Matthew 19:1-9
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.
Read Matthew 19:1-9 noting any questions that arise.
As Jesus moves through the land, healing and restoration flow from him in a steady stream. But some seem to be blind to the shalom goodness of God made manifest in Jesus. All they seem to see is the disruption of a carefully maintained system that keeps them in positions of power and privilege by keeping others in their societal place.
Jesus doesn’t evaluate people based on their status - he sees only image bearers of God in the poor, the forgotten, and the oppressed. We saw this when he called the little child to serve as an example to his disciples, and now Jesus turns the trap of the Pharisees back on them by elevating women from their social status as property of their husbands.
Stop to think about the way you instinctively view and evaluate people. If you were completely honest, would you say that you subconsciously see some people as less important or worthy of respect than others? Share your thoughts openly with Jesus.
Read Matthew 19:1-9 again noting anything new that stands out in this reading.
“…it was not what God originally intended.”
These words sum up the problem we face as humans living in a broken world. Things are not the way they are supposed to be, and as followers of Jesus we are constantly faced with a choice: we can either purposefully spread restoration or mindlessly contribute to the mess. Our decisions matter.
Take a moment to be still and focus in on the mercy and grace of Jesus who forgives our failures and omissions and sees us as image bearers of God worthy of his unmerited favor. Sit for a while letting this reality sink in.
Now consider asking Jesus what he wants you to learn or do as a result of his teaching in today’s passage.
Finally, make a plan for how you will follow through on what Jesus is asking of you.
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