Misc. - " ... " - Matthew 9:2-8

“Prove It”

The renowned artist Paul Gustave Dore (1821-1883) lost his passport while traveling in Europe. When he came to a border crossing, he explained his predicament to one of the guards. Giving his name to the official, Dore hoped he would be recognized and allowed to pass. The guard, however, said that many people attempted to cross the border by claiming to be persons they were not.

Dore insisted that he was the man he claimed to be. "All right," said the official, "we'll give you a test, and if you pass it we'll allow you to go through." Handing him a pencil and a sheet of paper, he told the artist to sketch several peasants standing nearby. Dore did it so quickly and skillfully that the guard was convinced he was indeed who he claimed to be. His work confirmed his word!

Context:

Matthew 9:2–8 KJV 1900

2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. 3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? 5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? 6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arose, and departed to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

This section of Matthew’s gospel is all about Jesus’ power and how His power proves that He is the promised King and Messiah.

How does this miracle prove that Jesus is who He said He is? Jesus proves His Power and Authority in two ways

1. His Wisdom

I believe one of the most profound thoughts that could drive us to worship with bent knee and awe is this: “Jesus knows”

He knows what you’re dealing with.

He knows your heart.

He knows your circumstance.

He knows your pain.

He empathizes with you because He was tempted in all the ways we were, YET WITHOUT SIN!

But with that, He knows...

Jesus knows because Jesus sees… What does He see?

a. He Sees the Selfless Tasks

brining people to Jesus.

Andrew… the roman centurion.

“Seeing their faith...”

Let’s speak to the friends first.

b. He Sees the Sick man’s Trust

“Seeing their faith...”

Their in this is plural, but faith is written in the singular.

It’d be like me speaking and saying, “I see your faith” - it’s talking about a group but also understanding that faith is a personal choice not a product of congregation.

c. He Sees the Secret Thoughts

He saw their thoughts… He knows!

You wanna talk about feeling awkward.

He did this over and over:

Matthew 12:25, Luke 6, Luke 9:47, Luke 11:17.

He knew their thoughts, and you know what? He knows ours too.

Psalm 139:2 KJV 1900

2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off.

Cornell Study in 2005 - 12,000-60,000 thoughts per day. 80% of those thoughts are negative and 95% of those thoughts are repetitive from the day before.

What do you spend time thinking about?

Is it the pretend argument with your boss?

Is it the gossip that you allow others to share with you?

Is it worry?

Is it doubts?

Let me ask you this… how much of your time is spent thinking on Scripture?

Romans 12:2 KJV 1900

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Colossians 3:1–3 KJV 1900

1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Philippians 4:8 KJV 1900

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Proverbs 23:7 KJV 1900

7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee.

Thought life:

In the days of the circuit riders a minister was out riding one afternoon and came upon a man working in his field.

“Fine day isn’t it?” the minister called out.

“It’s fine for you”, the man replied. “All you have to do is ride around on that horse thinking about the Bible all day long, while I have to sweat here in this field and then walk home afterward. I don’t think it’s right you should have things so easy while I have to work so hard.”

“On the contrary,” the minister answered, “thinking about the Bible is one of the most difficult things you can do. And to prove it, I’ll give you this horse if you can think about the Bible and nothing else for one minute.” “You’re on,” said the man and immediately he sat down in silence. Thirty seconds later he looked up at the minister and said, “Does that include the saddle?”

It can be hard to think on eternal things, and you know what? To do that is a discipline.

We have to train the mind. Tell the story of Rawlings with the crockpot… didn’t train that, then it turned into our wedding cake… loaves of bread… a Bible

Dear Jesus,

You are absolutely amazing.  Bigger than I can imagine and more wonderful than I can express.  Thank you so much for saving me by your precious blood.  I belong to you.  You are in charge. Right now I choose you!

Speak to me as I train my brain to process your thoughts. Take control.  I choose to praise you right now. Praise. . .

2. His Words

Now he’s going to address it:

what does Jesus say?

a. Communicated Grace

He saw saving faith, and spoke to the man

Matthew 9:2 KJV 1900

2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

Son… addressed him as His child

be of good cheer… Take heart

thy sins be forgiven… all your guilt, all your guilt and sins have been pardoned! You are no longer responsible for personal consequences, and are exempt for paying for your offenses.

b. Confirms that He is God

Is it easier?

Both are easy.

3. His Work

Just so y’all know that I am who I say I am, get up.

His work:

a. Assures His Provision

Jesus’ words are not empty promises!

Jesus has done the work!

b. Ask’s for Participation

Assurance of salvation should not come from a certificate or a date written at the front of your Bible.

Assurance of salvation is measured by obedience.

All this man had to do was look down and say, “Yep, Jesus sure did enable me to walk.”

The same goes for me ad you - Jesus has enabled you by sealing you with the Holy Spirit which enables you to walk the Christian walk!

He has proven Himself!

But let’s go through this tonight… if someone asked you today, “Are you a Christian?”

Can you prove it with your faith? Can you prove it with your obedience?

Remember Paul-Gustave Dore could prove who he was… can you?