The Unexpected Jesus, Part Two

Matthew 9:18-34

Several years back your humble correspondent observed a diverse crowd standing in a long line on a hot summer day. The large gathering of patient people spoke with accents representing many places in the U.S. and various countries around the world.

They were all happily waiting to see—not a competition or a performance or a famous work of art—but simply a room with wooden tables and chairs. As physically unremarkable as the room was, visitors reaching the end of the line were not disappointed.

Many wore expressions of joy and wonder because they knew what had happened in that room in a brick building on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. Independence Hall is the place where America’s founding document was created 245 years ago this week. Eleven years later, delegates meeting in the same room created the U.S. Constitution.[1]

[1] James Freeman, https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-noblest-happiest-page-in-mankinds-history-11625222292, accessed on July 2, 2021

To most eyes of those in the first century world Jesus would have not stood out in a crowd. His appearance likely meant He would blend in with those around Him. Yet, there was something about His teaching (see Matthew 7:28-29) and His actions (see Matthew 8-9) drew crowds wherever He went.

Getting physically close to Jesus would have been challenging for anyone.

a). A distressed parent Matt 9:18-19, 23-26

Synagogue leaders were typically local businessmen or successful farmers whose abilities opened doors for them to be active in civic and religious affairs. The synagogue was THE central place of Jewish society. It was the center of community life and it was the hub around which most of life occurred

A synagogue leader would have demonstrated an ability to get along with others, and probably an ability to work with the hated Romans whose ever-present military reminded the locals who was really in charge.

Jairus was desperate enough to forget his reputation, and even if necessary give up his place in the leadership because his daughter was dead.

What a remarkable affirmation of faith – though still not as notable as the centurion who knew Jesus’ authority was poerful enough to heal at a distance! “Come, lay your hand on my daughter and she will live!”

Jesus’ instruction to the crowd drew an immediate reaction: ““Leave,” He said, “because the girl isn’t dead, but sleeping.” And they started laughing at Him.” (Matthew 9:24, HCSB)

Their laughter was motivated by their skepticism – after all, to this point Jesus had healed many, but had never brought a dead person back to life!

b). a chronically ill unclean woman vs 20-22

Twelve years of suffering, twelve years of social isolation, twelve years of being an outcast was enough.

Twelve years of suffering at the hands of doctors and well-meaning ‘cures’ offered by family and friends created a desperation that gave birth to what might sound like a superstition but was truly a breath of faith.

– Tassels were “[C]ords sewn to the corners of robes or cloaks, as the law demanded (Num 15:37–38; Deut 22:12)….”[1]

[1] Barry, J. D., Bomar, D., Brown, D. R., Klippenstein, R., Mangum, D., Sinclair Wolcott, C., … Widder, W. (Eds.). (2016). Tassel. In The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

“Instantly her flow of blood ceased, and she sensed in her body that she was cured of her affliction. At once Jesus realized in Himself that power had gone out from Him.

He turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My robes?” His disciples said to Him, “You see the crowd pressing against You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ”” (Mark 5:29–31, HCSB)

Instead of a rebuke as might well have been expected, Jesus speaks a word of encouragement and hope - ““Have courage, daughter,” He said. “Your faith has made you well.”

c). Hope of two who were blind vs 27-31

“Have mercy on us, Son of David!”” (Matthew 9:27, HCSB). Here Matthew introduces a title of Jesus he’d not used before. ‘Son of David’ is an OT term applied to Jesus by prophets and psalmists. Of course Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus highlighted the relationship of Jesus to David, but this term had not been used publicly until this time. By placing this identification on the lips of two blind men,

Matthew indicates it takes a certain kind of sight to see who Jesus is; not lie the sight of the chief priests and scribes. It is not physical sight but spiritual sight. They can see beyond the miracles and recognize that Jesus is portraying the new David … As David defeated the forces of darkness for Israel, so too now Jesus defeats the powers of darkness that also indwell the people of Israel. [1]

[1] Patrick Schreiner Matthew, Disciple and Scribe: The First Gospel and Its Portrait of Jesus (Grand Rapids, MI.: Baker Academic, 2019), 124.

d). Friends/Family seeking freedom vs 32-34

Some – we aren’t told if it was family or friend – brought to Jesus one who was unable to speak. Clearly everyone in that scene understood this man to be demon possessed. There is no record of Jesus saying or doing anything. The focus is on the result: The man previously mute speaks!

The crowds are amazed but the Pharisee’s were skeptical,

Can Jesus overcome death?

Is Jesus above the law?

Is Jesus really the heir to David’s Throne?

So, like those visitors to the rooms in Constitution Hall in Philadelphia, what do we see when we look at this room? Chairs, musical instruments, tv screens, a few scattered decorations on the walls.

Or do we see those who have overcome death because of the life-giving promise of Jesus?

Do we see those who have come to the end of human ability and desperately are reaching out to just touch the edge of Jesus’ garment for healing?

Do we see those who maybe see more perceptively than we do…though they may be handicapped or physically barred from fellowship with the people of God?

Do we see families who desperately bring their loved ones to Jesus seeking for Him to do what only He can do?

The Pharisee’s saw a problem to be solved, a power to be overcome. What do you see…

Death has no hold on Him, death cannot defeat Him, death cannot thwart Him.

Our past and our present are no obstacle too great for Jesus to overcome…