- Day 1: Jesus, the New and Better Moses
Devotional: In the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, we see Jesus presenting himself as the new and better Moses. While Moses provided manna from heaven, Jesus offers himself as the true bread of life. This signifies that Jesus is not just a provider of physical sustenance but the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment. He came to guide us into a right relationship with the heavenly Father and deliver us from the tyranny of sin. Reflect on how Jesus fulfills the roles of prophet, priest, and king in your life. He is everything that the people of Israel looked for in their leaders, and he is everything we need today.
Verse: ‘Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.’ ‘We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,’ they answered.’ – Matthew 14:16-17
Question: How does recognizing Jesus as the new and better Moses change your understanding of his role in your life?
Quote: Jesus describes himself, no doubt and quite clearly as a new Moses. That is, a better Moses, a new bread if you will.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for being the true bread of life. Help me to see you as my ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and guide me into a deeper relationship with the Father. Amen. - Day 2: Jesus’ Compassion for the Lost
Devotional: Jesus sees the crowd and recognizes their needs, both physical and spiritual. His compassion is evident as he heals the sick and feeds the hungry. In our world today, we often encounter people who are lost and wandering, much like the crowd Jesus saw. When we look at others through the eyes of Jesus, we are moved to compassion and action. Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to him, promising that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. He cares deeply for each of us and wants to meet our needs.
Verse: ‘When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.’ – Matthew 9:36
Question: How can you show compassion to those around you, just as Jesus did?
Quote: Jesus sees this crowd and he sees lost and wondering people. I don’t know of a better descriptor of our society today.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to see others through your eyes and to have compassion for their needs. Teach me to bring my burdens to you and trust in your care. Amen. - Day 3: Tasting and Seeing the Goodness of Jesus
Devotional: Jesus invites us to taste and see that the Lord is good. He is not just a provider of physical bread but the sustainer of our souls. When we align our hearts and lives with Jesus, we experience his goodness and sufficiency. He meets our deepest needs and satisfies our souls in ways that nothing else can. Take time today to reflect on the ways Jesus has been good to you and how he has met your needs.
Verse: ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.’ – Psalm 34:8
Question: In what ways have you experienced the goodness of Jesus in your life?
Quote: Jesus invites you to taste and see that the Lord is good. He alone is able to meet the needs of our souls. David Platt
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your goodness and for meeting my deepest needs. Help me to continually seek you and find satisfaction in you alone. Amen. - Day 4: Aligning Our Lives with Jesus
Devotional: Jesus wants to be the king of our hearts and lives. When we align our lives with who he is and trust in him, he cares for our needs. This alignment means surrendering our own desires and plans to follow his will. It means trusting that he knows what is best for us and that he will provide. Reflect on areas of your life where you need to align more closely with Jesus and his teachings.
Verse: ‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.’ – 1 Peter 2:9
Question: What areas of your life do you need to surrender to Jesus to align more closely with his will?
Quote: Jesus wants you so much to make him the king of your heart, king of your life, to align your life with who he is and to trust in him, and he’ll care for your needs.
Prayer: Jesus, I want you to be the king of my heart and life. Help me to align my desires and plans with your will and to trust in your provision. Amen. - Day 5: Joining Jesus in His Ministry
Devotional: As followers of Jesus, we are invited to join him in his ministry. He calls us to use our gifts and resources to serve others and share the gospel. This participation in his ministry is not just a duty but a privilege. When we serve others, we reflect the compassion and love of Jesus. Consider how you can use your unique gifts to meet the needs of those around you and further the kingdom of heaven.
Verse: ‘Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.’ – John 6:11
Question: How can you use your gifts and resources to serve others and share the gospel?
Quote: He invites the disciples into this kingdom, into this ministry. He invites them to do this work. And he invites you and I to be a part of this.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for inviting me to join you in your ministry. Show me how to use my gifts to serve others and share your love. Amen.
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