Experiencing God - Day 24
Day 24 - Thursday, March 07
Read Matthew 14:13-33
Highlight
Jesus has just learned that his cousin, John the Baptist, has been murdered. He is drawing away from the crowds because he’s grieving, but he cannot escape them. They’re desperate for hope and healing. Instead of reacting in anger or sending them away, he has compassion on them and meets their needs. The disciples are faced with a very human problem, it’s dinner time and people are getting hungry, and they respond in a very human way. It wasn’t an unreasonable solution to send the crowds home so they could eat, it had been a long day and surely they were all tired, especially Jesus.
Instead of giving in to weariness, Jesus turns to his Father to meet the need in front of him and his faith produces a miracle that must have renewed both the physical and spiritual strength of the thousands who were impacted. In Hebrews 12, immediately following the list of faith heroes we reviewed earlier this week, the writer reminds us that Jesus is the ultimate example of faith: “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (12:2-3).
Jesus, fully God, but also fully human: exhausted, grieving, overwhelmed with need. Jesus shows us how to have a faith that not only prevails in a time of crisis, but that perseveres in a season of weariness.
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 14:13-33
Highlight
Jesus has just learned that his cousin, John the Baptist, has been murdered. He is drawing away from the crowds because he’s grieving, but he cannot escape them. They’re desperate for hope and healing. Instead of reacting in anger or sending them away, he has compassion on them and meets their needs. The disciples are faced with a very human problem, it’s dinner time and people are getting hungry, and they respond in a very human way. It wasn’t an unreasonable solution to send the crowds home so they could eat, it had been a long day and surely they were all tired, especially Jesus.
Instead of giving in to weariness, Jesus turns to his Father to meet the need in front of him and his faith produces a miracle that must have renewed both the physical and spiritual strength of the thousands who were impacted. In Hebrews 12, immediately following the list of faith heroes we reviewed earlier this week, the writer reminds us that Jesus is the ultimate example of faith: “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (12:2-3).
Jesus, fully God, but also fully human: exhausted, grieving, overwhelmed with need. Jesus shows us how to have a faith that not only prevails in a time of crisis, but that perseveres in a season of weariness.
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)
Posted in Experiencing God