Matthew 14:12
The disciples of John responded to his death in the best way possible. They properly buried their teacher, and they sought after Jesus, the master of their souls. Several considerations brought them to Christ. For one, they had nowhere else to go. Jesus was the only one teaching what John had taught. He was naturally the one they would want to see. Secondly, they felt that Jesus should be made aware of the situation. Although we may say that they should have figured Jesus already knew due to his divine knowledge, it was appropriate for them to tell him. We pray even though God already knows our needs before we ask. In the same way it was not wrong for these, who had followed John so faithfully, to come to Christ and talk to him about the situation. Finally, they realized the danger that Jesus himself faced in this uncertain time. Enemies abounded, and Herod Antipas could obviously not be trusted.
It is after this event that Jesus begins to focus more on his disciples, and less on the crowds. It becomes more and more obvious now in the direction his ministry takes that the Jews were not going to accept him. The future church was his focus, and he spent much time preparing his group of men for the leadership that they would take on soon.
Bible Reading: 2 Kings 24:1-1 Chronicles 1:54
Scripture Memory: 1 John 3:12 “Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own deeds were evil, and his brother’s righteous.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for this great day as William starts kindergarten. Help me to have a renewed sense of You, and to know You better every day. We all need to know more about You and Your world. Life lived to learn more of You and to serve You, and to live every minute for You, is wonderful and satisfying. You are worth living for. I long to know You better. Though I will spend my entire life learning of You and never finish, I will pursue You anyway. a relationship with You that is real and lasting is the most important thing in my life. Father, may we attain the goals we have set for ourselves as we pursue a life filled with the things of You. Father, You are our desire, and our life’s goal. Thank You for Your Son, Who has made our pursuit possible. I am so glad You sent him for us. I love You! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for a man having trouble with his shoulder. Pray for a woman preparing to have cancer treatments. Pray for a man making decisions about his future.
Journal Entry #13223