The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Matthew 15, Mark 7:1 – 8:10
Act 3: God’s New Covenant People
Scene 2: Christ’s Ministry; God’s True King Manifests His Kingdom
Background Information: Matthew 15, Mark 7:1 – 8:10
The legalists of Jesus’ time were not concerned with hygiene, but rather with enforcing their own religious symbolism without substance. If the disciples didn’t wash their hands in just the right way, then they were breaking with tradition. Jesus didn’t play defense; he preferred offense. Instead of answering their question, he asked his own. Why did they break God’s word by replacing it with their own traditions? Their traditions had manufactured a loophole for getting around taking care of their parents in order to spiritualize their own selfishness. “I would help you Dad, but sorry, this money is set apart for my heavenly Father.” We don’t serve God by disobeying him. From the game playing Jewish leaders, we go to a desperate Gentile woman. She is not playing games; her situation was too dire for that. The Lord’s initial response of silence to the woman’s heart-breaking plea is puzzling. Even more so are his words when he finally addresses her and tells her that his mission was first to the Jewish people. Jesus is never harsh, but he is always honest. His honest words could feel harsh to some who didn’t like what he said. The woman was not deterred by the silence of Jesus or the disdain of the disciples who wanted her sent away. She pushed through the potentially disheartening reply of Jesus and begged for some crumbs. Jesus saw her authentic faith and granted her request. A prayer is defined as a request for help or expression of thanks offered to God. Jesus is God incarnate. This woman was praying, and she has shown us the importance of persistent prayer. Jesus gave us a parable of this kind of prayer, but this woman gave us a living example of it. Do not easily give up in prayer. Desperation can create persistence. Often we find ourselves mostly playing at our prayer lives, going through the motions. God, help us realize our desperation so that it might empower our endurance in continually seeking the face of Jesus.
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Pray for the Gospel 101 class that starts tonight at Christian Challenge. Ask God to use the class to strengthen students in the faith and pray for students attending the class who are not yet believers.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.