Today’s Readings
Context
The gospel writers never told stories to amaze us, though Jesus' deeds were amazing. They did not seek to entertain us, though the things Jesus did were fascinating. They told the stories of Jesus that they told for specific reasons. Here, Matthew tells us stories about Jesus; stories of his glory and power. Each of these stories is told in greater detail in other gospels.
Devotional - Jesus Over All
There was a cost to following Jesus, he said in Matthew 8:18-22. It was not going to be easy. You had to count the cost and decide if you really wanted to give all to him. But Jesus had amazing power and glory. The stories that Matthew put together here demonstrated the power of Jesus over every sort of earthly power or problem.
First, Jesus is on a boat in the Sea of Galilee, and a storm blows up that scares the disciples into panic. Remember, these were professional fisherman - they knew when the danger was real. But what was Jesus doing? He was asleep in the bottom of the boat, resting in God's protection over him. When they woke him, he rebuked them for their lack of faith and then he blew their minds. He rebuked the winds and the waves and the storm suddenly ceased and the sea was calm. Jesus spoke and the sea responded. Jesus ruled nature.
The next story happened in the Gadarene area on the northeastern shore of the Galilee. There, Jesus encountered two men who were possessed by many demons. After a confrontation, Jesus cast the demons out, sending them into a herd of pigs who ran down into the water and drowned (I will not use the old jokes that the local Hogicide department came to investigate this suey-cide). The confrontation between Jesus and the demons ended in absolute victory - Jesus won and the demons fled. Jesus ruled demons.
The final story takes place back in Capernaum, when a man on a stretcher is brought to Jesus, (let down through a roof, as we learn elsewhere). Jesus did something strange before he healed the man, something that offended the religious leaders who were following him and watching him. He told the man that his sins were forgiven. Healing him was one thing, but claiming to forgive his sins was an act of hubris, even of blasphemy. Jesus did not back down, but healed the man and made it clear that he had every right to forgive sin - the Father had given him that authority. Jesus ruled disease.
That is what these stories are all about. Matthew was not just telling interesting stories about Jesus, but reminding us of the awesome power and authority of Jesus. He had authority over nature itself, speaking to the storm and making it stop. He had authority over demons, demonstrating full authority to cast them out. He had authority over sickness and disease, telling the lame man to rise up and walk.
But the most important authority of Jesus is the one he lays claim to in Matthew 9:6, the right to forgive sin. He is the one who can remove the burden of sin from the backs of people like you and me.
Whatever it is that you are facing today, whatever your challenges, you can know this, the authority of Jesus Christ extends to whatever is badgering you. He can heal. He can frustrate the schemes and works of the enemy. There is no power on earth that he cannot overcome to accomplish his work. This Jesus we serve - he wins! His is mighty and awesome and has all authority in heaven and on earth.
Most of all, by his death and resurrection, he has authority over sin and death and hell. Your sin cannot destroy you or send you to hell because Jesus has conquered it.
Father, I thank you for Jesus who triumphed over everything - sin, death, hell - and has the authority to deal with every problem I face.
Think and Pray
What are the struggles and trials that you are facing? Illness? Is the enemy bringing his schemes and attacks against you? Is this world filled with trouble?
Remember that Jesus Christ has all authority over all of those things that trouble you. Trust in him.
Also remember that Jesus is victorious over sin. Seek him and confess sin.
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