Last episode, we meditated on Jesus calling his 12 disciples for the next three weeks, we will meditate on how Jesus was revealed as the Messiah. in the gospels, he was revealed through his authority of speech, the power of his actions and through what others did and said. So, he was revealed through his speech, his actions, and through what others did and said.
I encourage you to read the Gospels over the next few weeks by downloading the Bible app and following a chronological reading plan of the Gospels. This is what I've meditated on to prepare this section of our Story of the Gospel journey. The link is in the show notes, along with a free resource. See the link in the show notes.
Today we meditate on the authority of Jesus's words. When Jesus spoke, lives were changed. Matthew 7:29 reads that when Jesus spoke, he spoke as one with authority. And as we read the Gospels, we see his words, indeed revealed who he is. He spoke and demons fled Luke 4, He spoke and the dead were raised Mark 9:41.
He spoke and the chaotic storm was calmed, Matthew 8:23–27. He spoke and sins were forgiven, Matthew 9:2–8. He spoke and the decades long paralyzed man walked, John 5:8–9. He spoke and the truth was revealed in plain speech, even for the uneducated fishermen and women to understand. But, in a way those closed off to him and blinded by religion—could not understand. You see, the Messiah had a message. that only those who had ears to hear could hear.
Are we willing to listen? Are we willing to follow? This is where we will meditate on scripture today.
Before I read, take a deep breath to quiet your mind to meditate on God's word.
These are Jesus's words from Matthew 7:24–29.
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
What did you notice as you listened to this passage? Meditate on this for a moment.
Many people listened to Jesus, but not many were open to hearing what Jesus was saying. Are we willing to build our life on the truth of God's word, even if what it says is difficult or can cost us what we hold most dear? Friend, this world is passing away, but the truths of God will last forever.
Take a moment to pray. Pray about your thoughts from today's scripture, or pray about anything else that the Spirit brings to mind.
Let's pray.
Father, Son, Holy Spirit, one and only true God, we worship you. Father, thank you so much for your word through Jesus Christ, your son, that comes with authority and truth and power. Help us to lay our confidence on Jesus's word as revealed in scripture, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable or costs us giving up something that we treasure more than we treasure you.
Forgive us for our idolatries in our hearts and help us to follow your teaching even when it's hard. In Jesus's name, we pray. Amen.
Thank you for joining me today on the Well Soul podcast for our Life of Jesus series through our story of the gospel journey. Remember to download your free resource, How to Have a Devotional Time. Available at the link in the show notes, did you enjoy the episode of the well soul podcast? Then please consider buying me a cup of coffee to help financially make this work continue.
See the link in the show notes for my page on buymeacoffee. com. In closing, I remember my late friend, Brian Vasquez, who made this podcast possible. God bless you. And I pray that you have a well soul.