Lead the Way

READ 
Matthew 5:3-16  

CONSIDER 

Jesus spends his entire three-year earthly ministry as a homeless, vagabond, itinerant preacher. He’s also a rabbi, or teacher, for the twelve disciples who follow him every day. He teaches in synagogues, in the Temple courts, and as God provides divine appointments that show up as interruptions along the way. In short, he’s always teaching, be it through his example or by his words.  

Our scripture reading for today is essentially the preamble to Jesus’ most famous teaching, known as the Sermon on the Mount. So, if you wonder what Jesus means in John 17:13 when he says, “I told them many things,” Matthew chapters 5-7 are a great place to start.  

REFLECT 

Jesus is telling you many things, too. Reflect on your life, even before you started following Jesus (or, even if you haven’t started following him yet). We believe in prevenient grace. That means God is going ahead of your decision to follow Jesus, clearing the path so you can find your way to him.  

As you reflect on your life, what can you see in hindsight that might have been prevenient grace at work? Where was God clearing the path for you to get closer to Jesus?  

What about if you’ve been following him for a while? Can you look back to a lesson he taught you, an epiphany he gave you, a revelation he shared?  

It is always good to thank the Lord. As you remember the ways God has led you, thank him. It will help shift your posture as you face the day ahead.  

PRAY 

Lord, thank you for guiding me, even before I was ready to follow. Thank you for telling me so many good things. Thank you, even for the hard lessons. Keep leading me, Lord. Amen.