Day 24: February 20

February 20th, 2024
by Jongseung Park

Matthew 9:27-38

SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHT

35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.

36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;

38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

OBSERVATION
⬆️ Jesus saw the suffering, pain, and sorrow of His people and was moved with compassion for them (v. 36).

⬆️ Jesus cares about both our spiritual and physical needs (v. 29, 35). He heals our spiritual brokenness (sin) and also addresses our physical ailments.

⬆️ Jesus asks us if we have faith and assures us that according to our faith it will be done to us (v. 28-29). HOWEVER, we must remember the fact that Jesus has never asked about the size of our faith. He said that even with a tiny faith like a grain of mustard seed, nothing will be impossible for us (Matt 17:20)

⬇️ The world is full of people who need spiritual salvation and physical help. They are seeking God and asking His help (v. 27, 36-38).

⬇️ There are those who deliver the Gospel and lead people to Jesus, as well as those who oppose and slander God's work, hindering people from coming to Him (v. 31-34).

⬆️ (38). Jesus desires for more people to join His work of spreading the Gospel, bringing, healing, and helping others. He is looking for laborers for His harvest (v. 38).

APPLICATION
➡️ Matthew 9:27-38 reveals Jesus' incredible compassion and love. He saw the suffering and sorrow of people, and His heart was moved to prayer, healing, and help. We, too, are called to follow His example and actively practice compassion towards the world's pain. Jesus didn't just address spiritual matters; He also healed physical ailments. Many around us struggle with life's challenges. We can pray for them, provide practical assistance, and share Jesus' love.

Today, Jesus invites me to join His work. Yes, living a life of compassion following Jesus' example isn't easy, but it brings immense joy and meaning. I must strive to practice His compassion and make the world a warmer and more loving place, a true Kingdom of God.
So, I will practice Jesus' compassion by being attentive to those around me, empathizing with their pain and sorrow, and engaging in good work to help those in need. I will be involved in our church outreach for ...

PRAYER
🙏 Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the example of Jesus and His boundless compassion for the suffering and sorrowful. Help me to follow His lead in actively practicing compassion towards those in need.

Grant me the strength and willingness to pray, heal, and help as Jesus did. Today, I humbly accept your invitation to join in your work of love and compassion. Though the path may be challenging, I know that it brings immense joy and meaning.

Guide me to be attentive to those around me, to empathize with their pain, and to engage in good works to alleviate suffering. May I be a beacon of your love and compassion in this world, working to build your Kingdom here on earth. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Posted in Book of Matthew
Posted in Healing, Helping others, Compassion, Suffering, Love