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.
Religious leaders are offended at the actions of Jesus.
Jesus does not have the same goals as the Pharisees.
God is honored by pure motives and obedience, not empty ceremony and tradition.
People tend to substitute religious activity above God’s heart.
Love God and love people.
What is important to Jesus should be important to me.
Father, align my actions with your heart.
Jesus makes the target of his mission clear.
Religious Jews would have been shocked that the Messiah was spending time with sinners and not cozying up to religious leaders.
God is interested in reaching out to sin-sick people and will not be dissuaded by the self-righteous.
Self-righteous religion only smells right to the righteous. To everyone else it stinks to high heaven.
Care about loving Jesus and helping others to do the same.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to the sin-sick and hurting. Its messy but worth it.
Jesus, help me to love and serve the people who you love and serve.
Jesus heals bodies and forgives sins.
Jesus’ miraculous power validates his spiritual claims.
God is willing to prove himself.
For some people there will never be enough proof.
Be quick to get the sin-sick to Jesus.
Some people do not realize their deepest need until they meet Jesus.
Jesus, your authority, power, and compassion has no limits!
Jesus calls Simon Peter to be his disciple after providing an amazing catch of fish.
Demonstrating a miracle over nature and then the metaphor of fishing for people resonated.
God loves surprises that point people toward him.
People need God’s direction.
Obeying God is the wisest thing I could ever do.
It’s ok to see Jesus’ power first hand before deciding to follow him.
Lord Jesus, as I follow you may I recognize my own weaknesses and fully trust your strength.
Jesus begins his public ministry.
Driving our demons and healing people certainly got attention.
God is fearless. The first record of Jesus preaching in his hometown ended with the locals running him out of town and trying to kill him (v. 28-30)
Mankind loves darkness and despises light.
I must recognize Jesus for who he is and orient my life around his.
Many people still desperately need their spiritual eyes opened. Some recognize this and some do not.
Lord Jesus, you are the Son of God. Please use me to spread your good news wherever you will.
