Season 2, Episode 3 - Matthew 4:24

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This episode is slower and quieter, and yet very DEEP! The episode is simply named Matthew 4:24: So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them.

We don’t see much of Jesus in this episode. Instead, we mostly experience the day from His followers perspective as they wait and watch, struggling to understand The Messiah who heals rather than wields a sword. As He heals crowds of people from sunrise to sunset, His followers talk, argue, and process everything that is happening.

Sitting around the fire, His followers begin to vent their frustrations. Simon, still adjusting to Matthew’s presence, lashes out at him. This episode reveals how those following Jesus did not suddenly become a unified group doing His will and walking in His ways the moment they started following Him. Despite giving themselves to Him, there isn't an immediate and complete transformation. They (we) are still humans who struggle with things like pride and resentment. And yet, Jesus has chosen them, flaws and all.

The most powerful moment in this episode comes at the end. After a grueling day of healing, Jesus finally returns to camp, completely exhausted. The sight of Him, drained and barely able to stand, is a stark contrast to the all-powerful image of Him and harkens back to the fully human Jesus. Despite Jesus' fatigue, He still pauses to greet His mother with love and allows her, even welcomes, her helping him get ready for the sleep He badly needs. 

Ultimately, I see this episode as being about Jesus' servant leadership and how that isn't always easy to serve others, and when we do, it can be exhausting and drain us. But it's what we're called to do.

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