Today's Verse: Matthew 9:12

Sunday, September 12, 2004

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 Sunday, September 12, 2004

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Love and Betrayal' (Jn. 13:23-27)
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Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Psalms 112:7
"Christian, you ought not to dread the arrival of evil tidings; because if you are distressed by them, what do you more than other men? Other men have...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Sing with Joy!' (Je. 31:7-9)
"Sing with joy for Israel. Shout for the greatest of nations! Shout out with praise and joy: "Save your people, O Lord, the remnant of Israel!" For I....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Living before the Omniscient God' (He. 4:13)
"Dear Father, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, Help me to follow your teachings and live my life according to your will even in unusual or..."

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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