Matthew 9, Msg:
“Back in the boat, Jesus and the disciples recrossed the sea to Jesus’ hometown. They were hardly out of the boat when some men carried a paraplegic on a stretcher and set him down in front of them. Jesus, impressed by their bold belief, said to the paraplegic, ‘Cheer up, son, I forgive your sins.’ Some religion scholars whispered, ‘Why, that’s blasphemy!'”

“Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, ‘Why this gossipy whispering? Which do you think is simpler to say, ‘I forgive your sins,’ or ‘Get up and walk’? Well, just so it’s clear that I’m the son of Man and Authorized to do either, or both…’ At this he truned to the paraplegic and said, ‘Get up. Take your bed and go home.’ And the man did it. The crowd was awestruck, amazed and pleased that God had authorized Jesus to work among them this way.”

“Passing along, Jesus saw a man at his work collecting taxes. His name was Matthew. Jesus said, ‘Come along with me.’ Matthew stood up and followed him.”

“Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew’s house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them. When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus’ followers. ‘What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riffraff?'”

(Notice that these gossipy whisperers did not come straight to Jesus with their complaint…because this is the gossiper’s way.)

“Jesus, overhearing, shot back, ‘Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means; ‘I’m after mercy, not religion.’ ‘I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.'”

Discussion ended.

What does God require of us? Micah 6:8 says it well…”But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.”

Jesus left earth with more for us… “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28, Msg

Wow, God with us…always! Don’t allow gossipy whisperers deter who God created you to be and do to bring Him Glory and to help others find Him, too.

Dear Heavenly Father, What a wonder You are to us! What a great and Mighty God who knows all and is in all. You hear all. And You respond. May we listen to your guidance and leading and by Your power continue to walk in Your ways. In Jesus Name, Amen