Jesus encouraged John to permit Him to be baptized so that together they could demonstrate a good example. After they did, something supernatural happened!

Please share your thoughts, your own application or questions in the comments at the end.

Note before we go on…

It was one year ago that I began sharing Jesus’ commands. Through this blog I’ve been reminded about what I had learned long ago but had forgotten. I’ve learned much about the internet, and technology. I’ve also found that the effort I’ve taken to prepare a post every week has hindered my ability to complete the larger project. By circling back to the beginning, I should be able to push forward beyond where I stopped last year. I hope you will agree that there is value in Jesus’ words so far and that reviewing them is very helpful.

COMMAND: “Permit it….”

Photo: Dawn Carlson: The Sand Hill (1919) lighthouse is a good example of how a lighthouse PERMITS navigation by communicating the right message of it’s location. Oprah Winfrey’s story and her quote complement the sentiment of being the good example to yourself and those around you. Purchase items in Shop.

Mt 3:15

RECIPIENT:

John the Baptist

CONTEXT: My notes about the context of this command

Jesus’ cousin, John, a prophet, was speaking to large groups of people who came to Him in the wilderness by the Jordan River. He spoke about the imminent coming Messiah whom the Jewish people had hopes would deliver them from Roman oppression. He baptized those who believed what he said in order to symbolize the personal decision to clean up their lives in preparation for the Messiah.

Mt 3:13-14 Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. ¹⁴But John tried to prevent Him saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:

Mt 3:15 “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”

RESULT:

Mt 3:15-17 Then he permitted Him. ¹⁶After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, ¹⁷And a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased”

DEFINITIONS: Key Greek Words – Removes ambiguity of the Bible text

(word: Strong’s # Greek pronunciation — definition)

permit G863 ἀφίημι af-ee’-ay-mee — to send forth; to let go

fitting: G4241 πρέπω prep’-ō — tower up to be conspicuous and by implication to be proper

righteousness: G1343 δικαιοσύνη dik-ah-yos-oo’-nay — equity of character or action

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:

John was confused about Jesus coming to him to be baptized. In righteous humility, John questioned Jesus. Jesus gently informed John of His intentions to set a good example. John did what Jesus said and God was pleased.

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application

This week I will be mindful to think about and then do those things that I could and should as a spouse, employee, employer, student, volunteer, parent, friend, and etcetera that will set a good example. In this way I will encourage myself and others to also do what is right.

Below, please share your comments , questions or perhaps your own application for this command

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

61 Ask the Lord…

25 April, 2019

Christopher Carlson

Matthew No Comments

Jesus first felt compassion and then said to pray to send more workers to the “harvest.” He then selected seventy followers to perform miracles in the places He intended to visit.

Please share your thoughts, your own application or questions in the comments at the end.

COMMAND 61: “…beseech the Lord …to send out workers…”

Mt 9:38; See also Lk 10:2 identical command and probably the same context

Photo by: Dawn Carlson In years past, thousands of ships have sailed past the Manistee Lighthouse with workers for the harvesting of trees.

RECIPIENT:

His disciples (These were either the twelve or a larger group of followers)

CONTEXT: My notes about the context of this command

Mt 9:35-37 Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.
³⁶Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷Then He *said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few…”

COMMAND FULL TEXT:

Mt 9:38 “Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

RESULT:

Mt 10:1 Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.

DEFINITIONS: Key Greek Words – Removes ambiguity of the Bible text

(word: Strong’s # Greek pronunciation — definition)

beseech: G1189 δέομαι deh’-om-ahee — to petition or beg:

then: G3767 οὖν oon — certainly or accordingly

may send: G1544 ἐκβάλλω ek-bal’-lō — to literally or figuratively eject

workers: G2040 ἐργάτης er-gat’-ace — a workman or laborer

harvest: G2326 θερισμός ther-is-mos’ — reaping the crop

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:

I think that its important to highlight that Jesus first felt compassion for the people and then did something about it.

In Matthew 10 the twelve disciples are named and I think these are the ones Jesus is commanding to pray for more workers In Lk 10 Jesus commands the disciples to pray for workers and then sends out 70 of them to visit the cities ahead of His arrival. Their job was to perform supernatural healing of the sick in order to prepare people to listen to Jesus’ message. I think that the harvest analogy simply refers the fact that people were being prepared to accept the message Jesus Himself was intending to bring to them. This message is commonly referred to as The Gospel Message.

Luke 10 says that Jesus also told the 70 to pray for more workers I wonder if Jesus was suggesting that if they asked then supernatural laborers would be sent to prepare the people to receive The Gospel Message. In that way the efforts of a small number of human workers’ would be multiplied.

Jesus also used the harvest analogy when He spoke to His main twelve disciples when they were surprised to see Jesus speaking to a woman at the well in a Samaritan city:

Jn 4:35 “Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and {then} comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.”

I like to keep this blog as practical as I can with my comments and applications without being overly religious or using special Christian religious words that I call “Christianese.” When Jesus or His disciples talk about being saved or about the Gospel Message, the text just means what it says and the application is simply to become a Christian. If you would like to know more about the Gospel Message, here is a link:

Gospel Message

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application

I must demonstrate compassion with care for people. In addition to caring about their physical, mental and emotional well being I should also care about their spiritual well being.

I should ask God for compassion and wisdom in any situation where The Gospel Message might be presented.

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

60 See that no one knows about this!

18 April, 2019

Christopher Carlson

Matthew No Comments

Jesus told these men to keep a secret about what had happened. But they went throughout that land spreading the news about Him.

Please share your thoughts, your own application or questions in the comments at the end.

COMMAND 60 “See that no one knows…”

Mt 9:30

photo by Dawn Carlson
Grays Reef lighthouse in North Eastern Lake Michigan silently tells everyone the secret about the shallow reef just beneath the waves.

RECIPIENT:

Two blind men

CONTEXT: My notes about the context of this command

Jesus performed this miracle in His own city Capernaum, where He lived.
Mt 9:27-30 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” ²⁸When He entered the house, the blind men came up to Him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” ²⁹Then He touched their eyes, saying, “It shall be done to you according to your faith.” ³⁰And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them:

COMMAND FULL TEXT:

Mt 9:30b “See that no one knows about this!”

RESULT:

Mt 9:31 But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout all that land.

DEFINITIONS: Key Greek Words – Removes ambiguity of the Bible text

(word: Strong’s # Greek pronunciation — definition)

see: G3708 ὁραìω hor-ah’-ō — to stare at; (by implication) to discern clearly (physically or mentally); (by extension) to attend to

no one: G3367 μηδεìν may -dem-ee’-ah — not even one man, woman or thing

know: G1097 γινωìσκω ghin-ōce’-kō — a primary verb; to absolutely know

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:

Jesus also instructed the parents of the girl He raised from the dead “…that no one should know about this.”

This command is similar to COMMAND 49 from Mt 8:4 and others.

I do not know why Jesus told these men to keep a secret about what had happened. These men had to return to their homes and families with some explanation as to what happened to them. Perhaps Jesus wanted them to delay their testimony about the healing. Some scholars have suggested that Jesus was not yet ready for all His miracles to be made public before His physical departure because He did not want people to take up arms to make Him a temporal king. Jesus may have given these men more instructions than what Matthew recorded.

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application

Carefully consider the implications that it will be impossible for the recipients of my good deed to be silent about it; they will be unable to keep it secret. If secrecy is imperative I must plan the deed to be anonymous so as to avoid any complications. The recipient will have the choice to thank God or their own luck!

I wonder how shall I put this command into practice this week?

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

59 Leave

11 April, 2019

Christopher Carlson

Matthew 2 Comments

A father and mother listened to Jesus regarding their child, removed the negative tumult from their home and allowed Jesus in. Then a beautiful miracle took place..

Please share your thoughts, your own application or questions in the comments at the end.

COMMAND 59 “Leave…”

Holland Harbor Lighthouse — Photo: Dawn Carlson – Boats leave the Holland Harbor on their way to recreation. Whether its sailing, fishing or just anchoring off the beach sometimes its just what we need to clear the mind and get perspective.

Mt 9:24

RECIPIENT:

flute-players and a crowd in noisy disorder

CONTEXT: My notes about the context of this command

Mt 9:18-19; 23 While He was saying these things to them, a {synagogue} official came and bowed down before Him, and said, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live.” ¹⁹Jesus got up and {began} to follow him, and {so did} His disciples.

²³When Jesus came into the official’s house, and saw the flute-players and the crowd in noisy disorder, ²⁴ He said…

The Bible’s books of Mark and Luke also describe this account but without this specific command. Use these shortcuts if you want to read these other accounts: shortcut links to Mark’s and Luke’s accounts:

Mark 5:25-34
Luke 8:43-48

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:

Mt 9:24 “Leave; for the girl has not died, but is asleep.”

RESULT:

Mt 9:24b- 26 And they {began} laughing at Him. ²⁵But when the crowd had been sent out, He entered and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. ²⁶This news spread throughout all that land.

In both Mark’s and Luke’s accounts Jesus told the astounded parents to give their daughter something to eat. He also told them not to tell anyone about the miracle He had just performed.

DEFINITIONS: Key Greek Words – Removes ambiguity of the Bible text

(word: Strong’s # Greek pronunciation — definition)

leave: G402 ἀναχωρεìω an-akh-ō-reh’-ō — to retire

not: G3756 οὐ oo — a primary word; the absolutely negative

dead: G599 ἀποθνηìσκω ap-oth-nace’-kō — to literally or figuratively die off

asleep: G2518 καθευìδω kath-yoo’-dō — to lie down to rest, implying literal or figurative sleep

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:

Whether the girl was alive or dead seems uncertain. Jesus said that she was asleep. He could have meant literally or figuratively. Since He was about to resurrect the girl, Jesus may have referred to her condition figuratively as sleep. She could also have been in a coma in which case she would have been literally asleep. Luke mentions that the girl’s spirit returned to her but the Greek word that was used for spirit can mean literally breath or figuratively spirit. The miracle of her healing is undiminished whether the girl was literally dead or in a coma because of its instantaneous result when Jesus held her hand and spoke to her.

This father and mother listened to Jesus regarding their child, removed the negative tumult from their home and allowed Jesus in. Their faith enabled a beautiful miracle to take place in their lives.

Curious Observation

In Mark’s and Luke’s accounts Jesus specifically instructed the parents to give the girl something to eat. I wonder why this detail. Jesus also told the parents not to tell anyone about what He had done. I also wonder why He gave this instruction to them. The crowd that was put out surely told everyone they knew what Jesus had done.

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application

In the confusion of life there are times when I must dismiss the naysayers and remove the noisy negative influences from my life and in the quietness allow in the positive influences in order to restore health and peace.

For me this would be turning off the TV, unplugging social media and cancelling appointments with negative people or activities. Ideally, I would like to go somewhere to keep from being distracted by household chores and projects. This would be a time for reading a helpful book, taking in some nature, taking a nap or going to bed early. Whether it is a few hours or a few days, these are times to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. I hardly ever do this kind of thing and I need it!

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

Mark’s Account

Mk 5:22-24, 35-43 One of the synagogue officials named Jairus *came up, and on seeing Him, *fell at His feet ²³and *implored Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death; {please} come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live.” ²⁴And He went off with him; and a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him…

³⁵ While He was still speaking, they *came from the {house of} the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher anymore?” ³⁶But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, *said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid {any} {longer,} only believe.” ³⁷And He allowed no one to accompany Him, except Peter and James and John the brother of James. ³⁸They *came to the house of the synagogue official; and He *saw a commotion, and {people} loudly weeping and wailing. ³⁹And entering in, He *said to them, “Why make a commotion and weep? The child has not died, but is asleep.” ⁴⁰They {began} laughing at Him. But putting them all out, He *took along the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and *entered {the room} where the child was. ⁴¹Taking the child by the hand, He *said to her, “Talitha kum!” (which translated means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). ⁴²Immediately the girl got up and {began} to walk, for she was twelve years old. And immediately they were completely astounded. 43 And He gave them strict orders that no one should know about this, and He said that {something} should be given her to eat.

Return to Context

Luke’s Account
Lk 8:41-42; 49-56 And there came a man named Jairus, and he was an official of the synagogue; and he fell at Jesus’ feet, and {began} to implore Him to come to his house; ⁴²for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. But as He went, the crowds were pressing against Him…

⁴⁹While He was still speaking, someone *came from {the house of} the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; do not trouble the Teacher anymore.” ⁵⁰But when Jesus heard {this,} He answered him, “Do not be afraid {any longer;} only believe, and she will be made well.” ⁵¹When He came to the house, He did not allow anyone to enter with Him, except Peter and John and James, and the girl’s father and mother. ⁵²Now they were all weeping and lamenting for her; but He said, “Stop weeping, for she has not died, but is asleep.” ⁵³And they {began} laughing at Him, knowing that she had died. ⁵⁴He, however, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Child, arise!” ⁵⁵And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He gave orders for {something} to be given her to eat. ⁵⁶Her parents were amazed; but He instructed them to tell no one what had happened.

Return to Context

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

58 Take Courage 2

3 April, 2019

admin

Matthew No Comments

Jesus treated children, women, men and even foreigners with the same compassion implying they all have the same value.

Please share your thoughts, your own application or questions in the comments at the end.

Photo: Dawn Carlson – You’ve seen this command and the Rock Harbor lighthouse before. Here I’m using it to describe how lighthouses equally treat everyone the same. No matter who you are a lighthouse communicates certainty of position and proves itself an aid to navigation. Jesus’ commands are also certain and aid everyone who listens to navigate their life in a good direction.

Command 58 “…take courage…”

Mt 9:22

RECIPIENT:

A woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years

CONTEXT: My notes about the context of this command

Mt 9:18-22 While He was saying these things to them, a {synagogue} official came and bowed down before Him, and said, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live.” ¹⁹Jesus got up and {began} to follow him, and {so did} His disciples.

²⁰And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; ^²¹for she was saying to herself, “If I only touch His garment, I will get well.” ²²But Jesus turning and seeing her said…

This account is also found in the Bible’s books of Mark and Luke. These other accounts provide rich detail although neither of them mention the command to take courage. I’ve included these accounts at the end of this blog post if you would like to read them too.

shortcut links to Mark’s and Luke’s accounts:

Mark 5:25-34

Luke 8:43-48

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:

Mt 9:22a “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.”

RESULT:

Mt 9:22b At once the woman was made well.

DEFINITIONS: Key Greek Words – Removes ambiguity of the Bible text

(word: Strong’s # Greek pronunciation — definition)

daughter: G2364 θυγάτηρ thoo-gat’-air — a female child

take courage: G2293 θαρσέω thar-seh’-ō — be of good cheer (comfort)

your: G4675 σοῦ soo – of you

faith: G4102 πίστις pis’-tis — persuasion, that is, credence or moral conviction

made well: G4982 σώζω sōde’-zō — literally or figuratively to save, deliver or protect

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:

COMMAND 54 Jesus uses these same words when healing the paralyzed person. See also: Mt 14:27; Mk 6:50; Mk 10:49; Jn 16:33

Jesus gave this woman the same command to “take courage,” that He gave to the paralytic child. Jesus also told a blind man to “take courage,: before healing him. He treated them the same. These examples are subtle but clear demonstrations that God does not distinguish between child and adult or male and female in terms of personal worth. In other instances He healed both Jew and Gentile. I consider the record that Jesus treated all these people alike to be a profound Christian value. There is no place when following Jesus for age, gender or racial discrimination when it comes to the value of human life and therefore equality in my own personal attitudes and actions.

The woman’s condition would have made her ceremonially unclean which meant that she would have been excluded from worshiping at the temple and would have also made her interactions with people difficult. Her physical condition made her social life miserable and left her financially broke. Jesus healing her was both physical and social redemption.

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application

Jesus accords an equal value to men, women and children regardless of race and therefore, so should I.

When I come to Jesus asking for help I am demonstrating faith and He instructs me to take courage because my faith is a powerful tool in His hands.

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

Mark’s Account

Mk 5:25-34 A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, ²⁶and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse ²⁷after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind {Him} and touched His cloak. ²⁸For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.”²⁹ Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.³⁰Immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that the power {proceeding} from Him had gone forth, turned around in the crowd and said,“Who touched My garments?” ³¹And His disciples said to Him, “You see the crowd pressing in on You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?'” ³²And He looked around to see the woman who had done this. ³³But the woman fearing and trembling, aware of what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. ³⁴And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”

Return to Context

Luke’s Account

Lk 8:43-48 And a woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone, ⁴⁴came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. ⁴⁵And Jesus said,“Who is the one who touched Me?” And while they were all denying it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing in on You.” ⁴⁶But Jesus said, “Someone did touch Me, for I was aware that power had gone out of Me.” ⁴⁷When the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came trembling and fell down before Him, and declared in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. ⁴⁸And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

Return to Context

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

57 Go and Learn Compassion

27 March, 2019

admin

Matthew 1 Comment

The practice of religion is to result in compassion and love for people. God is not impressed with my piety if it is accompanied by hatred of my fellow man or woman.

Please share your thoughts, your own application or questions in the comments at the end.

COMMAND 57 “But go and learn… ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE’…”

Mt 9:13

RECIPIENT:

Photo: Dawn Carlson – Harbor Beach on Lake Huron was developed in the 1870’s out of compassion. Many thousands of ships and crews anchored at this man made harbor. It is a safe haven on an otherwise unforgiving shore during inclement weather.

Unnamed Pharisees

Who or what were Pharisees? They were a politically powerful religious sect among the Jews. Their religious practice consisted in a strict observance of the rites, ceremonies and the traditions of the elders. They considered themselves as more righteous than other Jews because of their supposed holiness.

CONTEXT: My notes about the context of this command

At Matthew’s house.
Mt 9:10-12 Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining {at the table} in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. ¹¹When the Pharisees saw {this,} they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” ¹² But when Jesus heard {this,} He said, “{It is} not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.”

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:

Mt 9:13 ”But go and learn what this means: `I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.“

RESULT:

No direct result recorded except perhaps the implication that Jesus continued to dine with the “tax collectors and sinners.”

DEFINITIONS: Key Greek Words – Removes ambiguity of the Bible text

(word: Strong’s # Greek pronunciation — definition)

go: G4198 πορευìομαι por-yoo’-om-ahee — to travel, to remove

learn:: G3129 μανθαìνω man-than’-ō — to understand

desire: G2309 θεìλω thel’-ō (or) ἐθεìλω eth-el’-ō — to determine as in to choose or prefer

compassion: G1656 ἐìλεος el’-eh-os — active compassion

sacrifice: G2378 θυσιìα thoo-see’-ah — the act or the object of sacrifice

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:

The Capitalized quote is from the Old Testament book of Hosea. Here is a relevant portion of that chapter that is speaking to the people of the Jewish tribes (descendants of) Ephraim and Judah. These people were observing the proper religious rites but practicing evil outside of their worship rituals:
Ho 6:6-9 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. ⁷But, like Adam, they have broken the covenant; they have acted like traitors against Me there. ⁸Gilead is a city of those who work iniquity, slippery with blood marks. ⁹And as troops of robbers wait for a man, the company of priests murder in the way to Shechem; for they have done wickedness.

Jesus again quoted Hosea while speaking to the Pharisees at another place.
Mt 12:7 “But if you had known what this means, ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT A SACRIFICE,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.”

In Matthew 22 Jesus stated that the greatest commandments from God go beyond mere religious ritual. The practice of religion is to result in love for people. This type of love is agape love which involves compassion and meeting practical needs. God is not impressed with my piety if it is accompanied by hatred of my fellow man.
Mt 22:37-40 And He said to him, ” ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.‘ ³⁸“This is the great and foremost commandment. ³⁹“The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ ⁴⁰“On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

Jesus also said to go and learn

Compassion that is effective involves knowledge of needs. I think that profound harm can come from ill conceived efforts of compassion. For instance, people can become dependent on charity rather than learning to care for themselves. They can take offence with others telling them to change if they do not want to change or do not understand the reasons why. A beautiful gift can be rejected if the giving of it breaks a cultural taboo. Effective compassion learns about and considers these things.

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application

I will seek out and find ways to demonstrate love for God with thoughtful actions that show love to people. I wonder what I’ll find this week?

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

56 Follow Me!

21 March, 2019

Christopher Carlson

Matthew 2 Comments

Matthew’s, acceptance of Jesus’ invitation to, “Follow Me” was to last beyond Matthew’s lifetime and included not only physically following Jesus but also mentally and spiritually following Him.

Please share your thoughts, your own application or questions in the comments at the end.

Command 56 “Follow Me!”

Mt 9:9; Mk 2:14; Lk 5:27
See also in separate context: Mt 4:19; Mt_8:22; Mk_1:17; Mk_10:21; Lk_9:59; Lk_18:22; Jn_1:43; Jn_21:19; Jn_21:22

RECIPIENT:

Photo: Dawn Carlson – Since 1859 ship captains have been able to “follow” the St Clair Flats Front and Rear Range Lights. These mark and guide to the entrance into the St. Clair River Channel.

A man named Levi also called Matthew. Matthew is the author of the Gospel of Matthew

CONTEXT: My notes about the context of this command

Mt 9:9a As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector’s booth; and He said to him…

Mk 2:13-14 And He went out again by the seashore; and all the people were coming to Him, and He was teaching them. ¹⁴As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax booth, and He *said to him…

Lk 5:27 After that He went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him…

COMMAND FULL TEXT AND IMMEDIATE RESULT:

Mt 9:9 ”Follow Me!“ And he got up and followed Him.

Mk 2: 14 “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him.

Lk 5:27-28 “Follow Me.” ²⁸And he left everything behind and got up and began to follow Him.

RESULT:

Afterwards, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his house for a meal.

Mt 9:10-13 Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. ¹¹When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” ¹²But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. ¹³But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Mk 2:16-17 When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that He was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they said to His disciples, “Why is He eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners?” ¹⁷And hearing this, Jesus *said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Lk 5:29-32 And Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a great crowd of tax collectors and other people who were reclining at the table with them. ³⁰The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” ³¹And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. ³²“I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

DEFINITIONS: Key Greek Words – Removes ambiguity of the Bible text

(word: Strong’s # Greek pronunciation — definition)

follow: G190 ἀκολουθεìω ak-ol-oo-theh’-ō — to be in the same way with, that is, to accompany

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:

I’ve already presented this same command in COMMAND 4 and COMMAND 52 However, in COMMAND 4 the Greek word translated as “follow” is different and means simply to come behind. This word in this week’s command is means to accompany. To me this means to walk with rather than to follow behind. The difference is subtle but I think it is significant because He is inviting friendship and not just obedience.

Jesus invited Matthew to accompany Him. This was a personal and open invitation for Matthew to physically get up and go with Jesus. Matthew’s, acceptance of Jesus’ invitation was to last Matthew’s lifetime and included not only physically following Jesus but also mentally and spiritually following Him. Matthew became one of Jesus twelve apostles (closest followers). As the author of the Bible’s book of Matthew, his decision to follow Jesus had and has effects lasting over two millennia.

Matthew is known in the Gospels of Mark and Luke by the name of Levi. It was apparently common for people to have a nickname or an assumed name. For instance, Peter was also called Cephas and Simon.

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application

Jesus invites everyone, including me, to follow Him by listening to what He says about how to live and committing to do it. In this way my life will be productive and meaningful and encouraging to others, perhaps like for Matthew, in ways lasting well beyond my lifetime.

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

55 Get Up Pick Up and Go

14 March, 2019

Christopher Carlson

Matthew No Comments

They didn’t believe He was God so He proved it with a miracle. Healing this man was one of the most direct responses Jesus gave to His critics to as to His identity as God in the flesh. Jesus was not merely speaking words into the air; He proved over and over the authority of His words with miracles before many witnesses.

Please share your thoughts, your own application or questions in the comments at the end.

COMMAND 55 “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.”

Photo: Dawn Carlson – The Marquette Harbor Crib Light guides freighters into and out of the harbor. The structure in the background is an iron ore loading dock over 1200 feet long. Freighters “get up” to Marquette, “pick up” their load and “go home” to drop off the ore at the steel mill.

Mt 9:7; see also Mk 2:11; Lk 5:24; See also in separate context Jn 5:8

RECIPIENT:

Mt 9:2a And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed.

CONTEXT: My notes about the context of this command

After the incident with the demon possessed men and the swine, Jesus returned to “His own city,” Capernaum in the region of Galilee.

Mt 8:34-9:2 And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they implored Him to leave their region. ¹Getting into a boat, Jesus crossed over {the sea} and came to His own city.
²And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.” ³And some of the scribes said to themselves, “This fellow blasphemes.” ⁴And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? ⁵“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’? ⁶“But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”–then He *said to the paralytic…

Mk 2:1-10 When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home. ²And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them. ³And they *came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. ⁴Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. ⁵And Jesus seeing their faith *said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” ⁶But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, ⁷“Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?” ⁸Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, *said to them, “Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? ⁹“Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’? ¹⁰“But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins“–He *said to the paralytic…

Lk 5:17-24 One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing. ¹⁸And some men were carrying on a bed a man who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of Him. ¹⁹But not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. ²⁰Seeing their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” ²¹The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” ²²But Jesus, aware of their reasonings, answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? ²³“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? ²⁴“But, so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,”–He said to the paralytic…

COMMAND FULL TEXT:

Mt 9:7 “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.”

Mk 2:11 “I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.”

Lk 5:24b “I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.”

RESULT:

Mt 9:7-8 And he got up and went home. ⁸But when the crowds saw {this,} they were awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

Mk 2:12 And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

Lk 5:25-26 Immediately he got up before them, and picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. ²⁶They were all struck with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

DEFINITIONS: Key Greek Words – Removes ambiguity of the Bible text

(word: Strong’s # Greek pronunciation — definition)

get up: G1453 ἐγείρω eg-i’-rō — to waken, that is, rouse (literally from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence)

pick up: G142 αἴρω ah’ee-rō — to lift; by implication to take up or away; figuratively to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind); specifically to sail away (that is, weigh anchor

go: G5217 ὑπάγω hoop-ag’-ō — to lead (oneself) under, that is, withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

bed: G2825 κλιìνη klee’-nay — a couch (for sleep, sickness, sitting or eating)

pallet: G2895 κραìββατος krabbatos — a mattress

stretcher: G2826 κλινιìδιον klin-id’-ee-on — a pallet or little couch

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:

This incident was one of the most direct responses Jesus gave to His critics to prove His identity as God in the flesh. The paralyzed man received God’s favor and was miraculously healed of his infirmity. The man was then given direct instruction by Jesus’ divine authority to simply get up and go home – a task that would have been impossible for the man mere moments before. The man joyfully complied and went out of the building in front of everyone!

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application

I must take responsibility for myself to get up and go out into the world and pick up something worthwhile to do (work, encourage others, raise a family, etc) with the mental and physical abilities and resources that I possess. I will start at home.

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

54 Take Courage

6 March, 2019

Christopher Carlson

Matthew No Comments

When Jesus told the man to “take courage” and that his sins are forgiven, his spirit was freed from his past. He could make a new start.

Please share your thoughts, your own application or questions in the comments at the end.

54 “Take courage…”

Photo: Dawn Carlson – Any lighthouse could be used to say “Take Courage.” Just passing it one way or the other incurs risk and adventure! This is Rock Harbor in Lake Superior.

Mt 9:2

RECIPIENT:

Mt 9:2a And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed.

CONTEXT: My notes about the context of this command

After the incident with the demon possessed men and the swine:
Mt 8:34-9:2 And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they implored Him to leave their region. ¹Getting into a boat, Jesus crossed over {the sea} and came to His own city.
²And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic lying on a bed…

Mark says that this happened in the city of Capernaum which is in the region of Galilee. Mark 2:1 states that it was at Capernaum that Jesus was “at home.”

COMMAND FULL TEXT:

Mt 9:2b “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.”

RESULT:

Mt 9:3-8 And some of the scribes said to themselves, “This {fellow} blasphemes.” ⁴And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? ⁵“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’? ⁶“But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”–then He *said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.” ⁷And he got up and went home. ⁸But when the crowds saw {this,} they were awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

What is blasphemy? It is the act or offense of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things; profane talk.

DEFINITIONS: Key Greek Words – Removes ambiguity of the Bible text

(word: Strong’s # Greek pronunciation — definition)

son: G5043 τεìκνον tek’-non — a child, a son or daughter

courage: G2293 θαρσεìω thar-seh’-ō — to have courage; the ability to do that which is painful or frightening

sins: G266 ἁμαρτιìα ham-ar-tee’-ah — sin: any voluntary transgression of the divine law, or violation of a divine command; a wicked act; iniquity. Sin is either an act to violate a known divine law, or it is the voluntary neglect to obey a divine command, or a rule of duty clearly implied in such command. Sin comprehends not action only, but neglect of known duty, all evil thoughts purposes, words and desires, whatever is contrary to God’s commands or law.

forgiven: G863 ἀφιìημι af-ee’-ay-mee — to send forth

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:

This account is also found in the Bible’s books of Mark and Luke. These other accounts do not have this exact command but add rich details that are not in Matthew’s book. I’ve included these accounts at the end of this blog post if you would like to read them too.

shortcut links to other accounts:

Mk 2:2-12

Lk 5:17-25

This man by way of his friends or family came in faith to be healed by Jesus. Jesus had compassion for him and publicly forgave his sins. When challenged by the thoughts and whisperings of the religious leaders that only God has authority for forgive sins, Jesus then demonstrated His authority to forgive sins by miraculously healing the man. Therefore Jesus proved to them that He was indeed God. With authority Jesus also told the person to pick up their mat and go home, which he boldly did in front of them all! But instead of worshiping Jesus (or even marveling about the miracle) these religious leaders doubled down on their accusations because the miracle was performed on a Sabbath day when no work (healing) was to be done. Furthermore, Jesus commanded a person to carry their mat home which was another violation of the Sabbath rules for that person.

When Jesus told the man to “take courage” and that his sins are forgiven, the implication was that with his sins forgiven he no longer had condemnation from God. Paralyzed or not he now had God’s favor. His spirit was free from his past. He need no longer fear physical death and could live freely knowing he possessed eternal life for his spirit.

Matthew and Mark use the term tek’-non for child, but Luke uses anth’-rō-pos which is the term for a human. The paralytic was referred to in both ways during the incident. It is possible that the “man” could have been a child and even a little girl.

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application

I must take courage every day. Life is too short to live it being afraid to do things. However, life is also too fragile to live foolishly. I will not be afraid to live my life and to try new experiences. But I will also take steps to be safe and to mitigate the risks!

As a Christian I have confidence that my sins are forgiven and I have God’s favor. I need not be afraid to live my life with freedom to choose my path with God’s principles as my guide, I can have courage.

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

The other accounts of this healing

Mark’s account of the healing

Mar 2:2-12 And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them. ³And they *came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. ⁴Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. ⁵And Jesus seeing their faith *said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” ⁶But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, ⁷“Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?” ⁸Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, *said to them, “Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? ⁹“Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’? ¹⁰“But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”–He *said to the paralytic, ¹¹“I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.” ¹²And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

RETURN TO COMMENTS

Luke’s account of the healing

Lk 5:17-25 One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing. ¹⁸And some men were carrying on a bed a man who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of Him. ¹⁹ But not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. ²⁰Seeing their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” ²¹The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” ²²But Jesus, aware of their reasonings, answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? ²³“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? ²⁴“But, so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,”–He said to the paralytic–“I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.” ²⁵Immediately he got up before them, and picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God.

RETURN TO COMMENTS

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

53 Go!

27 February, 2019

Christopher Carlson

Matthew 2 Comments

I do not know how a person can become demon possessed. But in Matthew chapter four Jesus resisted Satan by commanding him to, “Go…” I think there are ways for me to do the same.

Please share your thoughts, your own application or questions in the comments at the end.

COMMAND 53 “Go!”

Mt 8:32; details also found in Mark and Luke (see My Comments and Notes)

RECIPIENT: a legion (thousands) of demons

Mk 5:9 And He was asking him, “What is your name?” And he *said to Him, “My name is Legion; for we are many.”

CONTEXT: My notes about the context of this command

Mt 8:28-31 When He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs. {They were} so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way. ²⁹And they cried out, saying, “What business do we have with each other, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” ³⁰Now there was a herd of many swine feeding at a distance from them. ³¹The demons began to entreat Him, saying, “If You are going to cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.”

COMMAND FULL TEXT:

Mt 8:32 And He said to them, “Go!”

RESULT:

Mt 8:32b-9:1 And they came out and went into the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the waters. ³³The herdsmen ran away, and went to the city and reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. ³⁴And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they implored Him to leave their region.
^9:1Getting into a boat, Jesus crossed over {the sea} and came to His own city.

DEFINITIONS: Key Greek Words – Removes ambiguity of the Bible text

(word: Strong’s # Greek pronunciation — definition)

go: G5217 ὑπαìγω hoop-ag’-ō — to lead (oneself) under, that is, withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

MY COMMENTS AND NOTES:

This account was so significant that it is also found in the Bible’s books of Mark and Luke. These other accounts add rich details that are not in Matthew’s book. I’ve included these accounts at the end of this blog post if you would like to read them too.

”shortcut links to the other accounts of this event:

Mk 5:1-20

Lk 8:26-37

The city of Gedara and its surrounding area included the town of Gerasa which was by the sea of Galilee. Therefore, the place was known locally as the Gerasenes in the country of the Gadarenes.

What happened to the demons after the swine died, I have no idea! Why do we not more often see demonic possession as is described here? I’ve talked to people who claim to have been assaulted by demons but I never hear of demon possession except in the movies. I wonder if this does not happen anymore or it does not happen here. I also wonder if demon possession does occur and this is the true reason for the mass murders and other atrocities that happen nowadays.

The men Jesus met in the country of the Gadarenes became demon possessed to the point of being controlled like zombies. I do not know how this happened. But how Jesus resisted Satan is recorded in Matthew 4. There Jesus commanded Satan himself to, “Go…” (Blog 2). I think that is what I have to do too. While demon possession seems to be something rare, temptation to do what is wrong is ever present.

Jesus and his disciples healed others who were possessed by demons::

Mt 8:16 When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill.

Mt 10:8 “Heal {the} sick, raise {the} dead, cleanse {the} lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.”

Mt 17:18 And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once.

Mk 16:17 “These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues;”

Lk 10:20 “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION: I encourage you to make your own application

Thinking about and doing what is good and right is perhaps the best way to avoid temptation to do what is wrong. However, temptations will arise. I know my weaknesses. Therefore I will .avoid those places and circumstances where I know temptations will be overwhelming. I will remove the temptation from my house, my computer, my car, my office or other places if I can. I will proactively strengthen myself from giving in to temptations by reading helpful books or memorizing an appropriate proverb. I can and will be persistent in learning to resist.

Below, please share your comments , question or perhaps your own application for this command

Mark’s Account of the Exorcism

”Mk 5:1-20 They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes. ²When He got out of the boat, immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met Him, ³and he had his dwelling among the tombs. And no one was able to bind him anymore, even with a chain; ⁴because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. ⁵Constantly, night and day, he was screaming among the tombs and in the mountains, and gashing himself with stones. ⁶Seeing Jesus from a distance, he ran up and bowed down before Him; ⁷and shouting with a loud voice, he *said, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God, do not torment me!”⁸For He had been saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!“⁹And He was asking him, “What is your name?” And he *said to Him, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” ¹⁰And he {began} to implore Him earnestly not to send them out of the country. ¹¹Now there was a large herd of swine feeding nearby on the mountain. ¹²{The demons} implored Him, saying, “Send us into the swine so that we may enter them.” ¹³Jesus gave them permission. And coming out, the unclean spirits entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, about two thousand {of them;} and they were drowned in the sea.
¹⁴Their herdsmen ran away and reported it in the city and in the country. And {the people} came to see what it was that had happened. ¹⁵They *came to Jesus and *observed the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the “legion”; and they became frightened. ¹⁶Those who had seen it described to them how it had happened to the demon-possessed man, and {all} about the swine. ¹⁷And they began to implore Him to leave their region. ¹⁸As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was imploring Him that he might accompany Him. ¹⁹And He did not let him, but He *said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and {how} He had mercy on you.” ²⁰And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.

RETURN TO COMMENTS

Luke’s Account of the Exorcism

”Lk 8:26-37 Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. ²⁷And when He came out onto the land, He was met by a man from the city who was possessed with demons; and who had not put on any clothing for a long time, and was not living in a house, but in the tombs. ²⁸Seeing Jesus, he cried out and fell before Him, and said in a loud voice, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me.” ²⁹For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had seized him many times; and he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, and {yet} he would break his bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert. ³⁰And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. ³¹They were imploring Him not to command them to go away into the abyss.
³²Now there was a herd of many swine feeding there on the mountain; and {the demons} implored Him to permit them to enter the swine. And He gave them permission. ³³And the demons came out of the man and entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.
³⁴When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they ran away and reported it in the city and {out} in the country. ³⁵{The people} went out to see what had happened; and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting down at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they became frightened. ³⁶Those who had seen it reported to them how the man who was demon-possessed had been made well. ³⁷And all the people of the country of the Gerasenes and the surrounding district asked Him to leave them, for they were gripped with great fear; and He got into a boat and returned.

RETURN TO COMMENTS

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB