Following the Healer: Jesus' Transformative Call
Summary
### Summary
Today, we wrapped up our teaching series, "Messiah on the Move," focusing on Jesus as the healer. We explored Matthew 9, where Jesus performs various miracles, including healing a paralyzed man, a woman with a bleeding condition, two blind men, and casting out a demon. These acts of healing are not just physical but also spiritual, demonstrating Jesus' power and compassion. We also delved into Matthew's own calling by Jesus, highlighting the transformative power of Jesus' invitation to "Follow me." Matthew, a tax collector, left everything to follow Jesus, showing us the importance of repentance and a complete life change.
We then discussed the need for more workers in God's harvest field, emphasizing that Jesus is still on the move today, healing and transforming lives. Our response to Jesus' healing should be to follow Him unequivocally, share Him unashamedly, align our priorities with His, and work and pray for more workers in His harvest field. Jesus' mission was clear: He came for those who know they are sinners and need to repent. We are called to continue this mission by reaching out to those in our sphere of influence and inviting them to experience the transformative power of Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Unequivocally Follow Jesus: When Jesus calls us, like He called Matthew, it requires a complete life change. Matthew left his profession and old life to follow Jesus, demonstrating true repentance. Following Jesus means turning away from our old ways and embracing a new life in Him, fully committed and without turning back. [24:48]
2. Unashamedly Share Jesus: Matthew didn't just follow Jesus; he also invited his friends, fellow tax collectors, and other disreputable sinners to meet Jesus. We are called to share Jesus with those in our sphere of influence, unashamedly and boldly, because they need the same healing and transformation we have experienced. [37:40]
3. Align Priorities with Jesus: Jesus prioritized reaching out to those who were lost and in need of repentance. He didn't seek validation from religious leaders but focused on His mission. We must align our priorities with Jesus', focusing on reaching the lost and not getting distracted by seeking approval from others. [45:24]
4. Work and Pray for More Workers: Jesus emphasized the need for more workers in God's harvest field. We are called to pray for more workers while actively participating in the mission ourselves. The future leaders and workers of the church are among those we reach out to today. [52:44]
5. Jesus Still Heals: Jesus' healing ministry in Matthew 9 shows that He is still in the business of healing today—physically, emotionally, mentally, relationally, and spiritually. Our faith in His healing power should drive us to seek His intervention in our lives and the lives of others, trusting that He can bring about profound change. [30:44]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:06] - Supporting Groves High School Football
3. [01:57] - Men's Conference Announcement
4. [03:14] - Wrapping Up "Messiah on the Move"
5. [04:09] - New Series: "Go! Actions That Impact Eternity"
6. [04:47] - Prayer and Worship
7. [05:46] - Introduction to Today's Message
8. [19:58] - Jesus Heals the Bleeding Woman
9. [21:01] - Jesus Heals the Mute Man
10. [21:54] - Matthew's Calling
11. [23:05] - Matthew's Transformation
12. [25:28] - Jesus' Mission and Priorities
13. [29:04] - The Need for Workers
14. [32:05] - Following Jesus Unequivocally
15. [37:40] - Sharing Jesus Unashamedly
16. [45:24] - Aligning Priorities with Jesus
17. [50:42] - Working and Praying for More Workers
18. [56:39] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
19. [59:17] - Connection Card and Offering
20. [01:03:30] - Announcements and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 9:9-13 - The Calling of Matthew
2. Matthew 9:35-38 - The Need for Workers
### Observation Questions
1. What was Matthew's profession before he followed Jesus, and how did he respond to Jesus' call? ([23:05])
2. In Matthew 9:35-38, what did Jesus feel when He saw the crowds, and what did He say about the harvest? ([29:04])
3. How did Jesus describe the people He came to call in Matthew 9:12-13? ([26:41])
4. What actions did Matthew take after he decided to follow Jesus? ([25:28])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Matthew immediately left his profession to follow Jesus? What does this tell us about the nature of Jesus' call? ([24:48])
2. How does Jesus' compassion for the crowds in Matthew 9:36 reflect His mission and priorities? ([29:04])
3. What does Jesus' statement, "I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners," reveal about His approach to ministry? ([26:41])
4. How can the concept of the harvest and the need for workers in Matthew 9:37-38 be applied to our current context? ([50:42])
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Matthew's immediate response to Jesus' call, is there something in your life that you feel Jesus is calling you to leave behind? How can you take a step towards that change this week? ([24:48])
2. Jesus showed compassion for the crowds because they were "like sheep without a shepherd." Who in your life do you see as being in need of guidance and compassion? How can you reach out to them this week? ([29:04])
3. Matthew invited his friends, fellow tax collectors, and other disreputable sinners to meet Jesus. Who in your sphere of influence needs to hear about Jesus, and what practical steps can you take to share your faith with them? ([25:28])
4. Jesus prioritized reaching out to those who were lost and in need of repentance. How can you align your priorities with Jesus' mission in your daily life? ([45:24])
5. Jesus emphasized the need for more workers in God's harvest field. How can you actively participate in this mission, and what specific prayers can you offer for more workers? ([50:42])
6. Jesus still heals today—physically, emotionally, mentally, relationally, and spiritually. Is there an area in your life or someone else's life where you need to seek Jesus' healing? How can you pray for and pursue that healing this week? ([30:44])
7. Considering the transformative power of Jesus' invitation to "Follow me," how can you encourage someone else to experience this transformation? What steps can you take to mentor or disciple them? ([24:48])
Devotional
Day 1: Unequivocally Follow Jesus
When Jesus calls us, it requires a complete life change. Matthew, a tax collector, left everything to follow Jesus, demonstrating true repentance. This act of leaving behind his old life and profession signifies a total commitment to Jesus. Following Jesus means turning away from our old ways and embracing a new life in Him, fully committed and without turning back. This kind of commitment is not just a one-time decision but a daily choice to follow Jesus in every aspect of our lives.
Jesus' call to Matthew was simple yet profound: "Follow me." This invitation is extended to each of us today. It challenges us to examine our lives and identify what we need to leave behind to follow Jesus fully. Are there habits, relationships, or priorities that are hindering our walk with Him? Jesus' call is an invitation to a transformative journey that requires our full dedication and trust in His leading. [24:48]
Matthew 4:19-20 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him."
Reflection: What is one thing in your life that you need to leave behind to follow Jesus more fully? How can you take a step towards that change today?
Day 2: Unashamedly Share Jesus
Matthew didn't just follow Jesus; he also invited his friends, fellow tax collectors, and other disreputable sinners to meet Jesus. This act of sharing Jesus with those in his sphere of influence demonstrates the importance of evangelism. We are called to share Jesus with those around us, unashamedly and boldly, because they need the same healing and transformation we have experienced.
Sharing Jesus is not just about words but also about our actions and how we live our lives. Our testimony can be a powerful tool in leading others to Christ. When we share Jesus, we are offering others the opportunity to experience the same love, grace, and transformation that we have received. This requires courage and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones, trusting that God will use our efforts to draw others to Himself. [37:40]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus? How can you share your faith with them in a way that is both bold and respectful?
Day 3: Align Priorities with Jesus
Jesus prioritized reaching out to those who were lost and in need of repentance. He didn't seek validation from religious leaders but focused on His mission. We must align our priorities with Jesus', focusing on reaching the lost and not getting distracted by seeking approval from others. This means putting God's mission above our own desires and ambitions.
Aligning our priorities with Jesus involves a shift in our mindset and actions. It requires us to seek God's will in every decision and to prioritize His kingdom above all else. This can be challenging in a world that often values success and recognition. However, when we align our priorities with Jesus, we find true fulfillment and purpose in serving Him and advancing His kingdom. [45:24]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What are your current priorities, and how do they align with Jesus' mission? What changes can you make to better align your life with His priorities?
Day 4: Work and Pray for More Workers
Jesus emphasized the need for more workers in God's harvest field. We are called to pray for more workers while actively participating in the mission ourselves. The future leaders and workers of the church are among those we reach out to today. This highlights the importance of discipleship and raising up new leaders within the church.
Praying for more workers involves recognizing the vastness of the mission field and the need for more laborers to bring in the harvest. It also means being willing to be an answer to that prayer by actively engaging in ministry and encouraging others to do the same. As we pray and work for more workers, we trust that God will raise up individuals who are passionate about advancing His kingdom. [52:44]
Luke 10:2 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"
Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's mission field today? Who can you encourage or mentor to become a worker in God's harvest?
Day 5: Jesus Still Heals
Jesus' healing ministry in Matthew 9 shows that He is still in the business of healing today—physically, emotionally, mentally, relationally, and spiritually. Our faith in His healing power should drive us to seek His intervention in our lives and the lives of others, trusting that He can bring about profound change. Jesus' compassion and power are evident in His healing acts, and they continue to be available to us today.
Believing in Jesus' healing power means approaching Him with faith and expectancy. It involves bringing our needs and the needs of others to Him in prayer, trusting that He is able and willing to heal. Whether we are seeking physical healing, emotional restoration, or spiritual renewal, we can have confidence that Jesus is our healer and that He cares deeply about our well-being. [30:44]
James 5:14-15 (ESV): "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
Reflection: What area of your life needs Jesus' healing touch today? How can you seek His intervention and trust in His healing power?
Quotes
1. "Jesus calls this man to leave his entire profession, his entire way of life, his And to change it all. That is a call to repentance. And Matthew accepts it, turns around, and follows him. To put it in the terminology we've been using for the last few weeks, Jesus says, hey, I can change your life. You have to accept this new way of life. Turn around and follow me. And Matthew says, in a moment, by his action, all right, I'm with you." [24:48] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus says, listen, you don't get it. You're missing the point, Pharisees. You don't realize what God's doing here. God loves these people. And you're spending your life trying to find reasons to exclude them from God's blessings. And God is saying, no, I love those people. I am in the act of making a way for them to come in. And you are actively trying to create more gates to keep them out. You're missing the boat." [26:41] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus is still alive at the right hand of the Father. He's still working in our lives. He's on the move. Not only that, he's still the healer. He's still changing lives. He's still healing people physically, emotionally, mentally, relationally, spiritually. He's still in the healing business. You believe that? You have faith that Jesus still heals?" [30:44] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Once I've received Jesus' spiritual healing, my response should be to, number one, unequivocally follow Jesus as his disciple. So Jesus has given you a new life in him. He's redeemed you. Okay? So that means a few things. Ready? It means you're forgiven of your sins once and for all. It means you have a home in heaven redeemed, prepared, reserved for you. You don't have to worry about what's going to happen after you die." [32:05] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must, read those next four words, five words, give up your own way. Let's read it all together. Take up your cross and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. This is how Jesus describes the life of a disciple. He says, listen, if you're going to follow me, it means you follow in my footsteps. It means you give up your way and go my way." [35:40] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Unashamedly share Jesus with the people in my sphere of influence. Some of you fellow grammar nerds may notice I went a little crazy on the adverbs. Unequivocally, unashamedly. I just think these are important. Right? Don't be ashamed to share Jesus with the people in your sphere of influence. Let's look at what Matthew, Levi, let's look at what he did. We're going to look at Mark's account of what he did." [37:40] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus wants to use you and your contacts. Your people. The people you're around. To share the message. To share the good news. To connect with them. Right? To engage them. To make a contact point. To scatter seeds for them. Why? For the kingdom of God. Remember what Jesus did. What did he do? He went around preaching about the good news of the kingdom. That was one of the three things he did. Right? Teaching. Preaching. Healing." [41:44] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Jesus had very clear priorities. Jesus never had the need to be validated by someone of higher status. You see that? He never had the need, felt the need, to go before the Pharisees and say, Hey guys, listen. If you could just rubber stamp my ministry here. I could put it on my website. You know, I'd probably get a few more followers. It'd be, you know, it'd mean a lot to me. I've heard you guys have been talking smack about me. But if you could really, you know, what can I do to earn your trust?" [46:15] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The workers for the harvest are in the harvest. A little brain fever there for some of you. The workers for the harvest to reach the next generation of folks are in the harvest. In other words, the people. Who are going to be reaching the next two and three generations of whoever lives in this community. It's the Lord Terry. The people who are going to be doing that are people who we are going to. God's going to use us to share Jesus with those people." [55:26] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Jesus has changed our lives. We get to unceasingly work and pray for more workers in God's harvest field. Since it's a little overwhelming, I think we need to talk to him as we wrap up today's message. Would you bow your head? Let's pray. Father God, we thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to fulfill your eternal plan to redeem a people yourself. And we thank you for loving us so much that you made a way through Jesus for us to have our sins forgiven, to have our eternity secured, to have a new life in Christ now and for eternity." [56:39] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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