Teenside Daily Devotional
5/8/20
Read Matthew 9:27-31.
Although we again see the importance of faith played out, there are some differences from the last passage in Matthew. First, we note that these men refer to Jesus as the “Son of David”. It was known, through prophecy, that the Messiah would come from the line of David. These men clearly believed that Jesus was this Messiah.
The second thing to note is that Jesus says “according to your faith be it done to you.” Jesus was ready and willing to heal after they said that they believed he could do it, but he left the results of the miracle to depend on whether they actually believed. If they did not truly believe, then they may not have been healed! Similarly, we have no business asking God to do something that we don’t believe He can do. He will do the same as He did here and let the results depend on our faith. Believing that God can do what you ask of Him is faith. More importantly, remember that God will always deliver if you pray according to His Will, asking for the things He has already promised to you.
Finally, it seems as though Jesus is trying to hide that he has healed them. How could he ask them not to tell everyone they know what has happened? This actually happens quite a few times throughout the Gospels. Scholars refer to it as the “messianic secret”. Essentially, on multiple occasions, Jesus asks someone that he has healed to keep it a secret, to not tell anyone. While this might be confusing initially, it does make sense. Jesus did not want his ministry or his mission to be misunderstood. If all anyone ever heard about him was that he can heal physical ailments, then everyone would miss the point. While Jesus is our Healer, he is also our Teacher, Protector, Savior, and King. All of these things, as well as many others, have to be understood for Jesus’ true purpose to become clear. And once you understand his purpose and ministry, how to grow a relationship with him becomes clearer as well!
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.*
Prayer: Spend some time praying about the things you journaled.
Pray Mark 9:24–
“Jesus I believe you are who you say you are. I believe that you can do all things and nothing is impossible for you. I believe in your word and the promises you give. Forgive me for using you to get my way and show me how to yearn for more of you. I pray that you would help me to overcome my unbelief through revelations found in the council of: wise mentors, the word, and prayer. You are my anchor and I choose to hold tight to your truth. Amen.”
Song: Closer to Your Heart- Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes
Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/169Fs68hROYRdS362T8D9w
Read Matthew 9:27-31.
Although we again see the importance of faith played out, there are some differences from the last passage in Matthew. First, we note that these men refer to Jesus as the “Son of David”. It was known, through prophecy, that the Messiah would come from the line of David. These men clearly believed that Jesus was this Messiah.
The second thing to note is that Jesus says “according to your faith be it done to you.” Jesus was ready and willing to heal after they said that they believed he could do it, but he left the results of the miracle to depend on whether they actually believed. If they did not truly believe, then they may not have been healed! Similarly, we have no business asking God to do something that we don’t believe He can do. He will do the same as He did here and let the results depend on our faith. Believing that God can do what you ask of Him is faith. More importantly, remember that God will always deliver if you pray according to His Will, asking for the things He has already promised to you.
Finally, it seems as though Jesus is trying to hide that he has healed them. How could he ask them not to tell everyone they know what has happened? This actually happens quite a few times throughout the Gospels. Scholars refer to it as the “messianic secret”. Essentially, on multiple occasions, Jesus asks someone that he has healed to keep it a secret, to not tell anyone. While this might be confusing initially, it does make sense. Jesus did not want his ministry or his mission to be misunderstood. If all anyone ever heard about him was that he can heal physical ailments, then everyone would miss the point. While Jesus is our Healer, he is also our Teacher, Protector, Savior, and King. All of these things, as well as many others, have to be understood for Jesus’ true purpose to become clear. And once you understand his purpose and ministry, how to grow a relationship with him becomes clearer as well!
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.*
- Read Romans 10:8-13. How do you think these scriptures align with this story? As we have seen illustrated in the book of Matthew, we are called to have faith that is rooted in belief. Is there a place in your faith where you struggle to believe?
- If the answer to the last question is yes, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re surrounded by christians who struggle with giving up control, the concept of heaven and hell, the understanding of miracles, etc. The way to combat unbelief is to expose it to light. Pray for wisdom and look to the word. What does God say about the specific thing you mentioned? Ask a mentor or a christian you consider to be wise. What are their thoughts?
- Think about the idea of the “messanic secret”. Jesus wanted people to experience all the blessings of His ministry, He did not want them to come just for the show or only come to receive a miracle. While you may view this as a problem of antiquity, I see it as a modern day problem as well. Think specifically about your prayer life. How often do you use Jesus when we are facing a dilemma? We tend to cry out for things to be better, for them to be the way we want. But, do we cry out to know God and do His will the same way we ask for healing?
Prayer: Spend some time praying about the things you journaled.
Pray Mark 9:24–
“Jesus I believe you are who you say you are. I believe that you can do all things and nothing is impossible for you. I believe in your word and the promises you give. Forgive me for using you to get my way and show me how to yearn for more of you. I pray that you would help me to overcome my unbelief through revelations found in the council of: wise mentors, the word, and prayer. You are my anchor and I choose to hold tight to your truth. Amen.”
Song: Closer to Your Heart- Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes
Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/169Fs68hROYRdS362T8D9w
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