How difficult or easy is it for you to trust someone? For many people, trust is a hard commodity to come by. A lot of factors go into that – past experiences and a host of other reasons can make us reticent with our trust…and those are people we can SEE and examine and evaluate on a regular basis. What about a God who we can’t see and who sometimes feels like he’s hiding himself?
Still, that’s the whole thing when it comes to Scripture. We are continually called on to trust God – and in the Good News of the Gospel, to trust in the authority of Jesus.
This Sunday we’ll be reading chapter 8:23 through chapter 9:8 as we journey through the gospel of Matthew. The chapter break really shouldn’t be there, because this whole section belongs in a single grouping. Three areas where Jesus demonstrates his authority to encourage our trust in him, even as we follow him into potential hardships. They link us back to the creation story in Genesis as well as the Exodus; God bringing order to the chaotic waters, subduing spiritual evil and reconciling us to God.
In chapter 8:23-27 we have the famous account of Jesus calming the storm. Have you ever felt like Jesus was sleeping while you were going through severe and stressful times? What does he ask his disciples? In our own storms of life, how can asking ourselves the question “why are you afraid?” help to orient our thinking and perspective?
In v28-34 Jesus heals two men who were demon possessed. How comfortable are you with the idea that there are demons on the loose in this world, taking possession of people sometimes? Our western culture mostly dismisses that notion as primitivism – but I think we need to be cautious about adopting the hubris of our rationalistic culture and leave room for mystery. Jesus demonstrates his authority over evil. How does that develop our understanding of his words in the Lord’s Prayer “deliver us from evil” – and in what way can that inspire our trust? What should our response to evil be, in light of his authority over it?
Chapter 9:1-8 tells the story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man. Before he heals him, he forgives his sin. Then he demonstrates his authority to forgive sins by healing the man’s physical body. What does his authority to forgive sins inspire you to trust Him with? What did the paralyzed man do to deserve that declaration of forgiveness?
Troubles from without, in the natural world and the spiritual one, and troubles from within in the form of our own failures – Jesus has authority over them all. What will you trust Him with?
Hope to see you this Sunday!
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