Matthew 11:1-6
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.
Before you read today’s passage, take a moment to remember what Jesus has been saying to you for the past couple of weeks through Matthew, Chapter 10. Then read Matthew 11:1-6 with all of this in mind.
Jesus does not send his disciples out so that he can stay behind and avoid the risks. Jesus does what he instructed his followers to do right along with them.
This is true even now. We are not sent out on the restorative mission of Jesus in our own strength or power, we are on mission with Jesus. His Spirit lives in and empowers all who place their faith in him, and we are invited to be part of what he is already doing in the world. We only need to show up and respond to the opportunities set before us each day – opportunities to bring Good News through words and deeds of blessing.
What might happen if you were to ask Jesus each morning to open your eyes throughout the day to opportunities to be a blessing in his name? Spend a moment thinking about this and then share your thoughts with Jesus.
Read Matthew 11:1-6 again keeping in mind that John the Baptizer (the cousin of Jesus) is being held in prison by Herod Antipas, the Roman-appointed, Jewish ruler of the minor principality of Galilee.
The author Joseph Bayly wrote: “Don't forget in the darkness what you learned in the light.”
John was fully convinced of Jesus’ divine nature when he spoke the following words about Jesus: “… someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Matthew 3:11). But confined in the prison of a weak, traitorous ruler, John’s certainty is put to the test.
The evidence, however, is clear: the Kingdom of God has erupted into the world with healing and restoration through Jesus.
The Good News is bigger than our current circumstances. Restoration may come in this life, or it may come when we see Jesus face-to-face after death, but it has come, it will come, and it will continue to come regardless of what we are going through in the moment. Jesus is true life, and anything less than life with Jesus is just a shadow.
Take some time to remember what you have come to know about Jesus and tell him. You can simply finish the sentence, “Jesus, you are…” over and over.
Now get quiet and recognize Jesus’ presence with you.
What do you sense Jesus saying to you today?
What will you do in response?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
