Jesus gives a lesson in priorities.
Jesus’ interaction with female followers was quite different than the customs of the day.
Jesus wants more than good works. He wants us.
Busyness can steal precious time.
Make sure my priorities match God’s.
It is a helpful reminder that busyness does NOT = meaningful time with God.
Lord Jesus, show me when my priorities get all mixed up.
The message of Jesus is not received by everyone.
The most religious Jews seem to have the most difficulty in believing Jesus.
God is generous with the proclamation of his Kingdom message.
Many people will reject God’s message.
Boldly proclaim Jesus- but remember all everyone didn’t receive his message either.
You never know who will be receptive!
Father, I love you more than success. Help me be a faithful steward.
While Jesus is humbly preparing others for his death his disciples are trying to wield power for themselves.
I think early hearers/readers who knew the Gospel story would look back at this and see that the disciples at this point still didn’t understand Jesus’ mission.
God’s rescue mission is so amazing that even Jesus’ closest disciples had trouble comprehending what was about to happen.
Men thirst for power.
Don’t get sucked into power grabs.
Don’t hesitate or stutter- the Kingdom life is a serious decision.
Father, help me to joyfully embrace Kingdom life and help others to do the same.
The disciples’ eyes are starting to open to the idea of Jesus being the Messiah.
Early Jews would have accepted the miracles as from God- but this talk of suffering and death would been very difficult.
All of God’s ways are purposeful and perfect.
Humans tend to dislike the darker shades by themselves but combined and contrasted with the lighter shades God’s masterpiece is revealed.
Trust God’s entire pallet choices.
People need to be reminded of God’s bigger plan/story.
Father, you are the master. Help me to trust and embrace your perfect plan always.
Nature, demons, sickness, and even death obey Jesus.
This is still more overwhelming evidence of the divinity of Jesus.
God’s heart is filled with compassion which results in a generous outpouring of mercy and grace.
Needs abound and Jesus is able.
Fully depend on Jesus.
Keep proclaiming the Kingdom message because some will hear.
Jesus, you are the almighty Son of God! You are able!
Jesus teaches about the Kingdom though parables.
And attention grabbing detail of this text is how many women fully supported Jesus- unheard of!
God is not surprised when “results” are very mixed.
Many people (possibly most) will prove NOT to actually be Christ-followers.
Hold on to the Gospel and endure.
I do not know which soil anyone is- sow widely.
Lord Jesus, results are up to you so enable me to faithfully sow.
Jesus forgives sins and accepts worship.
Any Jewish person, not just the Pharisees, would have perked up at Jesus forgiving sins.
God is concerned with our sin problem.
Some people realize the depth of their sinful hearts and others do not.
Choose mercy and grace.
Following God’s Kingdom plans will look beautifully backward to the world.
Jesus, help me savor your mercy and grace.
John the Baptist has second thoughts about Jesus being the Messiah.
Since John the Baptist was so well known and respected his doubt would have been taken seriously.
God perfectly uses imperfect people.
Even God’s greatest prophet has doubts.
Doubts are real, but so is truth.
God’s Word is validated by the inclusion of his imperfect saints.
Lord Jesus, you are the Messiah!
Jesus heals two people at death’s door.
The power displayed here was not of this world.
God’s power is unlimited.
Event the most unlikely people can act out of great faith.
Great faith proceeds seeing great works of God.
God is already at work in people’s lives.
Father, you are working in people’s hearts in ways I cannot see or understand.
Jesus chooses his disciples and publicly declares the backward Kingdom of God.
Everything that Jesus taught here seems to be the most unlikely things the Messiah would say.
God’s values are far different than man’s; and they are demonstrated fully by Jesus.
Man’s values are many times opposite of God’s.
Following God’s Kingdom plans means following Jesus.
Following God’s Kingdom plans will look beautifully backward to the world.
Father, may your Kingdom come and will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
