It would appear that the broad scope of the end of chapter 9 with Jesus preaching and healing in verses 35 and 36 and the comment in the last 2 verses about more laborers to be sent into the harvest then transitions into the first sending out of the Disciples who are now named on their initial evangelistic experience without the physical presence of Christ. Apparently this was a unique moment in the life of Christ that was characterized by true conversions. There were many other times where Christ would weed out people as to their commitment to Him. It is also noteworthy that there was an immediate warning of certain judgment for 3 cities mentioned which at least in the events listed wouldn't have been more than months or perhaps a couple of years maximum since they got to hear the Gospel message which is quite sobering; and also reflects the statement that Jesus made about wiping the dust off the feet of those who weren't allowed to stay with them on their journey. Certainly there was a historical context of rebellion which made this be the fullness of iniquity ripe for judgment so to speak.
As to investigating Christ; we see the incredible and seemingly endless challenges that this ONE DAY represented in the continuous narrative of a two day event started in the beginning of Matthew chapter 8. No doubt they all were exhausted as ironically Jesus actually rested more than the rest of the Disciples while they were fighting for their life during the storm on the lake. It is hard to say any period before chapter 10 and the calling out of the Disciples as the whole book seems to run together in a frenetic pace. As I stated in the last post Jesus worked in the power of the Spirit forgiving sins as only He could do and did miraculous healings which power was delegated to the Disiciples in chapter 10. He tolerated the unforgiveable sin of being accused of working with the Devil as well as not missing the calling of Matthew.
Some people are given the gospel message over and over again until they either are born again or perish in death. And others, hear it once and believe. God has His reasons for such disparity. But we should always be ready to give an answer to those who ask about our hope in Jesus Christ and not give up on others, even if we have prayed and prayed and witnessed repeatedly.
And we can also need to realize that we may not be the one who leads one we love to Christ, but another was called to do so. We can be thankful that our prayers were answered and rejoice that now both people can enjoy the fellowship of this new believer.
It would appear that the broad scope of the end of chapter 9 with Jesus preaching and healing in verses 35 and 36 and the comment in the last 2 verses about more laborers to be sent into the harvest then transitions into the first sending out of the Disciples who are now named on their initial evangelistic experience without the physical presence of Christ. Apparently this was a unique moment in the life of Christ that was characterized by true conversions. There were many other times where Christ would weed out people as to their commitment to Him. It is also noteworthy that there was an immediate warning of certain judgment for 3 cities mentioned which at least in the events listed wouldn't have been more than months or perhaps a couple of years maximum since they got to hear the Gospel message which is quite sobering; and also reflects the statement that Jesus made about wiping the dust off the feet of those who weren't allowed to stay with them on their journey. Certainly there was a historical context of rebellion which made this be the fullness of iniquity ripe for judgment so to speak.
As to investigating Christ; we see the incredible and seemingly endless challenges that this ONE DAY represented in the continuous narrative of a two day event started in the beginning of Matthew chapter 8. No doubt they all were exhausted as ironically Jesus actually rested more than the rest of the Disciples while they were fighting for their life during the storm on the lake. It is hard to say any period before chapter 10 and the calling out of the Disciples as the whole book seems to run together in a frenetic pace. As I stated in the last post Jesus worked in the power of the Spirit forgiving sins as only He could do and did miraculous healings which power was delegated to the Disiciples in chapter 10. He tolerated the unforgiveable sin of being accused of working with the Devil as well as not missing the calling of Matthew.
Some people are given the gospel message over and over again until they either are born again or perish in death. And others, hear it once and believe. God has His reasons for such disparity. But we should always be ready to give an answer to those who ask about our hope in Jesus Christ and not give up on others, even if we have prayed and prayed and witnessed repeatedly.
And we can also need to realize that we may not be the one who leads one we love to Christ, but another was called to do so. We can be thankful that our prayers were answered and rejoice that now both people can enjoy the fellowship of this new believer.
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