Be. Become. Do. - Day 10
Day 10 - Friday, September 22
Read Matthew 12
Highlight
Matthew 12 focuses on the religious opposition that Jesus and his followers experienced. The Pharisees were a group of religious leaders who, in order to prevent their fellow Jews from breaking God’s law, enforced further regulations of their own design. One such area that was loaded with extra regulations was the day dedicated to God and rest: The Sabbath. The opening scene between Jesus and his disciples is particularly interesting because it gives an example of a conversation that was much more tense than modern western readers may immediately recognize.
Jesus’ response to the Pharisees in verse 3-8 is brilliant to a level that is hard to unpack in a format like this plan, but fundamentally he is pointing out that certain levels of authority can shield people from the consequences of violating the Sabbath. He cites examples from the Old Testament where the authority of The Temple shielded priests from the consequences of a violation of certain religious regulations. Well, according to Jesus, in the same way that the authority of the temple shielded the priests from guilt, the authority of Jesus shields his followers from guilt.
When we read that Jesus’ violation of the Sabbath triggered the Pharisees to begin the plot to kill him, we think that sounds really extreme. But the Pharisees weren’t doing this just because they were embarrassed by good arguments… They understood that Jesus was claiming authority that ultimately belonged to God alone. They just weren’t willing to consider that it might actually be true!
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 12
Highlight
Matthew 12 focuses on the religious opposition that Jesus and his followers experienced. The Pharisees were a group of religious leaders who, in order to prevent their fellow Jews from breaking God’s law, enforced further regulations of their own design. One such area that was loaded with extra regulations was the day dedicated to God and rest: The Sabbath. The opening scene between Jesus and his disciples is particularly interesting because it gives an example of a conversation that was much more tense than modern western readers may immediately recognize.
Jesus’ response to the Pharisees in verse 3-8 is brilliant to a level that is hard to unpack in a format like this plan, but fundamentally he is pointing out that certain levels of authority can shield people from the consequences of violating the Sabbath. He cites examples from the Old Testament where the authority of The Temple shielded priests from the consequences of a violation of certain religious regulations. Well, according to Jesus, in the same way that the authority of the temple shielded the priests from guilt, the authority of Jesus shields his followers from guilt.
When we read that Jesus’ violation of the Sabbath triggered the Pharisees to begin the plot to kill him, we think that sounds really extreme. But the Pharisees weren’t doing this just because they were embarrassed by good arguments… They understood that Jesus was claiming authority that ultimately belonged to God alone. They just weren’t willing to consider that it might actually be true!
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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