Matthew 9: Connected To Our Healer

I wrote a post HERE that references what I've learned from the beginning of this chapter.

Also this time through v. 15 taught me that one of the purposes of fasting is to feel our Savior near.  The Pharisees ask why the disciples aren't fasting and Christ answers that He is right there, teaching them, filling them.  When He leaves, they will need to fast to maintain that connection.

This time as I read through the story of the woman who touched the Savior's robe I felt particularly touched. 
She wants to be healed, but for a reason we don't know, doesn't want to ask for that.
She has faith, she knows the Savior can heal her, but maybe she feels unworthy, maybe she doesn't want to take his time, maybe she is shy... whatever.
She tries to be healed just through touching Him.


I think it's significant that the Savior stopped.  I'm sure He knew and could've kept going, but He stopped.

I don't think it was to make sure everyone knew there was no getting anything past Him... I think it was because He wanted to see her.  He wanted her to know Him.  Part of the power in His healing is that it isn't some magical thing dissociated to one particular.  It is Him, it is our Savior who heals us.  When we try to reach Him, He will connect with us. 

He wanted this woman to not only be healed, but to feel connected, loved, whole, recognized.  He wanted her to feel valuable despite the crowd of people. 

We can all have healing, forgiveness, connection, comfort, peace... all the good stuff...  when we need it, when we reach to Him.
If anything is 'magical' it's that we all get it we don't have to wait in line, we don't have to be anything special, we don't have to pay for it... he knows us and wants to see us... we just have to seek Him.

Matthew 8 - Faith and Knowing Jesus Christ

I wrote a little bit about what I learned in Matthew chapter 8 HERE.

v. 26 - I think that of course the apostles had some sort of faith.  They were following the Savior, learning from Him.  They believed Him, were ministering with Him.
I don't know that they were doubting per say, but just didn't have knowledge of just how much power the Savior has.

Often it is the same for us.  It may not be that our faith is doubting, but that we don't have a full knowledge of just what the Savior can and will do for us.

How do we find out?  Ask him.  Go to Him.

v. 29 - Even the evil spirits know who Christ is.  They recognize him... as the Son of God... in this verse. 
- I think this speaks to a pre-existence, where we all knew our Savior.  These spirits don't have bodies, they are possessing other bodies, still they know Him, more so than anyone does at this time... they are still learning and gaining faith that He actually is the Savior.
- This speaks to agency for me.  Although all may at some point come to a knowledge of the Savior, they may never choose to follow Him.  Knowing who He is, doesn't magically make us have faith.
- Although we are all subject to the presence of Satan and his followers in this life... the Savior has power over all... Be Not Afraid!!!

The Nativity... Christmas Gifts From Me!

Can you believe Christmas is almost here?

How have you been doing on your reading?

Did you think I fell off the earth?

I have been reading, and thinking of hope, faith and charity with where we are right now in the prompts.  I'll be back to share.

But, wanted to post this beautiful video of the Bible story of the Nativity.

I have some Christmas gifts to give away to anyone who wants them.

I have 5 more of these videos that feature the Mormon Tabernacle Choir... which I will ship to you... just for Christmas... for free of course!

Also if you'd like a free Book of Mormon or a Bible, just leave a comment or email, and I'll send you one... again for free!

Why?  Because I believe peace and joy, clarity and comfort come through seeking the best things in life.  I think we can find the best things as we seek our Heavenly Father and find him through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

Merry Christmas!