Teenside Daily Devotional

4/2/20
Read Matthew 4:23-25.

People are beginning to see what Jesus can do. They are apparently impressed enough to leave whatever they are supposed to be doing that day and follow him wherever he goes. Many brought those who were hurting to Jesus so that they may be healed. His “fame” spread throughout many areas. How did Jesus react to all of this? Was he overwhelmed? We see in Scripture that he does occasionally need to just get away, namely in Matthew 14:22, when he sends the crowds and his disciples away so that he can pray. However, for the most part, Jesus just keeps going. He is clearly busy, but he knows that he is being fueled by a Spirit that cannot become empty. So, he heals those that are brought to him. How does he handle this “fame” though? Well, he would have been humble. Not only do we see multiple instances of his humility, but we also know that he never sinned. We see in Proverbs 3:34 that God gives favor to the humble, so that’s definitely how Jesus would have handled it. He also doesn’t let his “fame” go to waste. Jesus is preparing to give one of the most important teachings that we have recorded, the Sermon on the Mount. He does not reject this “fame” because he now has a platform to teach from. He uses it selflessly, not promoting himself, but proclaiming the Kingdom of God! We can do the same with the influence that we have in others’ lives. Don’t promote yourself. Proclaim the Kingdom!

Questions:
*Take a moment to journal these questions. Write down your thoughts, questions, and concerns. Then date your entry. One of the coolest things is being able to look back and see how God came through for you.*

1. We all have different people that we can reach based on the influence God has given us. Who is your audience?

2. Do you think you generally give credit to God for successes and “fame” in your life; or do  you tend to live in the glory of your accomplishments? (Be as honest as you can. It’s okay if you feel that you point back to God in some areas, while in other areas you point to yourself. Be specific so that you can challenge the places where you live in the glory of your accomplishments.)

3. How can you choose to proclaim the Kingdom instead of promoting yourself?

4. It can be an overwhelming thought to consider the “audience” that God has placed in your life to influence. And trying to do this alone will leave you feeling empty. This task becomes significantly less overwhelming when we consider that the Spirit will never become empty. We can continue running back to Him and He will continue to refuel us. Where do you need to let the Spirit refuel you so that you can pour out to other people?

Prayer: Spend some time praying about the things you journaled. Ask God to reveal the audience He has given you. Pray that His Kingdom would be proclaimed in your life, and that everything you do would point to him rather than yourself. Pray about any places you feel overwhelmed right now and allow the Spirit to refuel you so that you can pour out to others.

Challenge: Reach out to one person in your “audience”. Ask them how they have been and how you can be praying for them. And then, DO IT! Pray for them each day for a week. At the end of the week, follow-up with that prayer request. Your influence starts by reaching one person.