Matthew 15: True and False Faith (5)

Pray Psalm 138.7, 8.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies,
And Your right hand will save me.
The LORD will perfect that which concerns me;
Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

Sing Psalm 138.7, 8.
(Regent Square: Angels from the Realms of Glory)
Your Right Hand will save and keep me; all I need You will supply.
For Your love is everlasting, reaching from beyond the sky.
You will not forsake or leave me; You will save me when I cry.

Read Matthew 15.1-31; meditate on verses 29-31.

Prepare.
1. Where did Jesus conduct these healings?

2. How did the people respond?

Meditate.
Remember that we said true faith is persistent? Doesn’t give up easily? Stays the course?

Jesus gave the multitude another opportunity to exercise true faith by hiking up the mountain (v. 29). Would they make the trek, carrying or helping their sick and lame, blind and mute neighbors and friends?

Of course they did. And Jesus healed them all (v. 30). Jesus was not being cruel by making the people work a little harder to get to Him. He was providing an opportunity for them to strengthen their faith and resolve, and to show their neighbors and friends just how much they loved them.

The people show what the true end of all these healings was: marvel at Jesus, glorify God (v. 31). That’s what the good works we are called to do should always aim at – showing the greatness and beauty of Jesus, so that people will give glory to God for sending Him for our salvation.

God is doing amazing and abounding good works for us throughout the day. Do we take the time to notice? To marvel at Jesus and His awesome power and love? To praise, thank, and glorify the Father for His unfailing faithfulness and love?

We fulfill the purpose of God’s good works – whether we are the doers or the beneficiaries – when we marvel at Jesus and glorify our Father in heaven (Matt. 5.13-16).

Reflect.
1. How might you pay more attention to the good works Jesus does for you each day? Do you think doing so might strengthen your own faith? Explain.

2. What makes Jesus so uniquely marvelous? Have you told Him how marvelous you think He is?

3. How can we glorify the Father for the many good works He does in, for, and through us each day?

Now he goes to the mountain awaiting those who are diseased. The lame are brought up the mountain. They are no longer merely touching the edge of his garment. They have advanced a higher step. They are being brought to his feet! Therein they are showing their faith doubly, first by struggling up the mountain even though lame, then by wanting nothing else but only to be cast at his feet. John Chrysostom (344-407), The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 52.4

Strengthen my faith today, O Lord, that I might marvel at You and glorify the Father as I…

Pray Psalm 138.1-6.
Looking ahead, what opportunities for glorifying the Father will you have this day? Commit them to Him now.

Sing Psalm 138.1-6.
Psalm 138.1-6 (Regent Square: Angels from the Realms of Glory)
I will give You thanks and praise You, God of gods, with all my heart.
I will bow before Your temple, grateful praise to You impart.
For Your Name and for Your glory, You have magnified Your Word!

On the day I called You answered, made me bold within my soul.
When I walk in troubled places, You revive and make me whole.
For Your hand will gently shield me, and my fearsome foes control.

All the kings of earth will praise You when Your words of truth they hear.
Of Your ways, of Your great glory gladly they will loudly cheer.
For the proud shall not approach You, yet You hold the lowly dear.

T. M. Moore

Worship the Lord!
Looking for a way to worship at home? Or in your small group? Download and share our free Worship Guides by clicking here.

Not quite sure about how to share the Good News of the Kingdom? Our booklet, The Gospel of the Kingdom, can help you work your Personal Mission Field by walking you through the Good News and helping you put it in your own words. Order your copy by clicking here.

If you value Scriptorium as a free resource for your walk with the Lord, please consider supporting our work with your gifts and offerings. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute button  at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 360 Zephyr Road, Williston, VT 05495.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006). All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).