Daily Bible readings from Matthew, week commencing 8th Jan

Daily Bible readings from Matthew, week commencing 8th Jan

As you read each passage, pray for God’s help. Ask yourself:

  • What does God reveal about Himself?
  • How is your own heart revealed?
  • How does this passage underline the wonder of God’s love for us in Jesus Christ, and your own need of Christ as Saviour and Lord?

Turn these truths into prayer and praise.

8 January Mt 8:1-17

“God with us” (Mt 1:23) results in matchless teaching (chs.5-7) and astounding miracles (chs.8-9). Our Lord rejoices in the centurion’s bold faith (v.10) but also responds to the more hesitant faith of the leper (v.2). Such is His grace. He heals the one (vv.14-15) and the many (vv.16-17), for no need is too small or too great for His mercy. Our King delights to welcomes the rank outsiders: lepers, gentiles, the desperate who can bring nothing but their need. Come! Bring Him your prayers.

9 January Mt 8:18-27

There are always those who want to follow Jesus on their own terms (vv.19-22). It can’t be done. True disciples follow unconditionally (v.23), yet they may still have wobbly moments (vv.24-25). No matter: Jesus will grow us when we are with Him. How? By opening our eyes to Him in increasing measure (v.27). Growth comes by seeing Jesus more clearly. Are you afraid to follow Him without limits? The answer is always the same: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus” (He 12:2).

10 January Mt 8:28-34, Mt-9:1-8

There are so many obstacles to the coming of God’s kingdom: Satan’s malevolence, highlighted in human violence (8:28) and the senseless destruction of animals (8:32); yet more sickness (9:2); skin-deep religion (9:3-4). Won’t Jesus be discouraged? No! In the midst of it all, He brings deliverance, healing and the forgiveness of sins. He restores the broken to God and to their humanity. Who misses out? Only those who are proud, self-sufficient and self-righteous (9:3-4). How about you?

11 January Mt 9:9-13

All these healings – and now Matthew tells of his own miraculous “healing” (note the medical analogy, v.12). The despised tax-collector is called to Jesus (v.9), and is transformed from a taker into a giver (v.10). He never forgot what God had saved him from (see 10:3). The self-righteous despise grace (v.11), but it is the Lord’s way and we must learn it if we would be His disciples (v.13). We come into the presence of God not because we are particularly good people, but only as forgiven sinners.

12 January Mt 9:14-17

Not everyone was in the mood for a party. Some expected a more solemn disposition among God’s people (v.14). Jesus agrees that there is indeed a time for fasting and a time for feasting (v.15); but His presence makes this a moment of celebration. Our old ways are too inflexible to contain the lavish grace that Jesus brings; His kingdom is new, and requires us to be made new too (vv.16-17). Have you tasted the new wine of Jesus’ kingdom? Then step in time to the music and celebrate!

13 January Mt 9:18-26

It’s hopeless! Or is it? The synagogue leader and the haemorrhaging woman are united in their conviction that where there’s Jesus, there’s hope, even when we’re confronted with death or long-term illness (vv.18, 21). Their child-like faith was not in vain. The healing power of Jesus knows no limits, as these two witnesses affirm – and it certainly isn’t confined to physical sickness. Jesus is the hope of the hopeless. Perhaps this is a timely reminder for you?

14 January Mt 9:27-34

Two blind men receive their sight and can’t resist telling everyone, despite Jesus’ telling them to keep the lid on it (vv.30-31). We can understand their excitement. But we might have expected all this chattering would make Jesus think twice before giving a mute man his voice back (vv.32-33)! Not a bit of it. Mercy takes precedence, even if it sets the whole crowd talking (v.33). But not everyone received their sight. Some with functioning eyes were still tragically blind (v.34). Do you see?