Matthew 16:5-12
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Recall the preceding passage in which the Pharisees and Sadducees attempted to discredit Jesus by asking for a miraculous sign. Then read Matthew 16:5-12 taking note of anything that stands out to you.
Matthew’s characterization of Jesus’ disciples in this passage might seem harsh, but then Matthew was one of them. Faith didn’t come automatically or quickly even to those closest to Jesus. Perhaps Jesus’ miracles lacked the flash and dazzle of the stories in the Older Testament that they had heard all their lives. Someone was ill and then they weren’t. Another was blind and then saw. The food just kept quietly coming as Jesus tore it into pieces. No fire from heaven or seas splitting in two – just simple provision and restoration.
Sit with this idea for a moment. Invite Jesus into your thoughts and consider whether there are ways he’s been providing for and restoring you that you may not have noticed or considered miraculous. Tell him whatever is on your mind and heart.
Read Matthew 16:5-12 again with all of this in mind.
When we stay close to Jesus, we can be assured that he will either provide for us or walk with us in times of want, and in all circumstances he will continue his work of restoration in our lives. Another benefit of being constantly near Jesus is that we have a true north against which we can compare any other claims.
The Sadducees might have had less-than stellar values, but the Pharisees were the teachers of religious law and should have had the best understanding of truth. Many of them undoubtedly thought they were pleasing God with their teaching and behavior, and many Israelites held them in high regard. But they were deceiving not only themselves but those who trusted them to teach the truth.
The only way to know the truth is to stay close to Jesus who embodies the truth.
As you near the end of this time of meditation, consider the ways you are seeking to stay close to Jesus. Then get quiet and listen to him for a while.
What might Jesus be inviting you to do today?
What will you do about that?
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