Matthew 9 & 10 | The Wolfe Notes

Welcome to our 2025 growth journey. This year, we're getting to know Jesus better by walking with Him through the gospels and putting into practice what He tells us to do. Journey with us, fellow disciples, by downloading your January calendar. On it, we pace the reading and suggest daily activities, but this year it also comes with a blank calendar so you can plan your own pace. Find all our notes, from this year and past years, at the Faith Food tab. Welcome, friends, we're so glad you're journeying with us. Let's grow together!

These Wolfe Notes Cover:

1. Matthew 9: Matthew Joins the Disciples. Wineskins. Harvest.
1. Overview: General Topic, Key Themes, and Summary
2. Thoughts, Questions, and Connections
3. Exploration On workers for the harvest.
4. Reflections On faith and callings.
2. Matthew 10: The Disciples are Sent. Families must Choose.
1. Overview: General Topic, Key Themes, and Summary
2. Thoughts, Questions, and Connections
3. Research On the return of the Son of Man.
4. Reflections On caring for one another.
3. Respond To an expectation-rattling, elaborately compassionate God.

Matthew 9

Flock of Sheep by Hans at Pixabay

Overview

General Topic

Jesus challenges our old way of thinking and encourages us to embrace the new.

Key Themes

Belief. Mercy. Spiritual Health.

Summary

Jesus heals a paralyzed man so we may realize His authority to forgive sins. Jesus eats with the despised and ridiculed so we may realize He's looking for people who know they are incomplete, not people who think they have it all figured out. Jesus negates the need for fasting so we may realize an appropriate response to His presence is celebration. Then, we may realize our desire to adopt His new way of thinking and reject the old. While Jesus heals multitudes, He points out the extent of the need so we may realize He needs co-laborers.

Thoughts, Questions, and Connections

? Denotes a question, * a personal thought, and ! a connection. Researched answers are in italics. *R communicates that in-depth research follows.

On Jesus' Authority to Forgive (Matthew 9:1-8)

1. ! Boats represent the journey of our lives. Who controls our ship determines where we go. (See our notes on Proverbs 31:14.) (Matthew 9:1)
1. ! Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, withersoever the governor [helmsman] listeth [directs]. James 3:4 KJV [ISV]
2. *We are so needy, yet Jesus wants us to need Him. Are we needy for the right things? (Matthew 9:2)
1. *Instead of rejoicing over forgiven sins, which is what we should be doing, the Pharisees accused Jesus of blasphemy. They felt a need to retain power instead of a need to recognize the source of ultimate forgiveness.  (Matthew 9:2-3)
2. *Jesus wants us to realize that of course He is able to forgive us, look at how many other impossible things He has done. (Matthew 9:5)
3. ? Do we know that Jesus has the authority to forgive. Do we understand what that means? Is it okay to declare the forgiveness of a person's sins? Or is it acting as Jesus when you're not? Or is it more to reaffirm and reassure that He came to forgive your sins and they have been forgiven? (Matthew 9:6)
4. * Yet they didn't realize that God gave the authority to God in human form. (Matthew 9:8)

On Jesus' Dinner with Outcasts (Matthew 9:9-13)

1. ? What compelled Matthew to follow so easily? (Matthew 9:9)
2. *The Pharisees were driven by a need to catch Jesus doing something wrong. They were afraid of His rapidly ascending power, authority, and popularity, because it meant theirs was descending. (Matthew 9:10-11)
3. *Essentially, Jesus was saying, "If you don't know you need Me, I'm not going to waste My time on you." (Matthew 9:12)
4. ! But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Matthew 9:13 KJV
1. ! Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Isaiah 1:13 KJV
2. ! "When you are praying, don't say meaningless things like the unbelievers do, because they think they will be heard by being so wordy. Matthew 6:7 ISV

On Celebrating Jesus (Matthew 9:14-17)

1. ! Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: Matthew 9:16-17 Excerpts from KJV
1. ! This scene depicts Jesus' humorous nature as He jokingly likens the Pharisees to old leather bags, or wineskins. - Blaine Eldredge in The Paradise King, pp. 181-184
2. ! Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 KJV
3. ! "Behold" has much deeper meaning than just "Look!". In the Hebrew, it indicates a divine partnership. It can also be translated "Here I am". - Blaine Eldredge  in The Paradise King, pp. 72-77
4. ! If anyone belongs to Christ, then he is made new. The old things have gone; everything is made new!
5. ! With [the tongue] we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in God's likeness. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. It should not be like this, my brothers! James 3:8-10 ISV

On the Need for Co-Laborers (Matthew 9:18-38)

1. *People were resurrected before Lazarus. So Mary and Martha should have known that Jesus could. I can imagine Jesus would be saddened that even those close to Him personally, still didn't believe in what He could do. (Matthew 9:18)
2. ! 🎶There's power in the presence / Power in the blood / Power in the name of Jesus / He has more in the hem of His garment / Then the camp of the enemy🎵 ("Tear Off the Roof" performed by Brandon Lake) (Matthew 9:21)
3. ! The woman with the issue of blood was more than likely a Gentile because she would be considered unclean and not part of the crowd if she were a Jew. If this is true, imagine how meaningful it was to her to be called "daughter" by Jesus. (Matthew 9:22)
4. *Belief/faith/trust in Jesus is more important than healing. (Matthew 9:28-29)
1. ? Does that mean that if we don't believe enough we won't be healed? Or that, as mentioned earlier, He heals so we have proof in whom we believe?
5. ? Why does Jesus tell the people He heals to keep it quiet? (Matthew 9:30-31)
1. ? So as not to grow the Pharisees' collection of misdeeds against Him? 
2. They even went so far as to blaspheme Him. (Matthew 9:32)
6. *Jesus came to heal, physically, and spiritually. (Matthew 9:35)
7. *But He saw so many sheep without shepherds. (Matthew 9:36)
1. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10:11 KJV
2. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 KJV
8. ? How do you become a worker in His harvest? Is it only for the called? Aren't we all? *R
1. ! And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. Isaiah 59:16 ICB (See also Isaiah 63:5 and our research notes.)
2. ! 🎵When the Spirit's moving His will will be done. You can bury the workmen but the work will go on.🎶("Bury the Workmen" performed by Unspoken)

Exploration

Of Workers for the Harvest 

What is the Harvest?

• After noticing the wandering multitudes who need guidance (Matthew 9:36), Jesus asks His disciples to pray that people will arise to meet the need. (Matthew 9:37-38) 
• And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe...and the earth was reaped. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. Revelation 14:14-19 KJV
• For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant [The garden in which he delights]: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry [an outcry]. Isaiah 5:7 KJV [ISV]
• I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. Isaiah 63:3 KJV

*Thoughts: We, humans in need of a shepherd, are the harvest. Based on the Revelation passage, it seems there are two harvests. One that requires only gathering and another that must first face God's wrath. But the harvest is an event that requires an overseer, Jesus (Matthew 9:38), and workers. It is a joint effort between human and divine, which is what the word behold implies.

When is the Harvest?

• Now: Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. John 4:35-36 KJV
• Not Yet: Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, "Gather the weeds first and tie them in bundles for burning, but bring the wheat into my barn."  Matthew 13:30  ISV

Who are the Workers?

Then 

• John the Baptist. See Matthew 3:1-3.
• Recipients of Healing like the demon possessed man (Matthew 8:28-34 & Mark 5:1-20), the blind men (Matthew 9:27-31) and the woman at the well (John 4:1-42)
• The Disciples. Sent to gather the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 10:6-7)

Then and Now

• The Called 
• Verses about being called.
• No one takes this honor [being a high priest] upon himself but he is called to it by God, just as Aaron was. Hebrews 5:4 [verse 1] ISV
• And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15 KJV
• Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 KJV
• As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Acts 13:2 KJV
• How do you know if you are being called?
• You have a strong impulse to act in a specific way that adds value to God's Kingdom. The word "send forth" which Jesus uses here is used to describe how the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness (Matthew 4:1), how demons are cast out (Matthew 7:22), how unbelievers are cast into outer darkness (Matthew 8:11-12 and Matthew 25:30), and how we long to remove another's sin because it reminds us of our own. (Matthew 7:4) 
• Your calling will match your gifting. When you come to God, changing your work, your residence, or your friends is not required. (I Corinthians 7:20) *God made you, equipped you, and positioned you to fulfill a specific purpose.
• All of Us
• Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:19-20 KJV
• But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. I Peter 2:9 KJV
• Angels
• "...Another angel came out of the temple, ... then another angel came out of the Temple in heaven. He, too, had a sharp sickle. From the altar came another angel who had authority over fire..." Revelation 14:14-19 ISV excerpts
• The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. Matthew 13:39 KJV

*Thoughts: We are all called to be salt and light right where we are to the people we already interact with. It's in being salt and light that we help ready the wheat for the harvest. This is how we play our part: we study God's word, serve Him faithfully, follow His ways of living, and know that if He wants us to move, we will feel compelled to do so. Otherwise, we trust that we are already living in our calling and make the most of it right here, right now. After all, epic events do not regularly occur. Moses did not wake up each morning and part the Red Sea; David only slew one Goliath; and Rahab spent one night protecting the Israelite spies. Most of our lives are spent in training, during which we are refined through trial after trial of faith. When our part in the harvest ends, the angels' part begins. They are the workers who help sort the wheat from the chaff during judgment.

Sources: 

1. "How Do I Know God's Calling for My Life?" Interview with John Piper at Desiring God
2. "How Do I Know My Calling" by Jonny Ardavanis at Dial In Ministries
3. Matthew 9:37 and Matthew 9:38 commentaries at Bible Hub
4. The Paradise King by Blaine Eldredge
5. "Understanding the Spiritual Harvest" at Bible Hub

Reflections

We want healing for our physical needs, solutions for our temporary problems, and when we turn to Jesus with belief that He can solve and heal, He will - if it is what is ultimately best for us. He heals because He wants us to understand that if He has the power to heal us temporally, of course He has the power to heal us eternally. He wants us to know that He cares about us, deeply. He cares about the right here, right now needs, but He also cares about our eternal need. He knows how to show compassion but also wants us to know we need Him for spiritual healing. 

"Do you believe I can?" He asks before He heals. He wants to know where we stand in our relationship with Him. What we think of Him matters to Him. 

What do I think about Jesus? Who is Jesus to me? Do I believe He cares about my worries? Do I give Him the opportunity to solve my problems? Do I open the door to receive His mercies, or do I shut the door and choose to rely on my own strength and in my own capacity for good, all the while making arguments about how I don't need Him or His mercy?

Would, no, do I respond to the call as Matthew, Isaiah, and Samuel did? Do I even hear the call? Is there a call? 

I can't wait until my living room transforms into God's throne room before I start making choices for God. I must believe Jesus is beckoning me to follow without waiting for Him to physically manifest at my place of work. I choose to believe He is using me where I am. 

I know most of the people in the Bible, the "lesser" characters, were not called in the gigantic, scene-stealing ways that the star characters were, but that doesn't mean they didn't have a part in God's story. They did, and so do I. I am content being a "nobody" who spends her days learning to understand and putting into practice what it means to live for God by loving Him and by loving others. That is my calling: to be salt and light, a worker in the harvest. And I step into my calling with a JOYful heart, choosing to celebrate each day as though it is a wedding feast, for I have found the One whom my soul loves.

Matthew 10

Sparrow by Wilhelm Grantler at Pixabay

Overview

General Topic

The disciples are sent to minister to the Israelites.

Key Themes

Purpose. Faith. Family.

Summary

Jesus equipped and sent His twelve disciples to minister and spread the gospel among the lost in Israel. The disciples were given specific instructions and told it would not be easy, but to be bold and trust God to protect them. In the same manner they represented God to the Israelites, Jesus would represent them to God. After all, Jesus' intent was not to stop conflict, but to force a choice: Me or anything else. When you choose Jesus, you'll find other like-minded people. Among these people, you'll know love.

Thoughts, Questions, and Connections

? Denotes a question, * a personal thought, and ! a connection. Researched answers are in italics.

On the Instructions for the Mission (Matthew 10:1-15)

1. ? Jesus' disciples were given the authority to cast out demons, heal the sick, and resurrect the dead. Do we still have that authority? (Matthew 10:1)
2. ? Why are there details about some of the disciples but not all? (Matthew 10:2-4)
3. ? Why were the disciples only to minister to the Jews? (Matthew 10:5-6) The disciples required more learning before they would be ready to minister to the Gentiles. Also, to remain aligned with the priority of the divine order: Jews first, then Gentiles. - Bible Hub
4. ? The kingdom is here, not near! What changed? (Matthew 10:7) Most translations say near. -Bible Hub
5. ? Why was leprosy such a big deal then but not now? (Matthew 10:8)
6. ! God gives freely and demands NOTHING in return. (Matthew 10:8)
1. *We give because He gave to us. 
2. ! We love, because He first loved us. (I John 4:19-21)
7. ! "...for the workman is worthy of his meat [worth his keep!] Matthew 10:10 KJV [PHILLIPS]
1. "Give her of the fruit of her hands..." Proverbs 31:31 KJV
2. "...and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them." Isaiah 65:21 KJV
8. *The two translations offer different interpretations of Matthew 10:13. Mainly who deems the house worthy or not.
1. KJV: And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. *Seemingly the disciples' choice.
2. PHILLIPS: If the house deserves it, the peace of your blessing will come to it. But if it doesn't, your peace will return to you. *Seemingly God's choice.
9. *We should take this advice to heart. Some people just won't listen. When they don't, shake it off! (Matthew 10:14)
10. ? Why would Sodom and Gomorrah fair better than a town who won't listen to the gospel? Is it a difference of temporal vs. eternal judgment? (Matthew 10:15)

On the Encouragement for the Mission (Matthew 10:16-33)

1. ? Why does Jesus advise them to be "...wise as serpents"? (Matthew 10:16)
1. Are serpents wise? And then there's also that connection of serpents with Satan. 
2. ! Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Matthew 7:15) 
2. * The trials were an opportunity for the public, and possibly Gentiles, to hear their testimony. (Matthew 10:17)
1. ...Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? James 2:6-7 KJV
2. "Come to terms quickly with your opponent while you have the chance, or else he may hand you over to the judge and the judge in turn hand you over to the officer of the court and you will be thrown into prison. Matthew 5:25 PHILLIPS
3. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to brightness of thy rising. Isaiah 60:1-3 KJV
3. ! But when they do arrest you, never worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say...it will not be really you who are speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (Matthew 10:19-20)
1. (God to Moses): Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. Exodus 4:12 KJV
2. The Lord God hath given [Jesus] the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. Isaiah 50:4 KJV [Bible Hub]
4. *Jesus was a controversial topic. Families were divided regarding Him. (Matthew 10:21)
5. ? Where was Jesus going? When will He be returning? (Matthew 10:23)
6. *Because people continue to be born, their mission will never be finished. (Matthew 10:23)
7. ! Do not be afraid of the gospel. (Matthew 10:27)
1. For the Lord God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. Isaiah 50:7 KJV
2. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel. I see it as the very power of God working for the salvation of everyone who believes it, both Jew and Greek. I see in it God's plan for imparting righteousness to men, a process begun and continued by their faith. For as the scripture says: 'The just shall live by faith'.  Romans 1:16-17 PHILLIPS
8. ! Fear God, not man. (Matthew 10:28)
1. Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of? Isaiah 2:22 KJV
2. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. Isaiah 10:20 KJV
9. ! Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Matthew 6:26 KJV (Compare with Matthew 10:29-31.)
10. ! It's about relationship. This verse is referenced at every baptism in our church. (Matthew 10:32-33)

On the Division of Families (Matthew 10:34-42)

1. *God wants you to make a choice: Him or anything else.
2. *The reward for welcoming another matches the reason for which you welcomed them. (Matthew 10:41)
1. ! And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. Matthew 18:5 KJV
2. "Then the true men will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food? When did we see you thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you lonely and make you welcome, or see you naked and clothe you, or see you ill or in prison and go to see you?' "And the king will reply, 'I assure you that whatever you did for the humblest of my brothers you did for me.' Matthew 25:37-40 PHILLIPS
3. ! But he answered and said unto him that told him, "Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Matthew 12:48-50 KJV
4. * It's interesting that the disciples are given water while the others in this example are welcomed.
1. But whoever drinks the water I will give him will never be thirsty again. For my gift will become a spring in the man himself, welling up into eternal life. John 4:14 PHILLIPS
2. I the LORD do keep [His vineyard]; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. Isaiah 27:3 KJV [Isaiah 27:2]
3. And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:11 KJV

Research

Where is the Son of Man going and when will He return?

At the Second Coming

• "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. Daniel 7:13 KJV 
• He purposefully uses the title "Son of Man" here so they will think prophetically about judgment day.
• On judgment day, "that day" when Jesus will tell many people that though they performed many works in His name, that He never truly knew them. Matthew 7:21-23, paraphrased.
• I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. John 6:12 KJV
• But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. Mark 13:32 KJV 

Before the Disciples Die

The destruction of Jerusalem is sometimes believed to be "The Day of the Lord".

• While the disciples minister to the lost sheep of Israel, Jesus goes to minister in the disciples' hometowns, or other cities in Israel. (Matthew 11:1)
• For more reading on Christ's return, see Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.

*Thoughts: You can either interpret this verse prophetically or literally. As Jesus was going elsewhere to minister and sent them on a specific mission, it seems He was telling them that they would have plenty of time to perform their work. Yet, to remain diligent in it, which also holds true of us today. Moreover, the title "Son of Man" motivates them to think prophetically: ministering in Israel will hasten the coming of the "Son of Man". Which, in some regards, happened at the destruction of Jerusalem yet we still await final judgment today.

Source: Commentaries at Bible Hub

Reflections

Wow! Can you imagine being sent out in such a way? Jesus was straightforward in His instructions:

1. You will perform miracles: healing the sick, casting out demons, and resurrecting the dead.
2. Preach only to Israel.
3. Rely on the ones you are sharing the gospel with to care for you.
4. If they reject you, or your message, leave.
5. You will be treated harshly because as I have been treated, so will they treat you.
6. You will end up in court. When you do, My Father will give you the words to speak.
7. Speak boldly when you speak of Me; hold nothing back. Shout from the rooftops what was once whispered behind closed doors.

I don't know if that's a mission I feel equipped to be sent on, do you? But aren't we sent on such a mission in our own way? We're to:

1. Choose Jesus above everyone else, even our own family members, knowing that it will cause tension and even destroy relationships. (Connects with 4 and 5 above.)
2. Put aside our own desires for His ways. (Connects with 3 and 5 above.)
3. Trust Him to care for us in every circumstance. (Connects with 3 and 6 above.)
4. Not be ashamed of the gospel, but boldly proclaim His name. (Connects with 7 above.)
5. Welcome other believers, caring for them as Christ does for us. (Connects with 1 and 3 above.)

Some of these commands are really hard to understand and others really hard to do.

The "preach only to Israel" command isn't one directly reflected in our mission, but might still relate. Perhaps this command encourages us to preach the gospel to the people we know. He purposefully made me for this time, in this place, with these people. I can work at developing relationships on the common ground that He's already provided. Then, when they realize I care about them, they'll know the message comes from a place of love and caring instead of a debate of right or wrong.

The "rely on the others" command teaches me humility and provides fellow believers an opportunity to serve. I often think about how I can help others, but how often do I let others help me? Not welcoming the help of others shows not only pride but also distrust. Jesus relied fully on God to feed Him in the desert, we can fully rely on God to open the heart of a friend to provide for us, too. The extra challenge here is allowing them to provide even when we don't "need" it.

I have not personally witnessed an equipping to heal the sick, cast out demons, or resurrect the dead. Though prayers for healing have been answered. Perhaps my expectation of how it looks needs altering. Or, perhaps, I am failing to recognize miraculous events. Do I believe that I am equipped to do these things, or do I inhibit these opportunities because of a lack of faith?

What I know is I'm still growing, and I don't have to have everything figured out. But, while I work to expand what I understand, believe, and do, I can keep doing the things that I know He wants me to do in the place He put me to do them.

Respond

Matthew 9

Connect

God rattles our expectations because He wants us to change our mindsets. He wants us to have faith in who He is, which includes believing what He tells and shows us.

Reflect

• If you were to meet God, to spend a day with Jesus, how would you expect Him to act? Who would you expect Him to spend time with? Where would you expect Him to go? How do you think your community would respond to His choices? What changes do you think you might make in your own life after spending the day with Him?
• What do I currently expect from God? How will I respond if His actions don't match my expectations? How has God rattled my expectations in the past? How did I respond then? 
• What "old wineskins" - patterns of thinking, habits, and values - do I still cling to that do not fit with the radical shift that Jesus preaches? How do I throw out the old wineskin so I can trade it for the new wineskin?

Act

Arise and trade your old wineskins (faulty beliefs and dusty expectations) for new wineskins (radical belief in Jesus -  what He says, has done, is doing, and will continue to do).

Matthew 10

Connect

God wants us to show compassion to others. A primary way to show others compassion is by leading them to His truth because He is the ultimate source of compassion (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). We care for others as He cares for us, but we also recognize that His caring for us often comes from others. We need to learn to allow others to care for us.

Reflect

• How well do I show others compassion? What inhibits me?
• How well do I allow others to care for me? Who does try to care for me? How do I respond when they offer? 
• How do I know God cares about me? What gifts has He given me? How has He positioned me to care for and be cared for by others? Do I recognize that care from others is from God and praise Him for it?

Act

Arise and care for others.

Arise and praise the Lord for giving others to care for me.

In Closing

Father God, no wonder You rattle us: we are so stubborn! We think we have You all figured out and don't actually stop to see who You really are and how You are working in our lives right now. Open our eyes, Lord. Open our eyes to Your truth, to Your beauty experienced in the love from the people around us, and to the elaborate ways that You care for us.

Are you ready for Matthew 11 & 12?

Sample these related posts:

Matthew 7 & 8 | The Wolfe Notes

Review Matthew 7 & 8 to explore topics such as judging others, relationships, healing, and demons.

St Nicholas Day | JOY for Today

Challenge your idea of generosity, and God's call for us to practice extreme generosity, by looking at the story of St. Nicholas. Includes facts, scripture, quotes, and activity suggestions.

Uniquely Crafted | Wisdom of Ants

God made you for a specific reason to fill a specific purpose. Explore that topic with us by thinking about ants.

Isaiah 63 | The Wolfe Notes 

Skim research on Jesus looking for workmen. Respond to God's desire for our interaction.

Diving with David

Reexamine the iconic David and Goliath story with us as we relate David's training to our own.

Interested in more faith-related blogs? Then you're looking for Faith Food. At Faith Food, you'll find links to all our faith-related blogs and a short description of each.