Matthew 9:35-10:8 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 9:35-10:8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 35Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. Verse 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Verse 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; Verse 38therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."
Chapter 10Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. Verse 2These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Verse 3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Verse 4Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.
Verse 5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, Verse 6but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Verse 7As you go, proclaim the good news, 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' Verse 8Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.
Devotion
Look what happens when the Lord Jesus comes near! In the cities and towns around the Galilee, amazing things began to happen when Jesus came near. He taught in the synagogues. He proclaimed the good news of the kingdom. He cured diseases and sickness. Jesus had compassion for the people who seemed to be lost like sheep without a shepherd. Life changed for good for those who were touched by the Lord’s presence. What will happen to you today when the Lord comes near? Will you learn something new? Will you smile with hope for God’s future? Will you find respite from the things that hurt? Will you discover that you will never be lost again with the Lord at your side?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, come near with the good news of your kingdom today. Let me be touched by your love and your healing hope. Thank you for the ways you change my life for service in your world. Amen.