How to Receive Revelation - Disciple Makers Series #17Sample

Exposing Motives  

Thoughts on the message

This is important to understand. Often, we want a miracle from God – is that wrong? Are we testing God and His faithfulness to us?

Jesus says in this passage that asking for some kinds of miracles is wrong. They wanted a miracle that “proved” that Jesus was who He said He was. Jesus said that this would come from the story of Jonah (Jonah was the prophet who was in the belly of a fish for 3 days – Jesus is saying that His three days in the grave was the same thing). That happened – and they did not believe it! In other words, one miracle was not enough for them to believe. Jesus exposed the motives of their heart. 

Be careful about requests for things that are only meant to satisfy us and meet our desires. If they are only to meet our needs – and not honor God, not help us to grow in our faith, not release blessing on others – then it not much different than the request of these leaders. Just like Jesus did here, He may answer us and we will not recognize it because it did not come the way we wanted.

Prayer

Father, You have asked us to pray. When I pray, I often ask You to do special things. Help me to be careful in these requests. Even more, help me to be aware that You may answer in ways that I do not expect – give me a wise and discerning heart to see Your answers. Also, if these prayers are to meet my needs, then help me be thankful, humble and grateful when You answer. That way, I will honor You with everything I say and do. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.