9.6 Real authority is a quiet command, not jumping and screaming.
9.8 The miracle authenticates the message. But is such authority divine alone (so this proves He is the Christ), or is it given also to his human followers?
9.9 Jesus chose those who were ready to respond, whatever their position in society. The first thing Matthew did was throw a party for his friends and associates, to introduce them to Jesus. New Christians could well do the same.
9.11 They were always watching!
9.13 The Church must never forget this. In the very next verse, Jesus is under pressure with religious questions from the righteous.
9.15 So early in his ministry, and he is talking about his departure already!
9.17 Once the old becomes inflexible, start new housegroups, new congregations, new churches.
9.29 He says this to those who have faith, to encourage faith (cf 22)
9.30 Again, the secret (cf 8.4).
9.34 The self-righteous try to accuse the righteous of evil.
9.38 The commanded response is not to panic, rush around and recruit, but to pray for workers.
Tom Wright: “God is making everything new, and he’s inviting us to the party.” Not a bad summary of our gospel message!
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