Matthew 9:27-38

Matthew 9:27-38

1. Let us mark that strong faith in Christ may sometimes be found where it might least have been expected.
2. Let us mark that our Lord Jesus Christ has had great experience of disease and sickness.
3. Let us mark our Lord's tender concern for neglected souls.
4. Let us mark that there is a solemn duty incumbent on all Christians, who would do good to the unconverted part of the world.

"An example like this shows us, that we must never despair of any one's salvation, merely because he lives in a position unfavorable to his soul. Grace is stronger than circumstances."

"We never know what racking complaint we ourselves may have to submit to, before we lie down and die. But let us arm ourselves quickly with the precious thought that Jesus is specially fitted to be the sick man's friend. That great high-priest to whom we must apply for pardon and peace with God, is eminently qualified to sympathize with an aching body, as well as to heal an ailing conscience."

"There are millions of idolaters and heathen on earth--millions of deluded Muhammadans--millions of superstitious Roman Catholics. There are thousands of unsaved Protestants near our own doors. Do we feel tenderly concerned about their souls."

"Never, never may we forget that if we would do good to the world, our first duty is to pray."

Questions:

1. We see Jesus healing the sick as He goes around preaching and teaching. The truth of this fallen world is that sin affects every part of life, including our bodies. Sin is the root of all sickness, illness, and ultimately death. And, as Ryle says, we never know what illnesses we may have to submit to before we die. But he challenges us to arm ourselves with this precious thought: Jesus is specially fitted to be the sick man's friend. In whatever sicknesses you have endured, do you tend to run to Jesus or to doctors? Do you believe that Jesus is able to sympathize with and care for you? A quick side note: this is not to say you shouldn't go to a doctor or take medicine, but it is a question of whether our trust is primarily on such things or in Christ who brings the healing.
2. Jesus looks at the multitudes of sheep without a shepherd and had compassion. How is our heart toward the unbelievers around us? Do we have the mind of Christ toward those who are perishing without Christ? If not, may we plead to have the compassion of Christ!
3. Jesus exhorts the disciples to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send workers. Ryle declares that this is a call for all Christians to walk in. He says that such prayer "is one of the surest ways of doing good, and stemming evil." He goes on to say, "Never, never may we forget that if we would do good to the world, our first duty is to pray!" Do our actions show we believe this? May the Lord give us hearts to believe this calling, and to be faithful to do the best good we can for this lost world!