Teenside Daily Devotional
4/27/20
Read Matthew 8:1-4.
We know that Jesus had been healing the sick up to this point [Matthew 4:23], yet this is the first instance we have in the book of Matthew that has any details. These details are significant because we can see a reflection of how we should approach Jesus and what his response will be.
The first thing that the leper does when he reaches Jesus is kneel before him. He didn’t casually stand in front of Jesus like this was any normal conversation. He didn’t try to hand Jesus money. He didn’t immediately start explaining his situation to Jesus. He knelt. This man recognized the authority of Christ and showed his respect. He knew that he was not approaching just anyone. In the same way, we are to recognize the authority of Jesus and know that he deserves our respect in every way.
The next thing the man does is speak. What does he say? He says “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” Again, he shows the highest respect for Jesus by calling him “Lord”. In addition to that, this man’s humility shines through as he knows that he doesn’t deserve anything. Jesus doesn’t have to make him clean. His will comes first. Finally, he recognizes the power of Jesus. The leper fully believes that Jesus can heal him. Similarly, we should recognize that God has the power to do anything that we ask, but we should do so in a way that puts His Will before our own.
How did Jesus respond? He healed him! Jesus didn’t ask any questions, he didn’t give the man specific conditions (except he did say not to tell anyone, but I’m sure that Jesus had his reasons), and he didn’t charge the man for his services. Jesus freely gives. If you bring your needs before Jesus, before God, before His Spirit, and you show respect, recognize His power, and put His Will before your own, you will be answered. If this need is spiritual cleansing, then you know that the answer will be “yes”. Jesus said “yes” long ago when he became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins! And for this, we should thank him each and every day.
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.*
As you think through these questions try to apply them to your prayer life as well as your everyday life. Think about how you approach these three things now. What do you do well and how can you improve?
Prayer: Spend some time praying about the things you journaled. Thank God that He does not leave us in our mess but chooses to lift us out of it. Pray that you would choose to respect God first, recognize His power and authority in your life, and put His will above your own in every situation.
Read: Psalm 40
Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/169Fs68hROYRdS362T8D9w
Read Matthew 8:1-4.
We know that Jesus had been healing the sick up to this point [Matthew 4:23], yet this is the first instance we have in the book of Matthew that has any details. These details are significant because we can see a reflection of how we should approach Jesus and what his response will be.
The first thing that the leper does when he reaches Jesus is kneel before him. He didn’t casually stand in front of Jesus like this was any normal conversation. He didn’t try to hand Jesus money. He didn’t immediately start explaining his situation to Jesus. He knelt. This man recognized the authority of Christ and showed his respect. He knew that he was not approaching just anyone. In the same way, we are to recognize the authority of Jesus and know that he deserves our respect in every way.
The next thing the man does is speak. What does he say? He says “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” Again, he shows the highest respect for Jesus by calling him “Lord”. In addition to that, this man’s humility shines through as he knows that he doesn’t deserve anything. Jesus doesn’t have to make him clean. His will comes first. Finally, he recognizes the power of Jesus. The leper fully believes that Jesus can heal him. Similarly, we should recognize that God has the power to do anything that we ask, but we should do so in a way that puts His Will before our own.
How did Jesus respond? He healed him! Jesus didn’t ask any questions, he didn’t give the man specific conditions (except he did say not to tell anyone, but I’m sure that Jesus had his reasons), and he didn’t charge the man for his services. Jesus freely gives. If you bring your needs before Jesus, before God, before His Spirit, and you show respect, recognize His power, and put His Will before your own, you will be answered. If this need is spiritual cleansing, then you know that the answer will be “yes”. Jesus said “yes” long ago when he became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins! And for this, we should thank him each and every day.
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.*
As you think through these questions try to apply them to your prayer life as well as your everyday life. Think about how you approach these three things now. What do you do well and how can you improve?
- How do you show your respect for God?
- What are you doing to recognize His power?
- How are you putting His will above your own?
Prayer: Spend some time praying about the things you journaled. Thank God that He does not leave us in our mess but chooses to lift us out of it. Pray that you would choose to respect God first, recognize His power and authority in your life, and put His will above your own in every situation.
Read: Psalm 40
Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/169Fs68hROYRdS362T8D9w
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