Be. Become. Do. - Day 09
Day 09 - Thursday, September 21
Read Matthew 11
Highlight
Chapters 11 and 12 focus on the disappointment and opposition that began to arise in response to Jesus’ ministry. The disappointment is expressed through a surprising source - John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin and the one who prepared the way for Jesus’ earthly ministry. He had been faithful, but that had landed him in prison (and would ultimately cost him his life). This led to his own struggle with doubt in the true identity of Jesus.
But why would such a faithful man seem to be experiencing such doubt? The answer lies in the fact that the foundational concept of the coming Messiah was one who would be a king that would restore the earthly kingdom of Israel to the heights of its power, influence, and safety. Thus John being imprisoned doesn’t fit that concept - the true followers of the Messiah should benefit from his earthly authority over governments. But the great mystery, as Paul calls it throughout the New Testament, was that the Messiah did not come to free people from earthly oppression, but rather from spiritual oppression. His ministry is greater than what was expected, but he would be a suffering servant who died to secure the freedom of his people. Therefore the suffering of his followers would not be a sign that they were far from Jesus’ will, but could very well be a sign that they are firmly within his will. Outside of the extraordinary reality of the Cross of Christ, this concept would be impossible for his followers to understand. But after his death and resurrection, all of this became abundantly clear. And in response to Jesus’ words, none of us should fall away because of our disappointment in our earthly suffering, especially now that we know that it won’t compare to our eternal glory.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Matthew 11
Highlight
Chapters 11 and 12 focus on the disappointment and opposition that began to arise in response to Jesus’ ministry. The disappointment is expressed through a surprising source - John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin and the one who prepared the way for Jesus’ earthly ministry. He had been faithful, but that had landed him in prison (and would ultimately cost him his life). This led to his own struggle with doubt in the true identity of Jesus.
But why would such a faithful man seem to be experiencing such doubt? The answer lies in the fact that the foundational concept of the coming Messiah was one who would be a king that would restore the earthly kingdom of Israel to the heights of its power, influence, and safety. Thus John being imprisoned doesn’t fit that concept - the true followers of the Messiah should benefit from his earthly authority over governments. But the great mystery, as Paul calls it throughout the New Testament, was that the Messiah did not come to free people from earthly oppression, but rather from spiritual oppression. His ministry is greater than what was expected, but he would be a suffering servant who died to secure the freedom of his people. Therefore the suffering of his followers would not be a sign that they were far from Jesus’ will, but could very well be a sign that they are firmly within his will. Outside of the extraordinary reality of the Cross of Christ, this concept would be impossible for his followers to understand. But after his death and resurrection, all of this became abundantly clear. And in response to Jesus’ words, none of us should fall away because of our disappointment in our earthly suffering, especially now that we know that it won’t compare to our eternal glory.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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