Welcome to the Come to Jesus Daily Devotional, posted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, as we continue our Luke: Exploring Who Jesus Is series.
Please note this week, due to our week of prayer, I'll be posting every weekday.
From Luke 18:31-33, let’s reflect on the way that Jesus wants to teach us on a broad range of things; however, we most urgently and daily need a fresh vision of the gospel.
You can listen to this devotional below (It’s available on YouTube and many other platforms)
‘Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, and spit on him; they will flog him and kill him. On the third day, he will rise again.” (Luke 18:31-33)
We all need regular reminders about important things: Put the toilet seat down. Don’t use your phone at the table. Remember, we have two ears and one mouth—use them in proportion. Get enough sleep. Eat a healthy diet. These are all valuable, but do we recognise that the most important reminder we need is a fresh, renewed vision of the gospel?
Before His suffering and death, Jesus sought to take His disciples aside so as to prepare them. They were about to suffer an almighty trauma, and He wanted them to know that this was all a part of God’s plan and fulfilment of His promises.
We could assume that having been with Jesus - the greatest teacher - that they would have been saturated with the message of the gospel, but this was not the case! After His resurrection, he reminds his doubting disciples on the Road to Emmaus:
‘He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.’ (Luke 24:25-27)
Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we too are prone to doubt and wander. Life’s discouragements often lead us to question our faith. Yet, just as Jesus challenged and encouraged them to believe the gospel anew, he invites us to do the same.
Of this moment of renewed vision, we read:
‘When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”’ (Luke 24:30-32).
In the same way, Jesus desires for our hearts to burn within us today and every day as he opens the Scriptures and reveals the message of the gospel to us. While Jesus has much to teach us on a wide range of topics, our most urgent and daily need is for a renewed and fresh vision of the gospel.
Things to go away and pray for or reflect on:
How would I summarise the gospel message?
Many people claim to be spiritual or believe in God. Why is this not enough? Why do they need to believe the gospel?
How do I, or could I, seek fresh inspiration of the gospel each day?
Communion is a vital part of fresh revelation of the gospel. Do I take communion with expectation that my ‘heart will burn within me’ by the Spirit’s power?
Community Group Notes
Due to our week of prayer, there is no group study this week. We would love you to come along to as many of our prayer meetings as you can. If you want details of the Zoom link, please contact the church office or, if you are signed up, look at Church News in your emails.
Theme of the Week
Our week of prayer will follow the theme of our Luke series. Inspired by Luke 18:31-43, we’ll focus on “fresh vision from God that leads our community to praise Him.”
Each day, during our morning and evening Zoom gatherings, as well as our in-person meeting on Wednesday, we’ll explore these themes:
Monday: Luke 18:31-33. Fresh vision from Jesus.
Tuesday: Luke 18:31-33. Fresh vision of the gospel.
Wednesday: Luke 18:34. Fresh vision from the Spirit.
Thursday: Luke 18:35-39. Fresh vision results from and leads to prayer.
Friday: Luke 18:4—42. Fresh vision leads others to praise God.
Sunday: General prayer inspired by our week of praying together.
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