Jesus is Different!

Jesus is doing the unexpected. He is different than the pharisees and even John’s disciples. Contention develops even more with those watching.

Jesus is being watched on all sides. He doesn’t act like anyone who has ever come before. He EATS WITH SINNERS! He doesn’t fast. He even allows His disciples to ‘work’ on the Sabbath! Shameful acts! Or so they say. Jesus sets them straight; even though they refuse His ‘course corrections’.

The differences in Jesus and the religious leaders only gets wider and wider as time goes on. Jesus’ refusal to conform to their standards is the beginning of the end. Let’s rejoin the story as the pharisees try and pick Jesus’ actions apart.

Holy Spirit, lead me to day in Your story. Help me hear and see the events You want to show me. Help me understand the significance of Jesus’ words in reply and what You would have me take from Your story for my life.

♥ ♦ ♥

Jesus is in Capernaum. He moves about the region teaching and ministering to people. He always seems to come back to Capernaum though. It has become His home away from home.

Every time Jesus comes through, He has to pass by the tax booth of Matthew. Jesus owns no property and has no business, so He doesn’t really pay many taxes. He is prompt with the ones He is required to pay though.

Matthew’s booth is near the docks on the Sea of Galilee. Matthew frequently eavesdrops on Jesus’ teaching while nearby. The words of Jesus prick Matthew’s heart, but he is not bold enough to do anything about it. He yearns to get close to Jesus and learn more. He knows though that he would NOT be welcome. There is no one more despicable to a Jew than any Jew who works for the Romans. And a tax collector is the most hated of ALL.

Jesus is down by the seashore teaching again today. Matthew cranes his ears to hear Jesus’ words. Those waiting in line at Matthew’s booth are irritated by his slowness today. His attention is divided. This works to the advantage of some as he forgets to look for extra taxes they ‘might’ owe. These ‘extra taxes’ is how Matthew lines his pockets and affords the rich life.

Jesus’ words keep flowing right into Matthew’s ears. “Love your brother as yourself.” “Do not steal.” “Repent of your sins and turn back to the Lord.”

Matthew is wrestling with each transaction as Jesus words chip away at his spirit. Matthew wipes his arm across his forehead to remove the sweat from his brow. The strain of his conscientious is causing him physical strain. Matthew tries to return his mind to his task.

Jesus’ voice is getting closer. It is easier for Matthew to hear. After a minute, Jesus’ voice falls silent. Matthew wonders what is going on, so he looks up. His breath catches in his throat as he sees Jesus standing not more than a stone’s throw away, staring right at him.

Matthew quickly looks around him to see who, or what, Jesus might be looking at. When he looks back, their eyes meet. Matthew can’t tear his eyes away. His hands tremble as he waits to see what Jesus is going to do. Jesus smiles. That smile reaches all the way to Matthew’s toes. The warmth of Jesus’ smile is like the sun streaming through a window pane, warming one sitting on the other side of it on a cold morning.

“Follow me” (Matthew 9:9) Jesus says straight to Matthew. Then Jesus turns and starts walking.

Matthew jumps from his stool as though a bold of lightning just struck him. He rushes from his booth, knocking into people in his rush to catch up with Jesus. Just as Matthew is reaching Jesus, He looks back over his shoulder at Matthew and smiles. That smile is a lifeline to Matthew. He grabs hold of it with both hands and won’t let go. He is certain that, if he did, he would be ‘swept out to sea’ and lost forever.

There is grumbling in the ranks of Jesus’ disciples. “He is a tax collector. Why would Jesus call him?” “Surely, Jesus knows how the people feel about ‘him’. He may drive people away.”

Jesus knows the hearts of His followers. He stops in His tracks and turns to look at the men following Him. “Which of you were wholly righteous men when I called you to follow Me?”

Jesus makes certain to make eye contact with each of His followers as they digest this question. After making eye contact, each man dips his head in shame. Once all are chastened, Jesus turns and resumes their journey.

As they walk along, Matthew works up the courage to speak to Jesus. “Why did You call me? Your men are right. I am hated by all Jews.”

“You are not hated by Me. I see your heart. I know you long to know more. And I want you by My side; just like the rest of the men I have called to follow Me.”

Matthew’s eyes are brimming with tears. He blinks them back, not wanting to appear weak in front of Jesus. He has another question for Jesus. “Jesus, would You consider dining at my home tonight? I would like to prepare a feast in Your honor.”

“I thought you’d never ask” Jesus says with a smile. “Don’t forget to invite all your friends. I want to meet them.”

Matthew’s heart catches and he nearly trips on his own sandals. “Jesus… are You certain? My friends are not the most respected men in town.”

“Did that stop Me from inviting you to follow Me?”

“No” is all Matthew can say.

Jesus leads everyone straight to Matthew’s door. Matthew is shocked to realize that Jesus knows where he lives. As Jesus stands at the locked gate, Matthew hurries to unlock it and welcome everyone to his home. Once inside, Matthew calls his servant and has him bring out water and snacks for everyone. Matthew instructs his servant to also inform the kitchen staff that there is to be a banquet tonight. “Prepare for at least a hundred people!”

While Jesus and the other disciples are busy refreshing themselves, Matthew hurries out to invite everyone he knows to his home for a banquet.

Matthew returns to find his kitchen staff furiously at work and Jesus relaxing in his home. Matthew goes and sits beside Jesus. “I invited everyone I know. But…”

“Don’t worry Matthew. It will be a wonderful affair.”

“But the people I invited…” Matthew looks down in embarrassment. He didn’t think twice about inviting them in the beginning. Now he wonders if they will be an affront to Jesus.

Knowing Matthew’s heart, Jesus asks him; “Do you think I didn’t know who you would invite, even before accepting your invitation?”

Matthew’s eyes open wide in surprise. “But… they are…”

“Sinners” Jesus says.

“Yes” Matthew answers.

“Exactly the kind of people who need the hope I’m offering” Jesus replies.

Matthew breathes a sigh of relief.

The evening is everything Matthew hoped it would be. His servants have set up a station for washing the feet of every guest. Tables are set up everywhere and each table is set with as many places as it can hold. The room is lit with the best candles. And the smells coming from the kitchen are mouthwatering!

Matthew welcomes each guest as they arrive. “Please come in. I am most honored that you decided to join me this evening.”

Dinner is served. Fine food and excellent wine is as plentiful as air to breathe. Conversation flows among all the guests. The main topic of conversation is the happenings around Jesus. The guests can’t stop talking about the miracles and His teachings. Several times, Jesus is questioned on a point He made at some point in time. The questions are always for more, instead of challenging Him.

As the evening progresses, several of the pharisees find their way into the banquet hall. Their noses are turned up and lips curled in disgust. They make their way along the walls until they are near where Jesus is dining. They spot Simon and Andrew.

“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:11) they ask the brothers, loud enough that Jesus will hear.

Simon and Andrew ignore the question and turn to look at their Teacher for help.

Jesus looks straight at them and answers. “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:12-13).

The pharisees mouths open and close like a fish. Then they turn and make their way out of the house; making certain not to touch anything or anyone. Jesus smiles and shakes His head as He watches them go.

A short time later, some of John’s disciples make their way into the banquet. Their noses are not in the air, but they have a burning question too. They have noticed a big difference between their practices and that of Jesus’ disciples. They make their way around the room until they, too, are near Jesus place at the table. Their question is for Jesus. They don’t believe in playing the games of the pharisees.

Without malice or condemnation, John’s eldest disciple asks Jesus; “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” (Matthew 9:14).

Jesus looks at them with pure innocence. “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast” (Matthew 9:15).

They look at Jesus. Some are confused while others think back to John’s words; “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins.” “Is Jesus the Bridegroom” they wonder.

Jesus gives them a different explanation; a parable. This is the first of many more parables to come.

“No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one. Otherwise, they will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, ‘The old is better’” (Luke 5:36-39).

This, they will ponder for a while. For now, they join Jesus in a meal.

The night finally winds to a close. Matthew is glowing with pride at how well things went. He heard the questions of the two groups, as he sat near Jesus. But Jesus defended Himself admirably. No ruckus was raised and everyone had a good time. And Jesus was able to share His words with many who would never have come out to see Him personally. Matthew is certain that his friend’s lives will never be the same after tonight.

As Matthew is saying goodnight to the rest of Jesus’ followers, he has a question for Jesus.

“What should I do now?”

“Follow me” Jesus plainly answers him.

“Like, physically follow You wherever You go? Or keep tabs on Your life?”

“Go where I go, eat where I eat, sleep where I sleep, and minister to those I minister to.”

“Yes, Master. I will go where You go, sleep where You sleep, eat where You eat, and serve whomever You serve.”

Jesus turns and walks out Matthew’s door. Matthew pulls the door closed behind him and locks it. He will not return to this house again until Jesus does. His life is now bound with Jesus’.

Several days later, it is the Sabbath. Jesus and his disciples are walking through a grainfield. Some of the disciples casually pluck a few heads of grain and begin rubbing them between their hands to loosen the kernels. Once broken free, they pop the kernels into their mouths and let the chaff drop from their hands. They are only taking a few heads, not even enough for a mouthful of wheat.

The pharisees, since seeing Jesus eating with ‘sinners’ have been keeping even closer watch on Him and His disciples. They see the actions of Jesus’ disciples and become angry. They hurry over to Jesus to confront Him.

Their leader hurls accusations at Jesus. “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” (Luke 6:2).

Jesus doesn’t back up an inch or flinch. He knows what His disciples were doing and that it is not an issue. The pharisees are being knit pickers. He answers them with authority.

“Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Jesus looked the head pharisee straight in the eyes and said; “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” (Luke 6:3-5).

The pharisees huff in exasperation and walk away. Jesus watches them go. Simon and James step over to Him to apologize.

“I’m sorry Jesus. We should have been more careful with our actions.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong. Don’t worry about the eyes of others. I will faithfully correct you when you need correction. And don’t become knit pickers like the Pharisees.”

Jesus continues in the area of Capernaum for another week. The crowds come to Him daily and He heals all those who seek Him. When the Sabbath comes, Jesus goes to the Synagogue. He intends to teach the people. They welcome Him gladly, but the leaders ‘hold their applause’ until they know what He is going to teach.

Jesus stands before the congregation and begins reading the passage selected for Him. As He finishes, He looks out at those gathered before Him. There is a man seated among the attendees who garners Jesus’ attention. Jesus can clearly see that he has a withered hand. He also knows the man’s heart. He has felt unworthy to approach Jesus, thinking; “I’m not worthy of His attention. And besides, I can get along the same as I have for years. No use bothering the Master.” The man doesn’t even know that Jesus has noticed him.

The pharisees also noticed the man in the congregation. They were looking for any opportunity to accuse Jesus of breaking the Law. They failed in their attempts only a week ago. They are hoping to get another opportunity today. “Can Jesus resist healing this man, even though it is the Sabbath?”

Jesus turns His head towards the leaders. He knows their hearts, and He knows His Abba’s heart too. He turns His attention back to the man.

The man feels Jesus’ eyes on him. Not eyes of condemnation but of compassion. Jesus steps from behind the table and holds a hand out towards the man.

“Get up and stand in front of everyone” (Luke 6:8) Jesus says.

The man doesn’t even look around, to see if Jesus is talking to someone else. He immediately stands up and walks in front of the people. He and Jesus stand eye to eye.

Jesus, without breaking eye contact with the man, asks the pharisees and leaders a question. “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” (Luke 6:9).

Silence. No one answers. Not the leaders. Not the pharisees. Not even the people watching. Jesus breaks eye contact with the man and scans the faces of the people surrounding Him. He shakes His head in disgust, then turns back to the man.

“Stretch out your hand” (Luke 6:10) Jesus commands the man.

The man immediately stretches out his withered hand. As it moves closer and closer to Jesus, the fuller and more perfect it becomes. When the man’s arm is fully extended, his withered hand is indistinguishable from his other. A whoop of joy erupts from his mouth and he reaches out and embraces Jesus.

“Thank You! Thank You! Thank You” he repeats over and over again.

The people start talking excitedly among themselves. “We have never seen anything like this!”

But the religious leaders are NOT joining in the excitement. They are clenching their fists and grinding their teeth. “How DARE HE do this on a Sabbath! He has NO respect for God’s Laws. And He KNEW He was breaking the Sabbath as He did it! Something has to be done about Him before everyone begins to believe they are above the Law.”

That ends Jesus’ welcome in the Synagogue to teach; especially at Capernaum. Others may welcome Him, but not here. He will have to find somewhere else to preach.

(to be continued)

This last story is part of a song I learned as a teenager. “Who Shall His Generation Declare” by David Ingles. It speaks of Jesus’ trial and why no one came forward to speak on His behalf. The problem with the song is that it supposes that positive testimony would have been solicited and even allowed.

I’m certain that MANY people would have willingly spoke of the works Jesus did in their lives, had they been allowed to. But that wasn’t part of God’s plan. Jesus had to be completely defenseless before Caiaphas. Those who would support Jesus ran for cover; in fear for their lives.

The women and John are the only ones at the foot of the cross. Even after His trial and conviction, crowds don’t gather to protest the sentence. I wonder where they all were. The blind. The lame. The demon possessed. Even the dead who were raised are absent.

Father God, I know that this was part of Your plan. But I NEVER want to stay silent about the change You have made in my life. My life has been fairly normal, in the eyes of those watching from the outside. But You have brought me back from serious thoughts of suicide, protected me during several bouts with bulimia, and provided for me through more than a decade as a single parent. Yes. There are still things I’m waiting on Your hand to move in my family’s life. But You give me assurance that You love my children and my grandchildren even more than I do. I trust You to ‘unwither’ my children’s hearts. I KNOW You have my husband in the palm of Your hands, even as he struggles with each day. There is NOTHING in my life that goes unnoticed by You. Nothing so insignificant that You don’t care about. YOU have brought me this far in life and You will continue building me in my faith and walk with You until the day we meet face to face!