Matthew 5-7 Jesus' teaching
Matthew 8-9 Jesus' miracles
Matthew 10-12 THE RESISTANCE
Matthew continues to unfold a more and more complex picture of Jesus and his time on Earth. Chapters 10-12 of Matthew seem to all be focused on the resistance that Jesus and his followers experienced. This is a new dimension to his ministry, and Jesus doesn't mince any words with his opposition. His language in this section is bold and uncomfortable. He tells his followers of the rejection they will encounter, he curses cities for their unbelief, and he calls the pharisees a brood of vipers. The author seems to be illustrating that not everyone liked Jesus, and that he and his followers faced strong resistance.
In Matthew 12:15 Jesus has so upset the religious leaders that they are now plotting to kill him. So the text says, "Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him and he healed all who were ill." I think it is worth noting that in light of all the resistance, Jesus never lost his compassion for the sick and hurting. I love how it says that he healed ALL who were ill. It is almost as if the resistance from the religious elite only served to fuel his compassion even more for the marginalized masses.
As I follow Jesus I too will experience resistance. May it fuel my compassion for those in need.
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