As wicked Pharisees plot, Jesus goes into multiplication mode.
Early Jewish readers would have noticed the contrast between the old (Pharisees) and the new (Jesus).
God’s message is Jesus, but God’s messengers are many.
Some people look for a reason to trust Jesus. Others look for a reason to condemn Jesus.
Be a multiplying messenger.
Expect some hearts to remain hardened. Proclaim the message anyway…and equip others to do the same.
Father, help me do this faithfully and in your power.
Jesus puts empty tradition in its proper place.
Hearing that customs have become hollow is difficult to process.
Jesus is greater than the sign posts that point to him.
Humans can get stuck in spiritual ruts and miss out on what God is doing right now.
Realize that while the mission of God does not change the methods must.
Being trapped in hollow religion is lonely. Be merciful!
Lord, help me hold tightly to you. And help me be open handed as you will.
Religious people are offended by the claims and methods of Jesus.
Some readers would be shocked at the claims of Jesus, others at his actions.
God’s ways can be shocking, especially to the self-righteous.
The local “riff raff” were thirsty for what Jesus was offering.
Remember Jesus as described in the Bible and not the stuffy Jesus of religious formalities.
My mission and methods should parallel those of Jesus.
God, help me love you more than any worldly expectation.
Crowds pursue Jesus after he heals a leper.
This miracle is more confirmation that Jesus is much more than just another rabbi.
Jesus shows compassion even when he knew it could change his plan.
Desperate people do not wait.
Trust that God’s mission will not be thwarted.
Expect desperate people. Expect plans to change.
Lord, help my faith be rightly placed in you- not my plans.
The bold and powerful ministry of Jesus cannot be ignored.
Verse 38 shows Jesus’ resolve to preach the good news of the Kingdom.
God wants to reveal himself.
Needs and heartaches are plentiful, but even in hardship people don’t always see their deepest need.
Verse 38 “this is why I have come”…most days I could stand to be bolder and more confident in God’s calling on me.
Point to Jesus’ Kingdom as I meet needs along the way.
Father, by your authority, help my faith grow in every way to purpose your mission.
God’s last prophet, John the Baptist, prepares people for Jesus’ public ministry.
The prophecy of Isaiah being fulfilled points to the Messiah.
God values preparation (John & Jesus).
Some people are eagerly awaiting salvation.
If John and Jesus needed preparation to carry out God’s plan, so do I.
There are always people eager to grow. Don’t be so focused on the uninterested that you miss God-ordained opportunities.
Prepare me, Lord.
