Read: Matthew 14-16
Back in Matthew 13, Jesus shifted from teaching with direct instruction to teaching through stories and parables.
“Whoever has ears, let them hear.” -Matthew 13:43
This verse in Matthew 13 is calling us to listen and pay attention. When it comes to the truth, reading, studying, hearing, living, etcetera, it matters; Jesus knows how easy it is for us to miss it if we aren’t intentional.
This idea shows up again and again throughout Scripture, like in Matthew 11:15; Mark 4:9, 23; Luke 8:8, 14–15, 18; and Jeremiah 25:4. God is speaking, but our hearts have to be open to really understand what He’s saying.
There’s also a strong sense of urgency in these passages. In Matthew 15:10, Jesus says, “Listen and understand.” A few verses later, in Matthew 15:17, He almost sounds frustrated as He asks the disciples, “Don’t you see?” He’s pushing them to move past just hearing His words and actually letting the words actually be understood and applied.
In Matthew 16, Jesus warns them,
“Be careful. Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” -Matthew 16:6
The word yeast here means teachings (Bible Blender). It’s a reminder that small influences can slowly pull us off God’s path if we’re not paying attention.
This urgency shows up again when Jesus talks about what it really means to follow Him. He tells us that being His disciple means taking up our cross and following Him, even when it’s uncomfortable (Matthew 10:38; Matthew 16:24). Our wants, plans, and desires can’t come before God. When they do, we start living for the world instead of walking the path and living the life that God has for us.
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” -Matthew 16:25-26
The truth is, God loves us so much, even though we don’t deserve it. He sent His Son to carry the weight of our sin and make a way for us to be forgiven. There’s nothing we can do to earn that kind of grace. All we can do in response to His love is admit that we need Him, ask for forgiveness, and put our faith in Him. While we don’t know when Jesus is coming back, we do know that He is. That’s why this sense of urgency matters. If someone isn’t in right relationship with God and Christ were to return, where does that leave them?
I’m constantly working on my relationship with God, and honestly, it’s hard sometimes, especially in the world we live in. It’s so easy to let other things take priority. I’m far from perfect, but I keep trying. That’s part of why I do things like this Bible study. It’s a way for me to slow down, spend intentional time with God, and stay rooted in His Word.
What really weighs on my heart is thinking about the people in my life who aren’t in right relationship with God, or who don’t believe in Him at all; in a caring way, not judgmental. If Jesus were to come back right now, that thought breaks my heart. I pray that they come to know Him, even if it means giving up things they love in this world. They don’t realize yet that God’s love is so much greater than anything they’d be leaving behind. I can try to plant the seed, but I can’t force anyone into a relationship with God.
That’s one of the hardest parts for me. I still struggle with sharing my faith with strangers, but it’s something I’m working on. I actually just shared with a stranger in the grocery store the other day. I do talk to my friends and family about God. I invite them to church. I pray for them. I share things like this Bible study. But at the end of the day, the decision isn’t mine to make. Sometimes it feels really heavy, like I’m somehow responsible for their battles, but I know that isn’t true. God reminds us that our job is to plant the seed, and He will take it from there (Mark 4:26-29; Matthew 13:31-32; 1 Corinthians 3:1-11). The Holy Spirit is powerful and can work in ways we can’t always see!
Maybe what I need most is to rest in the truth that the Holy Spirit is moving, and to focus on living a life that naturally points to how good, faithful, and life-giving God is.
Discussion Questions
- In Matthew 14, Peter steps out of the boat and then begins to sink. What causes him to lose focus, and how does that relate to moments in your own life?
- Where in these chapters do you see an invitation to trust Jesus more deeply, even when understanding feels incomplete?
A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
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