Gratitude in the Midst of Grief

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Weekly readings for the Daily Bible Podcast with Tricia and Michelle

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September 29
Mark 1:14-15, Matthew 4:12-17, Luke 3:23, John 4:46-54, Luke 4:16-30, Mark 1:16-20, Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:31-37, Mark 1:29-34, Matthew 8:14-17, Luke 4:38-41, Mark 1:35-39, Luke 4:42-44, Matthew 4:23-25

Proclamation of the Kingdom

Oh, it’s time that we’ve all been waiting for—the time the Jews have been waiting for. Jesus’ public ministry had started, and He was 30 years old. Jesus announced, “The time promised by God has come at last…The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” He preached repentance and the call to turn to God. He journeyed through Galilee, Nazareth, and Capernaum, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy by bringing light to those in darkness.

As word of Jesus spread, He traveled to Cana, where He had turned water into wine. Here, a government official from Capernaum traveled over 20 miles to plead with Jesus to heal his son. After some conversation, Jesus sent him back home, saying his son was alive. Jesus didn’t need to touch him to heal him. For this second miracle, His word was more than enough. As scholar John Gill noted, “Such power went along with the words of Christ as not only cured the son at that distance, but also the father of his unbelief.” His word alone was enough to heal and to bring faith.

Jesus then journeyed to Nazareth. On the Sabbath, He read from Isaiah, declaring that He was the fulfillment of that prophecy. His words caused an uproar, and the people forced Him out of the temple to the edge of a cliff, but He calmly walked through the crowd. Later, Jesus called Simon and Andrew to follow Him, promising to make them “fishers of people.” James and John joined soon after. In Capernaum, Jesus’ teachings and miraculous healings, including driving out an evil spirit, left people in awe. News of Him spread quickly.

Word of the Day: Proclamation

Definition: A public or official announcement, especially one dealing with a matter of great importance.

Consider the sheer weight and wonder of the word “proclamation.” In the scriptures we’ve journeyed through, Jesus didn’t simply live; He proclaimed. Every action, teaching, and healing was a powerful declaration of the Kingdom of God. He was unapologetic, unrelenting, and unwavering in His proclamation of truth.

Now, think about your life. How often do you find opportunities to proclaim? Not by standing on street corners with loudspeakers but through the daily moments where your life can be a testament to God’s grace. Each of us has a platform—our workplace, home, community groups, or even a casual conversation. With that platform comes an opportunity and responsibility to proclaim the transformative love of Christ.

Remember the Samaritan woman at the well? Her encounter with Jesus led her to proclaim the gospel to an entire village, resulting in many people believing in Him. She wasn’t a scholar or a prophet. She was a woman with a checkered past, yet her testimony was powerful. You might feel unqualified to proclaim, but God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called. Your experiences, trials, victories, and even defeats can be channels of proclamation if you allow them to be.

Living a Life of Proclamation

This week, consider how you can live a life of proclamation:

1. Intentionality: Begin each day by asking, “Lord, where can I proclaim your goodness today?” Be it a kind gesture, a word of encouragement, or sharing your personal testimony.
2. Authenticity: Genuine proclamation doesn’t stem from perfect lives but from redeemed ones. Share your flaws, struggles, and how God’s grace meets you.
3. Sensitivity: Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Sometimes, proclamation might mean speaking up; other times, it might mean listening intently, showing love, or helping.
4. Prayerful Dependence: Constantly lean on God for wisdom and strength. The most profound proclamations often come when we’re entirely dependent on Him.

Your proclamation of hope, love, and redemption is essential in a world inundated with information, voices, and messages. You carry a story—a message that someone needs to hear. So, proclaim boldly, lovingly, and continuously, for in doing so, you step into the very heart of Jesus’ mission on earth.

A proclamation is also a clear declaration of something. The Word of God is a clear declaration of God’s truths, His words, His story, and His redemption story. It declares salvation from sin, eternal life, and the most important relationship we could ever have.

Think of all we read today. Even the demon proclaimed that Jesus was holy and pure. How much more, then, should we proclaim His goodness and truth?

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September 30
Luke 5:1-11, Mark 1:40-45, Matthew 8:1-4, Luke 5:12-16, Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8, Luke 5:17-26, Mark 2:13-17, Matthew 9:9-13, Luke 5:27-32, Mark 2:18-22, Matthew 9:14-17, Luke 5:33-39

Pressing In

In today’s readings, we witness moments of faith, healing, and the calling of disciples, all intertwined with Jesus’ early ministry. From the shores of the Sea of Galilee to the rooftops of crowded homes, we see the power of pressing in—pressing into faith, into obedience, and into the presence of Jesus.

Luke 5:1-11 – The First Disciples

By the Lake of Gennesaret, Jesus teaches the crowd from Simon Peter’s boat. Afterward, He tells Peter to go deeper and let down the nets. Peter, exhausted from a fruitless night of fishing, initially questions the command but chooses to obey, addressing Jesus as “Master,” showing his willingness to take orders from Him.

And with that one act of obedience, their nets fill with fish—so much that their boats are nearly sinking. Peter, awestruck, falls to his knees in humility, recognizing his unworthiness. But Jesus reassures him, saying, “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you will fish for people.” Simon Peter, James, and John leave everything to follow Him.

Luke 5:12-16 – Jesus Cleanses a Leper

In this passage, a man full of leprosy falls at Jesus’ feet, begging to be cleansed. Jesus, moved with compassion, touches the man—breaking cultural norms—and heals him. He instructs the man to fulfill the Law of Moses by showing himself to the priest. Despite Jesus’ request for secrecy, the news of His miracles spreads quickly.

Luke 5:17-26 – Jesus Heals a Paralytic

In a packed house where Jesus is teaching, four friends, desperate to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus, can’t get through the crowd. So, they lower him through the roof! Jesus sees their faith and forgives the man’s sins. This statement sparks outrage among the religious leaders. To prove His authority, Jesus then tells the man to rise and walk. The man walks, and the crowd glorifies God.

These stories emphasize obedience, healing, and Jesus’ divine authority. But most of all, they reveal the power of pressing in—whether it’s through faith, persistence, or submission.

Word of the Day: Press

Definition: Move or cause to move into a position of contact with something by exerting continuous physical force.

Luke 5:1 tells us that the crowds “pressed in on Him to listen to the word of God.”

When was the last time you pressed in on God to really listen to His word? Are you pressing in, exerting the effort to stay close to God and truly hear His voice? It’s easy to go through the motions—reading Scripture like a checklist item—but pressing in requires more. It requires focus, intention, and continuous effort.

When I think of the word press, I think of “pressing on,” like not giving up. Remember, we’re still at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. He’s laying a foundation for what’s to come, and He invited Peter, James, and John to join Him for a reason.

As an adult, this passage hits differently. When I was younger, the focus was on the miracle of catching all those fish. Now, I’m amazed by Peter’s obedience. These men were exhausted. They were done for the day. Yet, Peter didn’t argue, didn’t rely on his expertise as a fisherman. When they were tired and “done,” they listened to Jesus and obeyed.

And let’s not miss how they called for help and shared their abundance with others—a beautiful reminder that we are meant to share the blessings God gives us.

Pressing in requires effort, perseverance, and sometimes asking for help. We live in a world where self-sufficiency and independence are prized, but Jesus calls us to community and dependence on Him.

As you reflect on these passages, think about your own life. Are you pressing in? Are you listening to God’s direction, even when it seems inconvenient or challenging? And are you willing to share the blessings you receive with others, inviting them to experience the bounty of God’s goodness?

Let’s commit to pressing in, moving closer to God, and trusting that His Word is enough.

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October 1
John 5:1-47, Mark 2:23-28, Matthew 12:1-8, Luke 6:1-5, Mark 3:1-6, Matthew 12:9-14, Luke 6:6-11, Matthew 12:15-21

Understanding the Sabbath

In today’s readings, we delve into the deep and sometimes contentious discussions about the Sabbath. Jesus, through His words and actions, challenges the rigid interpretations of the Pharisees and points us back to the heart of what the Sabbath means. We see powerful moments of healing, declarations of His divine authority, and lessons about the true intent behind God’s commands.

John 5:1-15 – Healing at the Pool on the Sabbath

In Jerusalem, we meet a man who has been an invalid for 38 years, waiting by the Pool of Bethesda. This man had no one to help him into the pool when the waters were stirred. Jesus sees him and asks, “Do you want to be healed?” Without needing to touch the water, the man is instantly healed by Jesus’ command to pick up his mat and walk. This miracle takes place on the Sabbath, sparking the ire of the Jewish leaders who focus on the man’s act of carrying his mat rather than the healing itself.

This passage reminds us that Jesus doesn’t operate on our timelines or according to societal restrictions. He heals, restores, and brings life—whether it’s on the Sabbath or any other day.

Mark 2:23-28, Matthew 12:1-8, Luke 6:1-5 – Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath

The Gospels share a moment where Jesus and His disciples walk through grain fields on the Sabbath, and His disciples begin to pick heads of grain to eat. The Pharisees, quick to point out the breaking of their Sabbath rules, confront Jesus. But Jesus points them to a deeper truth, reminding them that David himself ate the consecrated bread when he was in need. Jesus concludes with a powerful statement: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even of the Sabbath.”

The Sabbath, Jesus teaches, is a gift—a time of restoration, not restriction.

Mark 3:1-6, Matthew 12:9-14, Luke 6:6-11 – Healing on the Sabbath

In these passages, Jesus is in a synagogue, and a man with a deformed hand is present. The Pharisees are watching closely, hoping to catch Jesus breaking the Sabbath law. When Jesus heals the man, He asks, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath, or to do evil? To save life, or to kill?” This healing once again angers the Pharisees, who immediately begin to plot how to kill Jesus.

Jesus challenges us to understand the Sabbath not as a strict rule to be followed, but as an opportunity to do good and to honor God through love, mercy, and healing.

Word of the Day: Sabbath

Definition: A day of religious observance and abstinence from work, kept by Jewish people from Friday evening to Saturday evening, and by most Christians on Sunday.

The Sabbath is a day set apart for rest, reflection, and worship. In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to observe the Sabbath as a reminder of creation, where He worked for six days and rested on the seventh. But Jesus brings a fuller understanding—He is our rest. When we find ourselves weary from the burdens of life, Jesus invites us to come to Him and find true Sabbath rest.

The Sabbath in Today’s World

The concept of Sabbath is still as relevant today as it was in biblical times. But how we observe it might look different for each of us. Some people refrain from working or engaging in certain activities on Sunday. Others spend the day in quiet reflection, spending time in nature or with family.

The heart of the Sabbath is not in the rules we follow but in the rest we find in God.

As Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-29: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” 

The Sabbath reminds us that God is our rest and our restoration.

Where is Your Focus?

The Pharisees were focused on rules and regulations, but Jesus focused on people. How often do we get caught up in doing things the “right” way and miss the opportunity to show love and mercy? This week, let’s focus on finding ways to rest in God, trusting that He is the source of our restoration. And while we rest, let’s look for opportunities to do good, to serve, and to reflect His love in the world around us.

How do you observe the Sabbath in your life? Whether you spend it in prayer, with family, or reflecting on God’s Word, the important thing is to remember its purpose—to rest and reconnect with our Creator. Jesus shows us that the Sabbath is not about following rigid rules but about living out God’s love and grace in a world that often leaves us weary.

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October 2
Mark 3:7-19, Luke 6:12-16, Matthew 5:1-12, Luke 6:17-26, Matthew 5:13-48, Luke 6:27-36, Matthew 6:1-4

The Light of the World

As we dive into today’s readings, we find Jesus teaching His disciples, calling them, and showing them how to live as His followers. From the calling of the apostles to the teachings on the Beatitudes and loving our enemies, Jesus is establishing what it means to be a disciple in a world full of darkness. And in the middle of it all, we are reminded that we are to be the light of the world, reflecting the goodness and love of God to everyone around us.

Luke 5:1-11 – Jesus Calls His First Disciples

Jesus, seeing the growing crowds following Him, goes up on a mountainside and calls His twelve apostles—those who would be closest to Him, learning from Him and eventually continuing His mission after His time on earth. These men weren’t from prestigious backgrounds. Many of them were fishermen, including Simon Peter, James, and John. But Jesus chose them for a purpose: to spread the light of the Gospel.

Just as these apostles were called from their daily lives to follow Jesus, we, too, are called to be His disciples, spreading His light and love wherever we go.

Matthew 5:1-12 – The Beatitudes: Kingdom Characteristics

As the crowds gathered, Jesus begins to teach what we know as the Beatitudes. These are the characteristics of those who follow Christ—those who belong to the Kingdom of God. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” Jesus said. He continues to describe those who are humble, merciful, and pure in heart as blessed.

What a contrast to the world around us. Jesus reminds us that those who are persecuted for His name will receive a great reward. While society often celebrates wealth and power, Jesus celebrates the meek, the mourners, and those who hunger for righteousness. These qualities are what make us the “light” that shines in the darkness.

Matthew 5:13-16 – Salt and Light: A Call to Shine

After teaching the Beatitudes, Jesus gives His followers this important reminder:

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.”

This isn’t just a simple analogy. This is a command. We, as His followers, are to reflect His light into a world that desperately needs hope, truth, and grace. Jesus challenges us to shine brightly in every aspect of our lives so that others can see our good deeds and glorify God.

Luke 6:27-36 – Love Your Enemies

In perhaps one of the most difficult teachings, Jesus tells us to love our enemies. He says we should bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who mistreat us. It’s easy to love those who love us, but Jesus calls us to something greater—to show mercy and kindness even to those who wrong us. This is how our light shines even brighter.

Word of the Day: Light

Definition: The natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible; to illuminate.

Light is powerful. It overcomes darkness, it reveals the truth, and it provides guidance. Jesus tells us that we are to be this light in the world. Just as light allows us to see clearly, our lives should allow others to see God more clearly.

The Call to Be Light

Jesus’ teaching on being the light of the world couldn’t come at a more crucial time. We live in a world full of darkness—fear, hate, pain, and suffering. Yet, Jesus reminds us that we are called to be different. We are called to shine with His light, to be the beacon that points others toward God.

But how do we do this? By living out the teachings of Jesus. By loving our enemies, showing mercy, and humbly seeking righteousness. We don’t need to do grand things to be the light. Simple acts of kindness, forgiveness, and love can reflect Jesus’ light to those around us.

When was the last time you felt like you were shining brightly for Jesus? Have you allowed His light to fill your heart, so that it naturally spills over into your actions and words? If not, take time to reconnect with Him today. Ask Him to fill you with His love and grace, so that your light can shine even in the darkest places.

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October 3
Matthew 6:5-7:6, Luke 6:37-42, Matthew 7:7-20, Luke 6:43-45, Matthew 7:21-29, Luke 6:46-49

Bearing Good Fruit

As we journey through the Sermon on the Mount, one thing becomes clear: it’s all about heart change. Jesus isn’t offering us a checklist of things to do; instead, He’s calling us to live differently from the inside out. God desires hearts that are warm, moldable, and aligned with His will. So as we continue reading, let’s keep this in mind—God is after our hearts.

Matthew 6:5-7:6 – Prayer, Fasting, and Trusting God

Jesus begins by teaching the people how to pray and fast. He provides what we now know as the Lord’s Prayer:

“Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”

This prayer isn’t just a script to follow but a blueprint for how we should align our hearts with God’s. Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiving others and trusting God for our daily needs. We’re reminded that God cares deeply for us and is more than capable of providing for us.

Jesus then moves on to teach about money and possessions. He reminds us that life is more than just material things and that we can’t serve both God and money. He challenges us to stop worrying and start trusting—if God takes care of the lilies and the birds, won’t He also take care of us? The heart of this teaching is trust. God’s got this.

Luke 6:37-42 – Judging and Discernment

Jesus then teaches us about judging others. This passage can often be misused or misunderstood. Jesus isn’t saying we should never discern or make wise choices about the people we allow into our lives. Rather, He is telling us to first examine our own hearts before pointing out the faults in others. It’s about humility—recognizing our own imperfections before focusing on someone else’s.

The Heart of Jesus’ Teachings

Jesus’ teachings are profound, and they raise the standard for how we are to live as His followers. But at the same time, His words are filled with grace. His teachings are simple yet deep, revealing God’s love and calling us to live differently.

Key Teachings to Live By:

1. Ask, Seek, Knock: Jesus encourages persistent prayer, assuring us that God is eager to give good gifts to His children. We are to ask, seek, and knock with confidence that God hears us.
2. A Tree and Its Fruit: Jesus teaches us that individuals are known by their actions, just as trees are recognized by their fruit. Our words and deeds reflect what’s in our hearts.
3. True and False Disciples: Not everyone who claims to follow Jesus will enter the kingdom of heaven. Only those who do the will of the Father will be welcomed.
4. Wise and Foolish Builders: Jesus concludes with a powerful parable. The wise person builds their life on the solid foundation of Jesus’ teachings. When storms come, they will stand firm. But those who ignore His words are like foolish builders whose houses collapse in the storm.

Word of the Day: Fruit

Definition: Most references to ‘fruit’ in the Bible are figurative, referring to the results of something—like ‘fruits of your labor.’

Jesus calls us to bear good fruit. Our lives should reflect God’s love, and our actions should serve as evidence of our faith. When others see our lives, they should see the character of Christ shining through us.

But how do we bear good fruit? It starts with the heart. True good actions flow from a heart that is rooted in God. We must start with our private moments—how we pray, how we fast, how we trust God when no one is watching. From there, our public actions will naturally reflect the transformation God is doing within us.

Bearing Good Fruits

1. Pray Honestly: When you pray, be honest with God. Lay it all out before Him. This isn’t about impressing others; it’s about connecting with God.
2. Examine Yourself: Before pointing out others’ faults, take a hard look at your own heart. Are you living the way you expect others to live?
3. Keep Asking God: Don’t hesitate to ask God for what you need. Trust that He will provide.
4. Choose Right from Wrong: Make choices that reflect God’s heart. Your actions and words show what’s inside. Let’s fill our hearts with good things so that good will naturally flow out.

Jesus’ teachings remind us that the heart matters most. What is inside will always come out. Let’s be people who bear good fruit, whose lives reflect the light of Jesus, and whose hearts are in tune with God’s.

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October 4
Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-17, Matthew 11:1-19, Luke 7:18-35, Matthew 11:20-30, Luke 7:36-50

Faith, Forgiveness, and Finding Rest in Jesus

Today’s reading takes us to a series of incredible events in the life and ministry of Jesus, where we see His interactions with both the Gentiles and the Jews. Jesus was attracting attention from all kinds of people, including a Roman centurion—a soldier and a foreigner who would have been seen as an enemy by many of the Jewish people. But this centurion demonstrated a faith so powerful that even Jesus was astonished by it.

Matthew 8:5-13 & Luke 7:1-10 – The Faith of the Centurion

In Capernaum, a Roman centurion approaches Jesus to request healing for his paralyzed servant. What’s striking is that the centurion, a man of authority, recognizes that Jesus has authority even over sickness and death. He believes Jesus can heal his servant just by speaking a word, without even being physically present.

Jesus is amazed by this man’s faith, saying,

“I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” (Luke 7:9) 

And with that, the servant is healed. This encounter demonstrates the power of faith and how it’s not limited to a specific group of people. Jesus’ blessings and healing were extended to the Gentiles, a sign of the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God.

Luke 7:11-17 – Raising the Widow’s Son

Next, we move to the town of Nain, where Jesus encounters a funeral procession for a widow’s only son. Jesus is moved with compassion for this woman, who had lost not just her son but also her source of provision and protection. Without being asked, Jesus stops the procession, touches the coffin, and commands the young man to rise. The son is revived, and the crowd is filled with awe, praising God for sending such a powerful prophet.

This act of compassion reveals Jesus’ heart for the vulnerable and His authority over life and death. It also foreshadows His power over the grave, pointing to the ultimate resurrection that He will bring.

Luke 7:18-35 – John the Baptist’s Question

John the Baptist, now in prison, sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the Messiah they’ve been waiting for. Jesus responds by pointing to the miracles He has performed—the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. These deeds fulfilled the prophecies about the Messiah, proving that Jesus is indeed the One they were waiting for.

Jesus also commends John, calling him more than a prophet and explaining that John is the forerunner prophesied in Malachi, sent to prepare the way for the Lord. Yet, Jesus adds that even the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than John, highlighting the shift that is coming with the arrival of God’s Kingdom.

Matthew 11:20-30 & Luke 7:36-50 – Rest and Forgiveness

Jesus then denounces the cities of Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, where He performed many miracles, yet the people remained unrepentant. He laments that if the same miracles had been done in Gentile cities like Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago.

In contrast, Jesus offers an invitation to those who are weary and burdened:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) 

He promises rest for our souls, a much-needed relief for those feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of life.

This passage is followed by a beautiful story of forgiveness. Jesus accepts an invitation to dine with a Pharisee, and during the meal, a woman known for her sinful life enters and washes Jesus’ feet with her tears and perfume. While the Pharisee judges the woman, Jesus praises her, explaining that her many sins have been forgiven because of her great love and faith. He tells her:

“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:50)

This encounter highlights the deep grace and compassion of Jesus. It shows that no matter our past, we can find forgiveness and peace in Him.

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Word of the Day: Sinner

Definition: A person who transgresses against divine law by committing an immoral act or acts.

In today’s passages, we see two contrasting figures: the Pharisee, who considered himself righteous, and the sinful woman, who knew her need for forgiveness. Both were sinners, as are we all. Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Jesus came for both the seemingly righteous and the obviously sinful. He came for all of us.

Jesus showed that no one is beyond redemption. The woman’s sins, though many, were forgiven because she humbled herself, came to Jesus, and expressed her love and faith in Him. Whether we see ourselves in the Pharisee or the woman, we all need Jesus’ forgiveness, and He freely offers it to those who come to Him.

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Come to Jesus for Rest

Today’s reading offers us an invitation from Jesus:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

This is a call for all of us. No matter what burdens we carry, whether they are sins, worries, or life’s pressures, Jesus offers rest. This rest is not just physical but spiritual—a deep peace that comes from knowing we are forgiven, loved, and cared for by the Savior.

The sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet took this invitation to heart. She came to Jesus, knowing she needed Him, and she found peace. Let’s take her example and come to Jesus with our burdens, trusting that He will give us the rest and peace we need.

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October 5
Luke 8:1-3, Mark 3:20-30, Matthew 12:22-45, Mark 3:31-35, Matthew 12:46-50, Luke 8:19-21, Mark 4:1-9, Matthew 13:1-9, Luke 8:4-8, Mark 4:10-20

Seeds of Faith and Understanding

As we continue to journey through the Gospels, today’s reading introduces us to several key moments in Jesus’ ministry that focus on faith, transformation, and understanding. We see lives changed, hearts opened, and a deep call to truly understand Jesus’ words.

Luke 8:1-3 – Women Who Followed Jesus

In these verses, we get a glimpse into the lives of some of the women who followed Jesus—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and others. These women had been cured of diseases or freed from evil spirits, and they chose to follow Jesus, supporting His ministry. Think about what their lives must have been like before they encountered Him. Each of them had a past, yet their future was transformed by His grace.

As scholar Richard Sibbes put it, “The sweetest souls are the most humble souls.”

These women, who had experienced deep brokenness, loved Christ deeply because they had been redeemed and healed by Him. Their lives were a testament to the transformative power of following Jesus.

Mark 3:20-30 & Matthew 12:22-45 – Opposition and Misunderstanding

As crowds pressed in on Jesus, He faced not only people seeking healing but also those who opposed Him. The Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan. Jesus rebuked them, explaining that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. He also addressed the importance of our words, saying, “Out of the heart, the mouth speaks.”

What we say reveals what’s in our hearts. The Pharisees, blinded by their own pride, couldn’t see that Jesus’ power came from God, not evil. Jesus points them to the story of Jonah, warning them that someone greater than Jonah was standing right in front of them, yet they refused to believe.

Mark 3:31-35 & Luke 8:19-21 – Jesus’ Family and His Spiritual Family

When Jesus’ family came looking for Him, He said something unexpected: “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Jesus was shifting the focus from earthly relationships to spiritual ones. He wasn’t dismissing His family but expanding the definition of what it means to be part of His family.

At the cross, we see Mary present, but Jesus’ brothers were absent, though they later became believers and leaders in the early church. This passage reminds us that we are all invited to be part of Jesus’ spiritual family when we follow God’s will.

Mark 4:1-20 & Luke 8:4-15 – The Parable of the Sower

Jesus shares the well-known Parable of the Sower, describing how different types of soil receive the seed (the Word of God). Some seed falls on hard ground and is eaten by birds, some on rocky soil and withers, some among thorns and gets choked out, but some falls on good soil and produces an abundant harvest.

Jesus later explains that the soils represent the varying ways people respond to God’s Word. Some hear it but don’t understand, some accept it temporarily but fall away, others are distracted by worldly worries, and some truly understand and bear fruit.

Our hearts are like the soil in this parable. Sometimes we allow worries or distractions to choke out God’s Word. Other times, we’re like the good soil, ready to receive, grow, and produce fruit for God’s Kingdom.

Word of the Day: Understand

Definition: To perceive the intended meaning of something.

Mark 4:9 "Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand."

Allowing the Holy Spirit to Break the Soil of Our Hearts 

Understanding God’s Word doesn’t happen automatically. Just like soil needs to be prepared for planting, our hearts need to be ready to receive God’s truth. My friend once shared a powerful analogy about soil. She said that good soil needs to be aerated—it needs to be broken up so that seeds can take root and grow. In the same way, we need the Holy Spirit to soften the hard places in our hearts so that we can fully understand and embrace what Jesus is teaching us.

When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, we open ourselves up to the transformation that God desires. It’s not just about hearing the Word; it’s about understanding it in a way that changes our lives.

Gratitude for Transformation 

The women who followed Jesus—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna—are a reminder of how Jesus transforms lives. They understood what it meant to be healed and forgiven, and because of that, they followed Jesus with their whole hearts.

Like them, we have our own stories of transformation. Jesus has done so much for each of us. When we pause to reflect on His grace, it deepens our gratitude and strengthens our commitment to follow Him. Understanding begins with recognizing what He has done in our lives and allowing that to shape our hearts.

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