November 20, 2022
Gospel – 7/7/20 – Matthew 9:32-38
A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus,
and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke.
The crowds were amazed and said,
“Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”
But the Pharisees said,
“He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”
Jesus went around to all the towns and villages,
teaching in their synagogues,
proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom,
and curing every disease and illness.
At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them
because they were troubled and abandoned,
like sheep without a shepherd.
Then he said to his disciples,
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.”
I can’t help but laugh when I read the first part of this Gospel.
Have you ever said something without thinking it through? Then you think, oh my gosh, that sounds so stupid. Then you wish you could unsay it?
Try this one on. “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”
Really? Why would the prince of demons want to have his demons driven out of people?
But the Pharisees were so afraid of Jesus, they don’t think of how silly they sound.
But after the comedy of the Pharisees, we hear the reality.
Many are in need but few choose – or know how – to help.
We are told to ask God for more to help. That is our mission, given by Christ – to help.
We must return to mission and denounce the clericalism that is creeping back in to our churches.
We must be missional in the work of the church.
At least that’s what I heard Him say…
What I Heard Him Say 