Our final story from Matthew 9 is probably the most famous in the chapter, but also the one most misunderstood in terms of what Jesus was referring to by “sending out workers into the harvest field”. It’s often used in the context of global mission. And while it indeed has great application for global mission, that’s not… Continue reading The harvest (Matt 9:35-38)

At the end of last week, in our study of Matthew 8 & 9, we saw that the miracle stories in these chapters were intended to make a particular point. By arranging them together in this fashion, Matthew was telling us that Jesus was performing the actions of the Messiah, as envisioned by the prophet… Continue reading Trust Jesus (Matt 8 and 9)

Yesterday we looked at the background to today’s passage from Matthew 9. We saw how the people of God had been waiting expectantly for 700 years for Isaiah’s prophecy to be fulfilled: Isa 35:3-6a Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear;… Continue reading Echoes of Isaiah (Matt 9:18-30)

On Monday we began a quest to work out what Jesus meant when he said “they don’t put new wine in old wineskins” (Matt 9:17). If you’re joining us now, you’d be advised to read that one first. In fact, since last week we’re on a quest to find the big picture Matthew is stitching together for… Continue reading Jesus eats with sinners – and spills some wine (Matt 9:9-13)

Yesterday we began a quest to work out what Jesus meant when he said “they don’t put new wine in old wineskins” (Matt 9:17). If you’re joining us now, you’d be advised to read that one first. In fact, since last week we’re on a quest to find the big picture Matthew is stitching together for… Continue reading Jesus heals a paralytic (Matt 9:1-8)

(Continuing our series in Matthew chapters 8 & 9, and looking for the big picture Matthew’s trying to get across.) Sometimes, my grandmother would speak a different language. Not a foreign language. It was still English. I understood the words – they just made no sense. For example, a favourite saying of hers was: “I’m… Continue reading Some tips on wine storage (Matt 9:14-17)