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.

Today's Prayer

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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.

Today's Verses in Context

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. Jesus did these things to make happen what Isaiah the prophet said. Isaiah said, "Here is my servant; I (God) have chosen him. I love him, and I am pleased with him; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will judge the nations fairly. He will not argue or shout; People will not hear his voice in the streets. He will not break the reed that is already bent; He will not stop the light that has almost stopped burning. He will continue until he makes fair judgment win the victory. All people will hope in him." Then some people brought a man to Jesus. This man was blind and could not talk, because he had a demon inside him. Jesus healed the man, and the man could talk and see. All the people were amazed. The people said, "Maybe this man (Jesus) is the Son of David {that God promised to send to us}!" The Pharisees heard the people saying this. The Pharisees said, "This man uses the power of Beelzebul (the devil) to force demons out of people. Beelzebul is the ruler of demons." Jesus knew the things that the Pharisees were thinking. So Jesus said to them, "Every kingdom that is fighting against itself will be destroyed. And every city that is divided cannot continue. And every family that is divided cannot succeed. So if Satan (the devil) forces out his own demons, then Satan is divided. And his kingdom will not be able to continue. You say that I use the power of Beelzebul to force out demons. If that is true, then what power do your people use when they force out demons? So your own people will prove that you are wrong. But I use the power of God's Spirit to force out demons. This shows that the kingdom of God has come to you. "If a person wants to enter a strong man's house and steal his things, first the person must tie the strong man. Then the person can steal the things fromthe strong man's house. "If a person is not with me, then he is against me. The person that does not work with me is working against me. So I tell you, people can be forgiven of every sin they do. And people can be forgiven for every bad thing they say. But if a person speaks against (refuses to accept) the Holy Spirit, then that person will not be forgiven. Any person that says things against the Son of Man can be forgiven. But any person that says things against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. That person will not be forgiven now or in the future.

— Matthew 12:15-32 (ERV)

Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.