Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
Luke 11; Matthew 12
Matthew 12:14-21
14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.
15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;
16 And charged them that they should not make him known:
17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.
Matthew quotes large portions of Isaiah 42 and paraphrasing portions to help the reader think about the Messiah. Matthew makes the case for the only hope for any person of any nationality was Jesus the true Messiah, “An in His name shall the Gentiles trust.” (vs. 21) My hope is Jesus and it is truly in His name that I have put my trust. He is the Forgiver of my sin, the Savior of my soul, and the Sustainer of my future. This world is not my home and it has nothing to offer me except the opportunity to participate in God’s program for His glory.
The Pharisees gathered together to conspire about how they could destroy Jesus. How foolish and yet their foolish minds were darkened by their own conceit and agenda. Much like people today who think they are thwarting the program and plans of God and yet are simply making His program successful. As Jesus hung on a cross, bleeding, bruised, and dead, they no doubt thought they had won. However, the program and plan of God for the salvation of the world was now complete. Sin had been successfully paid for, the purpose for Jesus coming to earth was complete, and salvation was now possible. God proved all of this when He raised His Son from the dead! (Rom 4:25) The fools of our day are no different. They think they are directing the world for their benefit, but really are simply making the plan of God successful as we march ever closer to the return of our Savior. Our hope truly is in Jesus!
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to rest in the sovereign plan you have for me and the world.
- Lord, please help me to rest in the promises of your word.
- Lord, please help me to work hard while there is still work to be done.
Political
- Representative Cynthia Johnson
- Senator Ruth Johnson
- Senator Jeff Irwin