April 22, 2017: SOAP #2697: 1Samuel 25,26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 9:33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” 34 But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.” Earlier in the same chapter:  8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.

Observation:   From the same chapter we see two completely different responses to Jesus.  The Pharisees claimed that the works of Jesus were being done in Satan’s power.  The crowd recognized that it was the power of God.  They recognized that Jesus was working under the authority of God.  The Pharisees who had been taught by well-respected religious leaders misjudged the source of Jesus authority.  The people in the crowd that had not had the benefit of such teaching, easily saw that what Jesus was doing obviously came from God!

Application:  It is great to have opportunity to learn from teachers who have studied the Word of God.  Teachers are one of the special gifts God gives to the church. (Ephesians 4:11)   But we must always remember that the Greatest Teacher is the Holy Spirit!  Jesus said the Holy Spirit would lead us into all the truth!  (John 16:13-15)

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, thank you for making the Word understandable for us.  Indeed, You are a great Teacher! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!