Disciple Matthew: Jesus Rescued Me.

By Mary Vee
Matthew 9

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Matthew. I am a disciple, a follower of Jesus. A while back, I collected taxes. I wasn't very honest. Once I heard Jesus speak, I couldn't do that work anymore. I left that job and, with Jesus' invitation, became one of the twelve chosen disciples. 

His teachings made me think. Caused me to change my thoughts. I learned about God and what God wanted us, His creation, to do during our lives. I didn't want to miss any of Jesus' teachings. Each one spoke to my thoughts so I gladly followed Him.

After our visit to Nazareth, I felt embarrassed. The people there were so cruel to Jesus. This was his hometown! Jesus wanted to teach and heal more men and women while there, but they only laughed at Him and mocked Him.

So, we left.

The other disciples and a good number of other followers went with Jesus to many towns and villages. He preached in their synagogues, teaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. The people of Nazareth could have had this too if only they'd listened to Him.

Jesus' eyes showed his compassion on the crowds. He told us those men and women had been harassed and felt helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. It was after all of this training that He said to us, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Jesus then called the twelve chosen disciples close. He asked us to go out, two by two and gave us the authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness, just like He had.

The idea seemed exciting, and a bit scary.

Jesus said, "Don't go where the Gentiles live or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go to the lost sheep of Israel."

If I had to guess why He said that, I would say we understood the ways of our fellow Israelites and could relate better to them.

Jesus then said, "As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' While you are with the people, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give to all you meet. Don't take any gold, silver, or copper with you. Don't' pack anything for the journey including an extra tunic or sandals or staff. For as a worker, you are worth your keep. The things you need will be given to you by the people you meet."

I was excited about the idea and couldn't wait to share with my countrymen about Jesus and His teachings. He'd rescued me from a life that hurt others and accepted me. They could be rescued too.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

When His Hometown Rejected Him

By Mary Vee
Mark 9

From Mark's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee
Taken in Israel

My name is Mark. I was among the crowd watching what Jesus the teacher said and did each day, standing with his close disciples, witnessing the most amazing miracles, and hearing teachings filled with such wisdom.

Only moments ago, Jesus healed some blind men. Seeing the joy fill these men, giving them new life, reminded me why I wanted to follow Jesus.

While we were going out of a house, a man was brought to Jesus, guided by others. The one who needed help was demon-possessed and could not talk.

Jesus took pity on the man and cast the demon out, freeing him of his torment. 

When the crowds witnessed this action, they said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." They longed to hear him speak and to see more miracles.

Near that same crowd, a group of Pharisee stood. Their faces had anger. They said, "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons."

Well, that just didn't make any sense. Why would the prince of demons want his own demons cast out. I laughed quietly, not wanting to stir the Pharisees' anger.

Jesus didn't comment to them this time. He often spoke to the Pharisees about their focus on themselves. He left the city and walked to his hometown, Nazareth. Those dedicated to following Jesus's teachings went with him there. 

On the Sabbath day, Jesus entered the synagogue and sat. At the time for teachings, He stood and taught the people wisdom from God. 

The people were so surprised at what He said. "Where did this man get these words? What's this wisdom that has been given to him that he even does miracles? It couldn't be true. Isn't this the carpenter? He's just a carpenter. What right does He have to speak like this? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us? What makes him any better than us thinking he can teach us these things?"

The people continued saying rude and offensive words about Jesus for a time. 

Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor." 

Although Jesus wanted to help the sick and hurting people in his hometown, he couldn't do more than put his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And even those few did not have a strong faith like Jairus, or the woman healed by touching his garment, or the blind men that he'd healed yesterday near Capernaum.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

They Told More Friends Who Told More Friends

By Mary Vee
Mark 9

From Mark's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee
Taken in Israel

My name is Mark. I was among the crowd watching what Jesus the teacher said and did each day.

Jesus left Jairus' home and walked farther away from the sea. I enjoyed seeing Jairus and his wife rejoice over their daughter's healing. 

Others had seen or heard what Jesus did. His miracles amazed men and women so much so, words spread far and wide, which brought many more people who traveled great distances to hear Him speak and watch him help those in need.

Shortly after we left Jairus's house, two men called out to Jesus from the back of the crowd. A few men helped make a path for these men so the could reach Jesus.

They called out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"

Jesus walked on until he went inside a home.

The men helping the two blind ones, encouraged them to follow Jesus.

Inside the home, Jesus said, "Do you believe that I am able to help you?"

The blind men turned toward the voice and said, "Yes, Lord."

Jesus touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith, it will be done to you."

The men blinked.

They looked at Jesus, staring at his face.

They held their hands in front of their eyes then looked at each other.

That's when they laughed. And jumped. And laughed some more.

They looked around the room, and introduced their eyes to all that was around them.

Jesus said, "See that you tell no one about this."

But they couldn't help it. They left the house and immediately shared their experience with everyone they met. They told more friends who told more friends what Jesus did for them.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

Jairus's Men Reported His Daughter Was Dead

By Mary Vee
Mark 5

From Jairus's Journal 

On the Sea of Galilee facing the shore where
this story takes place.
Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Jairus. I am a Jewish ruler of the synogogue. The other rulers don't want anything to do with a man named Jesus who has been walking throughout the land and talking with crowds. They are bothered that His teachings will lead the people away from following them.

We as rulers have expanded the sacred laws written and given by God to Moses to help the people better worship God. We want to hold the people to a high standard and by doing the things we say, God will love them more.

But this man, Jesus. Though he is a Jew, he is different. I'd heard he has healed people from their diseases. My daughter is close to death. Immediately after hearing that news, I didn't care that He didn't follow our rules, I only cared that He could heal a sick person and maybe, my daughter.

I love my sweet little girl so very much. I ran from my house to the shores of the Sea of Galilee in Capernaum to watch for Jesus' return and to beg Him to come heal my daughter. 

Moments ago he returned by boat with his disciples. Shortly after they stepped onto the shore, I ran to him, fell at his feet and begged him to come heal my daughter. I offered to do whatever he asked in return. He said he would help my little girl and turned to follow me. The crowds who came to see what Jesus would say today, followed us. 

We had a slight delay on the way. A woman apparently touched Jesus' garment. He stopped walking and called out to her. She came forward. I saw nothing wrong with her. She and the people around her affirmed she'd had a blood disease for many years. When I looked at her, she seemed completly healed. That is what I want for my daughter.

While Jesus was still speaking to the woman, some men from my house ran toward us. They craned their necks to see me. I waved to them. They broked through the crowd and delivered this message: "Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher any more."

I'd hardly had a chance to think about their message when Jesus turned and said, "Don't be afraid. Just believe."

We walked the rest of the way to my house. Jesus stopped at the door and told the crowds who were weeping and wailing, "You must stay outside." He then said, "Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep." The crowds laughed at him as though he was crazy. Jesus only let three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John come into my house after they said that.

I led them inside. My wife was weeping. Her eyes stained red. I put my arm on her and said, "All will be well. This is Jesus." She greeted him and pointed to our daughter's room. She led the way.

Jesus turned to those weeping in our home. "Do not follow us into the child's room."

We entered my child's room. There my darling daughter lay. Only twelve years old. Her eyes closed. Pale in skin. I could not see her breathe. She appeared dead. I drew in a breath and held back tears.

Jesus reached for my daughter's hand and wrapped his around hers. He said, "Talitha koum!" These words mean, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!"

Immediately my little girl's eyes opened. She looked up at Jesus and smiled. Her color returned to her face. She allowed Jesus to help her sit up then stand, but then she slid her hand away from his and walked around the room.

My heart raced with joy! I turned to my wife and hugged her. Her eyes still wide. Her smile, more joyful than I'd seen in a long time. 

Jesus smiled too. He had such peace on his face. This man who had stopped all he planned to came to my home and showed such kindness by healing my daughter said, "Don't tell anyone about this. Get your daughter something to eat right away."

My wife hurried out of the room to get her food. While she was gone, I hugged my daughter. My sweet daughter who was healed by Jesus.

We served Jesus and his men a meal. It was the least we could do. Actually, it was nothing compared to what Jesus did for us. He saved our daughter's life, and I will never forget.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.