January 12

Bring Them to Jesus

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 8:1-9 | Genesis 26:17-27:46 | Matthew 9:1-17 | Proverbs 3:9-10

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 9:1-17

“They were hardly out of the boat when some men carried a paraplegic on a stretcher and set him down in front of them. Jesus impressed by their bold belief, said to the paraplegic, “Cheer up son. I forgive your sins” (Matthew 9:2, The Message). 

All around us are friends in desperate need of an encounter with Jesus. Two stories in Matthew 9 remind us that we can be used by God to bring people to Jesus.

First notice the friends of the paraplegic.  Did you notice the word, “their” in verse 2?  Jesus was impressed by “their” faith.  Whose faith?  The Paraplegic? No, the text implies that Jesus was impressed by the faith of the men who brought the paraplegic to Jesus.  

We don’t know about the paraplegic’s faith, we only know that Jesus commends his friends for having faith enough to bring the man to Jesus for healing.  

It seems to me that this says something very important to us. We, through our prayers and faith, can bring people to Jesus. Our prayers do matter. Our faith does make a difference.

Nothing is too difficult for God; no need too big. We all know friends who need the miraculous intervention of God. Will we bring them to Jesus? Will we take their needs to Him in bold belief through intercession?

Notice also the story of Matthew. After he becomes a follower of Christ, Matthew has a party for all his old friends. Jesus and the disciples show up too. What is Matthew doing? He’s bringing his friends to Jesus so that they might have opportunity to experience the new life he himself has just received.

Whether through prayer or witness, we can play an important part in the lives of our friends as we bring them to Jesus. As we bring people into his presence, miracles happen and lives are transformed.

Loving Heavenly Father, Give me the faith to pray for my friends who need an encounter with Jesus. Help me to step out in faith and invite my friends to meet Jesus. Amen.