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

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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."

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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.

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