Harvest Time

Reading through chapters 8 and 9 we see many different miracles Jesus was doing. He would heal the blind and they would see, he would raise the dead, the lame would walk, and even calm storms. He was a busy man, who knew how to spend his time. At the end of chapter 9 we read these words, “And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction (vs 35).” So yes, he was busy.

Jesus actually must have been wiped. He would see many different diseases, many people hurt, many people who needed healing. There was no one that was too sick, or too far along for Jesus to heal. Jesus was and is the healer. And as Jesus was healing the sick, fixing the broken hearted, there was still a lot more to do. A crowd started to gather and as Jesus still saw so much hurt and need he did not grow frustrated, in fact we read in vs 36 that, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” I love that Jesus never was weary or complained about the sick and needy, yet you and I can complain about the needy and being a nuisance.

As Jesus went from having compassion he also used this opportunity to talk with his disciples. We read in vs 37, Then he said to his disciples, “The Harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” He was saying, “Alright guys, do you not see there is much work to be done.” Then he told them to pray for the Lord to send out laborers. As Jesus then turned it to his disciples the question remains for us.

1) There are the sick, the dying of sin, those that need spiritual healing. What are you going to do about it? Maybe you are too self-absorbed to notice the friend next to you that is hurting. Maybe you see stuff going on at school but instead of seeing sheep without a shepherd, you just do not care. Jesus, the chief shepherd cared and was seeing what the disciples would do. Just like our teacher we need to be aware of those in spiritual need. It starts with the burden, it will produce an action.

2) We can not grow annoyed of the needy. Jesus did not get annoyed or pass them off, instead he had compassion on them. As there are many that needed saving, Jesus was the answer. It is so easy to grow impatient and annoyed, but remember, Christ was not with you. He endured and had compassion on me and you, a wretched sinner. Remember the cross every time and it will refresh your soul.

3) Pray for laborers and when you do, guess what, it is you. When you pray for others and for needs to be met, God has His way and making you the answer of that prayer.  I can recount many times that I would pray for the needs of others and the Holy Spirit puts it on my heart to help those that I can. We just need to be willing.

Isaiah 6:8-9 says, “The I heard the Lord asking, ‘Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?’ I said, ‘Here am I. Send me’.”

The harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few! Alright family, there is much to do, let’s get going, let’s help those we can spiritually!

Following Jesus Is Costly

Matthew 8:20 “And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

Soon after Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount, He went down the mountain and began to heal many people. The first 17 verses of this chapter are all about the many miraculous healing Jesus performed. He did this to fulfill the prophecy given in Isaiah 53:4 as we are told in verse 17.

After that Jesus runs into a scribe that was very eager to follow Jesus. He tells Jesus that he would follow Him wherever Jesus went. That seems like a worthy goal and ambition but in the end the scribe did not know what he was getting into. Jesus then faces the scribe with a harsh reality that might mess up the plans of the scribe in verse 20(quoted above). Scribes were among religious leaders of the time and were highly educated. They were typically teachers of the Law. I am sure they, like the Pharisees, enjoyed the finer things of life.

Jesus response then would have been very discouraging for the scribe to hear. Jesus basically says “look, I have fewer comforts in life than most wild animals. Foxes and birds have a better living situation than I do.” The message that Jesus was trying the get across to this scribe was that following Him would mean big sacrifices. And that is what Jesus is saying to us today.

I doubt anyone would say that following Jesus is the easiest thing they have ever done. In fact, most might say that it is the hardest thing they have ever done. Following Jesus is a hard life, but it is the best life. Following Jesus may mean that you have to give up some comfort in your life but Jesus promises Joy(not happiness) and peace to all who do. Many times, in an effort to bring more people to Christ, Christians will lie to people about what Jesus requires. They leave out the parts about sacrifice and persecution counting the cost and bearing your cross. Following Jesus is difficult. It requires sacrifice.

The next guy that Jesus ran into wanted to wait until his father had died to follow Jesus. Jesus’ response in verse 22 could be read “don’t wait, follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury the physical dead.” There will always be an excuse to not follow Jesus completely. This “disciple” most likely wanted to wait because he knew he would not get his inheritance if he left. He also did not want to disappoint his father. What is your excuse? What is holding you back from completely surrendering to Jesus? Are you afraid of what it might cost you? The life that Jesus offers is a difficult life full of hardship, but it is the best life.

Judging Others

Matthew 7:1 “Judge not, that you be not judged.”

This is one the most misunderstood verses in the Bible. This is the favorite line of non Christians when they are told that they are sinners. “Don’t judge me man!” That is usually how it goes. It is also a favorite of Christians who are allowing sin in their lives. If it is not understood by most and it means something other than what Jesus actually said, what does it mean?

The judgement that Jesus talks about here is not judging if what a person is doing is bad, or calling them a liar because they have lied, or a thief because they stole something. The word that Jesus used for “judge” carries with it a sense of finality. Jesus is talking here about the final judgment where God tells you wether or not you are going to Heaven. Jesus was directing this message the religious leaders of the day who loved to tell people if they were going to Heaven or not. And they based it all on what the people were doing. It was based on works.

Jesus is essentially saying “You do not get to decide who goes to Heaven. God does. You are not God. God is judge and you are not.” If you were the judge you would then be held to the same standard that you hold everyone else to. And we would have an impossible task of living up to your standards. Instead we are called to live up to God’s standards, which is a righteous life, but God has provided righteousness to us through a relationship with Jesus.

Instead of looking at others and checking to see if they are living a Christian life, we should examine our own lives. That is the point of what Jesus was saying about the “speck in a brothers eye and a log in your own eye.” Test yourself. Use that energy that you would be using to examine other peoples lives and judge yourself. Make sure that you are not allowing sin to rule you in any way, shape, or form.

Does all of this mean that we are not supposed to call out each others sin? If you see sin in another Christians life what should you do? Do you just keep quiet and pray for them? When you have dealt with your own sin, you are then in a position to lovingly confront others about sin in their lives. Galatians 6:1 says “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” We are called to help each other out when it comes to battling sin. Not in a condemning or “I am better than you” way, but in love and compassion. We are called to judge sin.

And if that person rejects what you have to say, Jesus says “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. “ If they ignore you, you are no longer obligated to peruse the issue. Pray for them, that the Lord would change their heart, but if you continue to press and push these people, you are wasting your words. How can you know if a person is hard hearted like that? Only God really knows the condition of a persons heart. That is why we must continue to ask God for wisdom (Matthew 7:7-11).

Seek Ye First

Here in Matthew 6, Jesus deals with 5 different topics regarding things in the world.

1. He identifies with the poor and encourages to give to the those in need, but to give in a humble manner.

2. Jesus then teaches them how to pray, not a religious hypocrite, but as a humble man going before the throne of God to make intercession.

3. He then, again, shows them how to live a life of faith in the right way by fasting, not so others may see what is going on, but that you can spend that time alone with God.

4. Jesus again deals with the material possessions in the world by saying in Matthew 6:19-20, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Do not seek the material possession, and do not store up treasure here on earth, but rather, strive for the treasure that you will receive in Heaven.

5. Do not be anxious about what you will do here and what you will do there. Do not stress out about what clothes you will buy, what boyfriend or girlfriend you will have, what video game I should play, what make-up I should wear, those such things do not matter compared to the eternal address you will be living in.

With having said all of that, to sum up everything that Jesus had mentioned up unto this point and looking at the 5 different areas that Jesus touched on in Matthew 6, I think that verse 33 of Matthew 6 is the key element that needs to be stressed more than ever in this day and age. We, as a culture, as a people in the 21st Century, are almost forced to live a life that seeks the tangible possessions on earth, rather than the possession in Heaven.

Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.”

What message is Jesus trying to make clear here in Matthew 6? There are a few verses before verse 33 that will help make it more clear.

Jesus, in verses 25-32 talks about how we should not be anxious about our life, what we will eat or what will we drink or even what we will wear. Why does none of this matter when the world tells us that this is all that matters? Jesus asks the question, “Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” These are things that we are constantly putting at the front of our minds that consumes everything about us.

The young lady says, “I don’t know what to wear,” even when she has a closet full of new clothes waiting to be worn.

The young man will say, “I don’t know which video game to beat next,” or, “I don’t know what girl to go out with next!”

We become consumed with the fashion of today, looking like this celebrity or playing a solo to the newest John Mayer song, wearing the same shoes as Kobe Bryant, getting my venti latte with an add shot of espresso, going to this concert, going here, going there, doing this, doing that…. I’m stressed just thinking about all of this!

But our mindset ought to be on the things above, not on the things below. Pastor Greg Laurie wrote on his twitter page a few days ago, “Our Minds must be in Heaven, but our FEET must be on Earth.” We must not be concerned with the things around us, but rather, the things above us.

So, instead of seeking the “next best thing” seek the Best Thing, in all of the world, the Kingdom of God and His righteousness! When you seek those things, you are promised to find it. And when do you find the kingdom of God as top priority in your life, and when you seek the righteousness of God, all else will seem as vanity, as King Solomon put it. And the things in which you were seeking will be added unto, according to your need.

What happens when I do become anxious about these things Brad? Memorize Philippians 4:6-7!

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Jesus As Teacher

At this point in the ministry of Jesus, He had gained a lot of popularity among the people. He had large groups of people following Him wherever He went. Part of His popularity was due to the fact that He is the Son of God but most of the people who followed Him did so because He was healing the sick and performing miracles. They wanted the healing not the healer.

So in chapter 5 of the Gospel of Matthew we see Jesus retreating to a nearby mountain top. His disciples and the crowds caught up with Him and He used this as a chance to teach the greatest message ever given. Most every Bible teacher would agree that this message is the most important message ever given. It is referred to as “The Sermon On The Mount” and can be read in Matthew chapters 5-7. Many books have been written on just these 3 chapters. A few years ago CRUX: Jr. High did an entire sermon series on these 3 chapters. There is so much to learn from Jesus in these few chapters.

Instead of going through every topic or verse that Jesus talks about we will, over the next couple of days, pick 1 or 2 verses from the Sermon on the Mount and discuss and explain it.

Matthew 5:1-2 “Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. [2] And he opened his mouth and taught them.”

As Christians we have submitted to Christ as Lord and Savior. As Savior He has paid for and forgiven us of our sin and made us right with God. As Lord He is has control of our lives as we submit to what He tells us. Everything that He has told us is contained inside the Bible. Through the Bible Jesus teaches us how to live a righteous life. Not only is He Lord and Savior but He is also Teacher. He is the greatest teacher the world has ever known.

We see in this chapter that Jesus is teaching His disciples and the crowds of people about many different topics, all about how to live a righteous life. We must study every Word that Jesus speaks. This chapter and chapter 6 and 7 would be a great section to commit to reading everyday for a month. It would definitely bless you.

2 Timothy 2:15 says “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” Jesus is our teacher, the Bible is our curriculum, and life is our test. Let Jesus be your teacher. Study His words as if your life depended on it.

Zechariah 8

We see in chapter 7 through chapter 8 of Zechariah that God is calling his people to truth. This statement today has lost meaning. What is truth! Even Pilate asked Jesus while he was examining him before the crucifixion asked,  ”What is truth (John 18:37-38)?” God is calling his people to worship him in truth, to be gone with all false idols and to put God in his place. In verse 16 we see that God is telling the people what they should do, speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace. As God was telling the remnant of Israel was not only to know that God will bless them, but that it also requires their obedience to Him.

There are so many people with their idea of what is truth, we need something to base what is true upon. If what is true for me, is not true for you is that truth? No, there are many with this false misconception of truth. If we were to define truth as something that is concrete, based on reality, something that is actual. Truth is based upon trueness that remains true no matter which way you look at it. You need something absolute to base truth on and that is God. God is truth! God and what he has established is absolute and that is concrete.

We see through scripture that the Bible is called the Word of truth (Ephesians 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:18). We are called to share of the things that are true, that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). I know sometimes I fall short in sharing truth to a world that wants to ignore what is true and make up their own false truths. We also need to know that this world has its own false truths and it needs to hear the real truth. We need to share it and not be afraid of it.

How to Speak Truth

1) Pray! Ask God to help you to speak truth to others. Ask God to help you understand and be able to communicate who he is with others. Ask God to give you the right words to say.

2) It must be spoken in love. Ephesians 4:15 says, “Rather, speaking truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” The goal should not be winning an argument, it should be revealing Christ.

2) Do not be ashamed of it, it is truth! 2 Timothy 1:7-8 says, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and of love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord.” There is a way where you can speak truth in love and not be ashamed of it. When reading through Acts you see how Paul was bold but still loving in how he presented truth. Remember it is not personal, people reject Christ, so keep going and trust the Lord.