July 21, 2021 – Matthew 11-13

John was in prison and to John’s question as to whether Jesus was Messiah, Jesus instructed John's guys to tell him all they were seeing: the blind receiving their sight, the lame walking, lepers cleansed, etc. Indeed, all that Jesus said and did testify that he is the Son of God!

The story of Jesus and his disciples going through the grain fields on the Sabbath and plucking ears of corn to eat is a wonderful reminder of God’s concern and care for us. The Pharisees had their deadening legalisms, which made life miserable. Jesus and his disciples were hungry, and they ate, though their actions ran afoul of the Pharisees’ understanding of what was right. Jesus does not challenge the Sabbath law, but the Pharisees’ interpretation of that law. In his Gospel, Mark provides other detail, when he reports Jesus saying, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). He cares about us!

If you’re weary, worn and sad,

Nothing seems to make you glad,

Look to Jesus for He gave His life for you;

Don’t give us in sad despair,

Tell to Him your ev’ry care,

And remember Jesus cares for you.

Jesus cares for you, O yes, He cares for you,

If you trust Him He will guide you safely thro’

When the day seem dark and long,

You can sing the victor’s song,

And remember Jesus cares for you. –Charles E. Smith (1884)