Wednesday in the Word with Krisan Marotta

On this journey, Jesus deliberately makes his apostles dependent on the hospitality of the children of Israel by instructing them not to take provisions. The apostles might expect they are launching a victory tour, but they will learn first-hand how the children of Israel will re ...  Show more

Matthew presents this initial sending of the Twelve as a first step toward their ultimate global mission. Even though they are to stay in Jewish territory on this journey, ultimately, Jesus is going to send them to the world. 

In these last two miracles, Matthew foreshadows the growing conflict with the Pharisees. While the crowds are excited and amazed, the Pharisees reject Jesus as working with the devil. Ultimately the unbelief of the Jewish leadership will be a crucial part of the story. 

In the raising of Jairus's daughter, we learn that death should no longer command fear and power over us, because we follow a savior with authority over death. 

Jesus asked, "Who touched me?"  In a metaphorical way, he asks it still. You can try to touch his robe and then run away. But if you do, you're missing the greatest gift of all: salvation.