Matthew 12:46-13:23
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Matthew 12 verses 48 through 50 are powerful: "Jesus asked, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then he pointed to his disciples and said, "These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!"" I read an interesting commentary that said that these words from Jesus were stating that spiritual bonds are as strong as physical bonds. And that in this teaching Jesus was paving the way for a new community of believers - the church! Very cool... Are you a brother and sister and mother of Jesus?
Matthew chapter 13 verses 11 & 12 are important for us to consider: "Then he (Jesus) explained to them, "You have been permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others have not. To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them." There is so much truth in these last 2 sentences. This is why personally I feel so blessed to be reading the One Year Bible each and every day - currently in my 18th year of doing so - and God-willing, for all of my years to come. I personally absolutely need the grace and wisdom that comes from being in God's Word every day - and truly, more and more understanding and knowledge of God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit does come my way I believe each day - even if (and especially if!) I am reading the Bible again for the 18th time. The repetition is not repetitive, but really allows for insights to soak in and to be revealed. I can't quite say that I feel like I have an abundance of knowledge... :) But - I know that I am on that road by reading the Bible each day and I so look forward to gaining more and more knowledge of God's story as I go. And - to grow deeper into relationship with God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. So - the knowledge itself is great, but the relationship and peace and grace that comes from the Trinity - even better. I pray that you too see the value in reading the Bible each day and being open to Jesus' teachings so that more understanding will come your way?
Verse 22 in this chapter is convicting for me, as I have experienced this in my life in the past.... "The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life and the lure of wealth, so no crop is produced." .... and I still struggle with the "cares of this life" crowding out the Good News in my life today! I think in some ways this might be a life long struggle. How are you doing on this verse? Where is God's seed of the Good News being sown in your life? In the good soil of your heart?
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 13 titled "The Parable of the Sower and the Seed" is at this link and "The Parables of Matthew 13" are at this link.
Worship Video: Our readings today remind me of the song "Mighty To Save." Here's Laura Story performing the song live:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcwBUauhobY
Is God Mighty to Save in your life? Click here for his Might!
Please join me in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:50 TNIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you would do the will of God each and every day in your life. Pray that you would be Jesus' brother and sister and mother now and forevermore.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today and also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
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