Category: faith

Flesh & Blood

Luke 22 & John 13

Devotion by JJ Fletcher (Minnesota)

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, we see him bring a new level of focus and understanding to different laws or topics. When the Pharisees question Jesus about why his disciples are doing something on the Sabbath, Jesus says that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. It was a day to honor and remember God, but it was also a day of rest.

In the lead-up to Jesus’ arrest and trial, we see the hustle and bustle of everyone getting ready for the Passover. Passover was the remembrance and celebration of the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt and takes its moniker from their firstborn being spared during God’s final plague that killed the firstborn of Egypt.

This was already a day of remembrance and of sharing a meal, but Jesus is giving it a new context as the birth of his church grows near. This will be a time to reflect on the New Covenant. Jesus’ physical blood marks the sealing of the New Covenant, so this cup of wine will be a reminder of his blood that would be poured out just a few days after the meal they were sharing. The bread is a reminder of Jesus’ body, which would be beaten and abused. Breaking the bread is a reminder of how his body would essentially be broken through the abuse and execution that were upcoming.

Today, we get to celebrate the Lord’s Supper under much different circumstances. We have the context that the disciples didn’t. A resurrected Jesus and the testimony of his disciples. We can also celebrate this as often as we’d like, but typically it is monthly (at least in my church). We perhaps do the remembrance part right, but later, Paul talks about the need to examine oneself. We should be examining how we’re doing. Are we doing an okay job living our lives for Jesus, or do we need to refocus? I would add that there is also an element of fellowship here. Typically, we observe the Lord’s Supper during a service, but it would perhaps be a good thing to observe it during a meal. Engaging in meaningful interactions with brothers and sisters during celebration.

One other thing to take away from Jesus’ last supper, he’s doing all this with Judas at the table. He knows what’s about to happen, but he doesn’t let that derail this important gathering. When we are having interpersonal issues in the church, we should be striving to repair what is wrong. We should, however, also be able to set aside our differences as we observe the remembrance of Jesus by fellowshipping and breaking bread together. If Jesus can face Judas, you can face someone who has done far less by comparison.

Reflection Questions:

1.        Is it easy to let communion become a rote practice and not a real time of reflection? How can that be changed?

2.        Have you participated in different ways of observing the Lord’s Supper? Were some practices more impactful than others? Why or why not?

3.        A monthly observance was mentioned earlier. Is there a benefit to observing communion more or less frequently? Why do you think this? If you don’t have an opinion, why do you think someone else might have strong opinions on the frequency of observation?

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Backchannels and Backstabbers

Matthew 26 and Mark 14

Devotion by JJ Fletcher (Minnesota)

People are complex. We have ideals that we want to live by, but often fall short and fall into patterns of behavior that disgust us. I’m sure all of us want to live like the gospel is the primary motivator for our lives. We want to care for others, we want to honor God and Jesus with our behavior, and we want to shine the light of truth into a dark world. We hit speed bumps, we have a bad day, someone slights us, and we are consumed by disappointment, anger, or frustration, and take our eye off the ball.

We want to honor God, but we also want to be comfortable. We want to be well off financially or to be perceived in a certain way, and we sometimes will slide into behaviors that are focused on taking care of our needs and desires rather than building God’s Kingdom.

Sometimes fear is a motivator rather than hope. How will people view us if we stand out as different from the status quo? What if the movement or organization that we are a part of falls apart? Will we be seen as a failure? Will we be shunned? Will we suffer the same defeat or demise as those whom we have followed or associated ourselves with?

In Matthew 26, we are in the lead-up to the Passover celebration. While this is in view, Jesus also knows what is about to happen… His arrest and execution.

The Pharisees are frustrated. They have been seeing Jesus grow in influence and popularity, which in turn has diminished their influence and the perception that they are the leaders and influencers of the Jewish people. They confront Jesus constantly, yet they are no match for his wisdom and insight. Jesus, in his spirit-filled wisdom, always has the upper hand over the Pharisees, who seem far more interested in discrediting and diminishing Jesus than actually considering that he may be the Messiah. They want to remain the thought leaders of the people, and Jesus is putting the kibosh on them.

As I’ve already brought up, Jesus is popular, and if the Pharisees were seen to be actively trying to dispose of him, they would face some severe backlash. With Passover just around the corner, they see the need to be careful. There are extra eyes everywhere as people have come into Jerusalem to celebrate. So, they start plotting how to secretly apprehend Jesus and quietly have him put to death. They want to make it seem like this is not of their doing, but how? They are dealing in back-channel communications to figure out how to proceed. A golden, or maybe silver, opportunity will soon present itself.

Enter Judas. He’s been with Jesus through the thick of his ministry. But Judas perhaps is not a fan of Jesus’ teaching on wealth. No one is identified specifically in Matthew 26:8-9, but I wonder if Judas is a driver of the indignant attitude of the disciples about this valuable ointment that Jesus is anointed with. In John 12, we are told that Judas would help himself to the money that was collected, and the sale of this ointment would give him more funds to dip into. Judas doesn’t care about the poor; he cares about himself. Judas sees the success of Jesus’ ministry as an opportunity to enrich himself. Perhaps Judas does believe that Jesus is who he claims to be, but he is motivated by his own desires, and this gives an opening for some back-channel dealings with the Pharisees. Judas goes to the Pharisees in secret and asks how much of a payoff they will give him if he delivers Jesus to them. What a backstabber, the ultimate betrayal. Jesus, of course, knows this is going to happen, which must make his preparations for the upcoming events even more brutal to contemplate.

Peter is bold. But he’s also kind of a coward. Jesus knows this. Deep down, maybe Peter knows this, but he’s not willing to cop to it. When Jesus is about to be arrested, Peter is willing to go on the offensive in the moment; he’s willing to go down to protect Jesus, but after Jesus is arrested, Peter has time to think, and he perhaps ponders what will happen to those who were closely associated with Jesus if he is convicted and executed. He ends up denying Jesus as his fear gets the better of him. A bit of a stab in the back to Jesus.

Both Peter and Judas fell into the trap of doing what they saw as best for them, rather than what was right. Judas ends up committing suicide; he can’t live with what he has done, or the repercussions of what this will do to his standing and life outlook. Peter, however, finds redemption. Jesus gives him three opportunities to affirm him, and after Jesus ascends to heaven, Peter becomes the primary leader of the church. Never again will he deny Jesus; he will die for the sake of the gospel. 

Reflection Questions:

1.        In what ways have you experienced failures in your walk? What has allowed you to overcome failure and not let it defeat you?

2.        How can we navigate our pride and celebrate the successes of others, rather than act like the Pharisees and look to undermine or defeat others? How can these attitude dynamics make or break a church? 

3.        Can you think of some ways that help set you up to put faith before your wants and superficial needs?

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Three Pictures of Judgement

Matthew 25

Devotion by Jacob Rohrer (Rhode Island)

Today as we look at Matthew 25 we should take notice that though we are starting a new chapter the context surrounding this chapter is the same as that of chapter 24. Matthew 24 and 25 are a single unit of thought. This can be seen in verse 1 with the word “then” (the NIV says “at that time”) indicating what Jesus was speaking about in chapter 24 is continuing into chapter 25. The focus of the chapter is about the end of this age when Jesus returns and the judgement that he will enact. 

There are three pictures of judgement in chapter 25. The first two are parables (the parable of the ten virgins and the parable of the talents) and the last one is a description of the judgement scene. 

In the first parable there are ten virgins who wait for the bridegroom. The bridegroom delays in appearing and all fall asleep but suddenly the bridegroom appears but only five are ready for the bridegroom while the other five are not ready and they are denied entrance into the wedding feast. The virgins denied entrance are then told by the bridegroom he never knew them. 

The second parable is about a master and his slaves. The master gives each slave a talent (an amount of money) and went on a journey. When the master returns only two of the three slaves honored the master with what they were given. The third slave squandered his talent and is rebuked by the master and the slave is thrown out into the outer darkness.

The third picture of judgement involves Jesus separating goats from sheep among the nations. The sheep and goats represent those who belong to Jesus and those who do not. The sheep (believers) are rewarded with the kingdom and the goats (non-believers) are cast into hell with satan and his demons. 

What are we to make of this chapter? What does Jesus want us to learn from these three pictures of judgement? I believe it is this.

There is a judgement coming and not everyone who calls themself a Christian will enter into life. The reality is, not everyone who calls themself a Christian is a true believer. In all three teachings there is one group of people who are then divided into those who are accepted and those who are rejected. Many people comprise the Church but not everyone who attends church is a true believer. The judgement of Christ sorts out the self-deceived from the real believers. Jesus himself teaches this earlier in Matthew 13.24-30, 36-43 in the parable of the tares. And he also teaches this in Matthew 7.21-22. 

Who are you? Are you deceived or a true believer in Christ? The five virgins were accepted into the feast because they were ready and prepared. The 2 slaves were honored by the master because they were faithful with what the master had given them. And the sheep entered the kingdom because they loved and served other Christians in need. 

A true believer will have evidence of salvation in their life. A true believer bears the fruit of the spirit, they grow in holiness, they grow in their disdain for sin, they hunger for the scriptures, they serve other Christians and people. A real believer matures and grows in Christ.

Paul tells the Corinthians in II Cor. 13.5 to test themselves against the scriptures to see if they are in the faith. Compare yourself to scripture and to the words of Jesus. Have you really received salvation from God? In addition to this, talk with mature believers closest to you about this serious matter if you question your salvation.

(Originally posted for SeekGrowLove on November 7, 2020)

Reflection Questions:

  1. What do you think Jesus wants you to learn from Matthew 25?
  2. “Who are you? Are you deceived or a true believer in Christ?” What does a true believer look like, sound like, do, believe?
  3. What can you do today to be more prepared to be judged by Jesus?
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Take Heed! Be on the Alert!

Mark 13

Gone are the days when the majority of households across the United States and Canada left their homes unlocked day and night.  The idyllic scene of a squeaky screen door being pushed open and banging closed, has faded even in small town America.

The first home security system was invented in 1966 and patented in 1969 by Marie Van Brittan Brown.  Marie’s husband often traveled for work, and she didn’t feel secure answering the door in his absence. The system she created consisted of two peepholes, a TV monitor, a two-way microphone and a sliding camera.  Marie could see who was at her door and interact with them from inside the safety of her home.

From that time to the present, home security has been revolutionized.  Wireless technology, video surveillance, integration with smart devices, AI, and cloud -based systems seamlessly work together to provide protection and peace of mind for countless households. 

But what about when you step out your door?  One of the tenets of personal safety, away from your home, is to be aware of your surroundings.  Pay attention when you’re walking down the street, loading packages into your car in the Mall parking lot, or even sitting in a restaurant.  Don’t have your face riveted to your phone.  Look up!  Pay attention!  TAKE HEED! 

The last two-word warning, “TAKE HEED,” was used by Jesus four times in Mark 13, KJV.  Other translations, such as the NIV or the NASB, translate the phrase “watch out,” “see to it,” and “be on guard.”

Mark 13 is known as the Olivet Discourse, (also found in Matthew 24 and Luke 21.)  Jesus begins teaching his disciples after they mention the temple’s majestic buildings, and he answers that these magnificent structures will be destroyed.  Peter, James, John and Andrew ask Jesus when this is going to happen, and what needs to happen first. 

Jesus’ response includes a discourse detailing persecution, and current, continuing and end-time prophecies.  And throughout this dialogue, he warns, “TAKE HEED!” 

“And Jesus began to say to them, ‘TAKE HEED that no one misleads you.’” (Mark 13:5)  Many individuals will claim to be Christ.  Various wars and natural disasters will happen.  This is just the starting point.

In verse 9, Jesus warns the disciples to look out for their personal safety.  “TAKE HEED, for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.”  He reassures the disciples not to be anxious when they are arrested, for the Holy Spirit will speak through them. 

Jesus continues in the succeeding verses, sharing details of a terrible time of trouble and suffering, ending with “TAKE HEED” in verse 23.  “But TAKE HEED; behold, I have told you everything in advance.”

Finally, after unparalleled occurrences in the skies—darkened sun, falling stars and more—Jesus tells his disciples he will return with great power and glory.  No one but God knows when that will happen.  Not the angels, not even Jesus.

“TAKE HEED, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.”  (Mark 13:33)

Jesus expands on this warning by giving an example of a man on a journey, away from his house, who instructed the doorkeeper to stay alert.  The doorkeeper did not know when the man might return.  Perhaps he would be found asleep, not ready for his master’s return. 

Jesus ends his teaching with authority.  “Be on the alert!”  (Mark 13:37b)

Unlike the doorkeeper in Jesus’ example, (verses 34-36), who might not be ready, Marie Van Brittan Brown, the inventor of the first home security system, wanted to be prepared if someone knocked on her door.  She wanted to know who was on the other side. 

You can know who is waiting patiently to enter the door of your heart.  Just listen. 

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”  (Revelation 3:20,21)

Luke 21:28, (also the Olivet Discourse) says, “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Let’s face each day with a head lifted up in praise of our Creator, and a heart prepared and anticipating the return of our Savior.  Come Lord Jesus! 

Reflection Questions

  1. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would speak for the disciples after they were arrested.  How has God’s Spirit spoken through you in times of trial?
  2. Think of a time when you were “on alert” in your life.  How did God help you?
  3. How are you preparing each day for Jesus’ return? 
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All In

Matthew 23 & Luke 20-21

When my husband’s younger brother was a preschooler, so the story goes, he had a particularly busy day, playing and being active.  Near bedtime, he declared to his family, “I’m all ‘shampooed’ out”.  Following the ensuing laughter, his parents agreed he was indeed tuckered out; he was “all in.”

The phrase, “I’m all in” can mean a person is exhausted.  But another understanding of that expression is a person’s declaration that he/she is completely devoted, totally committed, to a cause or endeavor.  “I’m all in to lose the weight.”  “I’m all in to win the championship.”  “I’m all in to elect this candidate.”

If you’re all in, you are going to give it your best effort, give it as much time and resources as possible, give it your all.  You are all in! 

A beautiful example of this idea is found in Luke 21:1-4, the familiar account of the widow’s offering.  Jesus had been teaching in the temple.  The scribes, chief priests, and Sadducees had been questioning him, trying to entrap Jesus when he answered, so they could deliver him to the authority of the governor. 

Finally, they realized their trick questions were not going to work. 

“Some of the scribes answered and said, ‘You have spoken well.’ For they did not have courage to question Him any longer about anything.” (Luke 20:39,40)

In response, as all the people listened, Jesus said to his disciples, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”  (Luke 20: 46,47)

Among the prideful things that the scribes were doing, was robbing widows of their homes and resources.  The New American Standard and New International Bible versions use the word “devour” to describe the scribes’ actions. 

Devour–“eat up greedily”–“prey upon.”  Not a pleasant picture.

The Living Bible vividly describes it this way. “But even while they are praying long prayers with great outward piety, they are planning schemes to cheat widows out of their property.  Therefore, God’s heaviest sentence awaits these men.” (Luke 20: 46,47) 

 Immediately after Jesus’ condemnation of the scribes, he looks up to see rich men depositing large amounts of money into the offering receptacles.  And then Jesus spots the poor widow. Carefully, she placed two copper coins, the smallest class of currency, into the offering box.  Jesus’ reaction?

“Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their SURPLUS put into the offering; but she out of her POVERTY put in ALL that she had to live on.” 

Jesus saw the widow’s humble gift—two coins that equaled a penny.  How miniscule in man’s eyes. How sacrificial in Jesus’ eyes.  The rich still had their fortunes; the widow had nothing left in worldly goods.  Her pure heart and strong faith would sustain her.  God would provide for her needs. 

The poor widow was “all in.”  

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.”  (Matt. 6:33,34a)

God desires our time, talents, service—to put Him first in everything we do.  The reward will be great. 

As Paul stated at the end of his ministry, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”  (II Tim. 4:7,8)

But to those who CLAIM allegiance to God, with a half-hearted commitment, Jesus has sharp words.

 “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked” (Revelation 3:15-17)

The pretentious piety of the rich was false—in Jesus’ eyes they were poor and wretched–understandably lukewarm.  The poor widow’s offering, two copper coins, was all she had in the world.  She gave it willingly, trustfully, faithfully. 

She was ALL IN!

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it take to truly see the needs of others?
  2. Reflect on the widow’s offering, and then put yourself in her place.  Would you have given the two coins? 
  3. What can you change in your life to be “all in” for the Lord? 
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Who is this Good Shepherd?

Luke 10, John 10:22-42

Devotion by Jerry Wierwille (New York)

John 10:22-42 opens with the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, where Jesus walks in Solomon’s porch and faces many direct questions about his identity. The passage is filled with challenges to expected norms, the importance of faith, and the safety and strength of the Shepherd’s hand.

The Challenge of Faith

As Jesus walks through the Temple, a group gathers around him, pressing in on him with questions that reveals both their curiosity but also their skepticism: “How long will you keep our souls in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly” (John 10:24). Jesus responds by saying, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name, these testify about me. But you do not believe because you are not of my sheep” (John 10:25-26).

Here, Jesus points out that belief is not simply a matter of intellectual assent or witnessing miracles. True belief is about recognizing the Shepherd’s voice and responding in trust. The works of Jesus—his miracles, his teachings, his ministry—are clear evidence of his mission and that he is from God. Yet, as Jesus notes, only those who are truly his “sheep” respond to him in faith. This situation echoes a recurring theme in Scripture: the spiritual life of faith is not about seeing the miraculous but about having a heart that is receptive to the things of God.

Reflect: Are there areas in your life where you find it difficult to trust Jesus, even when you see evidence of God’s work? What might it look like to move from being less skeptical to more faithful, trusting the Shepherd’s voice even when some answers are not immediate or obvious?

The Shepherd’s Hand

Jesus continues with one of the most comforting promises in all of Scripture: “My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them life in the age to come, and they will absolutely not perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one” (John 10:27-30).

This passage reveals one of the most profound promises that comes from belonging to Jesus. His followers are not only known by him, but are also protected by the power of God. The assurance that “no one will snatch them out of my hand” is a promise of lasting spiritual safety and belonging for those who follow Jesus. Undergirding this assertion is the truth about the unity of Jesus and God. But it is not a unity of identity, but about a perfect partnership in purpose and action. This unity in purpose with God and Jesus is the foundation for the believer’s confidence and hope.

Reflect: In what ways do you need to rest securely in the hand of the Shepherd? How does knowing that the purposes of Jesus and God are unified change your outlook on challenges, fears, or uncertainties?

Invitation to Deeper Faith

The immediate response to Jesus is intense and divisive. Some pick up stones, accusing him of blasphemy for making himself “a god” (John 10:33). Jesus, however, points them back to Scripture, referencing Psalm 82:6: “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’?” (John 10:34). He challenges their understanding and invites them to examine his works as evidence of his mission from God: “If I am not doing the works of my Father, do not believe me. But if I am doing them, though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you will come to know and continue to know that the Father is in union with me, and I am in union with the Father” (John 10:37-38).

As the opposition persists, Jesus withdraws beyond the Jordan, where many people come to him. They recall John the Baptist’s testimony and recognize that everything John said about Jesus was true (John 10:41-42). The Jordan area was away from the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem and was a quiet countryside. Many believe in him there, showing that trust often grows in places and moments where hearts are open and receptive.

Reflect: Are you willing to examine Jesus’ works and words with fresh eyes/ears and an open heart? How can you invite others to explore the truth of who Jesus is, even when it challenges their expectations?

Encouragement

This section reveals who Jesus is and why people should listen to him and believe him. He is the Shepherd who gives life to those who follow him, challenging the audience to move from doubt to faith. Take time today to listen for his voice, trust in his protection, and share his truth with those around you. As you do, may you experience the peace, assurance, and security that only the Good Shepherd can give.

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Spiritual Sight – or – Spiritual Blindness

John 9:1–10:21

Devotion by Jerry Wierwille (New York)

Several accounts in John 9:1–10:21 invite us to reflect deeply on spiritual sight, the voice of Jesus, and the abundant life he offers. We are going to look at three separate aspects of the section and then reflect on their significance.

From Blindness to Sight

The section begins with Jesus encountering a man born blind. Jesus’ disciples ask whose sin caused this—his or his parents’—but the question is ill-posed, and Jesus redirects their thinking by saying, “Neither did this man sin, nor his parents; but let the works of God be revealed in him” (John 9:3). Jesus then heals the man, giving him physical sight.

This healing is more than a mere miracle—it’s a sign of God’s power and how God can transform lives. The man’s journey from blindness to sight mirrors the spiritual awakening that Jesus brings to those who invite him into their life. It was undeniable the transformation that had happened physically in the man. Later, when questioned, the man boldly testifies, “One thing I do know, that, though I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25).

Reflect: Where have you experienced God’s transforming work in your life? Where have you been blind but now you see? And are there areas where you still need the light that Jesus brings to break through the darkness that can blind us? The passage encourages us to trust that God can reveal His work in us even in situations that seem hopeless or confusing.

Humility vs. Pride: Who Really Is Blind, And Who Can See?

After noting that the man was healed, the Pharisees investigate, but their hearts remain hardened to the truth. Jesus tells them, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see will see, and that those who see will become blind” (John 9:39). The Pharisees, confident in their own understanding, ask, “We are not blind too, are we?” Jesus replies, “If you were blind, you would have no sin, but now, since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains” (John 9:41).

Ironically, Pharisees are both “blind” and “deaf” to the truth. Humble people, like the man born blind, can “see” and “hear” Jesus, while the proud cannot. This theme echoes throughout Scripture: spiritual pride blinds us to God’s work, while humility opens our eyes and ears. The Pharisees thought they could “see,” but that false confidence was their undoing. Jesus says because of this their “sin remains.”

Reflect: Are there areas where pride or self-reliance might be keeping you from seeing or hearing what God wants to show you? Is there a concrete action you can take to promote cultivating a humble, receptive heart in your life?

Hearing and Following Jesus’ Voice

As the section continues, Jesus states, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:9-10). Jesus’ self-ascription is “the Good Shepherd,” and his sheep know his voice and follow him.

When the text says that the true “sheep” (i.e., believers) “hear” the voice of the Shepherd (i.e., Jesus), while others do not, this is not talking about mere intellectual understanding, but about a trusting relationship. To “hear” the voice of Jesus means that you follow him because he leads, protects, and provides for you (his sheep), offering more than what is needed for survival, but a more abundant life.

Reflect: Are you attuned to Jesus’ voice in your daily life? What practices help you recognize and respond to him as your Good Shepherd? In a world full of competing voices and influences, this section invites us to focus on hearing the voice of Jesus and to be willing to follow him wherever he leads.

Encouragement

Through the narrative of this section, we are being challenged to move from spiritual blindness to sight, to embrace humility over pride, and to follow the Good Shepherd who offers an abundant life. Take time today to ask God to open your eyes, soften your heart, and help you listen for Jesus’ voice. As you do, may you experience the fullness of life that he promises and that only he can give.

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Lost and Found

Matthew 18

Devotion by J.J. Fletcher (Minnesota)

Yesterday, we read Mark 9, and today we see some of its parallels in Matthew 18. The idea of causing “a little one” to sin is here, as well as dealing with one who sins against you, and addressing our own sinful actions. Sandwiched in between these teachings, we read the parable of the lost sheep.

The image of Israel as a flock of sheep is prevalent in the Old Testament. Leaders are viewed like shepherds, but God is the ultimate shepherd. When Israel loses its way, God sends a messenger or “shepherd” to seek out the lost and bring them back to the fold, to the path that they should be walking on.

Sheep get a bad rap. They are often characterized as dumb, but they are far from it. Sheep can remember human faces and differentiate between them. Sheep are herd animals, and the fact that they rely on following the herd, or the sheep in front of them, contributes to the mischaracterization of their lack of intelligence.

You have probably followed someone whom you had a level of trust in, but at some point, you realized that you had followed them the wrong way. Was it easy to course correct, or did you wander for a while? Did someone have to come and find you to bring you back to where you were supposed to be?

There’s a saying that not all who wander are lost, but many who wander are in fact lost. We follow the wrong crowd or come under the teaching of someone who is guiding us in the wrong direction. Those of us who are parents are acutely aware of how challenging it is to raise our “flock” in a culture that embraces self-gratification and relative truth (my truth as opposed to objective truth). Maybe we have become devotees to tradition rather than God’s commands (see the Unwritten Rules devotion from Tuesday). 

We probably all have friends or family members who have gone astray, and we desperately hope to get them back to the flock. We see that God has that same desire, for the lost to be found, to be reunited with his flock. There is much joy when someone returns. The rejoicing over the one who returns over those who remained is not a statement of value; all the sheep are valuable. The celebration is that the one who has been saved from death is now safe, like the 99. 

There are powerful testimonies from people who have lived problematic lifestyles, who walked in a way that was destructive or even dangerous. Many of us have boring testimonies. What a joy to have not had to be saved from a life of trauma, addiction, or danger! We celebrate those powerful testimonies not because those who have struggled are better, but because we can see in their stories the power of the one who went out and found them.

Reflection Questions:

1.        Think about ways that you were lost and how God brought you back. What methods did he use? How can you see His handiwork in your faith story?

2.        How has God used you to seek out his lost sheep? When you feel God’s prompting, do you embrace it, or have you struggled and responded in some other way (Jonah, anyone?)? 

3.        What ways can we work to keep the flock together and avoid having that one sheep split off that we may need to go searching for?

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The Big Picture

Matthew 16, Mark 8, Luke 9:18-27

Devotion by JJ Fletcher (Minnesota)

It can be easy to get into the weeds when discussing and debating theology. There are many years behind us of writing and interpretation of the scriptures, and we can easily lose focus on the big picture when we’re bogged down in the minutiae. One could simply read scripture and take away that Jesus died for the sins of the world and that whoever believes in him will be saved. On the flip side, books have been written digging into how Jesus’ death and resurrection functionally deal with sin. Atonement theories such as Penal Substitution, Christus Victor, and Scapegoat Theory (among others) are ways to try to understand exactly the process through which God forgives through Jesus. The main thing we should remember is that the blood of Jesus brings forgiveness, regardless of the thoughts that we might have about how exactly God reconciles everything through Jesus.

The Pharisees were very much concerned with the letter of the law. Now I believe we should strive to understand scripture, but sometimes I can allow my views on specific doctrines or practices to overshadow others. We need to be striving to see the big picture and get to the spirit behind the words of scripture.

In today’s text, we see Jesus’ warning against the leaven of the Pharisees. This calls out things like false doctrine and hypocrisy that were present in the lives of the Pharisees that clashed with Jesus. This bad leaven will corrupt the “bread” that comes from it.

Jesus recognizes that there are key things that the disciples need to know and understand, specifically relating to his death and resurrection. But also, the big picture needs to be in view. Jesus asks Peter, who do people think that Jesus is, and he spits off a few theories, but then Jesus asks Peter who he thinks Jesus is, and he answers: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Big Picture. None of the things that Jesus shows and teaches Peter and the disciples will be impactful without this pig picture. Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus is the Messiah. This confession is the foundation of the Church. We’re not always going to agree on everything, but we must agree on this primary fact: Jesus is the Savior, and in Him we must put our faith and hope. 

Reflection Questions:

1.        What distracts you from the big picture?

2.        Does your need to know how sometimes distract you from simply accepting what you read in scripture?

3.        Have ingrained habits or false things that you have been taught stood in your way of implementing your faith in every aspect of your life? Take a step back and look at the big picture in scripture and weigh your thoughts against what you see in the Bible.

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It Was Just a Touch

Matthew 9-10

Devotion by Shelly Millard (Nebraska)

Yet another day filled with nonstop demands.  Coming off of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus was besieged by disciple gathering, teaching, preaching, casting out demons, raising the dead, calming the sea and continually surrounded by crowds with physical and spiritual needs.    As people were clamoring for his attention, he was able to pivot toward the need, to be present in the moment and respond to the need whether it was physical, emotional or spiritual..  He was taking a quick break to eat when Jairus, a leader of the local synagogue came to Jesus with a big request.  His daughter had just died and he was asking Jesus to come to his house to raise her back to life.  Understanding the urgency, Jesus got up from his meal and started walking toward Jairus’ home. 

The crowds were pressing in on him, jostling as he tried to move forward.  But he suddenly stopped and said, “Who just touched me”?  The version of this story in Luke indicates that his disciples thought this was a ridiculous question as many in the crowd had been touching him.  Yet, this touch was different because Jesus immediately felt power surge from him.  He turned and identified the one who touched him as a woman who had been hemorrhaging for 12 years and was hanging on by a thread.  She had searched for help, but because she was bleeding was considered unclean with no one allowed to touch or help her.  She had heard about Jesus and knew that he was her only chance.  Being desperate and determined, she fought her way through the crowd with the belief that if she could only touch the hem of his robe, she would be healed.  In Jewish culture, the hem or fringe of a garment, known as the “tzitzit,” held religious significance as a reminder of the commandments of God. The act of the woman reaching out to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment can be seen as an expression of her faith in His divine authority and power to heal. Her belief that merely touching His garment would result in healing underscores the depth of her faith and the recognition of Jesus’ messianic identity.  She was very deliberate in her action, one that was fueled by her faith. He looked at her with compassion. He saw so much more than she saw, so much more than others saw. He saw a woman who had enough faith to reach out despite her unclean condition. He saw great faith from one who was marginalized, a woman who was bleeding. 

In that moment, she was not only healed of her physical problem, but she was also healed spiritually and emotionally as Jesus addressed her as daughter.  No longer was she unclean or an outcast, she was included in his family and found a place where she could now belong.  Jesus saw in her a great faith and knew that she had come to him out of desperation, with determination and with her intentional act of faith, received her healing. It was a small, seemingly insignificant act, that resulted in her transformation, both physically and spiritually.  This woman, who acted with the courage, deliberate action and with the intention to connect with the Son of God was transformed from an outcast to a daughter and one who has traveled through history to reveal to us an example of great faith. 

Questions for reflection

Imagine yourself in the crowd that day.  People were pushing and jostling Jesus, perhaps wanting to see what he was going to do with the daughter of Jairus.  How do you think the crowd reacted when he stopped to look at this woman who was unclean?

What characteristic of this woman in the story do you find most intriguing?

Why do you think she was focused on touching his garment rather than addressing him directly?

Have you ever had a time where you felt on the “outside” or marginalized like this woman? How do you think she reacted when he called her “daughter”? 

What insights about faith demonstrated by this woman can we gain about our own faith?

How determined and intentional are you about your own faith?

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