Author: Aaron Hufty

Re:Verse passage – Matthew 20:29-34 (day two)

And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” vs. 32

I find this exchange so compelling. It would seem obvious when the blind men sought the assistance of Jesus that they would want their sight restored, but I think we miss a great opportunity to lay our hearts out to the Lord on a consistent basis. He is standing over us wanting to know the desires of our hearts. We are told to ask, seek, and knock, so it shouldn’t surprise me to read Jesus asking this question of these blind men. Maybe it was their quick, honest response that moved Jesus, but I think it was their choice of words. When Jesus heard them say “we want our eyes to be opened,” I think he must have thought ‘if you only knew the kind of sight that I can truly bring.’ It caused him to smile, and he granted their plea. Jesus isn’t always going to give you what you want, but he is interested in you seeing as he sees. When they were healed, they followed him. Isn’t that our testimony too?

Re:Verse passage – Matthew 17:24-27 (day two) 

However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.” vs. 27

Let’s be clear, Jesus was not worried about hurting people’s feelings. He was not concerned that someone might be triggered by something they didn’t agree with. Jesus always had a bigger Kingdom picture in mind when he was motivated to act. Jesus knew that not paying the Temple Tax would lead to greater conflict that was not helpful to his Kingdom Purpose. Were the taxes an annoyance, yes, but not worth the inevitable fall out of not paying them.

We all have to do things that we think ridiculous or unworthy of our time and resources. What we must constantly ask ourselves if our annoyance can be put aside for a greater calling. The meeting that you see as meaningless may allow you to have a greater insight into your team. The family reunion that you dread could bear fruit with conversations that turn Heavenward. You might not always have a pleasant assignment, but God is always at work.

Re:Verse passage – Matthew 17:14-21 (day two) 

When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus, falling on his knees before Him and saying, “Lord, have mercy on my son. vs. 14-15a

Over the past 10 weeks we have examined some of the great works Jesus performed while he walked among us. One constant in all of these unique miracles is how Christ honors faith. In each situation we have studied the people that approached Christ KNEW that he could help them. Often it was evident in the humility and worship with which they approached him. Doubt is an incredible detriment to our spiritual walk. There is a distinct difference between wanting to believe that Jesus can heal you, and knowing he will. The miracle always takes place first in the heart of the believer. That is where the real change happens. That is where it matters most. In the cases we have read about Jesus also chooses to heal the physical needs as well so that we may know he as the power to do both.

Re:Verse passage – Matthew 15-21-28 (day two)  But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” vs. 25

It is this posture taken by the mother that Jesus recognizes as faith. This is what opens her heart to the possibility of a miracle. Not a trick, or some snake oil; a miracle. Like the others whom we have studied over the past few weeks, hearts made ready to receive the Lord will meet him. One of the great truths of the gospel is if we come before him, acknowledge him as our Lord and Savior, and repent we, too, will meet Jesus. Don’t miss the great humility the mother displays. She is desperate, yes, but it takes a believing heart to have that kind of access to the almighty. Where do you need to meet him today? He is faithful and just to forgive and to start you on a new path towards a healthy heart and life.

Re:Verse passage – Matthew 14:22-33 (day two) 

But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

What are some of the obvious takeaways from this familiar story? 1)When you trust Jesus he will enable you to do things you never dreamed possible. 2)If you take your eyes off of Jesus you will fall.

I was actually drawn to something in the middle of these two. When you step out and follow Jesus you can expect the winds to come up around you to blow you off course. When Peter stepped out of the boat the seas were already disturbed, but that didn’t stop him from trying to get to Jesus. It is one of the most pure acts of Peter’s ministry. He saw Jesus and he knew he had to be near him. It didn’t take long, however, that the winds and waves reminded him that he wasn’t on solid ground.

All of these statements are true. What we must pray is that when we are in the midst of where Jesus has called us to be, we will not take our eyes off of him, or let ourselves be distracted by the noise of the wind.

Re:Verse passage – Matthew 14:14-21 (day two) “…so send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Vs. 15b

This is actually a pretty practical request. The disciples were weary and not prepared to handle the crowds that were eager to see Jesus. Seeing that there was no markets or means to get food near, the disciples were convinced the best decision would be to send them back to their homes. It makes sense. The crowd would be fed, and able to sleep in their own homes. Jesus saw it differently.

Do you ever lose your sense of wonder in God to the idol of practicality? Do you make judgements about a problem solely on the basis of what will be easiest, or what is best? The disciples were right in their assessment, but they missed the God-sized opportunity to share the gospel. Don’t miss Jesus in your desire to make everything make sense.

Re:Verse passage – Matthew 12:9-13 (day two)

Departing from there, He went into their synagogue. vs. 9

As we examine the life and ministry of Jesus one thing we should take note of is how much time he spends with people. His ministry is marked by walking, talking, and eating with people-where they are. It is a reminder to us that much, nay most, of what we are called to do happens outside the walls of our church buildings. However, I love this gem of a verse that is tucked in this miracle story. Jesus worshipped. Jesus took the time to be a part of the regular rhythm of worship that God had instructed Moses so many generations before. Worship honors God. He commands us to worship. He deserves our worship. Worship also equips us to do the things we are called to do in the world. This new year let’s be like Jesus. Let’s worship together and see how God grows our calling.

Re:Verse passage – Matthew 9:20-22 (day two)

And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak;  for she was saying to herself, “If I only touch His garment, I will get well.”  But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well.

You are not going to sneak up on Jesus. This woman, who was ceremonially unclean, had many reasons to not be seen. Her presence likely caused a commotion, but amid the bustle of the crowd she saw her opportunity and she took it. If only she could get near him and touch the hem of his cloak. But Jesus doesn’t work like that. You are not going to surprise Jesus. He knows you and your afflictions far better than you do, so come to him openly and receive what this woman found: freedom from her condition, and a new-found faith that healed her soul. Come into His light, and receive the healing that only he can offer. Let the promise of the new year lived by His Spirit bring the healing.

Re:Verse passage – Matthew 9:20-22 (day two)

And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; ²¹ for she was saying to herself, “If I only touch His garment, I will get well.” ²² But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well.

“When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭

The shepherds knew little of who this child was or would be. They had an angelic visitation that told of his birth, and they went to be near this child…and their lives were changed.

The ailing woman knew enough about Jesus that she, too, desired to be near him, and her faith in him made her well.

This is the heart of the gospel. Get near Jesus. You will be changed. Merry Christmas.

Re:Verse passage – Matthew 8:23-27 (day two)

And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. vs. 24

Jesus was with his disciples…and the storm came anyway. Many of his disciples were well acquainted with the water, and many made their living from fishing…and the storm scared them. We should not think that we are any different than the disciples. Storms will come, and often in the areas where we should be most prepared. Don’t think that a life lived following Jesus will mean one that is free from conflict, pain, or suffering. Is that where you find yourself right now? Take comfort from the disciples next actions. They ran to Jesus. He had a word of rebuke for allowing the storms to shake their faith, but he cared for them. He quieted them, and the storm. Let him be your peace in the storm today.