Daily Devotion, October 22, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 16:1-4.

Tomorrow in our worship services, we will focus on an earlier passage from Matthew’s Gospel, in which Jesus was also asked for a sign. It is somewhat amazing that this later request is made, because according to Matthew, it comes right after Jesus had just healed many people who were lame, blind, crippled and mute, as well as feeding well over four thousand people with seven loaves of bread and a few fish (Matthew 15:30-38). You would think those would be all the “signs” anyone would need to believe in him.

But notice who is asking for this sign: the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Side note: these two groups were usually antagonistic toward one another but were apparently united in their opposition to Jesus.) Those other signs they had other interpretations for (such as “he does these things by the power of Satan”). So, they come to “test” Jesus. Matthew uses the same word for test that was used in Jesus’ earlier temptations (tests) by Satan. They wanted him to perform some cosmic fireworks show to prove that he was the Messiah.

It is easy to look back at those people and question why they could not see and believe who Jesus was. But it would be good for all of us to ask ourselves what kind of “proof” we need from our Lord in order to deepen our relationship with him and more fully follow his way. There are signs all around us every day that God is at work in this world. Do you see them? Do you believe God is present and working among us?

Personal Worship Option:

Offer a prayer giving thanks for the many ways you see God being active in the world around you. Include your commitment to following the way of Jesus Christ and helping others believe in him and follow his way as well.