Key Passage
Jesus knew what the Pharisees were doing. So Jesus left that place. Many people followed Jesus, and he healed all the sick people. But Jesus warned the people not to tell other people who he was.
— Matthew 12:15-16 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
With the growing criticism and hostility toward Jesus by the religious elite, Jesus begins to withdraw more and spend more time revealing himself and his identity only to the disciples. He doesn't want to be perceived as merely a "miracle maker" by the crowds, but his compassion repeatedly leads him to minister to them and their needs. Even under intense scrutiny, opposition, personal pain, and unfair criticism, Jesus shows compassion to those who are broken. Jesus' actions remind us that our circumstances are never an excuse to ignore or abuse those around us who are in need of grace. We are put here to do God's work and be his instruments of grace. That purpose is unchanged by circumstance. By faith, we trust our faithfulness will not only please God, but also make a significant impact on others.
Prayer
Holy and compassionate Father, fill me with your love that I may show those around me your grace. Even when I am being treated unfairly, please help me take my eyes off my problems and focus them on others who are in need of compassionate care. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
Do for other people what you want them to do for you. "If you love only those people that love you, should you get some special praise for doing that? No! Even sinners love the people that love them! If you do good only to those people that do good to you, should you get some special praise for doing that? No! Even sinners do that! If you loan things to people, always expecting to get something back, should you get some special praise for that? No! Even sinners lend to other sinners so that they can get back the same amount! "I'm telling you to love your enemies and do good to them. Lend to people without expecting to get anything back. If you do these things, you will have a great reward. You will be children of the Most High (God). Yes, because God is good even to the people that are full of sin and not thankful. Give love and mercy the same as your Father gives love and mercy.
— Luke 6:31-36
— 1 Cor. 13:4-7
— Col. 3:12-14
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
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Jesus knew what the Pharisees were doing. So Jesus left that place. Many people followed Jesus, and he healed all the sick people. But Jesus warned the people not to tell other people who he was.
— Matthew 12:15-16 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
With the growing criticism and hostility toward Jesus by the religious elite, Jesus begins to withdraw more and spend more time revealing himself and his identity only to the disciples. He doesn't want to be perceived as merely a "miracle maker" by the crowds, but his compassion repeatedly leads him to minister to them and their needs. Even under intense scrutiny, opposition, personal pain, and unfair criticism, Jesus shows compassion to those who are broken. Jesus' actions remind us that our circumstances are never an excuse to ignore or abuse those around us who are in need of grace. We are put here to do God's work and be his instruments of grace. That purpose is unchanged by circumstance. By faith, we trust our faithfulness will not only please God, but also make a significant impact on others.
Prayer
Holy and compassionate Father, fill me with your love that I may show those around me your grace. Even when I am being treated unfairly, please help me take my eyes off my problems and focus them on others who are in need of compassionate care. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
Do for other people what you want them to do for you. "If you love only those people that love you, should you get some special praise for doing that? No! Even sinners love the people that love them! If you do good only to those people that do good to you, should you get some special praise for doing that? No! Even sinners do that! If you loan things to people, always expecting to get something back, should you get some special praise for that? No! Even sinners lend to other sinners so that they can get back the same amount! "I'm telling you to love your enemies and do good to them. Lend to people without expecting to get anything back. If you do these things, you will have a great reward. You will be children of the Most High (God). Yes, because God is good even to the people that are full of sin and not thankful. Give love and mercy the same as your Father gives love and mercy.
— Luke 6:31-36
— 1 Cor. 13:4-7
— Col. 3:12-14
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
