Daily Bible Reading – September 2023, God’s Saving Word: WisdomНамуна
September 8
Introduction
Jesus heals a man who is blind and unable to speak. This prompts the religious leaders to challenge Jesus’s authority, claiming that his source of power is demonic. They fail to recognize that God’s Spirit is at work in Jesus to do God’s will. The reading concludes with Jesus issuing a series of warnings about evil and Judgment Day.
Scripture Reading
Matthew 12:22-37
Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 12:30a
[Jesus said:] “Anyone who is not for me is really against me.”
Reflect
Verses 22-24 indicate the belief at that time that illness was caused by demons or evil spirits. The crowd that witnesses Jesus healing the man is amazed; yet the religious leaders challenge Jesus’s source of power. How does Jesus respond to the Pharisees (verses 25-28)? What is Jesus’s source of power (verse 28)? Reread verses 33-37. How do you interpret Jesus’s statement, “A tree is known by the kind of fruit it bears”?
Pray
Dear Jesus, your power comes from God’s Spirit, and you have ushered in the Kingdom of God. Help me to bear "good fruit" to extend your Kingdom and proclaim your salvation and forgiveness of sin through my words and deeds this day. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Matthew 12:38-50: Jesus redefines the meaning of family.
Scripture
About this Plan
Daily Bible Reading is designed to facilitate consistent interaction with Scripture. It includes background information on each day’s Scripture passage, key verses for meditation, reflection questions to help you dive deeper into Scripture, and prayers to help you connect to God and be of spiritual support to others. Journey with us this month as we explore the theme, “God’s Saving Word: Wisdom.” [Note: All Scriptures are quoted in the GNT.]
More