What Jesus Did! 'Transition and Truth' — Matthew 19:1-2

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

When Jesus had finished saying these things [about the need to be forgiving], he left Galilee and went down to the region of Judea east of the Jordan River. Large crowds followed him there, and he healed their sick.
— Matthew 19:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

In transitional verses, we often find key elements of truth that Matthew most wants us to see. Jesus has brought to a close his Galilean ministry. He is headed for Jerusalem. The crowds are still infatuated with him. He will consistently heal them and minister to their needs even as he is headed toward the cross. His ministry as Immanuel, God with us, does not end simply because he is moving into the last stage of his earthly ministry. For all of us, transitions can be difficult. The key is to remain true to our calling from God just as Jesus did. Even when stress and pressures skyrocket, we need to remain who we are and not compromise the character that God has brought to life in us.

Today's Prayer

Changeless and infinite God, please lead me through my transitions so that I can use each one as an opportunity to become more like Jesus rather than deal with them a crisis in my life. In his precious and mighty name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

6 Related Resources by Heartlight

How Will We Survive?
Article by Rick Reynolds
If your world crashes in around you, how will you make it? Rick Reynolds shares solid advice on how to survive an affair.
LOVING A SPOUSE WITH ADHD: Understanding the Misery and Ecstasy
Article by Ken Fox
More and more people have a better idea of the challenges of being married, or hopelessly in love with someone possessing the unmissable gifts you can't imagine living without! Ken Fox, a relationship coach, shares insight and research on what it is like to be married to a person with adult ADHD.
Silly Love Songs
Article by Hal Runkel, LMFT
Have you had enough? So many songs and so much talk about love these days for married folks is silly and not very helpful or real.
The Hope That is Within You
Article by Amy C. Baker
When betrayal rocks your marriage, is there a place for hope? An account of how an affair rocked two marriages, but resources online helped provide the solution and hope to reconciliation.
See All 6 Related Resources about Matthew 19:1-2

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 19:1-2 NLT — Large crowds followed him there, and he healed their sick.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Jeremiah 33:2-3
"This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it — the LORD is his name: Call to me, and I will answer you and tell...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Love God, Be Loyal, and Follow All His Directions'
"Faithfully obey all these commands I’m giving you. Love the Lord your God, follow all his directions, and be loyal to him. Then the Lord will force..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Blessings from the Spirit' (Ep. 1:3)
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Were!'
"Dear Holy One, You confessed Me as your Lord and called on My name as your Savior (Romans 10:9-13). You were joined with Me in My death, burial, and...."

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!