Today's Verse: Matthew 9:12

Friday, September 12, 1952

On hearing [people complaining he associated with sinful people], Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."
— Matthew 9:12
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Why did Jesus associate with sinners? Because we need him to associate with us! What's the most crucial part of that truth: Jesus' desire to love and save us or our recognition of our need for him in our sinfulness? Of course, the most crucial truth is Jesus' desire to love and save us. Without him, recognizing our sinfulness would only lead us to despair. At the same time, however, if we don't acknowledge our need for Jesus' love and grace, the Lord's sacrifice for us is lost to us. So, let's praise Jesus as our loving and sacrificial Savior as we acknowledge our need for his merciful love and mighty grace!

My Prayer...

Gracious Father, I praise you from the bottom of my heart for providing Jesus as my Savior. At the same time, dear Father, I confess I struggle with sin. I want sin entirely out of my life, yet I find that I cannot rid myself of its constant shadow and its penetrating stain. Without your grace and the love and mercy of Jesus, I know I could not stand before you as your pure child. So, please forgive me for the sins I confess to you now...
As I have received your love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness, please receive my praise for your gracious forgiveness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Call the Doctor
Illustration of Matthew 9:12
Inspirational illustration of Matthew 9:12 -- On hearing this, Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.'
Dinner with Sinners
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[After Jesus called Matthew to follow him], Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and....."
Leaving the Classroom and Living the Life
Article by Rick Brown
Sooner or later, we have to leave school and start living what we know! Rick Brown talks about discipleship being more than sitting and learning, it involves going and doing.

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 9:12 — On hearing [people complaining he associated with sinful people], Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, September 12, 1952

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Isaiah 65:19
"The glorified weep no more, for all outward causes of grief are gone. There are no broken friendships, nor blighted prospects in heaven. Poverty,..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'It Is Better that I Leave' (Jn. 16:7)
"[Jesus said,] "So let me say it again, this truth: It's better for you that I leave. If I don't leave, the Friend won't come. But if I go, I'll send him to..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Disciplined for Service' (2 Ti. 2:1-7)
"Dear Father, Make me strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Help me pass your word on to others who also will share it. Help me take my share....."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Love Is Proved Through Our Generous Love'
"We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave his life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers. Now, suppose a..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse