Problem: One of the disciples said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father” (Mt. 8:21). But Jesus said, “Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead” (Mt. 8:22). Wasn’t this a cruel and insensitive statement from Jesus?
Problem: In the account of Jesus healing the centurion’s servant, there appear to be differing accounts. Of course, the biggest difference between the accounts is in the fact that Luke mentions that there are intermediaries between the centurion and Jesus. Matthew makes it seem like the centurion and Jesus met face to face, but Luke explains that they met through messengers. Which is it?
Problem: Matthew seems to present the centurion as the one who seeks the help of Jesus (Matt. 8:5); but, Luke seeems to say that the centurion sent elders to see Jesus (Luke 7:3). Also, Matthew appears to say that the centurion himself comes to talk with Jesus. However, in Luke, the Bible says only the centurion’s representatives saw Jesus.
Problem: Jesus healed a leper by touching him. However, the Hebrew law stated that it is wrong to touch lepers. Leviticus 5:3 states, “If he touches human uncleanness, of whatever sort his uncleanness may be with which he becomes unclean, and it is hidden from him, and then he comes to know it, he will be guilty.” Did Jesus commit a sin by touching the leper?
Problem: Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS’” (Mt. 7:21-23). Lordship theologian Martin Lloyd-Jones writes, “‘It is no use saying, “Lord, Lord,” unless you do the things that I command you’, says Christ. It comes to this, that unless my life is a righteous life, I must be very careful before I claim that I am covered by the grace of God in Jesus Christ.”[1] Does this passage teach that professing believers will be sent to hell because they really didn’t have obedient faith?
Problem: Jesus does say, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Mt. 7:19). Does this mean that we need to bear fruit to be true Christians?
Problem: Do these verses seems to imply that only few people get eternal life?
Problem: Jesus said, “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces” (Mt. 7:6). What did he mean by this?
When you go to daily prayer here is some ways to think about it
Praise – Worship God for who he is
Repent – Confess you sin(s) to God and acknowledge your need for Jesus (This leads to restoration)
Ask – Intercede for particular needs in your life and in others’ lives.
Yield – Surrender your life to following Jesus wherever and however He leads You