Matthew 12:9-21
verses 11-12: He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
These verses remind me there is no reason to hold back from doing the right thing. Being kind, showing mercy, being generous and giving, all of these actions are the right actions, all of the time. This passage is especially convicting for me today. My own feelings do get in my way and prevent me from being kind at times. If I am really going to be a servant, others’ needs must come before my own.
Father God, you teach me every day. I am so grateful for your Word, and your Spirit guiding me. Amen
Becky, transforming
Matthew 12:9-21 When Jesus celebrated the Sabbath by healing a man with a shriveled hand, he was being watched to see what he might do, yet it did not stop him from doing good.the Pharisees responded by plotting to kill him . Jesus was angry about the Pharisees uncaring attitude. Too often I express my own anger in selfish and harmful ways. Jesus expressed his anger by correcting a problem, healing a man’s hand. I need to ask God for the courage to do what I know is right. I need to realize how Jesus wants to brush away whatever it is that holds me back from living fully as he calls me to. God does not want to make o…
Matthew 12: 9-21
15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill.
Jesus healed all who followed him. I am in need of healing. My desire is to be continually healed by Jesus. I will continue to follow Jesus to my dying day and hope to be continuously healed of all my spiritual shortcomings. Jesus will never deny anyone of spiritual healing.
Dearest Lord your healing power is endless. You will never deny anyone of your healing power. Give me the grace to continue to be worthy of your unending love and healing. I love you. Amen.
Good reminders that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Kindness to others costs nothing. I am often reminded that we never know what other people are going through. We must leave judgement up to God. Amen.
Matthew 12:14 - “But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.”
There is a place for rules and regulations, procedures and protocols, but the repeated behavior of the Pharisees offers a haunting lesson about myself. On one hand I read and wonder how they could be so spiritually blind in the face of miraculous healings, and on the other, I wonder how often I fail to recognize the love and mercy of Jesus because it did not fit my idea of what was “proper.”
Prayer - Jesus, help me to see Your love at work even when it seems strange or out of place from my perspective. Give me a heart to more fully appreciate…