One of the things I've always loved about Matthew's Gospel is seeing all the different reactions there are to Jesus. I have been really challenged in reading Matthew this time around in our context by those who were amazed by Jesus, but their amazement went no further. It is such a privilege to read stories about Jesus to women here and most of the time they are drawn to him in some way, interested in him, amazed at his miracles. There are apathetic responses but rarely antagonistic ones. This can be encouraging and exciting BUT it is all too easy to let women to stay at this point. I have been seeing how this is just not enough- there is no neutral, middle ground. Yes, we often need to take things slowly and gently. There is a lot of preparing of the ground. But I am talking about ladies who I have been sharing truth with for years who are still at that amazed stage. This is a dangerous place to be. I am seeing more and more how I need to call on these dear friends to repentance, to know the delight of sins forgiven and new life in our Beautiful, Merciful Saviour.
Platt:
Jesus will condemn the unrepentant. People had seen the Messiah and been amazed by Him, and some had even admired Him. However, they did not turn from their sin in response to His summons, "Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near"
Neutrality toward Jesus is impossible. Matt 12.30: "Anyone who is not with Me is against Me, and anyone who does not gather with Me scatters." What Jesus said to the Pharisees applies equally to us. We too must decide whether Jesus is evil, which leads to prideful opposition, or else that He is good, which means that we follow Him wholeheartedly. There is no middle ground.
Jesus will condemn the unrepentant. People had seen the Messiah and been amazed by Him, and some had even admired Him. However, they did not turn from their sin in response to His summons, "Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near"
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