Matthew 17-19

Scripture connections: Mark 9, Luke 9

Matthew 17-19 starts out with a bang.  Peter, James, and John (James' brother) all get to go 

up on a mountain with Jesus and witness a very special God moment.  Jesus is transfigured right in front of their eyes.

⁵ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

Matthew 17:19

This is a verse that says Jesus is my Son, your example.  Pay attention to Him.  Hear what He says. Believe what He is telling you.  Learn from him.  Watch what He does.  

God is validating who Jesus really is in our lives.  

Today, I was drawn to the scripture about "the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:1)."  Jesus tells us children are the greatest. There's something so extraordinary about the faith of a child.  

⁴ Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Matthew 18:4-5

I think it's time for me to think about that.  What does Jesus mean?  I think it has something to do with believing with my whole heart in Him, without question, the way a child does.  I think it also has something to do with being curious and eager to learn more about Jesus, the way a child does.  And, I think it has everything to do with loving the way a child naturally loves His father, without holding anything back.  What do you think?

A prayer for today-

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank you for the example I have in Jesus.  I pray you will help me grow in my faith.  Nurture the faith of a child in me.  Children are such a blessing.  Help me to appreciate the gifts I have in the children You bring into my life.  Give me the patience to love them, nurture them, encourage them, and guide them in ways that reflect Your will and grace.

I pray for the children on my heart today
___________________________.

I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus,

Amen

Blessings,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.