Matthew 15:21-28
The past couple of weeks, while studying Matthew, we've been seeking to get a glimpse of the abundant life offered to us by way of the Kingdom of Heaven which is "near" and "at hand." Oh, to think that there is so much more to this life if only we were to gain eternal and Kingdom perspective.
The fault with this is that we can get caught up with seeking the blessings of the Kingdom and lose sight of the King. We must remember that the parameters of the Kingdom life is true discipleship and followship of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
No doubt many in Jesus' time wanted his healing power. Many sought his presence, following him from place to place. Even in Chapter 14, when Jesus loses his prophetic cousin, John the Baptist--obviously a trying emotional trial as he withdrew to be by himself (v. 13)--the crowds followed him "when they heard it", apparently seeking Jesus' perspective on the loss of a loved one. But in the end, few wanted true discipleship, which begs the question: Which do we desire more? The blessings of the Kingdom or the presence of the King?
This Canaanite woman was satisfied with the scraps. She just wanted Jesus.
I'm convinced that our pursuit of Kingdom lives is a worthy one. If we do not check our motives, however, we run the risk of leaning toward a health and wealth theology. We don't chase the Kingdom because of all the material or physical bonuses, but for "abundant" lives. We must not confuse those things. Persecution, sickness, calamity is all part of living in a fallen world; our circumstances are reminders of the redemption which is ours through Christ. It's easy to look around at our trials, taking our eyes off Jesus, and focus on our own kingdom development--if we're in it for the blessings of the Kingdom. If we're in it for the presence of the King, well, that gives us different perspective. That is faith at work. That is hope when all seems hopeless. He is our abundant life.
I'm reminded of Mephibosheth. I'll not retell the whole story. You can read it here in 2 Samuel 16:1-4 & 19:24-30. When it came down to it, David (as a type of Christ) was willing to return the Kingdom blessings to Mephibosheth (the crippled type of you and me). Mephibosheth basically said, "I don't want your blessings, I only want you!" (2 Sam. 19:30)
Let me ask you this: Is it enough that sinless Jesus became sin for you, dying on a cross to pay the debt of that sin, taking upon Himself your unrighteousness so that you might stand before God righteous in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21)? Is it enough that Jesus has taken the initiative to come to us when we would never have looked for Him on our own (Ephesians 2:1-10)? Is it enough that Jesus has promised to come back for us and take us to be with Him (John 14:1-6)? Is it enough that Jesus has promised to be with us here until then (Matthew 28:20)?
I'm satisfied with just the scraps that fall from the Master's table. But you know what? Jesus is NOT satisfied in merely giving us Kingdom scraps. He is life. He is the Kingdom and abundant life. Don't lose sight of Jesus. Without Jesus there is no Kingdom.
