It was brand new in every way. Jesus’ message and behavior didn’t fit into the religious categories or systems of his day and it doesn’t fit into ours either. It didn’t kneel to man- made traditions and it most definitely couldn’t be contained by them. Matthew 9:14-34 describes the brand-new day Jesus brings with colorful metaphors and extraordinary healings. It leaves you to wrestle with whether or not you will celebrate and go on to participate in the brand-new yourself.

Theirs was a life of isolation, shame and fear. One man was paralyzed and labeled as having done something to deserve it; the other was wealthy but written off as a sell-out and traitor. Matthew 9:1-13 is the story of how Jesus meets both of them in their desperation and provides a way out it. By doing this, Jesus reveals the depth of his authority to meet you in your greatest need and call you to follow him. It’s the reason why he came.

Word was spreading about Jesus, a man who taught with authority and was able to heal illness and disease. Crowds begin to form around him, his popularity growing and influence rising. Amidst this growing enthusiasm, Jesus decides to leave town. While traveling Jesus makes clear that following him is difficult. In Matthew 8:18-34, Jesus brings peace amidst the chaos in our world. Although it is costly, Jesus proves that he is worth following with all our life.