Good morning! As a kid, “I remember being told, now go learn something.” It was generally in the context of going to school and focusing on class work instead of talking in class or it was during a game of cards or dominoes. Have you heard that saying or “you’re going to learn today?” Well, today we are going to read about a similar time. May your day be filled with joy and blessings. Enjoy today’s devotion as we pick up in Matthew 9.

BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 9:10-13 NLT
“10 Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners.11 But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”
12 When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” 13 Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.””

Quick Focus
What did Jesus want the Pharisees to go and learn? ____. That’s right, He wanted them to learn the meaning of the Scripture, “I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.”

REFLECTION
The Pharisees of that day were judging people by their past and current status. They were focused on living by the religion and proving they were worthy, but they were missing a key item. Jesus was more concerned with the heart of his people. Jesus, was building personal relationships with the broken, hurt, least, last and the lost – showing mercy.

Jesus doesn’t care where we came from, what background or past that we have, he is ready and willing to accept us wherever we are and as we are. When we decide to follow Jesus, He begins a mighty work in us – He changes our lives from the inside out. We can’t do it alone.

Brothers and sisters, I am far from perfect and far from being sinless, but I met a man named Jesus who knew everything about me. He knew my broken past, my hang ups and my stubborn personality. He took me by the hand and said, follow me and I did, and my life has never been the same. Now, the same compassion, mercy and love Jesus extended to me is the same compassion, mercy and love I strive to help others to see. It’s the same love, compassion and forgiveness Jesus extends to everyone.

Please stop holding on to your anger (it’s making you sick). Please stop saying, I’m not ready, but complain about God not doing anything to change your situation (the enemy wants you paralyzed with in decision and fear). Please stop using excuse after excuse. Stop running to the things that will never fill you or make you whole. But in the strength and the power that Jesus Christ gives us, man/women up, declare your victory in Jesus and begin to follow the Only One who can change you, heal you and make you whole.

This week is a great week to start or restart following Jesus.

Are you ready? __________

Will you follow Jesus? _______

PRAYER
Father God, in the name of Jesus, we pour out our hearts to you in thanks for all that you have done for us. Lord, you are so gracious and merciful. Lord, thank you for your faithfulness toward us. Thank you for giving us opportunity after opportunity to follow you and turn our lives around. Lord, you are worthy to be followed, you are worthy to be praised. Lord, forgive us of our sins. Lord, we surrender our lives to you again, today, right now, Lord pour out your Holy Spirit and do a brand new work in us. Lord, equip us and fill us with a steadfast Spirit that is focused on your mission, your love for people and the tenacity to pursue you with all our heart and mind. Lord, we lift up the broken and lost and ask that you restore them and lead them to you. Lord, help us to see people through Your eyes and Your ability to do the impossible – change anyone. Lord, thank you for calling us out of the desert of our lives and for giving us endless living water. Continue to fill us and change us. In Jesus name, amen. 

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