Matthew 12:15-16……Working

Matthew 12:15-16……Working

12:15 Aware of this Jesus withdrew (Not to run and hide, for the crowds were still able to follow Him.-(New)  from that place. Many followed him, (Sick people in the Synagogue who weren’t  being taken care of.-(New) People from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon.-(Mark 3:8) People were coming from everywhere, all over the map, traveling hundreds of miles.-(New) and he healed all their sick, 16 warning them not to tell who he was. (For Complete Expository Notes See Book)

Extended Sermon Notes

“Teaches even in the face of opposition & criticism, we’re to stay faithful to our calling. (Don’t let haters divert you from your work)” ⇒ Despite the opposition Jesus did not waver but continued to heal, inspire, and uplift those who sought Him. We need to be careful and not let the haters determine our ministry or divert us from the Gospel message. Just as Jesus faced opposition with resilience and unwavering faith, we too must hold firm to our beliefs and duties, knowing that the journey we are on is divinely ordained.

“Calls for avoiding unnecessary confrontations that can hinder us from God’s work and mission.”⇒ Jesus had incredible power at His disposal. He could have destroyed them on the spot. This is the same Jesus who was powerful enough to cast out a legion of demons from a man. This the same Jesus who spoke to a storm on the sea and it obeyed Him. Jesus had any number of alternatives He could have used. He could have stupefied them with intellectual arguments, He could have made His opponents look like fools, He could have made their secrets known. He could have called a legion of angels to slay His enemies. He could have simply willed that their hearts stop beating, or their lungs to stop breathing, and that they all fall over dead. And yet, He simply walked away from a fight with those who would ultimately kill him. Jesus could have made His opponents look like fools, He could have made their secrets known. He could have called a legion of angels to slay His enemies. He could have simply willed that their hearts stop beating, or their lungs to stop breathing, and that they all fall over dead. And yet, He simply walked away from a fight with those who would ultimately kill him.

“Teaches how Jesus rewards the faith that follows Him, even if not fully committed or completely sold out yet.” ⇒ Jesus doesn’t demand spiritual qualifications first before He will bless you and heal you. His grace and mercy extend to everyone, inviting us to take that first step towards Him with an open heart. In moments of doubt and uncertainty, remember that His love is unconditional and His power knows no bounds. Even the smallest seed of faith can grow into a flourishing tree of life, bringing hope, healing, and transformation. Let this inspire you to approach Him with trust, knowing that He sees the potential within you and will guide you on your journey of faith.

“Teaches how ministry and service is never for show, fame, or popularity. (Matt. 6:2)” ⇒  What is our purpose for coming to church? What is our purpose for serving in ministry? Is the abundance of our ministry trying to get noticed or trying to be in the spotlight? Is the abundance of our attitude trying to get our way in the church? Many a church split have been the result of brothers and sisters in Christ fighting because things in the church is not done their way.    

Additional Notes & Applications

Warns how rejecting Jesus has profound spiritual consequences, pushing Him further and further away from us. This separation is not only a loss of divine guidance and comfort, but also a forfeiture of the Grace and Salvation that He offers. When we turn away from Jesus, we distance ourselves from the light and truth, choosing instead to walk in darkness and uncertainty. This estrangement affects our spiritual well-being, leading to a life devoid of purpose and fulfillment. The further we move away from Jesus, the harder it becomes to find our way back, as we become entangled in worldly distractions and temptations. Therefore, it is crucial to embrace His love and teachings, allowing them to transform our hearts and lives. By doing so, we secure a closer relationship with Him and ensure that His presence remains a guiding force in our journey of faith.

Teaches how we’re allowed to flee from danger, but not from service. While we may avoid danger, we must remain steadfast in our service. “Be wise as serpents, and harmless as a doves” –(Matt. 10:16)

Teaches the power of strategic retreat. Not every battle needs to be fought head on. (There’s wisdom in choosing our battles)

Displays the importance of timing, patience, and discretion in achieving our goals.

Teaches rather than be exasperated or put-out, were to show love and compassion for those who need healing.

Teaches what people aren’t finding in church, they should find in us. The love and compassion the people weren’t finding in their own Synagogue, they found in Jesus. In an era marked by church corruption and spiritual desolation, let us be a beacon of hope and renewal. Just as Jesus’ compassion transcended the confines of the synagogue, reaching into the hearts of the common people, we too can spread a message of love, mercy, and inclusivity. Let us offer solace and guidance to those marginalized and forgotten. By embodying His compassion and resilience, we can create ripples of positivity and transformation in our own communities. Remember, even amidst opposition, our dedication to our mission can shine through, becoming a guiding light for many.

Teaches how opposition and bad-press can be a good thing, resulting in even greater number of followers. Negative publicity can actually benefit by attracting an even larger following. Throughout history, many movements and individuals have faced tremendous opposition and negative publicity, yet these challenges often served as catalysts for growth. When faced with resistance, we are compelled to clarify our message, strengthen our resolve, and broaden our reach. The adversity becomes a spotlight, drawing attention to the cause, and often inspiring an even greater number of followers. This paradox of opposition leading to expansion can be seen in various historical and contemporary examples, where the initial backlash eventually turned into a powerful force for good and garnered widespread support.

Jesus’ call for silence may have been to avoid any additional and unnecessary conflicts with the Pharisees. Heightening their rage to kill Him. It may have been that He wanted to avoid having even greater multitudes come to Him—multitudes so great that He could no longer move about. It may have been that He didn’t want to be known strictly as a miracle worker. Attracting people for the wrong causes and wrong reasons in coming to Him for physical healings rather than His person and greater work. It may have been that He wanted to discourage any misguided expectations as being a potential political deliverer who would free them from Rome. It may even have been that He wanted to deal with men on a firsthand bases. He wanted people to see the evidence for themselves, rather than going by secondhand accounts, that overtime would get twisted and distorted. Causing them to start making up their own verdicts about Him before all the evidence was in. And lastly it may have been that He wasn’t seeking exaltation and fame, but was staying in humble character of the suffering Servant of Isaiah.-(Matt. 12:17-18)