Then Jesus left that place and went to the shore of Lake Galilee. Jesus went up on a hill and sat down. Many, many people came to Jesus. These people brought many other sick people and put the sick people before Jesus. There were people that could not walk, blind people, crippled people, deaf people, and many others. Jesus healed all these people. People were amazed when they saw that people that could not speak were able to speak again. Crippled people were made strong again. People that could not walk were able to walk again. The blind were able to see again. All the people thanked the God of Israel (the Jews) for this.
— Matthew 15:29-31 NLT
Key Thought
Jesus has two purposes in his ministry. He will bring glory to God and bless God's children. He embodies God's compassion for the lost and broken as he ministers to their needs. He wants to bless them and have them in turn bless the Father in heaven.
What would happen if we saw this as OUR purpose? In fact, isn't that exactly what Jesus said is our purpose? As he later summarizes the most important things in God's Law, isn't that what he says is our responsibility? When he teaches on worship, isn't that his point as well? We are to love God and our fellow human beings. We are to honor God by serving our fellow human beings. We cannot worship God and be at odds with our brothers and sisters in Christ. It's so simple, yet so revolutionary. So, when are we all going to consistently remember this call from Jesus?
Today's Prayer
Holy and righteous Father, give me the courage to care for those that others ignore and shun. Give me compassion to care when so many don't want to be bothered. But Father, may my concern for others never be seen as something that brings glory to me. Please bring all the glory to yourself and help me serve in such a way that others are drawn to love and praise you, not me. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- Matthew 5:14-17
- Matthew 22:34-40
- Matthew 5:23-24
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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