AI Summary
5 min readOn day 260 of The Bible in a Year, Fr. Mike Schmitz reads Matthew chapters 8, 9, and 10, along with Proverbs 19:1-4. The reading covers a dense sequence of miracles, the calling of the disciples, and their commissioning for mission. Fr. Mike’s commentary focuses on what these events reveal about Jesus’ identity, the nature of his kingdom, and what it means for those who follow him.
The Miracles as Signs of Identity
Fr. Mike emphasizes that the healings in Matthew 8 and 9 are not random acts of kindness. They are deliberate signs. He notes that John’s Gospel calls them “signs and wonders” because they point to who Jesus is. The clearest example is the healing of the paralytic. Jesus first tells the man his sins are forgiven, which the scribes consider blasphemy. To prove he has the authority to forgive sins, Jesus then heals the man physically. The point is not just that Jesus can heal, but that he is God incarnate, with authority over both the spiritual and physical realms.
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What you'll learn
- 1 (01:08) **Episode Introduction & Context** - Fr. Mike introduces day 260, reading Matthew 8, 9, and 10, and Proverbs 19:1-4, noting this is the third Messianic checkpoint.
- 2 (02:09) **Healings as Signs of Jesus' Identity** - The reading begins with a series of miracles (cleansing a leper, healing the centurion's servant, Peter's mother-in-law), demonstrating Jesus' authority.
- 3 (04:42) **Authority Over Creation and Demons** - Jesus calms a storm and casts out demons into a herd of swine, revealing his power over nature and the spiritual realm.
- 4 (06:06) **Forgiveness and Authority Over Sin** - Jesus heals a paralytic, first forgiving his sins, which sparks controversy with the scribes.
- 5 (06:54) **The Call of Matthew and Mercy Over Sacrifice** - Jesus calls the tax collector Matthew to follow him, then eats with sinners, teaching about mercy.
- 6 (08:16) **Healing Through Faith and Touch** - A woman with a hemorrhage is healed by touching Jesus' garment, and a ruler's daughter is raised from the dead.
- 7 (10:16) **The Harvest is Plentiful, the Laborers Few** - Jesus sees the crowds with compassion and commissions his twelve disciples for mission.
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Guests on this episode
Show Notes
Fr. Mike reinforces Jesus' divinity as we read about how Jesus heals people physically, mentally, and spiritually and frees them from the enemy's kingdom of darkness. Fr. Mike also encourages us to not be afraid when we experience persecution and division for the sake of Christ, but to rather courageously carry the Cross.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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