What Jesus Did! 'Responding to Faith' — Matthew 9:18-19

Monday, April 21, 2025

As Jesus was saying this [about old and new cloth and wineskins], the leader of a synagogue came and knelt before him. "My daughter has just died," he said, "but you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand on her."

So Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him.

— Matthew 9:18-19 NLT

Key Thought

True power meets true faith as Jesus and this leader of a synagogue meet each other. This important man shows no pretentiousness in the presence of Jesus. He bows to honor and worship him and make a request that was unthinkable. But even though his request was unimaginable, he pursued it with the eyes of faith. In the presence of such faith, Jesus is more than happy to help, and he does it in an unpretentious manner just as the leader of the synagogue was unpretentious in asking for Jesus' help.

Today's Prayer

Give me a heart of faith, O God, that not only helps me see the unseen and believe the unimaginable, but also brings a blessing to you. I want to dream what is incredible knowing that you will do things much greater than I can even imagine. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 3:20-21
  • Matthew 8:3
  • Matthew 8:15

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Affirming Faith
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"As Jesus was saying this [about old and new cloth and wineskins], the leader of a synagogue came and knelt before him. "My daughter has just died," he..."
Annoying Interruptions or Divine Appointments
Article by Mike Barres
How do you feel about the people who interrupt your day? Many of Jesus' miracles began as interruptions in his daily schedule.

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 9:18-19 NLT — "My daughter has just died," —— "but you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand on her."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, April 21, 2025

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Joel 2:8
"Locusts always keep their rank, and although their number is legion, they do not crowd upon each other, so as to throw their columns into confusion......"
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'A Great Mission, A Junior Partner'
"Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers. When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission to Jerusalem,...."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Holy and Blameless' (1 Th. 2:5-12)
"Dear Father, Keep all your preachers from using words of flattery, any cloak of greed, or from seeking glory for themselves, even though they have..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'A Clear Command'
"Dear Lover of God, During My earthly ministry, I was asked: "which commandment is the greatest?" (Matthew 22:36). Quoting Old Testament Scriptures,....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

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.

More What Jesus Did!