Matthew in Rhyme, Chapters 9-10

Text and image by Rick McVicar

Chapter 9 

v.1 Jesus healed another paralytic Even though it made him a heretic. Scribes dared Jesus to forgive sin. Jesus said he knew how to win. 

He told the man on a bed to get up. The paralytic man stepped out of his rut. The crowds around were awe struck. Man’s walk was more than dumb luck. 

v. 9 Jesus met Matthew at a tax booth, Provoking many jeers and boos. Jesus invited Matthew to follow him, Never mind his lucrative sins. 

Matthew said sure enough, Even though poverty was rough. They dined with Matthew’s friends, Tax collectors who would bend 

Their tallies on the books, Bringing Pharisees’ glaring looks. Jesus said that is why he came, To reach the infamous and ill-famed. 

Offering mercy was turned into law, Not exactly what Pharisees saw. 

v. `14 John’s disciples wanted to know, Why Jesus put on a show By refusing to fast. His dinners made him an outcast. 

Jesus said now is the time to be wed, Fasting is for when someone is dead. Unshrunk cloth cannot patch torn clothes, Half-baked ideas cannot liven tired bones. 

New wine sours on lips that whine, Gratitude is required when you dine. New garments and wineskins rule the day, Clean beginnings now pave the way. 

v. 18 Synagogue leader was concerned His daughter may need a burial urn. As Jesus and the man walked, Jesus noticed he was being stalked. 

A woman touched Jesus’ hem, With faith she was surely led. Jesus did not mind her touch He knew she had it rough. 

He made sure she was healed. With his heart he sealed The beginnings of new life. Her health was made right. 

Jesus then went on his way To deliver the final say On a girl close to dying. Her father kept sighing. 

But wait, it was too late. Girl was ready for the grave. At sound of a flute Jesus raised the dead. “The girl was just sleeping,” Jesus said (v. 24, RSV). 

v. 27 Jesus made two blind men to see, They were happy they could read. A speechless man began to talk, But the Pharisees only balked. 

Crowds followed like lost flocks of sheep. Jesus’ compassion would abundantly leap. He told his disciples workers were few For all the harvest that the wind blew. 

Ask for more workers to help, Do not be afraid to holler and yelp.

  Chapter 10 

v. 1 While Jesus was not in the majority, He gave his disciples authority To cast out spirits unclean, Curing all disease Alleviating unease. 

Twelve disciples were picked To comprise a following clique. Simon Peter and Andrew Were named among the crew. 

Ten more disciples were called, Including Judas to bring Jesus’ fall. Why Jesus chose Judas we do not know. Did Jesus know where Judas would go? 

v. 5 The disciples then were sent, Depending on what villagers lent. They would aid in Jesus’ ministry, Alleviating all misery. 

They would go to Israel’s lost sheep, Proclaiming the good news in the street. The dead would be raised, The injured would need no cane. 

Lepers would be cleaned, Demons would quickly flee. They would take no gold Nor sandals for their soles. 

If their words were not taken Dust off their feet would be shaken. 

v. 16 Disciples would be put to the test, Like wild animals needing rest. Sheep, wolves, serpents and doves, Disciples were to deliver much love

Despite heavy traps and lairs, Disciples lost more than a few hairs. They endured all types of civil war, Being saved could be a chore. 

Teacher and disciple must keep order A servant always remains a boarder. “Beelzebub” will ring in your ear But you have no need to fear. 

v. 26 Secrets behind closed doors Will be revealed shore to shore. Jesus’ secret words will be proclaimed Disciples have no need for shame. 

God will not give anyone blame For testifying in Jesus’ name. Family strife may come along Because you sing a brand new song. 

Take up your cross and follow along You will be freed from your old wrongs. Losing your life will make you free Jesus gives new life, you will see. 

A sparrow and a hair are both counted, God’s strength should not be doubted. 

v. 34 Jesus then mocks the ways of Rome Saying he will use a sword upon your dome. Family division is in Caesar’s heart, But Jesus puts it on His very own chart. 

Bringing “not peace but a sword” (RSV), Clearly the work of an earthly lord. Jesus instead receives you and me, Giving cold water to the thirstiest of these. 

v. 40 Whoever offers a gift to one of us Will receive rewards fair and just. If someone quenches a disciple’s thirst, They will escape enduring the worst.