What Jesus Did! 'Shine Like the Sun' — Matthew 13:40-43

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

[Jesus continued his explanation of the parable of the weeds:] "Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father's Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!"
— Matthew 13:40-43 NLT

Key Thought

While it is not popular in today's religious culture, Jesus does have a closing time, a time to settle accounts and judge us based on how we've lived our lives. What we do with our discipleship matters. Those who do not receive Jesus' message and do not live a life of righteousness, but instead choose to do evil and harm others, will be left outside his Kingdom and face eternal punishment. On the other hand, Jesus' disciples will be like the sun - not just any star, but like the brightest one we have ever seen. They will share in the glory of their Savior and live with him forever in eternal joy.

Today's Prayer

Father, help my light to shine so others will see your glory and grace. Help me invest myself in others to bring them to you so they can receive your grace and mercy. In my own life, I want to be wholly dedicated to you and live your righteousness! In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6-12
  • Philippians 2:14-16
  • Ephesians 5:8

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 13:40-43 NLT — Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father's Kingdom.

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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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