What Jesus Did! 'Choices - Part 1' — Matthew 10:11-13

Thursday, May 1, 2025

[Jesus continued his instructions to the apostles when he sent them out:] "Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. When you enter the home, give it your blessing. If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing."
— Matthew 10:11-13 NLT

Key Thought

Decisions have consequences. The truth of the Scriptures reminds us that what we do with Jesus matters eternally. While those who share the Good News may sometimes be rejected and mistreated, they need to remember that they go in the name of, with the blessing of, and under the authority of Jesus himself. When they go, they take the Good News of Jesus and the blessing of God. But if people reject that message, they must know that their decision has consequences. One of those consequences is to lose the Lord's blessing and his messenger from their lives. There are too many open and fruitful fields for disciples to get bogged down in fruitless and hopeless ones. They can leave, trusting that the Holy Spirit will use the message they shared even when that message is rejected. In the meantime, they can take their blessing to others.

Today's Prayer

Holy and righteous Father, please give me wisdom to see those in my daily path that you have placed there for me to influence. Give me words to say, a heart to hear, and insight to respond. Use me as your vessel to reach others with your grace and love. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 10:11-13 NLT — "Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, May 1, 2025

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Acts of Faith' (He. 11:20-12:2)
"Dear Father, my trustworthy God, Give me faith like Moses, who loved your way more than the treasures of Egypt. Give me faith like the people of the...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'To Mark the Seasons' (Ps. 104:1,)
"Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are! ... You made the moon to mark the seasons and the sun knows when to set. You send..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Plans Matter Less than Love' (Acts 20:13-17)
"Paul went by land to Assos, where he had arranged for us to join him, while we traveled by ship. He joined us there, and we sailed together to..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Hebrews 10:30-31
"We know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the..."

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!