BIBLE IN TEN

Matthew 9:33

Friday, 2 May 2025
 
And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, “It was never seen like this in Israel!” Matthew 9:33
 
“And the demon, having been ejected, the mute – he spoke. And the crowds, they marveled, saying that never it appeared thus in Israel” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, a demon-possessed man who was mute was brought to Jesus. That thought now continues with, “And the demon, having been ejected.”
 
The surrounding details that took place are omitted. At other times, Jesus may ask a question or make some sort of statement in connection with a miracle, and that was surely the case at this time as well. However, the narrative is focusing on the miracle for effect. The mute man, who was also demon possessed, was brought forward, and the narrative goes right to the fact that the demon is ejected. With that accomplished, it next says, “the mute – he spoke.”
 
This would be as incredible as healing the blind. A mute person has some sort of cause for his condition. In his case, it is attributed to being demon-possessed. Jesus’ authority over the demon is made manifest in His ability to cast it out. If the demon is under authority, meaning under Satan, it demonstrates that Jesus’ abilities are greater than those of the house of Satan.
 
This is an important consideration because of what is recorded in the next verse. For now, however, those who beheld the miracle were amazed, as it next says, “And the crowds, they marveled.”
 
With the healing accomplished, the masses could hardly believe what their eyes saw. Even today, such a display would be considered incredible. It is one thing to go to a doctor, schedule surgery or some type of lengthy rehab, or take some other avenue to be cured of such things, and another to have someone taken to another person who immediately cures him of some major ailment. And yet, this is just what Matthew records. Therefore, the people were “saying that never it appeared thus in Israel.”
 
The words are debated over because such a statement is not usually made. People are cured of major issues by Jesus, the young girl was raised to life, etc., but this expression is a mark of something inordinate, as if healing a mute man is more exceptional than the other miracles.
 
Because of this, fanciful explanations have been made up over the years. One such explanation is that it was common to ask the name of a demon. By knowing its name, its source of power could be determined, and therefore, it could be properly handled. However, because this man is deaf, Jesus was exercising a power over an unnamed demon, something never seen before.
 
The explanation is ridiculous. There is nothing to even hint at this, but because it is sensational, people will pass it on as if it is true. Rather, the words “never it appeared thus in Israel” are a summary of everything thus far presented while Jesus is in Capernaum.
 
He had arrived there, and right in the middle of reclining, He was asked to come and restore a girl who had died to life. On the way to do this, a woman who had bled for twelve years was restored by faith. All she did was reach out to Him, and she was healed. After that, the young girl’s life was restored. That was followed by the two blind men having their sight restored, and then this mute man having a demon ejected. This then loosened the man’s tongue to speak.
 
Because of all of these marvelous things happening in rapid succession, the people of Capernaum were exceedingly astonished and made their exclamation that Israel had never seen such things. Throughout their Scriptures, which extensively cover their history and the lives of many prophets, nothing like this had ever been seen.
 
Life application: When watching videos or reading commentaries about the Bible, be careful not to accept what you read without checking things out. Innumerable falsities have become accepted explanations of things because people don’t know how to otherwise explain them, and so they make something up out of thin air.
 
In a similar fashion, there are innumerable Jewish traditions (at times, invented Jewish traditions) that are inserted into the Bible in an attempt to explain matters. By saying, “The Jews often did xx and this is what Jesus is basing His example on,” a seeming note of authority is assigned to the explanation. In other words, “If the Jews did this, God must be using their tradition to explain His word.”
 
A major problem with that is that it makes God’s word subject to some supposed Jewish cultural tradition. This is especially problematic when there actually is no such tradition. Rather, we must let Scripture interpret Scripture. To assign meaning to events in the Bible that come from outside of it destroys the integrity of what the Bible is presenting. It becomes an “anything means anything” approach to explaining Scripture.
 
Be careful of what you believe until you can verify that the matter is true. More often than not, if it sensationally explains the matter, you will find it is not.
 
Lord God, the record of Jesus’ miracles as He ministered to Israel is extensive. They are laid out in a manner that tells us, with all certainty, that He is the Messiah. Despite this, the people as a whole rejected Him. We lift up the nation of Israel today, praying that many will have their eyes opened to the truth of what You have done through the coming of Jesus. Amen.

Matthew 9:32

Thursday, 1 May 2025
 
As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed. Matthew 9:32
 
“And they, departing – you behold – they presented Him a man, mute – demon-possessings.” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the two men healed from blindness disregarded Jesus’ admonition and then went out and divulged Him in all the land. Now, the narrative focuses on a new subject, found only in Matthew’s gospel. The words begin with, “And they, departing – you behold.”
 
In other words, no sooner had the two healed men left than this event took place. Understanding this, it next says, “They presented Him a man, mute.”
 
The word “they” is not referring to the two healed men who just departed, but either the friends of the man being presented, or maybe the apostles, or even the multitudes who will next be mentioned. Jesus was in “the house” noted in verse 9:28. While he was inside healing the two blind men, the man next to be presented had arrived outside and was promptly brought before Him.
 
This man is described as kóphos, mute. It is a new word in the New Testament. It is derived from the verb koptó, a word signifying to cut off or sever. In this case, it is used to describe one whose speech had been cut off. Vincent’s Word Studies notes –
 
“The word is also used of deafness (Matthew 11:5; Mark 7:32; Luke 7:22). It means dull or blunted. Thus Homer applies it to the earth; the dull, senseless earth ("Iliad," xxiv., 25). Also to a blunted dart ("Iliad," xi., 390). The classical writers use it of speech, hearing, sight, and mental perception. In the New Testament, only of hearing and speech, the meaning in each case being determined by the context.”
 
Because he is mute, he would be unable to describe any affliction that could go beyond his inability to speak. Thus, Jesus would have to determine anything else wrong, maybe by asking those with him. Seeing he was mute, Jesus also discovered he was “demon-possessings.”
 
In other words, Matthew is connecting the man’s being demon-possessed to his being mute. One led to the other. This account is very similar to that of Matthew 12. Some even say it is the same account from different sources.
 
That is a rather inane proposition when the man there is said to be blind, and Matthew says nothing of the accounts being the same. It would have to assume that Matthew was not the only author, something not hinted at by the contents of the gospel.
 
Life application: The previous account was equated to the doctrine of eternal salvation. People can believe in Jesus, be saved and healed by Him, and yet demonstrate disobedience to Him without being “unsaved.” This happens in all of us at one time or another.
 
However, the men being brought from blindness to seeing can also be equated to those Jews who were blinded to the gospel. Eventually, someone tells them that Jesus is the Messiah and He can heal them. With that, they ask for sight in order to see. In essence, “We have heard and we believe. Now show us the truth.” In that, the blindness Paul refers to in Romans 11 will end, and the veil that he refers to in 2 Corinthians 3 will be lifted. Israel’s spiritual sight will be restored.
 
The next logical step is that they go out and tell the world what they know. The healing of the mute, though a different account, would be a logical next step in the proclamation concerning Jesus. Israel is unable to see Jesus for who He is. Because of that, they are unable to speak about Him. In fact, to this day, Jesus is the great unmentionable in Jewish society.
 
The only times He is brought up, it is usually in a very negative way. This anti-Christian sentiment is so profound, it is as if the society is mute in its ability to speak. But this, too, will be healed in Israel. One step at a time, they are being presented with this truth. The young girl is raised, the blind see, and now the mute are brought before Him for healing.
 
Though the accounts seem arbitrary and random, they do show a process that seems logical in how the nation will be healed of its great malady. Restoration is promised, and it will come about in God’s pre-determined timing.
 
Lord God, though we may not understand everything concerning the blindness of Israel, Your word speaks of it as a truth that exists. But the veil will be lifted, the people will see, and then they will be brought to speak. We know it is coming. We pray for the nation to see the truth about Jesus that they have rejected for so long. Amen.
 

Matthew 9:31

Wednesday, 30 April 2025
 
But when they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country. Matthew 9:31
 
“And they, having departed, they divulged Him in all that land” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus strictly charged the men whose eyes had been healed to see that none knew about what He had done. However, the account now says, “And they, having departed, they divulged Him in all that land.”
 
Charles Ellicott tells of a difference of perception about their actions, saying that the matter “curiously enough, has been answered by most patristic and Roman Catholic commentators in the affirmative, some even maintaining that the command was not meant seriously; and by most Protestant commentators in the negative.”
 
It is hard to see how what is plainly stated in black and white can be intended as anything other than disobedience to the word. There is no hint that Jesus wasn’t serious. That must be read into the text. One must wonder, then, why there is a striking divide.
 
A couple of possibilities come to mind. The first is that some noted Roman Catholic theologians may have decided their actions were ok and others fell in line with his analysis. This would not be uncommon. Reading commentaries that span hundreds of years, one can tell why a point is agreed on by various scholars by simply looking at unusual words that are used to make a point.
 
In other words, someone may comment on a verse using the word fructifying. Though this word may not be seen again in his writings, it is used in an analysis of the same verse by numerous later scholars. This tells us that later scholars read his analysis, liked the use of the unusual word, and used it in their own analysis, which mirrors in content that of the older scholar.
 
It is kind of a “follow-the-bandwagon” way of analyzing a verse. A second possibility is that the overall theology of the Roman Catholic Church finds this verse difficult to swallow as being a sign of disobedience because it would then conflict with their own theology in other areas.
 
What needs to be done is to consider why Jesus charged them in the first place and then why Matthew points out their reaction. It could be that there was an immediate reason for Him telling them not to tell others, such as noted in the previous commentary, which said Jesus may not yet have wanted it to be openly accepted that He was the Messiah.
 
By restoring sight to the blind, something Isaiah indicates is something the Messiah would do, it might then spur the masses in a direction not yet desired for Him to accomplish His work. However, there may be a reason for His charging them that would only be understood after He completed His work.
 
In other words, it has been seen that the healing of the woman with a flow of blood mirrored salvation in the church that Christ would establish. The raising of the child mirrors the restoration of Israel after the church age. Thus, it is logical to consider that this account may have something to do with future theology as well.
 
Here we have sight restored to two blind men. This was obviously something they thought Jesus could do, and when they called out to Him, they called Him the Son of David. They believed Him to be the Messiah and that He was capable of healing them. However, after He did so, He gave them a word to be obedient to. In the very next verse, they are shown to be disobedient to the word.
 
Despite their disobedience, there is no later note that they lost their eyesight, something Matthew would surely have recorded. But more, it goes on to say that they divulged Him in all that land. They didn’t just tell about Him to their family or in their city, but everywhere they went.
 
Though unstated, accompanying their words would have been praises to God and notes that this was surely the Messiah. It is unlikely they would hail Him as such, believe in Him, and then later say, “Some guy healed us.” Rather, they would say, “We were restored by the Messiah!”
 
So what is this account telling us? It is a note that when one is saved and has seen the light of Christ, that salvation is eternal. Despite their obvious disobedience to the spoken word, they retained their eyesight.
 
If we are honest with ourselves, each person who has been saved by Jesus will openly avow that he has been disobedient to the word we have been given, the word spoken by God, which is then recorded by His apostles. And yet, Jesus continues to save us and allow us to go out and tell others about who He is and what He has done for us.
 
Despite our failing Him, He is full of grace – enough to carry us for all of our days until He brings us to Himself. This must be the reason the words are recorded for us as they are.
 
Life application: Understanding the premise laid out concerning these men, it begs the question of why most Roman Catholic theologians see their actions as not being disobedient, while most Protestants take the opposite view.
 
It may partially be a follow-the-bandwagon thing, but more than that, it shows a vast gulf in the basic theology of the two approaches to the word. Protestants have accepted the five Solas since the Reformation: Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (glory to God alone).
 
Roman Catholics reject all of these to some extent. They believe Scripture to some point, but add in authoritative edicts from the Vatican, along with the apocrypha. It is Scripture, plus. They believe in faith plus works. They believe in grace, but personal merit is included for “getting out of purgatory” and all kinds of other nonsense.
 
They believe in Christ but also exalt Mary to co-redemptrix. They pray to her, petition her, and build lots of idols of her to worship. They also believe in exalting God, but their theology exalts angels and even the pope within their worship. Everything about Roman Catholicism is “plus.”
 
Because of this, seeing the man’s actions as disobedient would return too much emphasis concerning disobedience upon their own corrupt theology, which rejects the word of God as our sole authority that must be adhered to.
 
Most Protestants, however, understand that ignoring or being disobedient to the word is not something that can be denied. Thus, there is an understanding that it is grace that heals us (like the eyes of the blind men), and it is grace that continues to carry us through until the day when Jesus will bring us to Himself (as displayed in their disobedience without being re-blinded for it).
 
We are seeing in these few verses the doctrines of 1) free will, and 2) eternal salvation. Our perception of what Jesus has done and the effectiveness of it in our lives will be understood and worked out in how we perceive what the word “grace” means. The more we understand it, the more willing we will be to adhere to His word. And yet, it will also comfort us when we realize we continue to fail Him from day to day.
 
Lord God, even before Jesus came, we have types, pictures, and prophecies that reveal to us the many things He would do. They literally permeate the Old Testament. And in Jesus’ coming, we have hints concerning what things would be like after the completion of His work. Thank You, O God, for giving us such insight to help us make proper decisions about our theology now that we are saved by You through Him. Amen.
 

Matthew 9:30

Tuesday, 29 April 2025
 
And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, “See that no one knows it.” Matthew 9:30
 
“And their eyes, they opened. And Jesus, He in-snorted at them, saying, ‘You see none knows’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus told the blind men that according to their faith, their sight would be restored to them. Now, that is realized in the words, “And their eyes, they opened.”
 
The power of the Lord to give sight to the blind is realized. Regardless of what type of blindness they suffered, He went to the cause, identified it, and corrected it with merely the word that it should be done. This is something prophesied would come to pass concerning the ability of the coming Messiah. For example –
 
“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.” Isaiah 35:5
 
However, the state of blindness referred to by Isaiah may be interpreted as simply dulled spiritual senses. This is seen, for example, in Isaiah 42 –
 
“Hear, you deaf;And look, you blind, that you may see.19 Who is blind but My servant,Or deaf as My messenger whom I send?Who is blind as he who is perfect,And blind as the Lord’s servant?20 Seeing many things, but you do not observe;Opening the ears, but he does not hear.” Isaiah 42:18-20
 
Because of this, the verses concerning giving sight to the blind could be taken as a metaphor. However, this is not what the people expected. They took them to be literal. This is why the two men called out to Jesus, calling Him the Son of David. They knew the Messiah would come from the line of David, and they knew that He would be able to restore sight to the blind. Jesus even reminded John that this was a messianic promise –
 
“And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3 and said to Him, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’4 Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.’” Matthew 11:2-6
 
Jesus’ healing of these men clearly pointed to Him being the Messiah. They understood Him to be such, and their appeal to Him was not in vain. Once healed, Matthew next says, “And Jesus, He in-snorted at them, saying, ‘You see none knows.’”
 
Here is a new word, embrimaomai. It is derived from en, in, and brimaomai, to snort with anger. Thus, it is a word that mimics an animal like a horse or pig. If one makes a piggy grunt with the nose by inhaling while properly forming the nostrils (gnugnugnugnu), it gives the sense of the intent of the word. But its meaning is that it is accompanied by a sense of anger more than anything else.
 
When someone is passionate about what he has to say, this in-snorting sound can occur suddenly. Therefore, the word is used to express a strong admonition or warning, such as here. It can be a mark of scolding, such as in Mark 14:5. It can also be used as being moved in the spirit and even groaning, as in John 11:33 and 11:38.
 
Jesus’ in-snorting here signifies His urgent desire for them not to reveal to others what occurred. Otherwise, there would be displeasure in Him for it. The exact reason for this isn’t stated, but He had waited until they were inside before attending to them. This means He wanted the matter done privately. And yet, He did other such miracles openly. But those instances were later (Matthew 12:22).
 
Therefore, because this was a sign that the Messiah would accomplish, it seems that He did not want this openly divulged at this time. It is not until Chapter 16 that Peter declares Jesus to be the promised Christ of God.
 
Life application: Today, two thousand years after Jesus’ miracle healing of these men, people in the world continue to struggle with blindness. Some are born blind, some develop blindness through age or sickness, and some receive trauma that causes blindness.
 
Think of all that had to go into Jesus’ “simple” miracle of giving sight to these blind men. He had to know if they had trauma, what sort it was. If they had an infection, tumor, nutrient deficiency, or stroke, how did it affect the eye? Did the men have diabetes, or was it caused by macular degeneration or glaucoma?
 
To determine what causes blindness today and then treat it takes many specialists being involved in the process, expensive machinery, an understanding of many variables, etc. From there, some types of blindness can be corrected. Others have no hope of it being so.
 
And yet, with the spoken word and nothing more, Jesus was able to heal these two men. The power of God was evident in Him and working through Him to effect the miracle. And Jesus, unlike the prophets of Old, did not appeal to the Lord (Yehovah). He merely spoke the word under His own authority.
 
This reveals the nature of the Man. He is the Lord God. He is great and He is glorious. He is Jesus!
 
Lord God, how exciting it is to see Jesus for who He is. He isn’t just a prophet in a long succession of prophets that came to reveal Your intent for His people. Rather, He is the fulfillment of all prophecy. He is the true and great Prophet. You have united with humanity in the Person of Jesus. Thank You for having so revealed Yourself to us. Amen.

Matthew 9:29

Monday, 28 April 2025
 
Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” Matthew 9:29
 
“Then He touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith, it became to you’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus asked the two blind men if they believed that He was able to have mercy on them. Their response was in the affirmative. With that remembered, it next says, “Then He touched their eyes.”
 
Jesus does this elsewhere, such as in Matthew 20:34. It would be an indication to them that there is no doubt where the power came from. However, this is not the only way that Jesus restores sight to the blind. In Mark 8, Jesus spat on a blind man’s eyes, partially restored his vision, and then placed His hands on the man’s eyes and brought him to full vision.
 
In John 9, Jesus spat on the ground, made clay with it, and then anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. From there, He instructed the man to go to the pool of Siloam and wash his eyes. When he did, he came back seeing.
 
Therefore, Jesus’ various methods of restoring sight are instructive as much as they are curative. In this case, it is instructive to the men being healed that the power to heal has come from Him and that it came about when He touched them with His hands and then spoke the word. This restoration of sight would leave no doubt about who Jesus is because He would be the first person they would see.
 
Their testimony in this case would be infallible proof to those who knew them when they were blind. As such, upon touching their eyes, Jesus was “saying, ‘According to your faith, it be to you.’”
 
It is not the physical touching that healed them, nor is it their faith that healed them. They have professed faith, and that is what Jesus is acknowledging to them. In other words, “according to” isn’t “If you have this much faith, you will be healed and if you don’t, you won’t be.” Rather, “according to” is in response to the faith they have already acknowledged.
 
The healing is then brought about by Jesus’ spoken word. It would be like saying, “Because you have professed faith in My ability, I will now heal you. And so it is.”
 
Life application: The healing of these blind men is not unlike the process of our salvation. The Bible says, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” Romans 10:9, 10
 
Jesus doesn’t ask, “Just how much do you believe in your heart?” Every person’s faith is on its own level. If Jesus were looking for a certain amount of faith, there would be a faith exam attached to the promise. No such thing exists. We are not asked to stand on a rooftop in an Islamic city and shout out that we have believed the gospel.
 
Nor are we told we must eat a habanero chili pepper to prove our faith. God reads the heart, and salvation is granted. These men professed faith in Jesus’ ability to heal them. In turn, He healed them.
 
Understanding this should help us to understand the fallacy of “works as a demonstration of salvation.” This is a common teaching that says, “If you don’t have works to support your profession of salvation, you are probably not saved.” This begs the obvious question, “What works? Just what exactly do I have to do to prove I am saved?”
 
The Bible doesn’t specify any such thing. It does provide instructions on what we should do in our salvation, but it never makes them a proof test for our salvation. The blind men were healed, and there is no string attached to the healing, such as, “If you don’t do what I say, you will lose your sight.”
 
In fact, there will appear to be a mark of disobedience in those men in the verses to come. But there is nothing to indicate that they somehow were re-blinded for it. In fact, the words indicate otherwise. We must keep the salvation message simple. Complicating it with requests for proof of salvation will only produce weak believers who will struggle with the surety of what Christ has done for them for the rest of their days.
 
Keep the gospel simple. From there, tell people to learn the Bible and apply it to their lives. In doing so, their walk with the Lord will be sound and their time in His presence will be sweet.
 
Lord God, may we be confident in our salvation, not because of an arrogant, haughty attitude, but because we understand what the word says. Christ died for our sins according to Scripture, He was buried, and He rose again on the third day according to Scripture. This is what You have asked us to believe in order to be saved. We do! Thank You for the salvation You have granted us. Amen.
 

Matthew 9:28

Sunday, 27 April 2025
 
And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Matthew 9:28
 
“And having come into the house, they came to Him – the blind – and Jesus, He says to them, ‘You believe that I can do this?’ They say to Him, ‘Yes, Lord’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus departed from the ruler’s house, and two blind men followed Him, crying out for mercy upon them. Now, the narrative continues with, “And having come into the house, they came to Him – the blind.”
 
It doesn’t say what house He went into, but the use of the definite article means it is a particular house. Verse 10 of this chapter mentions a house, but it doesn’t say which. But going back to the previous chapter, verse 8:14 specifically notes Peter’s house. So this may be the house being referred to.
 
Either way, it doesn’t say why He didn’t just stop and turn to them as they followed Him. But it may be that He wanted His next actions to be in a private setting. Therefore, now in the house with the two blind men there, it next says, “and Jesus, He says to them, ‘You believe that I can do this?’”
 
What seems apparent is that they did believe. Calling out to Jesus for Him to have mercy on them means they understood His capabilities. Continuing to follow Him in a blind state, even to the house He was staying in, demonstrated this as well. Therefore, the question is probably for faith-building.
 
Such questions span human history and innumerable circumstances. A question like this might be asked by a gym coach to spur on an already-capable student, “Are you really sure you can do this?” “Yes, I am confident I can.”
 
Jesus wants them mentally prepared for what He certainly already intends to do. Therefore, the question is asked. And as anticipated, “They say to Him, ‘Yes, Lord.’”
 
They already knew this, but their own words have testified to Him and also encouraged their own faith. They are prepared for what lies ahead...
 
Life application: Innumerable books have been written about confidence-building. Seminars are held on the subject. People living in clamshells are spurred on to break free and live an emboldened life.
 
These things are common to human nature, and different levels of confidence exist in all of us. Some of us may be fully confident in one matter and yet totally reluctant to act in another. There is nothing wrong with this. Those who are overconfident will often cause more trouble than their confidence supports.
 
For example, a person may be so sure of himself that he decides to tear out his wall and fix a leaky pipe by himself. In doing so, he forgets that he doesn’t know everything about the entire process of hydraulics or maybe structural engineering, or even the nuances of electrical wiring.
 
Without understanding the whole process, he may bust the pipe while under pressure and cause tens of thousands of dollars of water damage. Or he may cause a wall to collapse or otherwise be so damaged that he will need a crew of specialists to fix it. Or he may need a coffin because he didn’t think about live wiring while standing in a pool of water that had dripped on the floor.
 
After a short adventure of hair standing on its end, he collapses like a bunch of broccoli, never to rise again. Thus, it is good not to be overly confident. And yet, when things are lined up properly and the outcome appears certain, we shouldn’t hesitate to act.
 
It is true that there may be some small point that was overlooked that may end in a negative outcome, but this is what the clam dwellers fear to the point of complete inability to act. There needs to be a point where we will allow for error if the outcome has a high enough probability of success.
 
At the same time, we need to be willing to accept the results of defeat without becoming so stressed that we allow it to shape the rest of our lives. Where the balance in such situations is will be hard to determine at times, but that is where prayer comes in.
 
We have access to the Creator of all things. And so, if we have things set to the highest probability of success and are still reticent, we should have already prayed that the Lord will be with us through the process. If there is failure, we can accept that He allowed it for His purposes. This is true if we really believe in God’s unlimited wisdom and power and the power of prayer that He has allowed us, as explained in His word.
 
We have what no other people on the planet have, absolute and certain access to the throne of grace, where we can go in times of need. Let us use this most important tool as we move forward in life from decision to decision.
 
Lord God, help us to be people of prayer as we walk in Your presence. From moment to moment, may our existence be filled with communication with You to help us as we continue this path through life. We know that You are as close to us as the spoken breath we utter for our needs, thanks, and praises. Thank You for this knowledge. Amen.
 

Matthew 9:27

Saturday, 26 April 2025
 
When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” Matthew 9:27
 
“And Jesus, passing thence, they followed Him – two blind – croaking and saying, ‘You compassionate us, Son of David’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it was noted that the report of what Jesus did in restoring life to the damsel went throughout all the land. Now, the narrative continues with the account of another miracle, beginning with, “And Jesus, passing thence, they followed Him – two blind.”
 
A new adjective, tuphlos, translated as blind, is introduced. It signifies opaque, as if smoky. Thus, it gives the sense of an inability to see. It is derived from the verb tuphoó, to be enveloped in smoke. It can be taken literally or figuratively. In the latter sense, it would refer to someone who is lifted up with pride or who is conceited. That word is, in turn, derived from tuphó, to make smoke, as if slowly consumed without flame, as in a smoldering wick.
 
This word, signifying blindness because of being opaque, probably covers the whole range of blindness, from cataracts to being born blind (as in John 9). These men were unable to see, but their ears were fine because they were able to discern that Jesus was passing by. In hearing this news, they followed Him, “croaking.”
 
It is the same word used in Matthew 8 when the demon-possessed men croaked out to Jesus. It is thus an elevated cry of consternation or desire. They raised their voices as if croaking, “and saying, ‘You compassionate us, Son of David.’”
 
Outside of Matthew 1, this is the first time David is mentioned in the New Testament. In Matthew 1, the name was mentioned 5 times in Jesus’ genealogy and then once, saying –
 
“But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.’” Matthew 1:20, 21
 
These two blind men are calling out in acknowledgement that they believe Jesus is the promised Messiah who would sit on David’s throne. This was a confident act of faith because the current king was Herod, who descended from his father Herod the Great. Thus, a dynasty had been in place. And yet, it was believed based on Scripture that the Messiah would be Israel’s king.
 
There is nothing stated as to how they concluded that Jesus was the Son of David. It wasn’t as if people carried around a copy of His genealogy. Therefore, it may be that the thought was that any Jew could somehow fulfill this kingly role, thus fulfilling the messianic prophecy.
 
In other words, the authority, character, or role of a famous person may be used as an identifier. So, if someone was thought to be a great prophet, they may say, “He is a son of Isaiah,” thus identifying him as a figurative son of a great prophet. This is not an unknown concept because Paul uses it concerning Gentiles in relation to Abraham –
 
“Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?— 6 just as Abraham ‘believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.” Galatians 3:5-7
 
It also could be that there may have been some other commonly used identifier that allowed people to know the tribal heritage of others. If this is the case, there is no record of it being so. Whatever was on the minds of these blind men, they are clearly identifying Jesus with the authority of the throne of Israel, believing that His power extended beyond that of David as a man of war in earthly battles to a Man of war in the physical/spiritual realm of being able to heal the blind.
 
Life application: With the resurrection of Christ and the writing of the New Testament, we now have a full understanding of the many roles of Jesus the Messiah. He not only fulfills the role of the Son of David in kingly authority and power, but He also is the great prophet who is the Giver of all other prophetic utterances because He is God.
 
He is also the great High Priest who has initiated a New Covenant and who now advocates and mediates on behalf of His people. He is the Shepherd of His people, the Author and Perfector of our salvation, and so much more. When we consider what God has done in Christ Jesus, we are considering how He has fully and exactingly expressed Himself to His creatures.
 
Let us consider this as we contemplate who Jesus is, understanding that the glory and honor we ascribe to Him are that which is due to our Creator. Let us never disassociate the two in our thoughts. When we behold Jesus, we are beholding our God, who is united with humanity to restore us to Himself. All hail the name of Jesus!
 
Heavenly Father, we thank You for what You have done for us when You sent Jesus to bring us back to Yourself. It is hard to fathom what value we possess that You would do what You have done. But we accept it by faith, knowing that for all eternity we will behold Your greatness and glorify You for what You have done. Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Matthew 9:26

Friday, 25 April 2025
 
And the report of this went out into all that land. Matthew 9:26
 
“And this saying, it went out into all that land” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus had seized the hand of the damsel, at which time she arose. The tragedy for the parents had ended in joy. With that complete, Matthew next begins his final words of this short account with the words, “And this saying.”
 
This is a new word in Scripture that will only be seen again in Luke 4:14, phémé, a report, fame, a saying, a rumor, etc. It is derived from the verb phémi, to say. This event became a spoken word that was retold time and again as “it went out into all that land.”
 
The child was reported as having died. Reliable witnesses, not a few in number, who had seen the dead before confirmed it. The parent was a ruler of the synagogue and would be considered trustworthy in his testimony. And his once-dead daughter being alive was evidence to the fact concerning what occurred.
 
Because of the circumstances, the event became a spoken word and a testimony to the matter.
 
Life application: Though Matthew and Mark omit the age of the girl, Luke gives her age as about twelve. The woman with the issue of blood who had just been healed was likewise afflicted for twelve years.
 
Without trying to read too much into this, it appears that a progression of thought is being presented concerning the dispensations of time. It was noted in the comments on verse 9:22 that the woman with the issue of blood was typical of the church.
 
She was brought directly from a state of uncleanness to a state of salvation and being deemed clean. There are no works involved, and the one who is far away is brought near by the blood of Christ.
 
In this account, which encompasses the account of the woman, having begun in verse 18 (before the account of the woman) and which is completed now (after the healing of the woman), can be equated to the restoration of Israel.
 
The ruler has a child who is sick, an accurate description of Jerusalem (the seat of power of the Jewish people) throughout her history, and who is also equated to a daughter (such as in Lamentations 2 and elsewhere) –
 
“How shall I console you?To what shall I liken you,O daughter of Jerusalem?What shall I compare with you, that I may comfort you,O virgin daughter of Zion?For your ruin is spread wide as the sea;Who can heal you?14 Your prophets have seen for youFalse and deceptive visions;They have not uncovered your iniquity,To bring back your captives,But have envisioned for you false prophecies and delusions.15 All who pass by clap their hands at you;They hiss and shake their headsAt the daughter of Jerusalem:‘Is this the city that is called“The perfection of beauty,The joy of the whole earth?”’” Lamentations 2:13-15
 
 While Jesus is tending to the woman who believed by faith and was saved (being equated to the church of those who believe by faith), the daughter dies. Likewise, the spiritual connection of Israel to God was severed. However, Jesus says that the girl is not dead but only sleeping. Israel, likewise, was separated from God but not cut off entirely. She will be raised after the church age –
 
“And you, O tower of the flock,The stronghold of the daughter of Zion,To you shall it come,Even the former dominion shall come,The kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.” Micah 4:8
 
The girl, being about twelve years old, has the same symbolism as that of the woman. Twelve is the number of perfection of government or governmental perfection. It thus represents the state of Israel after Jerusalem, the seat of power, is again raised to life –
 
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 38 See! Your house is left to you desolate; 39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’” Matthew 23:37-39
 
Jesus’ life and actions as He interacts with Israel, and as He moves around to various areas within the land, are like a walking parable. His very movements and actions form their own typology for us to consider. If the picture presented here for Israel is valid, it demonstrates that there is still a plan for Israel in the future.
 
As the people of Israel have been returned to the land of Israel, it appears that it will not be long before the church age comes to its end. And may that day be soon.
 
Heavenly Father, how wonderful it is to read Your words, seeking out hints of what You are telling us concerning the times, events, and interactions between You and Your people that are ongoing in the stream of time. Help us to not jump ahead and form illogical conclusions, but to consider Your word from what is clearly presented so that we can make sound conclusions about what is veiled. May it be so. Amen.

Matthew 9:25

Thursday, 24 April 2025
 
But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. Matthew 9:25
 
“And when He ejected the crowd, having entered, He seized her hand, and the damsel, she arose” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus told those mourning the death of the damsel that she was not dead but only sleeping. In response, they derided Him. Matthew next says, “And when He ejected the crowd.”
 
Mark’s gospel adds the following –
 
He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. 41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Mark 5:40, 41
 
Therefore, there were seven people in the room at the time of the raising. These were Jesus, Peter, James, John, the two parents, and the damsel. Once these were free of the commotion of the mourners, it next says, “having entered, He seized her hand.”
 
This is a new word, krateó, to seize. It is derived from kratos, which signifies power, might, dominion, strength, etc. T herefore, this is an act where strength is employed. He didn’t just touch her hand, but He grasped as if to pull her into an awakened state. Such an act would cause a person under the law to be defiled –
 
“Whoever in the open field touches one who is slain by a sword or who has died, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days.” Number 19:16
 
In such a state, a rite of cleansing was to be performed according to the next verses of Numbers –
 
“And for an unclean person they shall take some of the ashes of the heifer burnt for purification from sin, and running water shall be put on them in a vessel. 18 A clean person shall take hyssop and dip it in the water, sprinkle it on the tent, on all the vessels, on the persons who were there, or on the one who touched a bone, the slain, the dead, or a grave. 19 The clean person shall sprinkle the unclean on the third day and on the seventh day; and on the seventh day he shall purify himself, wash his clothes, and bathe in water; and at evening he shall be clean.” Numbers 19:17-19
 
However, Jesus had just said to those gathered that she had not died but was sleeping. Because of this, as a person might awaken another, He seized her by the hand to rouse her. Having done so, it next says, “and the damsel, she arose.”
 
It is not uncommon for scholars to use the word “resurrect” here. This is incorrect. This was a restoration of life to the body, not a resurrection. Paul says that Christ is the Firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. His resurrection was a unique occurrence based on a sinless life. It is a complete conquering of death.
 
Those who were raised, both in the Old Testament and the New eventually died again. Their restoration of life was granted by God to serve His purposes, but they remained stained with sin. Only after Christ’s work was complete could the permanency of a resurrection be applied to others. And that will only occur, as Paul says, “at His coming” (1 Corinthians 15:23).
 
As for this damsel, her restoration was temporary until whatever time she had lived her life and died. But Jesus has shown that He possessed power over the state of death. In His resurrection, He has demonstrated that it is permanent. We are being incrementally shown what God is doing in His marvelous work through His Messiah.
 
Life application: We must be careful about what we believe concerning dead people being raised. There are those who have died on the operating table but who have been brought back. Their physical body is worked on, and if done quickly enough, the life can return.
 
However, there is a point where it is no longer possible to bring a person back. The brain quickly begins to break down. After a short amount of time, if a person is brought back, there will be permanent brain damage. There are exceptions, such as being in a very cold environment. But even then, other things quickly break down.
 
So, stories of people being raised who had been dead for extended periods of time or who had already been embalmed (as mentioned some years ago by “Evangelist” Reinhard Bonnke on the 700 Club) are to be rejected outright.
 
Further, people who have died and claimed to have gone to heaven or hell are not to be listened to. If someone went to heaven, that means he bypassed the judgment seat of Christ, which all believers must face.
 
As hell, meaning the Lake of Fire, is something that will not be meted out until the end of days (as recorded in Revelation 20), then we can be absolutely positive that no person has yet gone to hell. It is appointed for man to die, face the judgment, and that is that. If you are tempted to buy the book, don’t. You are wasting your money as well as time that you could spend reading your Bible.
 
Such things are sensational, and they often enrich those telling these tales, but they have no basis in biblical reality. Stick with the Bible. It is sensational enough, and it is the truth of God because it is His word.
 
Lord God, help us to have our thinking caps on. Keep us from being duped by people who want to get rich by spreading falsities about heaven, hell, or powers on earth that are not true. There is no need to listen to such nonsense. May we focus on Jesus, who possesses all power and authority in heaven and on earth. Amen.

Matthew 9:24

Wednesday, 23 April 2025
 
He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him. Matthew 9:24
 
“He said to them, ‘You withdraw! For not she died, the damsel, but she sleeps.’ And they derided Him” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Matthew noted that when Jesus came into the house, He saw the pipers and those tumultuating. Now Matthew continues the thought, saying, “He said to them, ‘You withdraw!’”
 
In place of the idea of withdrawing, Mark’s gospel reads a bit differently, saying, “When He came in, He said to them, ‘Why make this commotion and weep?’”
 
There is no contradiction because both thoughts can easily be sewn together. Matthew focused on one thing, Mark on another. Thus, the entire thought could be expressed as, “When  He came in, He said to them, ‘Why make this commotion and weep? You withdraw!’” Understanding this logical and harmonious sequence of thought, Jesus continues with, “For not she died, the damsel, but she sleeps.”
 
In these words, Jesus uses a new word to describe the girl, korasion. It is a diminutive form of the word koré, a maiden. It will be seen only in Matthew and Mark. As an explanation of the word, Strong’s Lexicon says –
 
“The term ‘korasion’ is used in the New Testament to refer to a young girl or maiden. It is a diminutive form, often implying youth or smallness, and is used to describe a girl who is not yet of marriageable age. The term is used in contexts that highlight the innocence and vulnerability of young girls.”
 
A word that suitably translates this Greek word would be damsel. As for Jesus’ words, in saying that she is not dead, it would be misleading unless the thought is fully understood. The girl is dead in the sense that her soul has departed. There was no life left in her body. However, because of Jesus’ power and authority, she was not “dead and gone.”
 
Rather, like Lazarus in John 11, he was dead but with the surety of being restored to life –
 
“When Jesus heard that, He said, ‘This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’”...Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.” John 11:4 & 12-15
 
Understanding the usage of the word by Jesus, He replaces the thought of death with that of sleep. Those gathered to mourn, however, knew what the state of being dead meant and what it looked like. Being mourners, they would have been around enough dead to identify the state with ease. Therefore, hearing Jesus’ words, they would have thought He was off His rocker. Thus, it says, “And they derided Him.”
 
Not knowing who Jesus is or the power He possessed, it would be like any other person coming into a bedroom or morgue where a dead person lay. The life had departed, and the end had come. If the person said, “This child is alive,” it would be a ridiculous proposition, and those hearing it would scold the speaker and tell him he had no idea what he was talking about.
 
However, the difference between such a scenario and the arrival of Jesus is infinite in scope. The Lord God had entered the death chamber.
 
Life application: It is extremely difficult for us to get our minds around the state of death. This is especially true when it is sudden and unexpected. Here is a vibrant child, brother, friend, coworker, etc. Each day you get up, and he is there. His not being there is the last thing one would think of because we are geared towards normalcy in such situations.
 
However, there may come a day when that person is suddenly dead. When this occurs, our minds actually shut down in various ways. The process of accepting that death has occurred can take a while. Even if we know it is true, we keep resurrecting the memory of the life that was, trying to reinstate it and mentally overcome what has taken place.
 
Eventually, there is the thought of complete loss because the state of death is fully accepted, and the connection is severed. Depending on the person, there are all kinds of things our minds will then make up. There are scenarios where the person is “in a better place,” is free from some enemy he may have faced (such as a physical limitation of some sort), etc.
 
For the Christian dealing with a departed believer, however, there is no need to make up such things in the mind. They are actually a reality that exists. The Bible absolutely assures us that because of Jesus, believers have entered a state of sleep that is only temporary in nature.
 
Whatever physical or mental trials we faced in life are set aside. And whatever supposed permanency the state of death brings about for others is voided in Christ. In Him is life. When a person comes to Jesus through belief in the gospel, His life is transferred to that person. The physical death we experience cannot overcome the spiritual life we have been granted.
 
Therefore, when the call is made at Jesus’ coming, it will be impossible for the believer to remain physically dead. Jesus’ word is the command of life. Nothing can override it, and nothing can block what He commands. Have faith in this. In Christ, death is defeated. Our separations may be painful, but they are temporary blips on the way to eternal glory –
 
“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14
 
We are so grateful to You, O God, for giving us life, even while we live in these bodies of death. Unless Jesus comes first, we are set to return to the dust. But because of what He has accomplished, that will be a short nap leading to an eternal state of wonder and delight. Death? No fear here! Jesus has prevailed. We shall rise again. Hooray for Jesus! Amen.

Matthew 9:23

Tuesday, 22 April 2025
 
When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, Matthew 9:23
 
“And Jesus, having come into the house of the ruler, and having seen the pipers and the crowd tumultuating.” (CG).
 
The previous verse noted that the woman who was bleeding for twelve years was saved through her act of faith. Now, the narrative returns to the death of the ruler’s daughter from verses 18 & 19. It continues with, “And Jesus, having come into the house of the ruler.”
 
Again, Matthew focuses on the overall narrative concerning Jesus’ actions but omits other details recorded by Mark and Luke. For example, Mark records the narrative this way –
 
“And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.’35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?’36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe.’ 37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue...”
 
Now, understanding the expanded context that falls between Matthew 9:22 and 9:23, it next says, “and having seen the pipers.”
 
Here the aulétés, pipers, are introduced. The word is from auleó, to play the flute or pipe. A single word that carries the correct meaning is piper. These people are only mentioned by Matthew. Mark and Luke focus on the mourners instead.
 
The Pulpit Commentary, citing several sources, says, “Even the poorest among the Israelites [his wife being dead] will afford her not less than two pipes, and one woman to make lamentation.” This, then, would be a sign of respect and something that a family would not do without. Along with these pipers, it also says, “and the crowd tumultuating.”
 
This would be the family and any paid professional mourners. These mourners are noted in Ecclesiastes 12:5 –
 
“For man goes to his eternal home,And the mourners go about the streets.”
 
Mourners are mentioned elsewhere, such as in the Book of Jeremiah. As for the word translated as tumultuating, it is also a new word, thorubeo. It signifies to be in a tumult, disturb, clamor, make an ado or uproar, etc.
 
In this case, there would be wailers of various sorts, but the most tumultuating of the tumultuators would be the tumultuous women famous in the Middle East for their extremely loud (like a shrill) ulululululululu sounds.
 
These are produced by screaming while moving the tongue in such a way as to be exceedingly tumultuous. This calls attention to the location so that others will know an event is taking place. This loud ululululululu sound is heard at feasts of joy (such as weddings) as well as times of great mourning and lamentation.
 
Life application: If you have never heard the sounds referred to above, go to YouTube and type in something like “Ululation.” Up will come videos of women really going at it. That way, you can find out what it would have been like at such an event as described in this narrative.
 
Understanding the context, you can then practice making the same sound. Once you have it perfected, be sure to try it at church on Sunday morning while the pastor is meticulously interpreting Scripture. Maybe he will designate a special place for you for future sermons.
 
Lord God, it is a real treat to visit various parts of the world or even churches in our land that have people of other ethnic backgrounds as they worship and praise You from their own cultural backgrounds. You have sent Jesus, the Christ of the nations, to bring You glory, praise, and honor from all tongues. Be glorified in our praise, O God. Amen.

Matthew 9:22

Monday, 21 April 2025
 
But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour. Matthew 9:22
 
“And Jesus, having turned and having seen her, He said, ‘You take courage, daughter. Your faith, it has saved you.’ And, the woman, she was saved from the very hour” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the woman with the hemorrhaging said to herself, “If only I shall touch His cloak, I will be saved.” Matthew now continues with, “And Jesus, having turned and having seen her.”
 
Matthew goes to the heart of the matter, omitting a few details provided by Mark and Luke. In Luke’s account, it says –
 
“And Jesus said, ‘Who touched Me?’When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, ‘Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, “Who touched Me?”’46 But Jesus said, ‘Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.’ 47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.” Luke 8:45-47
 
Only after all of this occurred does the following, as recorded by Matthew, continue the narrative, “He said, ‘You take courage, daughter.’”
 
Here are two new words, one right after the other. The first is the verb tharseó. It signifies to have courage or be encouraged, coming from tharsos, confidence, boldness, etc. The next new word is thugatér, a female child. In this case, Jesus would have spoken it as a Hebraism signifying a kindly address. Having said that, He next says, “Your faith, it has saved you.”
 
Most translations say, “made well,” “healed,” or something similar. The word, however, is sózó, to save, rescue, deliver, etc. An object lesson is being given to the reader as he follows Jesus’ words. This is confirmed again in the next words, saying, “And, the woman, she was saved from the very hour.”
 
The meaning of “that very hour” is explained in the verses from Luke noted earlier, meaning immediately. Her healing was instant, and it continued on from that time. It is an expression seen elsewhere, such as in Acts 16 –
 
“And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And he came out that very hour.” Acts 16:18
 
In two verses, the word sózó has been used three times. It is thus a witness to the doctrine of salvation by faith alone. It isn’t the touching of the tassel that brought about the change, except in her faith that it would be so. In the turning of Jesus to the woman, the emphasis is on the Person, Jesus, nothing else.
 
She needed to be saved, she believed that He could do it, her touching His tassel is the equivalent of her presenting her need to Him, but without wanting to be recognized in the process. Thus, her faith was in the capability of the Person, who then, in fact, saved her.
 
Life application: The woman had an issue of blood for twelve years. She, by faith alone, was brought to a state of complete healing. One could make a general comparison of her to those in the church. The narrative doesn’t say it, but it is clear from the events that the woman merely heard about Jesus, believed that He was capable of saving her, and she, by faith, reached out for salvation.
 
She can be used as a symbol of the church who have only heard of Jesus and what He is capable of and who, by faith alone, reaches out to Him for healing. The word is heard, the message is believed, and the salvation is realized.
 
Her twelve years of hemorrhaging can be equated to the church (the number of government), which is brought directly from a state of uncleanness to a state of salvation and being deemed clean. There are no works involved, and the one who is far away is brought near by the blood of Christ.
 
This woman was set apart from the congregation because of her issue. Thus, she can be considered as being brought near in this regard. God is giving us object lessons to understand what He is doing and will do through the coming of Christ to save the people of the world.
 
Pay heed to the simplicity of the message of this woman’s healing. There is nothing in the account that says we need to come through a pope, a rite of baptism, or anything else that some churches lay upon the people as some sort of requirement for being saved. Instead, the purity of the gospel stands. All are saved by grace through faith with nothing added. Be sure to keep the gospel simple. God in Christ has done it all. Hallelujah and Amen.
 
Lord God, thank You for making the process of salvation so simple. Jesus did the work, we hear the message, we believe the word, and we are saved. From there, we are sealed with Your spirit, cleansed and purified unto eternal salvation. Hooray for Jesus! Amen.