In The World, But Not Of The World

In the World, but Not of the World

Bible Blast: Read Matthew 9:9-13

When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Matthew 9:12

Herod the Great built an incredible fortress called Masada south of Jerusalem and overlooking the Dead Sea. What made Masada so cool was that it was a small city built up on top of a plateau. The only way to get to it was by a couple of long, twisty “snake” paths, making it pretty much impossible for enemies to get to the city and take it over. To Herod, being separated was the ultimate protection.

As far as battle goes, I guess Masada was a pretty great idea, but it’s not a good model for how we should live as Christians.

What if, when Jesus came to this earth, he placed himself high up on top of a mountain, way out of reach of the people, and just preached? I guess we might still respect him, but that’s not what he did at all.

Jesus walked among all kinds of people, including some pretty major sinners. He touched sick people whom no one else would touch with a “thirty-nine-and-a-half-foot pole!” (Remember that from How the Grinch Stole Christmas?) Jesus ate meals served by tax collectors, who were hated by everyone. He forgave women who led sinful lives. He held all sorts of children. Jesus got right into the thick of life on earth, and he loved anyone and everyone who would receive his love.

Today’s focus verse is powerful and yet really simple at the same time. After I read it, I think, Of course healthy people don’t need a doctor. But Jesus was telling the church leaders of that time to get off their clean, healthy thrones and get dirty with those who really needed help.

That can be hard. It’s hard to talk to someone who doesn’t smell very nice because she lives on the street. It’s hard to send a card to a prisoner even though she’s done something terrible. It’s hard to eat lunch with a girl at school that nobody else likes. But God never intended for us to build a Masada way far apart from everyone else so that we’ll stay clean and not get hurt.

There are a lot of “ill” people out there. If Jesus is controlling your life, you have just the medicine they need.

Girl Gab: Mom, talk to your daughter about “being in the world, but not of it.” Pray for her as she determines to minister to the “sick” in the world. Then, Daughter, you pray the same for your mom.