Today’s Reading: Matthew 15:21-39, 16:1-4

SHE BEGGED FOR MORE.

Next we see a direct contrast between what was in the heart of the Jewish leaders and what was in the heart of one Gentile woman. This woman’s daughter was possessed by a demon who was tormenting the daughter severely. Take a minute to try and comprehend the magnitude of her grief. The daughter who used to crawl into her lap, run her fingers through her hair, and give her sweet kisses was gone. She was now daily tormented mentally, emotionally and physically. The level of suffering this mother and daughter were both experiencing is indescribable.

With the intense love of a mother, this woman continued to beg Jesus to heal her daughter, even to the point that the disciples begged him to make her go away. The Jewish people, including the disciples, did not want to share Jesus with the Gentiles, whom they considered beneath them. Jesus, knowing the sinful prejudice in their hearts, had this conversation for their benefit:

Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep – the people of Israel.”

But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”

Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”

She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their master’s table.”

“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed. – Matthew 15:24-28

JESUS GAVE MORE.

While the Jewish leaders were demanding miraculous signs and explanations (Matthew 16:1-4), this Gentile woman was worshiping Jesus (v. 25) and BOLDY YET HUMBLY BEGGING for a miracle. She received what she wanted because she came to Jesus with words that revealed her heart — a heart that believed Jesus could give her the one thing she wanted more than anything else. She asked for Jesus to give her back the daughter she loved.

This woman was not the only Gentile to display faith. Many brought their lame, blind, crippled, mute and sick to Jesus to be healed. They were amazed when Jesus healed them — amazed that he could but also amazed that he would. Jesus showed that he had a heart of compassion for all people — Jews and Gentiles, men and women. He had come to bring salvation to all.

Word spread fast among the people of how wonderful Jesus was. For three days they stayed near Jesus in anticipation of what he was about to do. Jesus had compassion and fed 4,000 men, along with the women and children, with only seven loaves and a few small fish. The people in that region displayed a heart of faith and experienced the miracle of satisfaction.

So where do I sit on this continuum between those who try to serve a Jesus-on-demand and those whose life reveals a heart of faith? Have I ever demanded a miracle from God or demanded an explanation for something He has allowed in my life? Or am I in the habit of simply inviting the God of miracles to come and do something supernatural among us? Am I begging God for MORE with a humble yet passionate spirit while worshipping Him as my Lord and Savior?

A few years ago, I had a friend reveal to me what she and her husband were praying for. The magnitude of the miracle she was requesting from God was bigger than anything I have ever prayed. I found myself humbly asking God for that kind of faith — a faith that would dare to pray BIG! I want to believe that God is capable of giving me anything I could ask for while also trusting Him no matter how He answers.

Lord, give me a heart of faith that is evidenced by both the life I live and the words I speak. Even more, may my faith be evidenced in the prayers I lift up to you. I pray that you are pleased with the heart of my worship. Thank you for giving your life on a cross for our salvation. I kneel before you today with my heart wide open so that you can reveal in my anything that needs to be changed, and so that you can place in me the desires of your heart. Lord, I pray this morning for those who are grieving a loss or in desperate need of a miracle. May our voices unite as we humbly beg for your healing touch on those we care deeply for. We love you, Lord. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 15:1-20

One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority.” – Matthew 12:38

THEY DEMANDED MORE.

The Pharisees demanded miraculous signs from Jesus. There was a popular expectation in Jewish tradition that the Messiah would perform spectacular miracles on demand when he arrived. So to test whether or not Jesus was the Messiah, the Jewish leaders demanded that he perform for them.

But Jesus replied, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights…” – Matthew 12:39-40

JESUS REVEALED MORE ABOUT WHO HE WAS.

Jesus was revealing to them the most incredible thing that would happen in all of history and they missed it. The people of Nineveh repented when they heard Jonah’s message but the Jewish leaders refused to repent when they heard the gospel message straight from the Son of Man’s lips. The queen of Sheba had traveled a great distance to hear words of wisdom from Solomon and she was not disappointed at what she found, yet the Pharisees refused to listen to the words of wisdom spoken by someone SO much greater than Solomon (12:41-42).

Jesus told the religious leaders that he would spend three days and three nights in the heart of the earth or the grave, and it was as if they never heard him. Instead of listening closely and finding the powerful truth Jesus was revealing, the Pharisees DEMANDED AN EXPLANATION from Jesus.

“Why do your disciples disobey our age-old tradition of ceremonial hand washing before they eat.” – Matthew 15:2

Jesus answered their demanding question with a demanding question of his own: “And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God? For instance, God says, ‘Honor your father and mother,’…” (Matthew 15:3-4a).

Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “Listen,” he said, “and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.” – Matthew 15:10-11

Immediately the disciples went to Jesus concerned that he had offended the Pharisees by what he had said. But Jesus’ strong words did not defile him and he was not afraid to speak truth, even if it offended others. He did not soften his stance for the sake of popularity or position but boldly exposed sin.

Jesus replied, “Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be uprooted, so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch.” – Matthew 15:13-14

Jesus’ advice for his followers on how to handle the response of those who are offended by Jesus’ words and actions was to ignore them (NLT). Leave them (NIV), let them be (CJB), stay away from them (CEV). Do not listen to them (EASY), let them alone (KJV). He did not say to be outraged, to make a speech, or to react with our own offense. Our Heavenly Father will do the uprooting while we continue to take our questions to Jesus.

Then Peter said to Jesus, “Explain to us the parable that says people aren’t defiled by what they eat.”

“Don’t you understand yet?” Jesus asked. “Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. But the words you speak come from the heart – that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying and slander. These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you.” – Matthew 15:15-20

In the same way that the religious leaders revealed the sin in their hearts by the words they spoke and the demands they made, we also reveal our spiritual condition by what we say. When our heart is not completely submitted to what God has for us, we see the results of that in our behavior and our conversation. So choosing our words carefully and intentionally avoiding strong language does not have to be a sign of legalism, but can simply be the outflow of the Spirit’s work in our lives. He takes away the desire to sound like the world and behave in a way that does not bring Him glory.

Lord, we thank you for the ways your words continue to teach us today. We ask that you continue to do a work in our hearts and that you will be glorified in everything that we say and do today — not as a result of our human effort but as an indicator of the impact you are having on our hearts. Father, open our eyes to the miracles you are willing to perform all around us if only we will believe. Thank you for saving us from ourselves and teaching us your ways. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 6:22-59; Mark 6:53-56; Matthew 14:34-36

After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed. – Matthew 14:34-36

“Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do?” – John 6:30

What a ridiculous comment for the crowd to make just after Jesus had fed the 5,000 with only five barley loaves and two fish. Jesus had provided for their physical needs by healing their sick, and by feeding them in a similar way to how God had provided manna from heaven for their ancestors. But apparently healing the sick and feeding 5,000 people with a child’s sack lunch was not enough.

THEY WANTED MORE, AND SO DO WE.

How often does God provide for us, yet we sit back and say we have never experienced a miracle or seen God move. God provides for our needs yet we desire more. We look at what others have around us and see what we do not have, rather than focusing on what God has so generously given us.

“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” – John 6:35

Jesus warned them not to get caught up in the perishable things this world has to offer (the things that do not last), but spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you (John 6:27). But witnessing miraculous signs was not enough for this crowd, they wanted the ability to perform these miracles themselves; they wanted power and glory (John 6:28-29).

At times our focus is on the desire for God to do something great and mighty through us; we want to do something tangible for others to see. But God’s response to us may be the same as it was to the crowd — to first seek Him, consume Him, believe in Him and fully experience life through Him.

COME AND EXPERIENCE MORE.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life. Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.” – John 6:47-51

“I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. I live because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on me will live because of me. I am the true bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will not die as your ancestors did (even though they ate the manna) but will live forever.” – John 6:53-58

GOD WANTS TO GIVE US MORE.

God is saying — I can answer your prayers and provide for your needs here on earth, I am capable of that. I can once again show you my generosity and you can experience the miracle of my provision, but I want to provide you with so much more than what you are asking for. I can heal you of your disease, but you will still die eventually. I am offering you something so much greater; I am offering you eternal life!

Perhaps the miracle is not in the provision but in the satisfaction. We know that God is able to provide – the moment of surprise is when we rest in His care, trusting and believing in Him whether or not He provides as we have asked. The miracle is in our satisfaction with what God has done and will do according to His will. Consume the Bread of Life and you will experience the miracle of satisfaction.

At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”

Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” – John 6:68-69

ARE WE SATISFIED WITH WHO JESUS IS?

For the disciples, Jesus was enough. They believed that he truly was the Bread of Life, and they were determined to follow Him in pursuit of the answers instead of walking away when they didn’t fully understand. Jesus was enough.

So what about us? Will we be satisfied with all Jesus has to offer us or will we turn away and desert Jesus? Will we be satisfied with who Jesus is and who He is calling the church to be? What miracle will God perform in our hearts today? Let’s choose to rest in God’s provision and find satisfaction with who He is and what He wants to do in our lives.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. – Matthew 14:22-23

JESUS SENT THEM OUT ONTO THE LAKE.

Jesus intentionally spent time alone in prayer. So much had happened and he had been consistently surrounded by people. It was time to spend the evening with God — to be refreshed, restored, and renewed. He knew there would be difficult days ahead for him and for his disciples. It was time to reveal himself to his closest followers in a new way.

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” – Matthew 14:24-26

Imagine what this might have been like for them. Many of them were fishermen, so this probably was not the first time they had been in a boat when the weather had turned. But perhaps they were farther out from the land than they had been during a storm; perhaps the waves were stronger than they had experienced before. In the midst of the familiar, there was a new challenge, and they were struggling.

JESUS WAS WITH THEM IN THE STORM.

The disciples were where they were told to be. Jesus had insisted they get into the boat and cross over to the other side of the lake. It had been a long day. It was time to send the people home and time to travel to the next place. It was in obeying Jesus that the disciples found themselves in a storm they could not get themselves out of. And in the midst of the heavy waves and strong winds, Jesus made himself known to them. In order to experience the power of Jesus, they had to fully experience the storm.

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

“Yes, come,” Jesus said. – Matthew 14:27-29a

JESUS INVITED PETER TO WALK OUT ON THE WATER TO HIM.

The invitation was clear — Jesus was calling Peter to come out onto the water, even though the waves were large and the wind was strong. Peter had a choice to make. He could experience Jesus from the safety of the boat or he could experience Jesus in a place that required a whole new level of faith.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. – Matthew 14:29b-33

It took a large amount of faith for Peter to step over the side of the boat. One foot in front of the other, he made his way toward Jesus. He was walking on the surface of the water, able to do something he had never seen before because the power of Jesus enabled him to do it. But the storm had not stopped. His experience of Jesus was in the midst of the storm. Overwhelmed with the “what ifs” and extremely aware of the dangerous nature of his circumstances, Peter lost his focus on who he knew Jesus to be, and he began to sink.

I cannot blame Peter here. I know what it is to go over the side of the boat in confidence and then lose focus of Jesus in it all. I know what it is to sink in the midst of life’s storms. But I also know what it feels like for Jesus to reach out and take hold of me, pulling me back to a place of recognizing his power and his authority over the circumstances of my life. It is in those moments when I have truly recognized who Jesus is, just like Peter did.

JESUS LED PETER BACK TO THE BOAT AND CALMED THE STORM.

Lord, thank you for the reminder this morning that it is in the midst of life’s storms that I experience your power. Responding in obedience to what you are calling me to do does not guarantee that there will not be strong winds, heavy rain, and large waves. There will be times when I am in over my head, and my natural response will be fear. But this one thing I know — you are bigger than all of it! You are capable of calming the storm, and I thank you for all of the times I have been blessed by your power over a situation. I recognize today that sometimes you require me to have faith in you while the swell is over my head and the threat of a breaking wave is real. Help me to trust you in those situations. Give me faith to walk on the water to you today. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 6:16-21; Mark 6:45-52; Psalm 89

That evening Jesus’ disciples went to the shore to wait for him. But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew rough. They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. — John 6:16-19a

Stop. Did you catch that? Notice that Jesus did not calm the storm after the disciples had rowed one mile. He did not settle the waves after the second mile. Three miles of rowing and the sea was still churning. Mark’s estimate is that they had rowed somewhere between three to four miles before Jesus made His presence known to them. The disciples had plenty of time to panic — plenty of time to do their best with the raging circumstances around them.

They were terrified, but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination. — John 6:19b-21

This is another great miracle of timing! The moment Jesus stepped into the boat, the storm calmed. Not when he called out to them with the assurance of his presence, but when they “let him” in the boat, the winds and waves relaxed. When they allowed Jesus to step into their situation, they immediately found themselves where they had been trying to go.

THE TIMING OF JESUS’ ACTION WAS BEAUTIFULLY CHOREOGRAPHED AND THE FAITH OF THE DISCIPLES WAS STRENGTHENED.

What is your story of God’s perfect timing in your life — timing that confirmed God was at work rather than a simple coincidence? Perhaps you are in the midst of the storm right now, rowing until God chooses to calm the waves and winds. My friend, know that God has not abandoned you during the storm; He is with you. I pray He gives you the strength to keep rowing and that your faith continues to grow during this storm you are experiencing.

The disciples were never alone, Jesus had not abandoned them in the storm. He was there all the time, waiting for the perfect moment to say, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!”

My prayer for you this year is that you will hear Jesus speak to you over and over again. Perhaps this last season has been marked with uncertainty and loss. As you turn the page to a new chapter, I pray you see Jesus walking on the water. Perhaps your present struggle can be described as a long arduous journey. I pray this morning that you will know without a doubt that God is with you and that you can trust in His perfect timing. Remember, God is never late and He is never early – He is always on time! He has a purpose and we need to wait patiently as He accomplishes His kingdom work.

The disciples began to worship Jesus when He stepped into the boat and the storm calmed. Let’s choose to worship Him while still rowing through the storm, grateful for how far He has brought us and praising Him in confidence for what He is going to do. Let’s recognize His presence in the midst of the waves and wind.

You rule the oceans.
You subdue their storm-tossed waves.
You crushed the great sea monster.
You scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours;
everything in the world is yours—you created it all.
You created north and south.
Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon praise your name.
Powerful is your arm!
Strong is your hand!
Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne.
Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants.
Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship,
for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation.
They exult in your righteousness.
You are their glorious strength.
It pleases you to make us strong.
Yes, our protection comes from the Lord,
and he, the Holy One of Israel, has given us our king. – Psalm 89:9-18

Do you have a story of God’s timing you would like to share with the rest of us? You can do so by visiting facebook.com/mymorningcoffeedevo. Look for today’s blog post, and comment on how God has been ON TIME in your life or how you are currently waiting for God’s perfect timing.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. – Mark 6:30-31

Jesus had just learned of the death of John the Baptist and his disciples had just returned from the villages he had sent them to in groups of two. He needed time away from the crowd to grieve and to reconnect with his team. They were all in need of some food and some quiet time.

But the crowd of people who had come to see Jesus saw him get in the boat with his disciples. They ran along the shore, hopeful to be on the bank where he and his disciples would eventually land. Jesus had compassion on them because he saw they were like sheep without a shepherd. When he stepped onto the shore, he began healing those who were sick.

THEY WERE HUNGRY TO EXPERIENCE JESUS.

By now it was getting late and everyone was hungry, including the crowd. They were quite a distance from the villages, so the disciples encouraged Jesus to send the crowds away so that they could begin their walk back to where they could buy food. They were very likely eager to spend time with Jesus away from the chaos. Perhaps their conversation went something like this — This is your chance, Jesus! It’s getting late and the crowd is getting hungry. This is the perfect opportunity for us to lose this crowd and have some alone time.

But Jesus said, “You feed them.”

“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Or are you expecting us to go and buy enough food for this whole crowd?” For there were about 5,000 men there.

Jesus replied, “Tell them to sit down in groups of about fifty each.” So the people all sat down. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread and fish to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers! – Luke 9:13-17

The great love of our Savior was displayed that day. At a time when both tradition and human reasoning gave him permission to pull inward and enter a time of grieving, Jesus had compassion on others and thought more of their needs than his own. Instead of sending the people away, Jesus invited them to sit down and allow him to supply their needs. He broke bread and they ate as much as they wanted.

JESUS SATISFIED THEIR HUNGER AND MET THEIR NEEDS.

What a great example of compassion for us to replicate today; what a beautiful demonstration of sympathy and care. But now that the needs of the crowds had been met, Jesus set another great example for us — he separated himself from the people in order to spend some time alone with his Father.

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. – Mark 6:45-46

Jesus took time to be alone with God but did not turn away from the needs of others. I strongly believe in taking time to grieve; I strongly believe in spending time alone in God’s presence. God calls us to this. But He also calls us to walk away from that time filled with Him in such a way that we are ready to care more about others than we do about ourselves. This is not always easy to do but the response of Jesus to the needs of those around him sets a great example for us.

Lord, thank you for continuing to teach us what it looks like to walk out our submission to you. May we be used in the life of someone else today. Give us eyes to see their needs and a heart of compassion that moves to respond. And we thank you for this time alone in your presence. Fill us with your Spirit and guide us through our day. May someone else experience you through us today. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 14:1-14; Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9

Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting,
“Clear the way through the wilderness
for the Lord!” – Isaiah 40:3

The prophet Isaiah foretold the role that John the Baptist would play in preparing the way for the Messiah. The message of repentance that he preached prepared many hearts to receive the message of salvation taught by Jesus. John understood his role and lived out his calling.

“I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” – Matthew 3:11-12

When John the Baptist criticized the ruler of Galilee for marrying his brother’s wife, Herod Antipas threw him into prison. While in prison, John heard about all that Jesus was preaching and doing. He sent his disciples to Jesus to confirm that he was the promised Messiah.

Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—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.” – Luke 7:22-23

Jesus then turned to the crowd and affirmed the ministry of John the Baptist, clarifying that he was the one the scriptures had referred to as the messenger sent ahead of the Messiah to prepare the way for him. And then Jesus made this powerful statement: “I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!” (Luke 7:28).

Because of John’s preaching, the Kingdom of God was advancing. This was the time all the prophets had been looking forward to; this was the time that the law of Moses had prophesied about. John had fulfilled his God-given purpose.

THIS WAS JOHN’S GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE AND HE CHOSE TO ACCEPT IT.

When they heard this, all the people — even the tax collectors — agreed that God’s way was right, for they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God’s plan for them, for they had refused John’s baptism. – Luke 7:29-30

Herod Antipas also rejected God’s plan and the ministry of John the Baptist. He was so angry with John that it was not enough to simply have him imprisoned, he wanted to kill him. But Herod knew that killing John the Baptist would start a riot because the people believed him to be a prophet, so he kept him imprisoned.

At Herod’s birthday party, his niece danced for him (the daughter of his brother Philip, whose wife Herod had married). Her dance pleased Herod and his guests, so he offered her a gift of her choosing. Her mother, Herodias, took this opportunity to seek revenge on the prophet who had spoken so boldly against her marriage to Herod. No one was more surprised than Herod when the girl came back and demanded the head of John the Baptist be brought on a tray right then for all to see. Everyone at the party had heard his promise to the girl, and everyone was watching to see his response. Out of pride, Herod granted her wish and John the Baptist was beheaded that very night.

When Jesus heard the heartbreaking news of John’s death, he got in a boat and sailed to a remote area to be alone (Matthew 14:13). Can you imagine how Jesus must have felt when he heard of the death of his cousin? The man whose purpose in life was to prepare the way for him had just been killed in a brutal and dishonoring way. Jesus, feeling the same emotions any of us would have felt, retreated to an area where he could grieve alone. He had spent so many days reaching out to others and taking care of the needs of many, but now it was time for him to take care of his own needs. Or was it?

But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. – Matthew 14:13b-14

THIS WAS JESUS’ GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE AND HE EMBRACED IT WITH COMPASSION.

Having more compassion for others than he had love for himself, Jesus reached out to others in response to their reaching out to him. This is who Jesus was and this is who Jesus is today. When we reach out to him, he responds to us. When we faithfully fulfill the purpose we are given, he encourages us. When someone seeks to hurt or destroy us because of our faithfulness, he grieves for us. Jesus responds to our needs with compassion, which is exactly what he did next…

Today’s Reading: Matthew 10:16 – 11:1

“The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” – Matthew 9:37b-38

Right after saying this, Jesus called his twelve disciples together and equipped them for ministry. He gave them the authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. He gave them instructions for ministry that are still helpful to us. He taught them to be generous (10:8), to be wise (10:16), and to make the most of every opportunity — even in the moments where ministry is hard.

“But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me.” – Matthew 10:17-18

Be filled with the Spirit.

“When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking – it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” – Matthew 10:19-20

Be a humble follower of Christ.

“Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!” – Matthew 10:24-25

Be strong and courageous.

“Don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.” – Matthew 10:26

Be a voice.

“What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!” – Matthew 10:27

Be God-fearing.

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both body and soul in hell.” – Matthew 10:28

Be aware that you are valuable to God.

“What is the price of two sparrows – one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” – Matthew 10:29-31

Be loyal and true.

“Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 10:32-33

Be faithful and put God above everyone else, including yourself.

“If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.” – Matthew 10:37-39

Be the body of Christ.

“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” – Matthew 10:42

After giving these instructions, Jesus left to teach and preach around the region (Matthew 11:1). Jesus taught his disciples by what he said and by how he lived. He ate with them and walked with them. By doing life with the disciples, Jesus was strategically positioned to teach them and to show them love. Jesus became an example of what it means to truly BE about the Kingdom of God – how to BE a servant and how to BE a follower. Now it is our turn to BE all that God is calling us to BE.

Lord, thank you for the privilege of serving you today. I am postured this morning to receive your instructions and willing to be used by you in the lives of others. Thank you for the instructions laid out in your word for those who are called to be a light in a dark world and a voice of hope for those who are lost. Please fill me with your Spirit, giving me the words to say and the courage to say them. I long to be your faithful servant today. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 10:1-15; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6

As Jesus traveled from village to village his twelve disciples stayed by his side, but today was different. Jesus gathered his disciples together and sent them out to various places in groups of two. He gave them the authority to cast out demons and heal the sick by anointing them with olive oil. The disciples took nothing with them except the clothes on their back and a walking stick, and Jesus gave them these instructions:

“Wherever you go,” he said, “stay in the same house until you leave town. But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” – Mark 6:10-11

Jesus’ instructions to his disciples are another great reminder that we are responsible to do what God has called us to do, but we must leave the results of our obedience in God’s hands. We cannot make the decision for someone else; we must trust God with the results.

“One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples…” – Luke 9:1a

JESUS CALLED THEM.

When I was a child, I accepted what Jesus had done FOR me by dying on the cross for my sins. I acknowledged that I was a sinner in need of God’s unmerited favor. I understood God’s love for me and invited Jesus to live in my heart. As a teenager, I became tired of my tendency towards selfishness and pride. I stopped striving towards my own version of perfection and submitted to the work God wanted to do IN me through the Holy Spirit.

As I studied the scriptures and grew in my understanding, I began to long for a specific calling from God. I consistently prayed for less of me and more of God in my life. I surrendered my plans for the future and told the Lord He could do whatever he wanted to do THROUGH me. At age seventeen, the Lord called me and I gave Him my “Yes”.

“One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases.” – Luke 9:1

JESUS EQUIPPED THEM.

The Lord does not call us without equipping us! I am so grateful for that truth this morning. He gives us what we need to fulfill His purposes through us. No matter what He is asking you to do, He will equip you to do.

Now I must admit that there are times when I feel overwhelmed by what God has called me to do. My first reaction is to focus on my shortcomings and deficiencies, forgetting that I was never meant to lean on my own strength by to rely on His. In fact, His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Do you believe that this morning? Do you have faith that He will accomplish His will through you today by His power and not yours?

“Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes.” – Luke 9:3

Sometimes following God’s call comes with specific instructions about what He wants you to leave behind. It can be just as much about what He wants you to let go of as what He wants you to hold on to. Listen carefully to Jesus this morning. Ask Him if there is something you are clinging to that is obstructing your availability to be used by Him.

Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. – Luke 9:2

JESUS SENT THEM.

So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick. – Luke 9:6

Scripture does not mention that any of the disciples refused to do what Jesus was instructing them to do. As far as we know, they did not poll their friends and family to see what they thought they should do. They neither filled their pockets nor packed their bags. Jesus sent them and they went. God equipped them and miracles took place. The Spirit gave them the words to speak and many received salvation. It was their choice to obey but the results were due to the wonder-working power of God!

THIS WAS THEIR GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE AND THEY CHOSE TO WALK IN IT.

So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil. – Mark 6:12-13

Lord, I am listening. Renew in me the willingness to be called by you to go anywhere to anyone at any time. I want my heart to be fully available to you, as well as my calendar and my resources. Thank you for the reminder that your grace is sufficient for me, and that your power is made perfect in my weakness. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 13:44-46, 53-58; Mark 6:1-6

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!” – Matthew 13:44-46

Jesus painted a beautiful picture of what God desires from us — to be all in. He wants our full attention as we give ourselves completely to the life He is calling us to. Nothing is more important; nothing has more value than the Kingdom of Heaven.

The man in the parable discovered the treasure in a field. Perhaps he was not looking for it but knew the value of what he had found. He sold EVERYTHING in order to have the treasure. On the other hand, the merchant was searching. He was on the lookout and his attentiveness caused him to discover a pearl of great value. He was looking for choice pearls and found one of even greater value than he was expecting. He sold EVERYTHING. He bought into it and fully owned it.

When Jesus had finished telling these stories and illustrations, he left that part of the country. He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?” And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. – Matthew 13:53-57a

The merchant was amazed at what he had found, just as the people of Nazareth were amazed at the wisdom and healing power of Jesus. They had always known him as the son of Joseph, but they struggled to see him as the King of Kings. Their struggle to believe became an aggrievance as they dug in their heels, refusing to accept Jesus as anything more than the son of a carpenter. They had found a pearl of great value, but walked away empty handed.

Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. – Mark 6:4-6

THEY MISSED OUT ON THE EXPERIENCE OF JESUS.

They did not see Jesus as special. They went from being amazed by what Jesus could do to offended that he was trying to be anything other than a hometown boy. They hardened their hearts and refused to believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah. And because of their unbelief, many went unhealed. Their experience of the ministry of Jesus was minimal because they lacked the faith to believe he could make that level of impact on their town.

When God’s people have a strong faith in God and spend much time rejoicing and praising Him, He moves in their midst and the evidence of His presence is marked by miracles and healings. When negativity, pride and jealousy are stronger than our praise and faith, we miss out on what God could be doing in our midst.

I CAN CHOOSE TO BE OFFENDED BY OTHERS OR AMAZED BY GOD.

It saddens me how often I run into people who are “deeply offended” because I believe it affects their ability to experience what God has to offer them. Their focus turns inward and they spend more energy feeling sorry for themselves and expecting an apology from someone else than they spend focused on God. I know I have been guilty of this myself, and it is a miserable existence.

Today, I choose to praise God and not worry about who has offended me. I want my coffee with a little room – room for faith and praise, not room for self-pity and pride. I want my coffee to be sweet with grace instead of bitter with unforgiveness. I want to empty myself of anything that would block the presence of the Lord in my life.

Where do you see yourself in this morning’s coffee? Do you see the experience of Jesus as something worth seeking? Are you willing to give your all to that which has eternal value? Perhaps this parable describes who you used to be, when you were searching and discovering Jesus for the first time. Beware, my friends, it is easy for the stories of Jesus to become so commonplace that we no longer treat them as special. We allow Jesus to be so familiar that we are no longer expecting something special from him.

Lord, I need a fresh passion from you this week. Give me a hunger to search your scriptures like a merchant searching for choice pearls. Open my heart to the discovery of something of great value. May I be intentional to give you my full attention, experiencing you in new and powerful ways this year. Surprise me beyond what I can even comprehend — a pearl of greater value than expected. Empty me of all that blocks your presence in my life. Forgive me for believing in my own rights more than just trusting in you. I love you, Lord. Amen.