Today's Verse: Matthew 9:12

Tuesday, September 12, 2000

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
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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.

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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 Tuesday, September 12, 2000

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Rescue and Righteousness' (Jn. 8:7-9)
"[The Jewish leaders] kept demanding an answer [to their question about the woman caught in adultery, so Jesus] stood up again and said, "All right,..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Earnest Caregiving' (2 Co. 8:16-23)
"Dear Father, to whom all honor is due, Thank you for the earnest care you put into the heart of people like Titus. Thank you for people who respond....."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Propelled!' (Ac. 13:4)
"Sent off on their new assignment by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul went down to Seleucia and caught a ship for Cyprus."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Richard DeHaan:
"Only those whose souls have struck the deepest notes of penitence can reach the highest notes of praise."

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.

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