Today’s Reading: Mark 4:26-34; Luke 13:6-9, 18-21

Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given — and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” – Mark 4:24-25

The closer we listen, the more we will understand; the more we choose to block out or ignore the words of Jesus, the more our understanding will fade away. God is calling us to lean in and pay attention — to be a student of the Word, seeking to understand the Kingdom of God.

Spirit of God, give us a new understanding of the parables Jesus taught his disciples. Open our ears to hear, and give us clarity of mind to grasp the truth of your message. Help us to understand the Kingdom of God. Amen.

Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.” – Mark 4:30-32

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE A MUSTARD SEED.

The Kingdom of God has the potential to grow exponentially from even the smallest moment of faith or action of obedience. God takes our humble willingness to be used by Him and does things too amazing for us to fully grasp. In fact, we are often oblivious to the ripple effect set into motion when we respond to the nudge of His Spirit to do what He has told us to do or to say what He has led us to say. God takes even the smallest trace of our faith and grows it into something bigger and wider than we can fathom.

He also asked, “What else is the Kingdom of God like? It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” – Luke 13:20-21

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE A LITTLE YEAST.

Have you ever tried to make bread without yeast? Have you ever tried to make a cake without baking soda, or cookies without baking powder? Without these key ingredients, our efforts fall flat and our baked goods remain dense. What seems like the smallest ingredient in the recipe is often the most important ingredient of all.

Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.” – Mark 4:26-29

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE A FARMER SCATTERING SEEDS.

We cannot cause a plant to grow. All we can do is plant the seeds. What God is calling us to do is within our ability, but the result of our obedience is beyond our control. God takes the imperfect words that come from our genuine desire to serve HIm, and He blesses it for the sake of His Kingdom. When a seed begins to grow into a seedling, and then becomes a plant that bears fruit, the glory goes to the God who is able to take a humble prayer of repentance and make something beautiful out of it.

Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’
“The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’” – Luke 13:6-9

THE KINGDOM OF GOD REQUIRES LONG-SUFFERING.

Father God, as we see the farmers preparing the fields this spring or as we pull back the dead plants from our landscaping, remind us of our calling. Help us to see that there are those around us who need us to reach out and save them from the influence of this world. Let us not become so comfortable in our own salvation that we are no longer uncomfortable with the knowledge that others are without salvation. As we see winter turning into spring, remind us that you, God, can make great change in the lives of the unsaved around us, just as you are transforming our lives.

Thank you, Lord, for today’s reminder that you are the One who does something magnificent through us, and that all we have to do is humbly allow you to use us in the lives of those around us. Give us the patience and strength needed to never give up on those who have wandered away or who are struggling to grow in their faith. May we be conduits of your grace and truth today. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Mark 4:1-25; Luke 8:4-18

A large crowd had gathered around Jesus as he paused along the shore of the lake. Jesus stepped into a boat, took a seat, and began to tell them many stories. Each parable Jesus told had a significant lesson for the people to hear. If they chose to listen, they would gain a new level of understanding.

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” – Mark 4:3-9

Consider this. A preacher stepped onto the platform and across the stage. He stood behind the pulpit, looking out at the congregation in the pews. The Lord had given him a message and he was eager to share it with the church family. He knew it would not be an easy sermon to hear, so he had spent hours finding ways to clearly illustrate each point, adding stories and examples. His hope was that the congregation would both understand and accept the message — that it would make an impact on their lives. He had spent all morning saturated in God’s presence and the Spirit was moving through him, giving him the words to say as he stood before his people.

ANYONE WITH EARS TO HEAR SHOULD LISTEN AND UNDERSTAND.

Halfway through his first point, he noticed a difference across the congregation. Some were leaning in, bibles open, responding with amens and head nods. They were taking notes, looking up frequently to make eye contact with him. Others seemed distracted. They were listening some of the time, but also occasionally looking at their phones or whispering to the person beside them. They had seemed engaged during the worship set, but now they looked slightly bored and restless.

There were others across the sanctuary who were completely disengaged. With arms folded across their chest, there was a visible determination not to listen. By all appearances, they wanted to be anywhere but here. He was pretty sure two had fallen asleep, and one seemed to be playing a game on her phone or perhaps filling her cart so she could do a grocery pickup on her way home.

ANYONE WITH EARS TO HEAR SHOULD LISTEN AND UNDERSTAND.

As the preacher came to the end of the sermon, the worship team stepped onto the stage to lead the congregation in a closing song. Some of the team had been listening from the front pew, while others had been out of the room during the sermon. How could they lead the congregation in this holy moment if they were not prayerfully engaged?

As the band began to play, the preacher invited the congregation to respond. As they stood to their feet, he noticed several slipping out their pews and heading to the door. Were they in a rush to get to the restaurant or were they avoiding the conviction they were feeling? Many joined in the singing and a few came forward to kneel at the altar, humbly praying for God to continue the work He had begun in their hearts. Many were aware that the Spirit was working across the room, but it seemed that most were simply going through the motions. The routine of Sunday morning church was winning out over the revival the Spirit intended to break loose across this community of believers.

ANYONE WITH EARS TO HEAR SHOULD LISTEN AND UNDERSTAND.

“The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” – Mark 4:14-20

Father God, forgive us for our lack of preparation to receive your Word each week. Thank you for the reminder today that we are entering a holy space when we unite together in worship each Sunday. Renew a passion within us and give us a fresh expectation that you are working across the room. I want to be the one leaning in and listening to your Spirit’s nudge, as I receive the message prepared by your anointed one. Lord, we pray for a revival to break out across the Church and for your righteousness to be evident in the lives of those who call themselves a follower of Jesus. May our actions either plant seeds or bear fruit today, as we allow you to work through us in the lives of others. Amen.

“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.” – Luke 8:16-17

SO PAY ATTENTION TO HOW YOU HEAR SO THAT YOU CAN GAIN UNDERSTANDING.

“So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.” – Luke 8:18

Today’s Reading: Matthew 12:1-50

When Jesus noticed a man with a deformed hand in the synagogue, he approached the man and told him to hold out his hand. When the man did what Jesus invited him to do, his hand was brought back to health. Imagine the reaction of this man as his hand was healed and his hope was restored.

Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus. But Jesus knew what they were planning. So he left that area, and many people followed him. He healed all the sick among them, but he warned them not to reveal who he was. – Matthew 12:14-16

The Pharisees saw Jesus as a threat, but the people saw Jesus as the healer. The religious leaders wanted to silence him, but the people wanted to follow him. He was kind and compassionate, healing those who were injured or diseased. He came to bring justice, but what most received when they met Jesus was hope.

This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him:
“Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen.
He is my Beloved, who pleases me.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
He will not fight or shout
or raise his voice in public.
He will not crush the weakest reed
or put out a flickering candle.
Finally he will cause justice to be victorious.
And his name will be the hope
of all the world.” – Matthew 12:17-21

THE HOPE OF ALL THE WORLD

Then a demon-possessed man, who was blind and couldn’t speak, was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he could both speak and see. The crowd was amazed and asked, “Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?”

But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, “No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons.” – Matthew 12:22-24

A man was freed from the evil spirit living within him, and he was now able to speak and to see. He had his life back and it was all because of Jesus. Those who witnessed this healing were dumbfounded and began to ask if Jesus was the Messiah they had been waiting for. But the Pharisees dug in their heels and made up lies about Jesus. Instead of acknowledging that Jesus had been sent by God and was performing miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit, they accused Jesus of receiving his power from Satan.

“So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.” – Matthew 12:31-32

The Spirit was at work in Jesus, and Jesus was performing miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit. Rather than recognizing the wonderful things that were being accomplished through the ministry of the Messiah, the religious leaders doubted Jesus’ sovereignty and questioned his calling. They challenged Jesus instead of joining the crowd in their amazement of the difference that Jesus was making in the lives of so many. Jesus was offering them hope and they turned him down.

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. – Matthew 12:35-36

God, give us eyes to see the good you are accomplishing through the ministry of others. May we be quick to give you glory and celebrate the difference you are making in the lives of so many, rather than fall to jealousy and gossip. May your Spirit dwell within us and guide our hearts. Give us wisdom and discernment to recognize the work of your hands, and may we stand in amazement when we see others giving their lives to you. We recognize this morning that you are the hope of all the world, and we give you the praise! Amen.

Today’s Reading: Luke 8:1-3,19-21; Mark 3:20-35; Luke 11:14-32

Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. – Luke 8:1-3

Women played a role in advancing the Good News early on in Jesus’ ministry. They were leaving their homes, giving of their resources, and responding to God’s call on their lives. Mary was coming in response to all Jesus had delivered her from and Joanna was coming from the political environment in which her husband worked. Some had been freed of their demons and some healed of their diseases, but all of them were coming with a willingness to follow Jesus and to give sacrificially.

BUT NOT EVERYONE RESPONDED TO JESUS IN FAITH.

His family tried to take him away, disrespectfully claiming he was out of his mind (Mark 3:21). The teachers of religious law claimed his authority to cast out demons came from Satan himself. Others tried to test Jesus by demanding he perform a miraculous sign for them. Jesus not only heard their words, he knew their thoughts, so he stopped what he was doing to respond to their erroneous thinking.

“Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart. You say I am empowered by Satan. But if Satan is divided and fighting against himself, how can his kingdom survive? And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said. But if I am casting out demons by the power of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. For when a strong man is fully armed and guards his palace, his possessions are safe — until someone even stronger attacks and overpowers him, strips him of his weapons, and carries off his belongings.” – Luke 11:17b-22

The crowd of people who watched Jesus restore a man who had been possessed by a demon were amazed, but each had a decision to make on how they would respond after their initial moment of faith. The women who were traveling with Jesus had made their choice to believe, and the religious leaders had chosen unbelief. Jesus pointed out to the religious leaders the risk they were taking by choosing to stand against him instead of believing in him. Let’s consider the contrasting consequences of our decision of whether or not to fully follow Jesus in faith:

“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” – Luke 11:23

“I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences.” He told them this because they were saying, “He’s possessed by an evil spirit.” – Mark 3:28-30

“When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before.”

As he was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, “God bless your mother—the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!”

Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” – Luke 11:24-28

Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they couldn’t get to him because of the crowd. Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to see you.”
Jesus replied, “My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.” – Luke 8:19-21

What a privilege it is to be welcomed into the family of God! What a blessing we experience in life when we choose to walk in faith! When we study God’s word, spending time in His presence and allowing God to fill us with His Spirit, we are changed. When we respond to all that we are learning by walking out our faith, we receive the blessing of a full inheritance into God’s family.

Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” – Mark 3:33-35

Those who walk away, because they choose to follow their doubts, are walking away from all that God has to offer them. Those whose desire for the things of this world entice them away from the things of God, are walking away from all Jesus has done for them.

WHAT ARE WE RISKING BY CHOOSING FAITH?

We may lose a few friends and we may lose a few invitations, but we have so much to gain. Those who make the choice to walk away from God’s invitation to a personal relationship have so much to lose, but those who accept His invitation have everything to gain.

So how will you respond to the story of Jesus? What will your reaction be to the nudge of His Spirit today? Are you living out a growing faith in Jesus? I pray God makes His presence real to you today as you push away the doubts and choose to fully rest on Him. May your faith continue to grow as you walk in relationship with God.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 11:25-30; Romans 10

Jesus traveled from town to town, preaching the message of repentance and performing miracles. But there were many who clung to their self-righteousness rather than recognizing their own need for salvation. While the unrighteous were turning from their wicked ways and asking for God’s forgiveness, the self-righteous were continuing to rely on their religious practices and traditions rather than respond to the message of repentance. They chose their own merit over humbling themselves and admitting that they were sinners in need of a Savior.

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way! – Matthew 11:25-26

COME TO JESUS WITH CHILDLIKE FAITH.

It is good to study God’s word in order to gain a better understanding; it is wise to spend time daily allowing the bible to mold us and teach us. To study the bible with the intent of finding errors, or to disprove the Spirit-anointed writings, is like the reaction of the religious leaders to Jesus’ teachings. They had a choice to receive the Messiah with childlike faith or to challenge the authority of Jesus. We see this same dichotomy in the church today.

“My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” – Matthew 11:27

God revealed Himself to HIs creation by allowing us to get to know the Son. When we study the life of Christ, we gain understanding of who God is and how deeply He loves us. We recognize our need to let go of our striving and attempts at self-produced righteousness in order to fully rely on the grace of God — undeserved, unmerited, and unearned.

COME TO JESUS IN HUMBLE SURRENDER.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

Who can you relate to in this passage? Do you find yourself striving to produce a righteousness of your own instead of surrendering yourself to Jesus? Are you weary from the effort to be good? Is your heart responding to Jesus’ invitation to find rest for your soul?

Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. – Romans 10:1-4

COME TO JESUS AND BELIEVE.

As we studied yesterday, living a righteous life is not about a set of rules or simply a religion; it is a relationship. Right living flows from the heart that has seen God at work and desires nothing more than to serve Him every day. It is not a standard or measurement, it is an authentic effort to get to know God and to spend time with Him and to live your life connected to the One who created all things.

Jesus sees your enthusiasm to follow him; he sees your desire to serve him. But he calls your self-produced righteousness “misdirected zeal”. He invites you to stop clinging to your own way of getting right with God and come to him for his gift of righteousness. His yoke is easy to bear, not meant to be a struggle. The burden he gives us is light. So surrender your striving and let him free you from the weight of your effort. Jesus, who died for you, wants to do something in you so that he can do something through you.

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. – Romans 10:9-10

Father God, we approach your throne today with all that is weighing us down. We are tired of making our best effort to serve you; we are weary of our self-righteousness. Lord, we thank you for the yoke that is placed upon us — that we can live this life in relationship with you. Teach us, lead us, guide us. We pray for the experience of childlike faith today, resting in who you are and what you want to make out of our lives. We love you, Lord. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 11:20-30

Out of faith comes healing.
Out of compassion comes healing and then perhaps faith.
Out of faith comes forgiveness, which brings healing.
Out of faith comes wisdom, which produces holiness…

When a volcano erupts, the natural outflow of the eruption is lava. When anger is allowed to grow, hate grows as well. When bees work together in community, the natural outflow is the production of honey. When communities come together after tragedy strikes, the natural outcome is love. When spring brings a great amount of rain into a region, the natural outcome is high waters and flooded streets. That same rain also encourages the growth of crops and fills the lakes with the water needed to maintain a healthy level throughout the summer heat.

WHAT IS THE NATURAL OUTFLOW OF OUR LIVES AND THE STORMS WE EXPERIENCE?

“But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.” – Matthew 11:19b

These are the words of Jesus to the crowd of people as he called them to a holy lifestyle. Luke tells of the same moment in a slightly different way: “But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it” (Luke 7:35).

What a great way to start my morning – a cup of coffee with a challenge to inspect my heart and the results of my daily life. Is wisdom evident in the way I live out my life?

Jesus went on to call out those communities of people who had seen all of the miracles he had performed, yet continued to live their lives by their own desires and for their own purposes.

“What sorrow awaits you, Korazin and Bethsaida! For if the miracles I did in you had been done in wicked Tyre and Sidon, their people would have repented of their sins long ago, clothing themselves in burlap and throwing ashes on their heads to show their remorse. I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you.

“And you people of Capernaum, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead. For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today. I tell you, even Sodom will be better off on judgment day than you.” – Matthew 11:21-24

I cannot help but feel like Jesus is talking to the Church and to the Christian community. Those of us who have been blessed to have experienced the presence of God in a worship service or to have witnessed God’s healing power in the lives of others should be the first to submit to our Savior; we should be quick to live the righteous life He is calling us to. To have experienced God’s blessings and then reject him as Lord is a serious offense.

ONCE WE HAVE MET JESUS, ONCE WE HAVE EXPERIENCED GOD, HIS PLAN IS FOR US TO FOLLOW HIM.

This righteous life is not a set of rules or simply a religion; it is a relationship. Right living flows from the heart that has seen God at work and desires nothing more than to serve Him every day. It is not a standard or measurement, it is an authentic effort to get to know God and to spend time with Him and to live your life connected to the One who created all things.

“My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” – Matthew 11:27-30

Lord, we come to you this morning weary from our efforts to produce a righteousness of our own. We come to you ready to rest in your presence and lay our heavy burdens at your feet. Teach us and fill us with your wisdom. Produce righteousness in our hearts so that our character reflects your essence and our first response is always love. We submit to your Lordship and give you praise, for your yoke is easy to bear and your burden is light. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 11:2-19; Luke 7:18-35

John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”

Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.” – Matthew 11:2-6

John had been longing for the arrival of the Messiah. He knew the Promised One was coming soon because God had called him to prepare the way. He had dedicated his life to preaching this message — “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near” (Matthew 3:2).

THIS MESSAGE WAS NOT ONLY HIS PURPOSE, IT WAS HIS PASSION.

John sent his disciples to find out if Jesus was the One they had been waiting for. He knew Jesus was special, because he was there when the dove descended on Jesus as he came out of the water after John baptized him. He heard the voice say, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy” (Matthew 3:17). John’s whole life had been dedicated to this moment and he longed to know for sure whether or not Jesus was the Messiah. It was uncertain whether or not he would survive this prison, but he could die in peace if he knew with certainty that the Messiah had arrived.

There was a trail of evidence of Jesus’ power in every town he visited. Those who had been without sight could now see; those who had been crippled or sick were healed. The deaf could hear and those who had once been dead were now alive. The same Good News that John had preached was now being declared by Jesus. And the evidence of God’s blessing fell on everyone who chose to accept the words of Jesus rather than to find offense at what he said.

As John’s disciples walked away, Jesus turned to the crowd and revealed how the prophecies were fulfilled through the life of John the Baptist. John’s disciples were checking to see if Jesus was the real deal, and Jesus turned around and made sure the Jews knew that John was special: “John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you’” (Matthew 11:10).

John the Baptist was the fulfillment of Scripture but they did recognize the messenger because he did not appear as they expected him to. Jesus asked the crowd, “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet” (Matthew 11:7b-9).

THE MESSENGER DID NOT APPEAR IN THE WAY THEY EXPECTED HIM TO; HE DIDN’T MEET THEIR EXPECTATIONS.

John dressed in camel hair and he wore a leather belt around his waist. He preached in the Judean wilderness, and he ate locusts and wild honey to sustain himself. They came from all over to hear him preach, and many repented of their sins and were baptized. Jesus took this time to affirm everything John had taught them.

“I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is! And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it. For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!” – Matthew 11:11-15

John had not played their game; he had not bowed to the wishes of either the religious leaders or Roman officials. He did not behave as they expected him to so they criticized him. Jesus’ ministry would look different than John’s but he knew they would still not accept his words or his actions.

THE MESSIAH DID NOT APPEAR IN THE WAY THEY EXPECTED HIM TO; HE DIDN’T MEET THEIR EXPECTATIONS.

“To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, ‘We played wedding songs, and you didn’t dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn’t mourn.’ For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.” – Matthew 11:16-19

What if God does something in your life this week that you were not expecting? What if He challenges your way of thinking or asks you to do something you are reluctant to do? Jesus wants to be both our purpose and our passion, and we have the opportunity this morning to point others towards him. He wants us to bear fruit for His kingdom as we receive Him just as He is — even if He surprises us and does not match our expectations.

Lord, I thank you for the love you have given me for your holy word — for the passion you placed in my heart for your message. I long to be faithful in speaking your truth as I obediently walk out the purpose you have for my life. Reveal to me if my expectations of you are misaligned with who you are or what you are doing around me. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Luke 7:36-50

Out of faith came healing.
Out of compassion came healing and then perhaps faith.
Out of faith came forgiveness, which brought healing…

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them. – Luke 7:36-38

I think this is one of the most beautiful moments recorded in the four Gospels. The actions of this woman showed her heart — a heart that was abundantly grateful, yet heavily unworthy, to be in the presence of God. As she anointed Jesus with perfume, perhaps she was recounting every sin that needed forgiveness. Her life was full of regrets, but she took her shame and grief to the feet of Jesus.

When the Pharisees who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!”

Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.”

“Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied.

Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people – 500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces of silver to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”

Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.”

“That’s right,” Jesus said. Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.

“I tell you, her sins — and they are many — have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”

The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man that he goes around forgiving sins?”

And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” – Luke 7:39-50

This woman had faith in Jesus and her sins were forgiven. But beyond forgiveness, this woman needed healing from her past. The sum of her decisions, added to the trauma of those who had sinned against her, had left her broken and used up. But Jesus saw the beauty of her repentant heart instead of being repulsed by the sins of her past. He did not require that she get it all figured out before she came to worship him. No, this woman came to him as a sinner, humbly broken and spilled out, and Jesus gave her peace.

JESUS TOOK THE REGRET OF A SINFUL WOMAN AND DISPLAYED THE FORGIVENESS OF A SAVING GOD.

What do you need from Jesus today? Do you need healing? Do you need to recognize what God is doing in your life and allow it to grow your faith? Do you need forgiveness or the healing God gives after forgiveness in order to speak peace where condemnation continues to be your enemy? I pray God gives you both what you need and what you ask for today.

I also pray that you display your faith by asking God for what you desire today. Remember, He is OMNIPOTENT. Remember, He is a LOVING God. Remember, He is a SAVING God. Whatever you are feeling, I encourage you to take this time to humbly fall at his feet, even if it involves allowing your emotions to flow freely. Let the God who knows everything about you receive your worship this morning, and then hear Him say — Your sins are forgiven.

Today’s Reading: Luke 7:1-17

Out of faith came healing…

When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people, he returned to Capernaum. At that time the highly valued slave of a Roman officer was sick and near death. When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some respected Jewish elders to ask him to come and heal his slave. So they earnestly begged Jesus to help the man. “If anyone deserves your help, he does,” they said, “for he loves the Jewish people and even built a synagogue for us.”

So Jesus went with them. But just before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor. I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, he said, “I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!” And when the officer’s friends returned to his house, they found the slave completely healed. – Luke 7:1-10

No one would have expected a Roman officer to have faith in Jesus, yet his faith was strong enough to believe that Jesus could simply speak the healing into being. And that is what Jesus did.

HE TOOK THE FAITH OF A POWERFUL MAN AND DISPLAYED THE POWER OF AN OMNIPOTENT GOD.

Out of compassion came healing and then perhaps faith…

Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him. A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.” Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother. – Luke 7:11-15

There is no mention of the widow’s faith here; no mention of anyone requesting that Jesus bring this young man back from the dead. Yet Jesus, out of compassion, did something wonderful for this woman and her son, as well as for everyone else who was watching. Jesus gave this son back to his mother. If there was no faith on display before, there certainly was now.

HE TOOK THE SORROW OF A GRIEVING MOTHER AND DISPLAYED THE COMPASSION OF A LOVING GOD.

There are times when God does something wonderful for us because we ask, and there are times when God does something wonderful for us in spite of the fact that we do not ask. As a result of our faith, God moves, and in order to grow our faith, God moves. And out of this faith comes hope. And that is my prayer for all of us this year — that God would strengthen our faith and give us hope for what is ahead.

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13

This is my prayer for you this morning, and I am praying the same for myself. Lord, I praise you for you are my source of hope! Because of you, I look forward to all that you are going to continue to do in me and through me. I ask for a fresh filling of joy and peace today, as well as a strengthening of my faith so that I can continue to trust you with anything that comes my way. May the presence of your Holy Spirit in my life reflect your power and your glory. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 9:14-17; Psalm 51

One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?”

Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.” – Matthew 9:14-15

WHY AREN’T YOU FASTING?

People were watching Jesus and his disciples closely, and they noticed that Jesus did not lead his followers in a regular routine of fasting like the religious leaders did. He was not living the way they expected him to, so they brought their question to Jesus. Perhaps this question was asked more out of curiosity than out of challenge.

WHY WOULD WE BE FASTING?

Jesus’ answer was thought provoking. What would be the reason for fasting at this time? It was not the Day of Atonement, they were not spiritually preparing themselves for something, and they were not in mourning. Perhaps it was at that moment that John’s disciples realized that fasting had become more of a ritual than a spiritual discipline. Their religious lifestyle had become routine, and they needed fresh perspective on why they were doing what they were doing.

Now was the time for celebration. The long-awaited Messiah had arrived and they had the opportunity to listen to him teach and watch his healing power. No more anticipation of the coming king; he was there in their presence. It was time to focus on what Jesus was doing in their midst, not on the absence of religious rituals.

Jesus fasted for forty days and nights when he was led into the desert to be tempted by Satan, so we should not take from this interaction that Jesus was telling the disciples to no longer fast. Perhaps what Jesus wanted the disciples to understand was that fasting was not a requirement of salvation, nor did it earn them an eternal reward. Just going through the old rituals of religion was not enough. Why fast to draw closer to God when the Son of God is standing in front of you inviting you to follow him? Perhaps Jesus paused to give them a minute of contemplation before continuing with his explanation.

“Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.” – Matthew 9:16-17

It was a new day. Jesus had not come to abolish the law and the prophets but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17). He was inviting John’s disciples to take the faith of their childhood and to become a follower of Christ. With the arrival of Christ came a new gospel of grace and they needed to open their minds to what Jesus was teaching them.

TODAY IS A NEW DAY!

Are we focusing on the rituals of religion to get us to heaven, or are our rituals making us authentic disciples of Christ? Are we taking the practices of the church and using them to draw us closer to God, or have we lost sight of the reasons why we do what we do? Is our idea of God limiting our faith, or is it allowing us to stretch and grow in our understanding of who God is and the kind of relationship He is calling us to.

Father God, we thank you for the ways in which fasting helps us to focus our attention on you. May our hearts be willing to abstain from something when you call us to those moments of surrender. And may our hearts be prepared to receive the new work that you want to do in our lives. May we not be so set in our ways of religion that we miss out on the stretching and filling that you want to do today in order to make us a new creation in Christ. Our eyes are focused on you this morning, and we ask you to overflow our cup with all that you are and a clear understanding of all that you are creating us to be. Amen.

You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.
You do not want a burnt offering.
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. – Psalm 51:16-17