Category: Today’s Devotional

Scripture:
Matthew 9:9-13 (WEBBE)
“As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him, “Follow me!” He got up and followed him. It happened, that as he was reclining in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when Jesus heard it, he said, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

---

Reflection:

In this passage, we witness a powerful moment of calling, transformation, and teaching. Jesus encounters Matthew, a tax collector, and invites him to follow Him. Matthew, a man who was likely despised by his community due to his occupation, responds immediately, leaving his old life behind.

Matthew’s decision to follow Jesus leads to a significant event: a meal at his house with other tax collectors and sinners. This gathering causes a stir among the Pharisees, who question why Jesus would associate with such people. Their question reflects a broader concern about social and religious boundaries, particularly regarding who is deemed worthy of Jesus’ attention.

Jesus responds with a profound teaching: “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.” He uses the metaphor of a physician to illustrate His mission—to heal and restore those who are spiritually in need, rather than those who believe themselves righteous and self-sufficient. Jesus’ mission is to offer healing and forgiveness to those who recognize their need for it.

Jesus further emphasizes this teaching by quoting Hosea 6:6: “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” This quote highlights God’s preference for mercy over ritualistic sacrifices. It underscores the importance of compassionate action and a heart of mercy over mere religious observance. Jesus is calling His followers to embody this principle by reaching out to those in need and offering forgiveness and grace.

The final statement, “For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance,” clarifies Jesus’ mission. His purpose is to call those who acknowledge their brokenness and need for repentance, rather than those who believe they are already righteous.

As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to consider our own response to Jesus’ call and His mission. Are we open to following Him regardless of our past or the judgment of others? Do we extend mercy and compassion to those who are in need, as Jesus did? How do we understand and live out Jesus’ desire for mercy over sacrifice in our own lives?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we are grateful for Your call to follow You and for Your willingness to extend grace and mercy to all, regardless of their past. Help us to recognize our own need for Your healing and forgiveness. Teach us to embody Your mercy in our interactions with others, offering compassion and grace instead of judgment. May we live out Your desire for mercy over sacrifice and be instruments of Your love and reconciliation in the world. In Your name, Amen.

Application:

• Reflect on your own response to Jesus’ call. Are there areas in your life where you need to follow Him more closely or let go of past burdens?
• Consider how you extend mercy and compassion to others. Are there individuals or groups that you may need to approach with greater empathy and understanding?
• Evaluate how you balance religious observance with acts of mercy and compassion. How can you ensure that your faith is expressed through genuine acts of love and service?

Verse for Meditation:
“I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” (Matthew 9:13, WEBBE)

Scripture:
Luke 8:1-3 (WEBBE)
“Soon afterwards, he went on through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the Kingdom of God. With him were the twelve, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward; and Susanna; and many others who served them from their possessions.”

---

Reflection:

In this passage, we find Jesus traveling through cities and villages, continuing His ministry of preaching and spreading the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying Him are the twelve disciples and a group of women who play a vital role in supporting His mission.

The women mentioned in this passage—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna—each have a unique story of transformation and service. Mary Magdalene, from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons, had experienced profound deliverance and healing. Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, was likely of significant social standing and influence. Susanna’s background is less detailed, but her inclusion highlights the diverse backgrounds of those who followed and supported Jesus.

These women, along with many others, provided for Jesus and His disciples out of their own resources. Their support was not merely financial but also included practical help and companionship, which was crucial for the sustainability of Jesus’ ministry. Their actions exemplify the importance of supporting the work of God’s Kingdom through both tangible and intangible means.

This passage illustrates several key principles for our own lives:

1. Gratitude and Service: The women’s willingness to support Jesus’ ministry reflects their deep gratitude for the healing and transformation they had experienced. Their service was a response to the grace they had received. Similarly, our response to God’s grace can be expressed through our own acts of service and generosity.
2. Diverse Contributions: The inclusion of women from various backgrounds and social standings demonstrates that everyone has a role in supporting God’s work. Whether through financial support, practical help, or other forms of service, each contribution is valuable in advancing God’s Kingdom.
3. Faithful Stewardship: Joanna’s connection to Herod’s household suggests that wealth and influence can be used for God’s purposes. Her example encourages us to use our resources, whatever they may be, in ways that honor God and support His work.
4. Community and Support: The companionship and support provided by these women highlight the importance of community in ministry. Jesus’ journey was supported by those who walked alongside Him and met practical needs, reminding us of the value of mutual support in our faith communities.

As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to consider how we respond to God’s grace in our own lives. How can we use our resources, skills, and opportunities to support God’s work and serve others? Are there ways we can contribute to the advancement of His Kingdom, following the example of these faithful women?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we thank You for the faithful women who supported Your ministry and for their example of gratitude and service. Help us to recognize the ways we have been transformed by Your grace and to respond with a heart of service. Teach us to use our resources, talents, and opportunities to support Your work and to contribute to the growth of Your Kingdom. May we be inspired by the example of Mary, Joanna, Susanna, and others who served faithfully. Guide us in our own journey of support and service. In Your name, Amen.

Application:

• Reflect on how you have experienced God’s grace and transformation in your life. How can you respond with acts of service and generosity?
• Consider the resources and talents you have at your disposal. How can you use them to support God’s work and contribute to the needs of others?
• Think about the role of community in your faith journey. How can you offer support and encouragement to those around you, and how can you seek support in return?

Verse for Meditation:
“Many others who served them from their possessions.” (Luke 8:3, WEBBE)

Scripture:
Luke 7:36-50 (WEBBE)
“One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him. He went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat at the table. Behold, a woman in the city, who was a sinner, when she knew that he was reclining in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. Standing behind at his feet, weeping, she began to wash his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he spoke within himself, saying, “This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what kind of woman this is who touches him, that she is a sinner.” Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” He said, “Say on.” “A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they couldn’t pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?” Simon answered, “He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most.” He said to him, “You have judged correctly.” Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered into your house, and you gave me no water for my feet, but she has washed my feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave me no kiss, but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss my feet. You didn’t anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much; but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Those who sat at the table with him began to say within themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

---

Reflection:

In this poignant passage, Jesus reveals profound truths about forgiveness, love, and repentance through His encounter with a Pharisee and a woman known as a sinner. The setting is a meal at the house of Simon the Pharisee, where an unexpected guest—a woman with a reputation—intrudes with an act of deep devotion and humility.

As the woman stands behind Jesus, she begins to wash His feet with her tears, wipe them with her hair, and anoint them with precious ointment. Her actions are a powerful display of repentance and love. Her tears and tender care contrast sharply with Simon’s lack of hospitality and understanding.

Simon, observing the woman’s actions, internally judges Jesus. He thinks that if Jesus were truly a prophet, He would know that the woman is a sinner and would not allow her to touch Him. Jesus, aware of Simon’s thoughts, uses this moment to teach a valuable lesson through a parable.

Jesus tells Simon about two debtors—one who owes a large sum and another who owes a smaller amount. When both are forgiven, Jesus asks Simon which debtor will love the lender more. Simon correctly answers that the one forgiven the larger debt will love more. Jesus affirms Simon’s answer and applies the lesson to the situation at hand.

Jesus contrasts Simon’s lack of hospitality with the woman’s extravagant love. Simon did not provide water for Jesus’ feet, a kiss of greeting, or anoint His head with oil—acts of customary hospitality for a guest. In contrast, the woman’s actions, though unconventional, demonstrate a deep sense of gratitude and repentance. Jesus explains that her actions reflect a heart that has been deeply forgiven, and therefore, she loves much.

The woman’s act of love and repentance leads Jesus to pronounce her sins forgiven. This declaration stuns those present, as they question Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. Jesus reassures the woman that her faith has saved her and sends her away with peace.

This passage invites us to reflect on our own understanding of forgiveness and our response to it. Are we like Simon, quick to judge and lacking in hospitality? Or do we respond with the humility and love demonstrated by the woman, recognizing the depth of our need for forgiveness and the extent of God’s grace?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your incredible grace and forgiveness. We are moved by the woman’s love and repentance, and we ask that You help us to approach You with a similar humility and gratitude. Teach us to recognize the depth of our own need for forgiveness and to respond with love and devotion. May we extend the same grace to others that You have shown to us. Help us to live in the peace and freedom of Your forgiveness. In Your name, Amen.

Application:

• Reflect on the ways you may need to show greater humility and repentance in your relationship with God. Are there areas where you need to seek His forgiveness and express your love more deeply?
• Consider your responses to the forgiveness you have received. How can you extend grace and compassion to others as a reflection of the forgiveness you have experienced?
• Evaluate your interactions with others, particularly in terms of hospitality and kindness. Are there opportunities to demonstrate love and acceptance, even when it might be unconventional?

Verse for Meditation:
“Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much; but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” (Luke 7:47, WEBBE)

Scripture:
Luke 7:31-35 (WEBBE)
“The Lord said, “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, saying, ‘We played the flute for you, and you didn’t dance; we sang a dirge, and you didn’t weep.’ For John the Baptizer came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Wisdom is justified by all her children.”

---

Reflection:

In this passage, Jesus addresses the attitudes and criticisms of the people of His generation, using a parable to illustrate their response to His message and to John the Baptist’s ministry. Jesus contrasts the behaviors and criticisms directed at both Himself and John the Baptist to highlight a deeper issue within the people’s hearts.

He begins with a rhetorical question: “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like?” Jesus likens them to children in the marketplace who are dissatisfied regardless of the situation. The children’s complaint, “We played the flute for you, and you didn’t dance; we sang a dirge, and you didn’t weep,” reflects their unwillingness to be pleased or responsive, no matter the circumstances.

This parable serves as a critique of the people’s inconsistent and critical attitudes. John the Baptist came with a message of repentance, living a simple and ascetic life. Despite his dedication, he was dismissed as being possessed by a demon. On the other hand, Jesus came living among the people, eating and drinking with them, and was labeled as a “gluttonous man” and a “winebibber,” even a “friend of tax collectors and sinners.”

The people’s criticism of both John and Jesus reveals a deeper issue: their unwillingness to accept or embrace the message of God, regardless of how it was presented. Their judgmental attitudes and lack of responsiveness reflect a heart resistant to true wisdom and understanding.

Jesus concludes with the statement, “Wisdom is justified by all her children.” This means that true wisdom is demonstrated and vindicated by its results and the lives it touches. Despite the criticisms and misunderstandings, the wisdom of God’s message is validated by the transformative effects it has on those who receive it.

As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to examine our own openness to God’s message and our response to His guidance. Are we willing to embrace and respond to His message, regardless of how it challenges or disrupts our expectations? Do we recognize and appreciate the wisdom in God’s ways, even when they differ from our own preferences?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your wisdom and Your willingness to meet us where we are. Help us to recognize and respond to Your message with open hearts, free from judgment and resistance. Teach us to see beyond our own preferences and to embrace the transformative wisdom You offer. May we be open to Your guidance and responsive to the ways You are working in our lives and in the world. In Your name, Amen.

Application:

• Reflect on areas where you may have been resistant to God’s message or guidance because it did not align with your expectations or preferences. How can you open your heart to His wisdom?
• Consider how you respond to different expressions of faith and ministry. Are you quick to judge or dismiss, or are you open to seeing the value in diverse ways of following God?
• Seek to recognize and embrace the wisdom of God’s message in your life. How can you demonstrate the fruit of this wisdom through your actions and attitudes?

Verse for Meditation:
“Wisdom is justified by all her children.” (Luke 7:35, WEBBE)

Scripture:
Luke 9:23-26 (WEBBE)
“He said to all, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits his own self? For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed, when he comes in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.”

---

Reflection:

In this passage from Luke, Jesus provides a clear and challenging call to discipleship. He sets forth the essential requirements for anyone who desires to follow Him, emphasizing the commitment and sacrifice involved in being His disciple.

Jesus begins with a powerful invitation: “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” This statement encapsulates the essence of discipleship. To “deny oneself” means to relinquish personal desires, ambitions, and self-centeredness. It involves putting aside one’s own will in favor of God’s will. “Taking up the cross daily” signifies a willingness to endure hardship, suffering, or sacrifice for the sake of following Jesus. The cross, a symbol of suffering and execution, represents the challenges and sacrifices that come with living a life dedicated to Christ.

Jesus then offers a profound paradox: “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same will save it.” This paradox challenges our worldly perspective on success and security. Attempting to preserve one’s life by avoiding sacrifice and following personal desires may ultimately lead to spiritual loss. Conversely, choosing to surrender one’s life for Jesus’ sake leads to true and eternal salvation. The idea of “losing one’s life” refers to prioritizing Jesus’ teachings and mission over personal gain or comfort.

Jesus further emphasizes the gravity of this choice by asking, “For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits his own self?” This question challenges us to consider the value of material success and worldly achievements compared to the eternal significance of our spiritual well-being. Gaining the entire world is meaningless if it results in losing one’s soul, highlighting the importance of spiritual priorities over temporal gains.

Finally, Jesus warns of the consequences of being ashamed of Him and His words. He states that those who are ashamed of Him will face shame when He returns in glory. This underscores the importance of standing firm in one’s faith and not compromising one’s beliefs due to fear of rejection or ridicule.

As we reflect on this passage, we are called to examine our own commitment to following Jesus. Are we willing to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily? How do we respond to the challenges and sacrifices that come with discipleship? Are we prioritizing our spiritual well-being over worldly success?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we hear Your call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow You. Help us to understand the depth of this calling and to embrace it with courage and commitment. Give us the strength to surrender our personal desires and to endure the sacrifices required in following You. May we value our spiritual well-being above all else and be unashamed of Your teachings. Guide us to live a life that reflects our devotion to You and to share Your message boldly. In Your name, Amen.

Application:

• Reflect on areas of your life where you may need to practice self-denial and embrace sacrifice for the sake of following Jesus. What changes can you make to align more closely with His call?
• Consider the ways you might be tempted to prioritize worldly success or comfort over your spiritual journey. How can you shift your focus to eternal values?
• Evaluate your commitment to sharing Jesus’ message and standing firm in your faith. Are there situations where you have been hesitant to speak about your beliefs?

Verse for Meditation:
“For whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same will save it.” (Luke 9:24, WEBBE)