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Daily Devotional

Monday through Friday with People of Faith: Day 222/260: Peter

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Read Matthew 17:1-9

Hear Him

Peter, James, and John witnessed a truly magnificent event when Jesus was transfigured while speaking with Moses and Elijah on the mount. Two representatives of the dispensation of Judaism – Moses the Law giver, and Elijah the prophet. Peter’s suggestion is understandable from the standpoint of human curiosity. He wanted to make three tabernacles or shelters to prevent Moses and Elijah from leaving, to keep them there where they could perhaps learn more from them.

God, however, indicated that Moses and Elijah no longer needed to be there. The Father spoke from “a bight cloud (that) overshadowed them”: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5). The time of Moses was drawing to a close; Elijah’s work as prophet was in the past. It was time in the first century—and it is still time today—to listen to the Son of God and no one else.

This is the point the Hebrews writer made in the opening lines to his epistle: “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2). In short, the prophets did their job during the old times, but now under this new covenant, we are to listen to Jesus instead. The prophets prepared the people for the Prince of Peace.

Why do so many want to go back to the old Law of Moses today? Why are so many obsessed with the Ten Commandments? Nine of those ten, by the way, are repeated under the new covenant, so why can’t we be satisfied with the law of Christ?

Read the words that the Father spoke to Peter again: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” He is to be our exclusive authority in all matters, not Moses or Elijah or any other man. Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). If Jesus has all authority, that leaves none for Moses and none for Elijah. Listen to Jesus. Listen to the Son. Obey Him!

Daily Devotional

Monday through Friday with People of Faith: Day 221/260: Peter

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Read Matthew 16:13-23

Mindful of the Things of God, or Men?

Confusion abounds when it comes to the identity of Jesus. Before He “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), many Jews assumed the Messiah would be born into a prominent family and lead them militarily against the oppression of the Romans. When He arrived, the confusion about who He was remained, as seen in Matthew 16:14. Even today, He is acknowledged by some religious groups as a prophet or a good man, or even a god (though created, not eternal).

What is the truth of the matter? Who is Jesus? Peter stated it clearly: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus affirmed that Peter’s answer was correct, and it was this profession upon which Christ would build His church – that which had been purposed from the beginning (Ephesians 3:10-11) and about which holy men of God had prophesied (Isaiah 2:2-4; Daniel 2:44).

Jesus then told His disciples that He would be arrested, killed, and three days later, raised again. Peter objected, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” (Matthew 16:22). The apostle went from declaring the Messiahship of Jesus, the Son of God, to telling Him that He was wrong.

How often do we tell God that He is wrong about something? When we read in the Scriptures about the establishment of the church, do we object and listen instead to denominational leaders who claim the church was a part of a backup plan? When we read in the Scriptures about entrance into the church via baptism into Christ, do we object and listen instead to men who claim baptism has nothing to do with salvation, and that a person must be voted into the church’s membership?

Believe what the Bible reveals. Do not object to the words of the Lord, lest He say to you, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men” (Matthew 16:23).

Daily Devotional

Monday through Friday with People of Faith: Day 220/260: Peter

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Read John 6:60-69

No Alternative

Jesus said some things that were difficult to understand, and some lost interest in Him because of that. There are things that Jesus teaches that are offensive to those who want to live their lives as they please without any guilt. He claimed, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35), and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you” (John 6:53). He was not teaching cannibalism, but complete submission to His commands. The hard-hearted people who wanted to continue living in sin could not do what Jesus was asking.

“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more” (John 6:66). Initially, they wanted to learn from Him, and they wanted to be blessed by Him, but when they realized it was an “all or nothing” proposition—that they could no longer hold on to their selfish behaviors and desires—they “went back and walked with Him no more.”

At this point, Jesus asked His apostles, “Do you also want to go away?” (John 6:67). Can you hear the heartbreak in the Savior’s words? Rejected by so many, would He now be rejected by those closest to Him as well?

Peter spoke up. He stepped forward and answered on behalf of the group, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:68-69).

Peter recognized that there was no alternative to following Jesus. The ways of the Pharisees were hypocritical and led nowhere. The polytheistic religions of the Greeks and Romans were nothing more than fanciful fiction. But Jesus was the real deal. He taught “the words of eternal life” because He is “the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

A superficial belief in Jesus will eventually result in departure when a “hard saying” comes along. Develop a faith like Peter’s, rooted in the foundational truth of Jesus’ identity.

Daily Devotional

Monday through Friday with People of Faith: Day 219/260: Peter

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Read Matthew 14:22-33

Don’t Lose Focus

Have you ever tried to walk on water? It’s impossible, isn’t it? It defies the laws of science, yet Jesus was able to do that which is impossible for man. Demonstrating His power of nature, Jesus walked on water, and even allowed Peter to do the same, until…

Peter was impetuous, and his words often tumbled out of his mouth before his brain had time to process them. He saw Jesus in the storm and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water” (Matthew 14:28). And so Jesus did, and Peter obeyed, and everything was going great, and Peter “walked on the water to go to Jesus” (Matthew 14:29), until…

What happened to Peter? He didn’t keep his focus on Jesus. “But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’” (Matthew 14:30). Why did Peter notice the wind? Because he took his focus off Jesus. Why was Peter afraid? Because he took his focus off Jesus. Why did Peter begin to sink? Because he took his focus off Jesus.

We can get overwhelmed in life when we take our focus off Jesus. When everything comes crashing down around us, and we can’t tell which way is up, and nothing seems to go right, have we lost focus? What is more important, the physical and temporary things of this life, or spiritual things?

When Jesus sent His apostles out on the limited commission, He warned that they would be persecuted. Yet He said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). In other words, don’t lose focus and get distracted by the things that are happening here and now; focus on the promise of God who gives eternal life.

One of the most well-known yet neglected commands in the Bible is found in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Where is your focus?

Daily Devotional

Monday through Friday with People of Faith: Day 218/260: Andrew

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Read John 6:1-14

Tell Jesus About Your Problems

A couple of weeks ago, we studied the occasion of Andrew bringing his brother Peter to Jesus, recorded in John 1:35-42. That was on “Day 204,” if you need to refresh your memory. The thrust of those thoughts was the importance of bringing someone to Jesus. In today’s text, Andrew again brings someone to Jesus. This time, it was because of a problem that faced the disciples.

Mark, Luke, and John all indicate that there were about five thousand men present on this occasion. Matthew adds that this number was “besides women and children” (Matthew 14:21), indicating the actual number of the multitude was much greater. To feed such a great number would have been a monumental task, and Philip acknowledged that. “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little” (John 6:7).

Despite the problem they faced, Andrew brought a boy to Jesus who had “five barley loaves and two small fish” (John 6:9). Understand that these are not the loaves of bread you might purchase at the grocery store or bakery, but very small, flat cakes, and the fish were likely very small as well, used as a relish with the bread.

Andrew asked, “What are they among so many?” (John 6:9). Sure, it was food, but there were thousands of people there. The apostles didn’t have enough food for everyone, nor did they have enough money to buy food for everyone. But they brought the problem to the One who could provide an answer. They brought it to Jesus.

Just as important as bringing people to Jesus is bringing problems to Jesus. He wants to help us with our struggles. That is why He said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Have you brought your problems to Jesus lately? “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). Take a moment now to thank Him for His love, and seek His answers to your troubles today.

Daily Devotional

Monday through Friday with People of Faith: Day 217/260: The Apostles

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Read Matthew 9:35-10:42; Luke 9:1-6

Jesus Is More Important

The world is in need. There are people all over the world hungry and homeless. Too many children grow up without fathers. Wars and struggles for power are constant at national levels. Domestic violence and abuse are all too common behind closed doors. Yet there is a need that towers over all of these needs: the need for Jesus.

As the Lord traveled and taught the multitudes, “He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). He recognized the great need of the world, but He also recognized the lack of workers to tend to that need. He said that “the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37), and that statement is just as true in the twenty-first century as it was in the first.

Jesus commissioned twelve men to take the gospel to the masses, with the warning that they would face persecutions as they did so. This is generally referred to as “the limited commission.” It was a task assigned only to the apostles, and they were assigned only to the Jews. The Lord told them, “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:5-6). Those instructions would change later when the great commission was issued, but for now the focus was limited.

There are many principles within this commission, however, that still apply. Those who attempt to teach truth will still be persecuted. Jesus described it this way: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Always be on guard. Protect yourself from danger, but do not fear the danger. God cares about His servants. “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31).

Division will come when someone hears the truth but refuses to accept it. The gospel will cause problems within families Jesus is more important than family. “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37).

Your relationship with Jesus is more important than anything. Don’t neglect Him.

Daily Devotional

Monday through Friday with People of Faith: Day 216/260: Jairus

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Read Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26; Luke 8:40-42, 49-56

Do Not Be Afraid; Only Believe

How heartbreaking for Jairus. His twelve-year-old daughter was on the brink of death. Desperate, this ruler of the synagogue sought out Jesus, who was healing many. He approached Jesus, and before he made his request known, Jairus “fell down at Jesus’ feet” (Luke 8:41); he “worshiped Him” (Matthew 9:18). How often do we come to the Lord and beg for a blessing without first preparing ourselves to worship Him? How often do we demand things of God, but never give Him the proper reverence He desires?

Jairus worshiped Jesus, and he told the Lord about his daughter who was dying. Jesus agreed to come to see the ill child, but He was delayed because “the multitudes thronged Him” (Luke 8:42), and He paused to heal the woman with the flow of blood (Luke 8:43-48). After that healing, someone from Jairus’ house came and said, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher” (Luke 8:49).

Can you imagine what went through the man’s mind at this point? Perhaps he blamed the woman who detained Jesus for her healing. Maybe he became angry with the multitudes that made it difficult for Jesus to move about freely. The Lord, however, put Jairus’ mind at ease, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.”

How often do we allow fear to hinder our faith? We claim to believe that God “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20), but do we live that way? Do we truly believe that God provides His people with “a spirit…of power and of love and of a sound mind” or do we give in to that “spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7)?

It is far past time for Christians to be bold in the faith, knowing that God can and will accomplish His will. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Jairus’ little girl was raised from the dead by the power of Jesus. How much more can He do for you, if you believe and work toward the accomplishment of His will?

Daily Devotional

Monday through Friday with People of Faith: Day 215/260: The Woman Who Touched Jesus’ Garment

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Read Mark 5:24-34; Luke 8:43-48

Tremendous Blessings

How seriously do we view sin? When we are physically ill, whether it be with cancer or some other damaging disease, do we not try to resolve the issue? The woman who had suffered from “a flow of blood for twelve years” (Luke 8:43) had gone to great extremes to find a cure. Luke says that she “had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any” (Luke 8:43), while Mark adds the fact that she “rather grew worse” (Mark 5:26).

Jesus arrives on the scene, healing many, and this woman is convinced, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well” (Mark 5:28). Jesus is surrounded and thronged by many people as He travels to the house of Jairus, and the woman reaches out and touches “the border of His garment” (Luke 8:44). Immediately she is healed. No more doctors. No more blood. No more wasted resources for an incurable disease.

This woman demonstrated faith in the power of Jesus and was blessed because of that faith. Her faith was not merely a belief that He could heal her, but it motivated her to seek that healing. Had she never left her house, she never could have been blessed in such a tremendous way.

Let’s return now to the question at the beginning of this devotional. How seriously do we view sin? There is no doctor on earth that can heal us of the malady of sin. There is no cure in this world for it. But if we believe in Jesus’ power to save and actively seek Him and demonstrate our faith in His power to cleanse us of the stain of sin, we can be blessed in a tremendous way!

So many, however, refuse to go to the Great Physician. They refuse to take the medicine He prescribes. They refuse to exercise their spiritual muscles and feed on the meat of His Word. Friends, we will never be healed of sin if we do not follow His remedy!

Jesus wants to surround you with people that love you in His church. He wants to cleanse you in the waters of baptism. He wants to see you exercise faith and grow stronger in His Word and in His kingdom. He wants you to bring others to Him for that same power to heal their spiritual disease of sin. Reach out to Jesus, obey His commands, and let Him save you.

Daily Devotional

Monday through Friday with People of Faith: Day 214/260: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna

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Read Luke 8:1-3

Your Role In His Kingdom

The role of women in Christianity has been a contentious topic over the years. But should it be? Jesus never relegated women to a lesser role in His ministry, nor did He demean them or expect less of them than He did the men that surrounded Him. In Luke 8, three women were named who helped the Lord during His earthly sojourn, but there is also the note of “many others who provided for Him from their substance” (Luke 8:2-3).

The first of these is Mary Magdalene. What do you think of when you hear that name? Does the word “prostitute” pop into your head? There is not one shred of evidence that Mary Magdalene was ever a prostitute or that she was the “sinful woman” who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears at Simon’s house in Luke 7. Mary Magdalene has been slandered for centuries without cause; may we here and forever more stop associating her with that sinful lifestyle that so many others have assumed.

What we do know about Mary Magdalene is that Jesus had healed her of demon possession (Mark 16:9). She was the first to see the empty tomb after the Lord’s resurrection and reported such to the disciples (John 20:1-2). She was the first person to whom the Lord appeared in resurrected form (Mark 16:9). Luke further identifies her as a woman who financially supported Jesus’ ministry.

The second woman, Joanna, is identified as “the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward” (Luke 8:3). Some opine that Chuza was the centurion of Luke 7, and at the healing of the steward, he and his family (including his wife Joanna) were converted. Others identify him as the nobleman of John 4 whose child was healed. Whatever the case, Joanna was no fickle disciple. She remained faithful to the end of the Lord’s human life and beyond, going to the tomb with other women in Luke 24:10.

Of Susanna, we have no further mention or information in the Scriptures, but she is named here as a faithful supporter of the Lord along with “many others.” While there may be things women are not authorized to do (1 Timothy 2:12), it is sinful to suggest they are not important or to relegate them to a lesser role in the kingdom of Christ. Everyone is important and everyone has a role to play in His church.

Daily Devotional

Monday through Friday with People of Faith: Day 213/260: The Sinful Woman

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Read Luke 7:36-50

Great Appreciation

There were some Pharisees who were sincere in their belief of God and were willing to listen to the teaching of Jesus. The majority, however, seemed to be self-absorbed and self-righteous, relying on their own goodness for acceptance. One such example is Simon.

Simon invited Jesus to eat with him, but he did not perform any of the customary greetings that were expected of a host. There was a sinful woman there who took care of those things, though, much to Simon’s chagrin. Luke tells us that she “stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil” (Luke 7:38). Simon was disgusted at her action and immediately doubted Jesus’ claim to be from God, thinking to himself, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner” (Luke 7:39).

Jesus recognized an opportunity to teach Simon an important truth here, that the person who recognizes their deep debt will be more grateful for forgiveness than the man who does not think he owes very much. The Lord made it clear that He was talking about Simon and the woman. “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little” (Luke 7:44-47).

Do you appreciate what Jesus has done for you, as the woman appreciated Him? Or do you view yourself more like Simon, a person who hasn’t done anything truly evil, therefore a person who doesn’t need to change very much? The Scriptures make it clear that none of us are guiltless; “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Without the loving forgiveness of the Savior, we all stand condemned before God.