Matthew 12:38-45
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.
In today’s passage Matthew continues to focus on those who refuse to see the Kingdom of God among them. Read Matthew 12:38-45 noticing anything that stands out to you.
Matthew isn’t overly concerned with creating an accurate timeline of Jesus’ life and ministry, but at time of this encounter with the religious teachers and leaders, Jesus has miraculously healed and restored many, many people. His authority over illness, evil spirits, and even death has been definitively demonstrated.
It is one thing for a person who has no faith background to ask for a sign that God is real and listening. God often answers the sincere prayers of those who seek to believe. It is quite another thing for those with exhaustive knowledge of the Scriptures to demand a sign beyond what they have already seen.
Get still for a moment or two and let all your thoughts settle as you center yourself in the presence of Jesus. When you are ready, consider the “proof” of Jesus in your own life sharing with him each time something comes to mind.
Read Matthew 12:38-45 again paying special attention to what Jesus says about evil, or “unclean,” spirits.
Even if we had the power to free ourselves from the evil we have done or experienced, we wouldn’t be able to maintain a neutral stance. The brokenness of the world is too great, and evil always seems to find its way back to us wreaking even deeper damage than before.
We have an innate longing to be filled, and if we aren’t filled by the light of the Holy Spirit, we’ll find ourselves drowning in darkness.
For the last few minutes of this meditation, take stock of your inner world. Are things in order? Are there any dusty corners or locked doors?
Consider asking the Holy Spirit to move through your inner world filling each part with light. Allow yourself to picture what this might look like.
Finally, take a moment to get quiet and listen.
Do you sense Jesus speaking to you today?
What might he be asking you to do, and what will you do in response?
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