
a difference or you can take the measure of your life. You look at what youve done
and ponder what Jesus will say when you face him at the end of your days. Will he
say, Well done my good and faithful servant. Or will he admit you into his presence
assist you in realizing how much more he had planned for to do.
It is not my goal to wish a triple bypass experience on anyone just so they will come
to the ponder point of life. Yet I do desire that every reader will reflect on his or her
own life with respect to the Gospel. That reflection may help us come to the
realization of what each person must grab on to, what is needful, so that at the end
of our mortal days our Lord will say to each one of us, Well done my good and
faithful servant!
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Jesus Wills:
Jesus, were you willing to heal the worst diseases? You give us your thoughts in
Matt.: 8:1-4:
When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A
man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are
willing, you can make me clean."
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said.
"Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to
him, "See that you don't tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest
and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."
NIV
Lord, leprosy was always a terminal disease and it was ugly. It was repulsive. Yet
when a man disobeyed the law, and knelt before you, you didnt hesitate. You
touched him and commanded healing and he was healed. This serves as a reminder
that were it not for your touch of salvation, my once wretched soul was in a condition
far worse than that of leprosy. I was in a state of living death and you extended
salvation and eternal life to me. May the deepest recesses of my heart and soul
always give you glory.
Centurion Faith:
Jesus, what kind of faith do you desire to see burning in your own children? You
answer me in Matt.: 8:5-9:
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for
help. "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible
suffering."
Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him."
The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my
roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am
a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he
goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,'
and he does it."
Lord, I want to be like that centurion was. His faith was overflowing and immediate.
Renew me with your Holy Spirit that I may mirror that mans faith. Amen!
Jesus Responds:
Jesus, how does the centurions faith move you? Your amazement is portrayed in
Matt.: 8:10-13:
When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him,
"I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.
I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take
their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of
heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the
darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it
would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.
Lord, two months after my triple bypass surgery, I realize that faith any less than that
of the centurion is simply insufficient. If I dont have his kind of faith, for the
moments I yet have on this side of eternity, how will I ever be effective for you?
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Jesus Heals All:
Jesus, how many are turned away from your healing hand? The breadth of your
healing is portrayed in Matt.: 8:14-17:
When Jesus came into Peter's house, he saw Peter's mother-in-law lying in
bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got
up and began to wait on him.
When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to
him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This
was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
"He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."
Lord, we still desire your healing hand upon us. When we sometimes dont
experience your healing immediately we begin to doubt. We forget that your timing
is not ours. When we experience a surprising healing we fail to attribute it to you.
Forgive us Lord, that we may be able to experience eternal healing and peace.
The Unsure:
Jesus, how did you deal with the skeptical or the unsure? Your measured response is
shown in Matt.: 8:18-22:
When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other
side of the lake. Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, "Teacher,
I will follow you wherever you go."
Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son
of Man has no place to lay his head."
Another disciple said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."
But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."
Lord, you seem to be saying there is a cost to following you. We cant have a
successful relationship with you if we are going to put other agendas first. It is as if
you are saying, If I am not first in your mind and heart I will not really be there.
Disciples Faith:
Jesus, did your disciples always have the faith you desired to see in them? You allow
their own responses to answer my question in Matt.: 8:23-27:
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning,
a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the
boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying,
"Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and
rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the
winds and the waves obey him!"
Lord, indeed you are the dispenser of miracles. Yet while you were sleeping your
disciples feared for their lives. Lord, show me the faith that overcomes worldly fears
and then grant me that faith because I am unable to muster that kind of faith in my
own strength.
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The Demonic Response:
Jesus, did you have conversations with demons? You show the limited responses
allowed in Matt.: 8:28-32:
When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two
demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so
violent that no one could pass that way. "What do you want with us, Son of
God?" they shouted. "Have you come here to torture us before the
appointed time?"
Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons
begged Jesus, "If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs."
He said to them, "Go!" So they came out and went into the pigs, and the
whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.
Lord, you spent little time conversing with demons. Mostly you just ordered them
out. Help me to deal with evil in the same way. So often evil wants to hang around
and pretend that it is godly. Help me to discern the difference and have the courage
to order evil out.
The Crowds Respond:
Jesus, did all common folk respond to you positively? You show why limited trust in
crowds is wise in Matt.: 8:33-34:
Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this,
including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the
whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded
with him to leave their region.
Lord, it seems that sometimes when finances and you are involved in the same
setting folks will attend to the bread and butter issues and ask you to leave. Those
pigs represented the livelihood of that town. Lord, when the chips are down help me
to realize that all that is has been made and sustained by you.
mbNemzek 2/16/07, 3/05, 5/22, 6/03, 7/04, 7/10, 7/15
9-10-11
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2/13/09
As I review Matthew 9 I realize that Jesus treats the ordinary crisis of life as just part
of the day to be lived. I began writing this meditation a little over a year after my
heart surgery and a couple of months before my stroke. Now, in looking back I see
that I neglected my meditations while attending the physical ailments I was
experiencing.
Perhaps the lesson I need to learn is that when I am going through tough times that is
the time to be consulting and leaning on our Lord more thoroughly and allow myself
to hunger and thirst for Him even more than under times of less stress. Simple
lesson, not always easy to apply.
Going forward, I want part of my daily prayer to be, Lord, increase my yearning for
you! How can I love you with all my heart, strength, and self if my hunger for you
isnt at maximum. I need to see things with your eyes and deal with the situations of
life as you did. Open my eyes and heart, Lord!
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Forgiving Sins:
Jesus, are you the one who can forgive sins? You give me your clear answer in Matt
9:1-5:
Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some
men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith,
he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."
At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "This fellow is
blaspheming!"
Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in
your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get
up and walk'?
Lord, you do forgive sins! Not only do you forgive sins but challenge me to
understand that when comparing forgiveness of sins to physical healing the larger
event is sin forgiveness. Forgiveness has eternal consequences!
Giving Proof:
Jesus, did you ever prove yourself to doubters? You show that you gave skeptics
reasons to believe in Matt 9:6-8:
But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to
forgive sins. . . ." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and
go home." And the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this,
they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such
authority to men.
Lord, you gave believers and non-believers a chance to witness miracles and by
being witness to such events they were given a chance to have a change of heart.
Give me a heart that is open to your way.
Granting Mercy:
Jesus, what do you desire for sinners? You give us a clear hint as to what your
mission is about in Matt 9:9-13:
As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the
tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and
followed him.
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and
"sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw
this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax
collectors and 'sinners'?"
On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the
sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I
have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Lord, you extend forgiveness and mercy to sinners when the current system gave
justice and rituals. Everything you did and said indicated your willingness to save the
lost. Everything you did and said challenged the religious establishment. Thank you
Lord!
Right Timing:
Jesus, is there a correct timing to events? You give an indication of what right timing
is about in Matt 9:14-17:
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Then John's disciples came and asked him, "How is it that we and the
Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"
Jesus answered, "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.
"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch
will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do men
pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine
will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into
new wineskins, and both are preserved."
Lord, we are not very able in knowing the correct timing of spiritual things. We dont
even do a good job in discerning the timing of worldly events. Help us Lord.
Interruptions:
Jesus, how do you handle the interruptions of life? You give us an example of how
you handled interruptions in Matt 9:118-22:
While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My
daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will
live." Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.
Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came
up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, "If I
only touch his cloak, I will be healed."
Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has
healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.
Lord, in the middle of your teaching a desperate man comes to you with a request for
help and you stop what you are doing to help him. Then, on your way to help him
another begs your healing and you pause and grant the healing, on your way to help
the first person. Lord, help me to treat the interruptions of life, not as interruptions
but as opportunities to minister in your behalf.
Death:
Jesus, how did you deal with death? Your unassuming reply is given in Matt 9:23-26:
When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the
noisy crowd, he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they
laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took
the girl by the hand, and she got up. News of this spread through all that
region.
Lord, you dealt with death as you did life. It was a phase of our experience,
something to work through. Only when I am immersed with your grace and peace
can I deal with death in that way. Lord, please grant me that peace and joy.
Faith:
Jesus, were your miracles without cost? Your desire to see human faith in God is
evident in Matt 9:27-31:
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have
mercy on us, Son of David!"
When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them,
"Do you believe that I am able to do this?"
"Yes, Lord," they replied.
Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done
to you"; and their sight was restored. 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.
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39
Lord, you keep pointing to our need for faith in you and your Father. In other places
you tell us you do only what the Father is doing. So often we see Abba Father as a
God rather distant and steeped in justice. Help us to see your Father, our God, as
loving as yourself!
Demons:
Jesus, how did you deal with demons? You demonstrate your answer in Matt 9:32-34:
While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not
talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man
who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like
this has ever been seen in Israel."
But the Pharisees said, "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out
demons."
Lord, you demonstrated that demons were created beings subject to your will. Lord,
when I plagued with demons or issues that just seem overwhelming help me to
remember that nothing is too big for you and that you are with me.
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Your Mission:
Jesus, what was your mission? You show us your mission in Matt 9:35-38:
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their
synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every
disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on
them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a
shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the
workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out
workers into his harvest field."
Lord, you taught, preached and healed. You gave love and direction to every lost
persons life. Then you implied that we, your followers, were to go out and do the
same thing because the time is right. Lord, refresh me with your Holy Spirit, that I
might do as you encourage us to do.
NIV
mbNemzek 5/03/08, 11/08, 2/13/09
9-10-11
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9/10/11
It has been more than two years since I have written my meditations on Matthew 9.
If I say I was just too busy, it would be true and also an excuse. I willingly admit that
when a dear relative of mine said she wanted no part of these meditations I stumbled
internally. It was like a part of me was deeply wounded or broken.
It is fascinating that Jesus tells us in Matthew 10 to expect to have strife in the
families when some become followers. Yet to read about it and experience it are two
different things. So I paused for a while in writing these meditations; partly because I
didnt know how to take the next step. I have come to realize that taking the next
step means first and foremost means clinging to Jesus, loving him before loving ones
own relatives!
During the time I have been intermittently working on this meditation, nearly a year,
much has happened. Being part of my son Andys wedding to Carrie, has been joyful
to this fathers heart. This spring I began assisting in a prison ministry at a local
workhouse. The hunger of imprisoned men for Gods word is nothing short of
amazing.
Also this year I have had to let all my contractors at work go and I have had to lay off
one of my full time staff. It has been one of the hardest things I have been required
to do. Our economy is so unstable and pushing men and women out the door to face
that uncertainty has been hard to do.
Friends, pray for me, that I will be more able to continue writing these meditations
with more regularity.
Blessings, mbn
9-10-11
42
Direction:
Jesus, what should we say and how should we act? You answered this question to
your disciples in Matt 10: 5-10:
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go
among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the
lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of
heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have
leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Do not
take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the
journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his
keep.
Lord, your directions to your disciples were specific in some cases and general in
others. Sometimes we moderns get the two confused. We even assume that
everything you said to your immediate disciples is for all of us. Yet it seems clear we
are to give because we have received. Help me to know your call on my life.
Jesus, whom should I stay with when you send me out? Your provision is given in
Matt 10 11-16.
"Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there
and stay at his house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your
greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let
your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your
words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. I
tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the
day of judgment than for that town. I am sending you out like sheep among
wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Lord, you have made it clear that we should be willing share your Word with anyone
willing to listen. We are also to accept their hospitality. If they wont listen we are to
leave them alone and you will deal with them. Help me to not keep pushing and
accept the will of others.
Jesus, what should I say and will all accept what I say? You answer clearly in Matt, 10
17-20.
"Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local
councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be
brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the
Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how
to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you
speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Lord, it seems that you are saying that when I walk in obedience I will walk into some
tough situations and that even then you will be with me and give me the words that
need to be said to those particular people at that particular time. You are the reader
of mens hearts. Thank you Lord.
Jesus, will my friends and family accept me? You give us a clear answer in Matt, 10
21-25.
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43
"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will
rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate
you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. When
you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you
will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man
comes.
"A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is
enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his
master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more
the members of his household!
Lord, this is one of the hard messages. I know that when your disciples believed in
you, often family members despised them. Today they just ignore the message and
sometimes message bearer. It hurts in the heart.
Jesus, should I fear persecution? In Matt, 10:26-31; you say.
"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be
disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the
dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from
the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the
soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in
hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to
the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of
your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than
many sparrows.
Lord, you do not say persecution will not happen. Rather you say we are not to fear
it. Mens persecution can only affect our bodies. When we cling to you our eternal
life is assured. My faith needs to be certain of eternity. Strengthen me Lord!
Jesus, what happens when I witness or fail to witness? Your answer is clear in Matt:
10:32-36:
"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before
my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown
him before my Father in heaven.
"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not
come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn "'a man against
his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her
mother-in-law a man's enemies will be the members of his own
household.'
Lord, being your witness brings your promise of acknowledgement before your Father.
This brings comfort to my heart. You also clearly say that being a witness for you will
bring turmoil, even in ones own family. Such a chasm exists between me and a
sister. My heart aches over her.
Jesus, how strong should my love for you be? In Matt: 10:37-39 you give us a clear
answer.
"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me;
anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;
and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will
find it.
Lord, on the surface this seems a hard saying. Yet descriptively you are stating the
simple truth. If you are not most integral to my life, if I am not in communion with
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44
you, if I do not love you so much that you will indwell me, then I have no life in me
that is truly capable of real love.
Jesus, how should we treat those who are your witnesses? You answer clearly in
Matt: 10:40-42.
40 "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the
one who sent me. 41 Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a
prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a
righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's
reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these
little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly
not lose his reward."
Lord, you tell me to love the bringers of your Word and if I do that I am loving you.
Help me to always make time and space in my life for those having the courage to
speak up for you. Amen.
NIV
mbNemzek 10/03/10, 10/31/10, 5/22/11, 9/10011, x/xx
9-10-11
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Meditations On Matthews Gospel

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Meditations on Matthews Gospel