As Matthew 9 draws to a close, Jesus has spent a considerable amount of time healing. Yet, at the end of the miracle of casting out a demon, the Pharisees say: "He casts out demons by the prince of demons." This Jesus has done nothing wrong and has shown tremendous power and grace and he meets opposition. Verses 35-36 tell us something about the character of Christ:
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. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harrassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
We already see a verse earlier in the text that Jesus meets opposition, yet what is his heart for the people? Compassion. Every single person who Jesus encounters in the gospel has at some point disobeyed God's law and deserves judgment. Yet, Jesus shows compassion. The one person who has the right to not show compassion because he has never sinned shows compassion.
Let's not miss the heart of God for people who are suffering both under spiritual and physical oppression. Jesus comes proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, providing everlasting life and he heals every disease and infirmity brought before him. The only people Jesus says no to are those who have no real need of him. They either feel they are righteous already (the Pharisees) or they are unwilling to give up everything to follow Christ (the rich young ruler).
Those who bring to Jesus a broken and contrite spirit and a broken body, God does not turn away. He has limitless compassion on those who come to him now as much as he did when he walked the earth. What are you bringing to God? Are you still clinging to whatever sliver of righteousness you have, hoping that it is enough to earn God's favor? Stop! God wants you, not your filthy righteousness. Come and receive compassion. Are you still clinging to whatever is keeping you from coming to God wholeheartedly? Stop! Come to Jesus with nothing and receive everything that will not perish. Remember the compassion of Christ for you and for me and come to him.
Peace,
Jeff Moody
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