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(1)
The
Twelve
Miracles
that
precede
Rejection
Matthew 8 to 12
Twelve separate miracles are recorded by Matthew. Eight separate signs
are recorded by John. Evidently, therefore, the writers of these `Gospels'
made a choice of the event to suit the purpose of their respective
narratives.
We know that twelve is associated with Israel, and with government.
Let us look at these twelve miracles together, and notice anything that will
help us to see what their special purpose may be:
(1)
The Leper Cleansed (8:2).
(2)
Centurion's Servant (8:5).
(3)
Peter's Wife's Mother (8:14).
Collective Miracles (8:16), and Old Testament quotation
8:17: `That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by
Isaiah the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities,
and bare our sicknesses' (Isa. 53:4).
(4)
The Storm (8:24).
(5)
The Demons (8:28).
(6)
Palsied Man.
Sins Forgiven (9:2). Brought by others.
Old Testament quotation, `Go ye, and learn what that
meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice' (Hos. 6:6).
(7)
Ruler's Daughter (9:18).
(8)
Issue of Blood (9:22).
(9)
Blind Men (9:27).
(10)
Dumb Demon (9:32). Brought by others.
Collective Miracles (9:35) and Old Testament quotation
(9:36): `As sheep having no shepherd' (Zech. 10:2).
(11) Withered Hand (12:13).
Collective Miracles (12:15), and Old Testament quotation
(12:17 -21): `that it might be fulfilled which was spoken
by Isaiah the prophet saying, Behold My Servant, Whom I
have chosen; My beloved, in Whom My soul is well pleased: I
will put My spirit upon Him, and He shall show judgment to
the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall
any man hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed
shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He not quench,
till He send forth judgment unto victory. And in His name
shall the Gentiles trust' (Isa. 42:1).
(12)Blind and Dumb Demon (12:22). The peoples' inquiry, `Is not this
the Son of David?' (12:23). The Pharisees' objection, `He
casts out demons by Beelzebub' (12:24).
The miracles of rejection occupy Matthew 13 to 28, and these too fall into a
well -defined group.
The Miracles after the rejection
A1
13:58.
Not many because of unbelief.
B1
C
a
14:14.
Many healed.
b
14:15 -21. 5,000 fed.
seven
D
14:22 -33. The Sea.
miracles
E
14:36. Perfectly whole.
D
15:21 -28. The Woman of Canaan.
C
a
15:29,30.
Many healed.