March 24 | Matthew 18:1-9

---

DAILY READING

Matthew 18:1-9

---

REFLECTION

Turn The World On Its Head

by Judy Webb

"Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!" (Matthew 18:7)

We often hear it said we live in an upside-down world. A world which is fast identifying what we once proclaimed as "good," as "bad." And along with that way of thinking and living much of what we once believed bad for us, or evil and wrong, many declare as good and natural. Some think we just need to update our thinking and our belief systems to mirror the changing times.

When researching this topic, the Believer’s Bible Commentary explains it this way: the standards and values in the kingdom are exactly opposite those in the world. Our whole mode of thinking must be reversed; we must think Christ’s thoughts. This is the reason daily Bible reading is so important and necessary to living a life Jesus would want for us. “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:5)

How often do arguments and major family disagreements result from this upside-down thinking? Our individual beliefs differ significantly from those we grew up with. So, how much more do these hurdles exist with strangers. How many times have you heard it said: When family gets together, we know better than to discuss politics and/or religion. This certainly limits our topics, and many times makes us feel less than truthful. Jesus never avoided a difficult conversation, and neither should we.

As believers in Jesus Christ, have we allowed false thinking to change us? Do we conform to the Kingdom, or do we close our mouths and allow fear to silence us? When faced with this type of situation, we only need to ask a couple questions:

· What would Jesus do?

· And will this bring glory to God?

Then pray before your jump into the discussion. God will guide you.

PRAYER

Jesus, we need to turn our thinking over and see what's right in front of us. Our Bible is the best tool for this. Show us how to re-examine our beliefs and line them up with Your Word, not the world! Amen.

March 23 | Matthew 17:24-27

---

DAILY READING

Matthew 17:24-27

---

REFLECTION

An Audience of One

by Judy Webb

Like me, you have most likely read these verses before, but perhaps didn’t give much thought to them. The subject matter of taxes maybe turned your mind off without considering what was transpiring. Now, I am reading a bit deeper – why not join me? We can recognize a miracle when someone is healed from a debilitating sickness, or when our Lord feeds 5,000 people without breaking a sweat, not to mention filling a boat to overflowing while nets are popping at the seams, but pulling a coin from the mouth of one fish? Not so overwhelming at first glance.

“But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” (Matthew 17:27)

To this point, Jesus has performed many miracles for the crowds to see and experience, but this time he accomplished a miracle for the benefit of one man, Simon. Why? I am not sure, but I have a few ideas. Have you ever asked for a miracle for yourself? Maybe you know it would take an act of God, a miracle, to save your life, or perhaps your marriage. If you believed God only provided miracles if there were a large audience present, would you ask or pray for one for yourself?

In this instance I am wondering if God didn’t achieve this miracle for Peter’s benefit, to strengthen his faith knowing what lie ahead for both of them. This is just supposition, but it does get the mind to thinking outside the box. Jesus wasn’t limited then or now to the type of love he shares to us; the miracles he is still ready to provide.

Pulling a coin for a specified amount, from the mouth of a specific fish (the first fish he caught), indicates to me that Jesus knew which one of all the fish in the Sea of Galilee had the coin in its mouth. He knew the location of that one fish, and he knew it would be the first one Peter caught. This verse alone gives me hope and trust that God will answer my prayers and use a miracle to do if it is his will. Amazing!

PRAYER PRACTICE

Jesus, thank you for all you do for us, each and every day. Knowing all we need to do is ask and believe we can have faith and confidence our prayers are heard. Your timing and your will are perfect. Thank you, Jesus.

March 22 | Matthew 17:22-23

---

DAILY READING

Matthew 17:22-23

---

REFLECTION

Taking our Head out of the Sand

by Judy Webb

Matthew 17:22-23 NIV

"When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, 'The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.' It filled the disciples with grief."

Jesus informed his disciples for a second time of his impending death. He also told them “on the third day He will be raised to life.” Did they miss this? Were they so focused on the bad news, the devastating news that Jesus would die, they missed the best news of all? Did their shock and grief close their ears?

Can you imagine a conversation between the disciples when they were finally alone? Perhaps they processed the statement Jesus made and emphatically proclaimed to each other, “No Way! We can’t allow this to happen. He can’t die! What will we do, where will we go?”

It seems the Good News the Disciples would share for hundreds of years, got missed in that moment of panic. They might think they can protect Jesus or shelter Him from harm. Perhaps devise a plan to hover over their friend, maybe even arm themselves. That is where the human mind and heart goes at a time like this. Thankfully, reality eventually steps in and takes over.

Their sorrow completely overshadowed Jesus’ reason for living. They never asked each other, what did he mean, “on the third day he will be raised to life” ?

Mark 9:32 tells us, “But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.” This is a typical human response to a situation that is fraught with pain and fear. We assume that what we don’t know can’t hurt us. These devoted followers of Jesus had so much to learn, and time was running out.

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, we must not let our questions go un-asked. We need to understand about Jesus and His reason for living and dying as He did. Salvation, our Salvation is the only reason. Help us embrace Jesus and tell others as well, before it is too late. Amen.