What Jesus Did! 'No Show, Just Grace' — Matthew 9:23-26

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Jesus continued going with the Jewish leader and went into the leader's house. Jesus saw people there that make music for funerals. And he saw many people there upset {because the girl died}. Jesus said, "Go away. The girl is not dead. She is only asleep." But the people laughed at Jesus. After the people were put out of the house, Jesus went into the girl's room. Jesus held the girl's hand, and the girl stood up. The news about this spread all around the area.
— Matthew 9:23-26 NLT
Illustration of Matthew 9:23-26 NLT — "Go away. The girl is not dead. She is only asleep."

Key Thought

I'm amazed at how often Jesus left the crowds and went off to pray or how he resisted the crowds and still generously shared his acts of compassion. So often today, we have the tendency to think that things have to be big and attract a big "audience" to be impressive and have an impact on our community. In reality, very seldom is God's work done by a crowd. Jesus' ministry was blessed because of God's grace and Jesus' faithfulness, not because of some slick marketing scheme. Don't get me wrong; I believe we need to find every available means to ethically reach people with the Gospel. But notice that Jesus' ministry expands, not because he does this miracle to prove something to the crowds, but because he does something to care for a broken family in a private but powerful way.

Today's Prayer

Oh Lord, please give me the heart to give the highest earthly priority to people so that caring for others is second only to you in my ministry. Help me to not only see those around me that need your Son as their Savior, but to minister to them in genuine ways that will help them come to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 7:12-16
  • Matt. 14:13-14

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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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