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Matthew 12:38-50 (GNT)
Friday,
September 5, 2008
Let your Light Shine and Grow in God's WisdomIntroduction
Matthew 12:38-50: Jesus criticizes some of his listeners for refusing to believe, and he blesses those who do believe and obey his teachings by calling them brother, sister, and mother.
Today's Scripture
38Then some teachers of the Law and some Pharisees spoke up. "Teacher," they said, "we want to see you perform a miracle." 39"How evil and godless are the people of this day!" Jesus exclaimed. "You ask me for a miracle? No! The only miracle you will be given is the miracle of the prophet Jonah. 40In the same way that Jonah spent three days and nights in the big fish, so will the Son of Man spend three days and nights in the depths of the earth. 41On the Judgment Day the people of Nineveh will stand up and accuse you, because they turned from their sins when they heard Jonah preach; and I tell you that there is something here greater than Jonah! 42On the Judgment Day the Queen of Sheba will stand up and accuse you, because she traveled all the way from her country to listen to King Solomon's wise teaching; and I assure you that there is something here greater than Solomon! 43"When an evil spirit goes out of a person, it travels over dry country looking for a place to rest. If it can't find one, 44it says to itself, "I will go back to my house.' So it goes back and finds the house empty, clean, and all fixed up. 45Then it goes out and brings along seven other spirits even worse than itself, and they come and live there. So when it is all over, that person is in worse shape than at the beginning. This is what will happen to the evil people of this day."
46Jesus was still talking to the people when his mother and brothers arrived. They stood outside, asking to speak with him. 47So one of the people there said to him, "Look, your mother and brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak with you." 48Jesus answered, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" 49Then he pointed to his disciples and said, "Look! Here are my mother and my brothers! 50Whoever does what my Father in heaven wants is my brother, my sister, and my mother."
Reflect
It would be very easy to condemn the Pharisees and others for failing to realize or accept Jesus' power and wisdom. In what ways do even his own people today still fail to acknowledge him? What are the key traits that make a person part of Jesus' family?
Pray
Lord Christ, I ask for no sign today, I don't ask you to prove yourself to me with some miracle. I already believe and confess that you are greater than the prophets and kings. I want to sit at your feet and listen to your words, putting them into practice like a true disciple. Amen.
Prayer Concern
Strength and guidance for those who are struggling with addictions
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