When Jesus had finished saying these things [about the need to be forgiving], he left Galilee and went down to the region of Judea east of the Jordan River. Large crowds followed him there, and he healed their sick.
—Matthew 19:1-2 NLT
In transitional verses, we often find key elements of truth that Matthew most wants us to see. Jesus has brought to a close his Galilean ministry. He is headed for Jerusalem. The crowds are still infatuated with him. He will consistently heal them and minister to their needs even as he is headed toward the cross. His ministry as Immanuel, God with us, does not end simply because he is moving into the last stage of his earthly ministry. For all of us, transitions can be difficult. The key is to remain true to our calling from God just as Jesus did. Even when stress and pressures skyrocket, we need to remain who we are and not compromise the character that God has brought to life in us.
Changeless and infinite God, please lead me through my transitions so that I can use each one as an opportunity to become more like Jesus rather than deal with them as a crisis in my life. In his precious and mighty name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 19:1-2 NLT
Key Thought
In transitional verses, we often find key elements of truth that Matthew most wants us to see. Jesus has brought to a close his Galilean ministry. He is headed for Jerusalem. The crowds are still infatuated with him. He will consistently heal them and minister to their needs even as he is headed toward the cross. His ministry as Immanuel, God with us, does not end simply because he is moving into the last stage of his earthly ministry. For all of us, transitions can be difficult. The key is to remain true to our calling from God just as Jesus did. Even when stress and pressures skyrocket, we need to remain who we are and not compromise the character that God has brought to life in us.
Today's Prayer
Changeless and infinite God, please lead me through my transitions so that I can use each one as an opportunity to become more like Jesus rather than deal with them as a crisis in my life. In his precious and mighty name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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