From: January 31, 2019
January 31
Scripture for today: Exodus 12:14-13:16; Matthew 20:29-21:22; Psalm 25:16-22; Proverbs 6:12-15
‘When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?”’ (Matthew 20:32 NLT).
From: February 1, 2018
‘And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away.’ (Matthew 21:19 NKJV).
From: January 31, 2017
‘And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?”’ (Matthew 20:32 ESV)
From: January 31, 2016
Jesus stopped. That’s the first thing. He was willing to stop. He was on his way up to Jerusalem for the Passover, headed for his preordained appointment with the cross, and he stopped to heal two blind men sitting by the Jericho roadside. Who stops at a time like this? Jesus.
Then, who asks two obviously blind men what they want? Anyone can see that they are blind. Plus, Jesus knows their thoughts. So, why ask what they want? I think it’s because Jesus is calling them to faith. Asking them to specifically name their need to him, he is also causing them to express their faith in him. Hearing their faith, Jesus touched them and healed them.
I’m glad that Jesus stops for those in need.
“…nor shall you break one of its bones” (Exodus 12:46 NKJV)
From: January 31, 2015
Among the many instructions God gave Moses concerning the Passover Lamb was that it must be a male without blemish and that they were not to “break one of its bones” in sacrificing it. God was preparing the Israelites not only for their deliverance from slavery in Egypt, but ultimately for redemption from their slavery to sin. For by establishing the Passover as an annual memorial, He was preparing them to recognize the true Lamb of God when He came. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb. He was the male without blemish, the sinless Son of God. And although it was Roman practice to break the legs of those they crucified, which they did to the two criminals on either side of Jesus, not one of His bones was broken. As John reflected in his gospel, “For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: ‘Not one of his bones will be broken’” (John 19:36).
“It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. And though he struck the Egyptians, he spared our families” (Exodus 12:27)
From: January 31, 2014
God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and to put its blood over their door frames, so that the angel of death would “pass over” them. This became an annual festival of remembrance that was fulfilled in Christ, who became our Passover Lamb. Those who have received Him have His blood spread over their heart’s door, so that they have been forgiven of sin and will never die.
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith” (Matthew 21:22)
From: January 31, 2013
This was Jesus’ answer to the disciples after they saw him curse the unfruitful fig tree and it immediately withered. The disciples marveled over the miracle, but Jesus told them that they would be able to do even more than this through faithful prayer. How should this word from Jesus affect our praying today?
“You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it” (Matthew 21:22)
From: January 31, 2012
The currency of the Kingdom is asking. A child holds out her hand for food asking and a mother gives willingly. Children are experts at asking. Adults forget how to ask. And they forget how to pray. What are you asking God for today?
“Jesus stopped and called them. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ he asked” (Matthew 20:32)
From: January 31, 2011
Nearly every miracle of Christ was because of an interruption. Jesus was on His way somewhere and “stopped” to help someone. Will you let God interrupt your journey?