Crews N Away: Anchored in Grace Blog – Page 129

September 12, 2026

HEALED ALL THE SICK / MATTHEW 8:16-17

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 8:16-17

When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: ¹⁷That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

The Burden-Bearer: Finding Hope in Matthew 8:16-17

We often look at the miracles of Jesus as demonstrations of raw, divine power—moments where the laws of nature bend at His command. But if you look closely at Matthew 8:16-17, you will find something much deeper than a display of authority. You will see the profound, empathetic heart of a Savior who does not just look at our suffering from a distance, but actively steps into it.

The passage reads:

“When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.’” (Matthew 8:16-17, NIV)

Healed All the Sick

Imagine the scene as the sun began to set. Word had spread like wildfire through the town. People were arriving from every corner, carrying their broken down, hurting, and desperate loved ones.

Matthew notes a beautiful, all-inclusive detail: Jesus healed all who were sick. He did not turn anyone away because their case was too difficult, nor did He establish a checklist for who was worthy of His time. With a simple word and a compassionate touch, darkness fled and bodies were made whole.

The Cost of Our Comfort

But Matthew doesn’t stop at the miracles. He connects this evening of healing back to a prophecy written centuries earlier by Isaiah.

Notice the verbs used in Matthew 8:17: He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.

Jesus did not simply wave a magic wand to make pain vanish into thin air. The text implies a divine exchange. He took the heavy, crushing weight of human suffering and transferred it onto His own shoulders. Every miracle Jesus performed on earth was a physical preview of what He would ultimately accomplish on the cross—where He bore our ultimate sickness of sin and separation from God.

Meeting Him in the Pain

If you are walking through a season of physical, emotional, or spiritual sickness today, this verse stands as a monument of hope.

You are not ignored: Jesus sees the crowd, but He also sees you.
Your burden is not too heavy: There is no affliction too complex for His restoring word.
He understands your suffering: Because He chose to bear our infirmities, He intimately knows the toll pain takes on your soul.

Whether your healing comes immediately, gradually, or through the ultimate restoration in eternity, you can rest knowing that you do not carry your afflictions alone. The Savior is right there with you, bearing the weight.

A Closing Prayer for Healing and Strength

Heavenly Father, Almighty God,

We come before You today acknowledging that You are the Lord who heals us. We thank You for the powerful truth found in Your Word—that Jesus did not turn away from our brokenness, but willingly took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows.

Lord, I lift up every reader who is currently wrestling with sickness, chronic pain, anxiety, or a broken heart. Speak Your word of peace over their lives right now. Where there is disease, bring restoration. Where there is weariness, infuse Your supernatural strength.

When the waiting feels long and the night feels dark, remind us that we are never alone. Help us to trust in Your faithful sovereignty and lean hard into Your unchanging love. Thank You, Jesus, for bearing our burdens on the cross so that we might live in freedom.

In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

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September 12, 2026

GREAT FAITH / MATTHEW 8:10

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 8:10

When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

The Anatomy of Great Faith: Lessons from Matthew 8:10

In our daily walk with God, it is easy to fall into the routine of “doing” religion. We attend services, repeat familiar prayers, and follow the traditions handed down to us. But in Matthew 8:10, we witness a moment that disrupted the religious status quo so deeply that Jesus marveled.

When Jesus heard the words of a Roman centurion, He turned to the crowd and said:

“Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” (Matthew 8:10).

What was it about this Gentile soldier’s posture that eclipsed the faith of the chosen people of Israel? The answer lies in the beautiful anatomy of a faith that moves the heart of God.

1. Faith Driven by Compassion

The centurion did not approach Jesus to seek power, wealth, or personal prestige. He came on behalf of a suffering servant. In Roman culture, servants were often viewed as mere property. Yet, this military leader possessed a deep, loving concern for another person (WHEN JESUS WAS AMAZED AT A MAN’S FAITH).

True faith is never isolated from love. It expresses itself through compassion and intercession for those who cannot help themselves (What does Jesus mean by “such great faith” in Matthew 8:10?).

2. Complete Trust in Christ’s Authority

As a military officer, the centurion understood the chain of command. He knew that when he gave an order, it was executed because of the authority backing his title.

When he told Jesus, “Only speak a word, and my servant will be healed,” he was recognizing that Jesus held ultimate authority over creation, sickness, and space (What does Matthew 8:10 mean? – BibleRef.com, Roman centurion’s extraordinary faith in Matthew 8:10). He didn’t need a physical sign, a visible touch, or a religious ritual (Matthew 8:5-13 – Centurion’s Great Faith and Humility Before Jesus …). He trusted the power of Christ’s spoken word alone.

3. The Danger of Useless Traditions

Right after praising the centurion, Jesus issues a sober warning in Matthew 8: 11-12. He explains that many outsiders will sit at the table in the kingdom of heaven, while the “sons of the kingdom” risk being cast out (A Centurion’s Faith Matthew 8:5-13).

This is a heavy warning for us today. The religious insiders of Jesus’ day missed what God was doing because they were blinded by their heritage and tied to useless traditions. When we rely on our religious resume rather than a living, active surrender to the authority of Christ, we hold ourselves back from experiencing the true power of His kingdom.

Moving Forward with Great Faith

Great faith is remarkably uncomplicated. It is humble enough to admit absolute dependence on God, compassionate enough to care for the broken, and bold enough to believe Christ’s word before seeing the physical results (WHEN JESUS WAS AMAZED AT A MAN’S FAITH).

Let us drop our rigid checklists and step into the boundless freedom of trusting Jesus at His word.

A Closing Prayer for Great Faith

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today acknowledging that You are the ultimate authority over all creation. Forgive us for the times we have allowed religious habits or empty traditions to stiffen our hearts and limit our vision of what You can do.

Lord, stretch our faith today. Give us a heart of genuine compassion for the people around us, that we might step out in love on their behalf. Help us to submit entirely to the authority and power of Your kingdom. When we face trials that overwhelm us, remind us that You do not need to prove Your presence with signs—Your spoken word is more than enough.

We choose to trust Your authority, rest in Your compassion, and step out in absolute confidence. Build in us a great faith that honors You.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

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September 12, 2026

DON’T TELL ANYONE / MATTHEW 8:4

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 8:4

And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

The Quiet Miracle: Why Jesus Said, “Don’t Tell Anyone”

In Matthew 8:4, right after performing a beautiful act of healing for a man suffering from leprosy, Jesus gives a striking and unexpected command: “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

At first glance, this feels counterintuitive. If someone has just experienced a life-altering, supernatural healing, wouldn’t the natural next step be to shout it from the rooftops? Why would Jesus want to keep such a powerful moment a secret?

This command—often referred to by theologians as part of the “Messianic Secret”—unveils the deep intentionality, humility, and wisdom behind Jesus’ earthly ministry. He wasn’t looking for a viral moment; He was looking to fulfill a divine mission.

Here are four profound reasons why Jesus told the healed man to keep quiet:

1. Guarding the True Message from the Hype

Jesus did not want people to focus solely on His miracles. Signs and wonders were meant to point to a greater truth, but crowds frequently became fixated on the physical relief rather than the spiritual reality. If the public attention surrounding His miracles replaced the more important message He was teaching—the arrival of the Kingdom of God and the need for repentance—the core of His ministry would be lost in the noise.

2. Protecting God’s Perfect Timeline

Jesus lived in complete alignment with His Father’s schedule. Flooding the region with public sensationalism too early would raise additional opposition to His ministry from both religious and political leaders. This premature hostility could have led to an early arrest or death before He had fully trained His disciples and completed His earthly mission. He managed the flow of information to protect God’s perfect timing.

3. Fulfilling the Law and Restoring the Individual

By telling the man to go straight to the priest and offer the traditional sacrifice commanded by Moses, Jesus was ensuring the man’s full restoration to society. In ancient Israel, priests acted as the health inspectors. For a leper to be legally welcomed back into the community, the priest had to officially declare him clean. Jesus prioritized this man’s practical, long-term restoration over short-term public recognition.

4. Pure Compassion Over Public Applause

Jesus did not perform miracles for public credit, a larger following, or political leverage. His supernatural acts flowed directly out of genuine compassion for individuals who were suffering (as seen across the Gospels in Matthew 9:30; Matthew 12:16; Mark 1:44; Mark 5:43; Mark 7:36; Luke 8:56). He cared deeply for the person standing right in front of Him, independent of who else was watching.

Living Out the “Quiet” Faith

Today, we live in a culture that demands we broadcast every success, good deed, and personal milestone. Matthew 8:4 challenges us to look inward. It asks us: Are we seeking the applaud of the crowds, or are we content with the quiet transformation God is doing in our hearts?

Let us learn from the humility of Christ. May we seek depth over hype, obedience over public recognition, and a relationship with the Miracle Worker rather than just a chase for the miracles themselves.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

*Thank You for the quiet, intimate ways You work in our lives. Forgive us for the times we chase recognition, hype, or the approval of others rather than seeking Your heart. Lord, give us the humility of Christ. Help us to value the deep, inward transformation of our souls above any outward show. We thank You for Your profound compassion that meets us in our brokenness and restores us fully. Teach us to trust Your perfect timing in our lives, and may our actions always point others to the true message of Your Kingdom. *

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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September 12, 2026

JESUS TOUCHED THE MAN / MATTHEW 8:3

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 8:3

And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

The Power of the Pure Touch: Reflection on Matthew 8:3

In ancient times, a diagnosis of leprosy was essentially a social and physical death sentence. The term “leprosy” covered a variety of severe, progressive skin diseases that frequently began as neurological conditions. As nerve endings died, individuals lost all physical sensation in their hands, feet, and legs. This lack of feeling left them vulnerable to unnoticed injuries, eventually causing severe infections, physical dysfunction, or the complete loss of limbs.

Because society terribly misunderstood the disease and feared contagion, it imposed strict rules of isolation. Lepers were legally forced to live away from their families in quarantined colonies. Under Levitical Law, they had to wear torn clothes, leave their hair unkempt, cover their faces, and shout, “Unclean! Unclean!” to warn anyone approaching. They were deemed both physically contagious and ceremonially defiled. To touch a leper meant instantly absorbing their uncleanness.

Then came Jesus.

“Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.” 
— Matthew 8:3 (NIV)

The Scandal of Compassion

When the man with leprosy approached Jesus, he did something radical: he fell to his knees in profound faith and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean”. He didn’t doubt Jesus’ power; he only wondered if a holy teacher would choose to extend grace to someone so thoroughly broken.

Jesus could have healed him with a single spoken word. In fact, later in that very same chapter, Jesus heals a centurion’s servant from afar just by speaking. But Jesus chose a different path for this marginalized man.

Without a moment of hesitation, Jesus reached out and touched him.

This single act defied all social boundaries and religious expectations. For years, this man had lived without experiencing a hug, a handshake, or a reassuring pat on the back. He knew only isolation, fear, and rejection. The word of Jesus healed his disease, but the physical touch of Jesus restored his broken humanity.

The Clean Transmitting Cleanness

When anyone else touched a leper, the uncleanness spread to the healthy person. But when the sinless Savior touched the outcast, the opposite occurred. Jesus’ divine holiness and purity overwhelmed the disease. Instead of Jesus becoming defiled, His restorative power surged into the man, instantly making him clean.

Following this miraculous healing, Jesus commanded the man to go directly to the priest and offer the traditional gifts commanded by Moses. Jesus did not dismiss the law; He honored it. By presenting himself to the religious authorities, the man could be legally declared clean and officially welcomed back into his family, his community, and society.

No One is Beyond His Reach

Like leprosy, sin slowly deteriorates our spiritual lives, cuts us off from God, and isolates us from meaningful relationships. We often think we are too damaged, too unclean, or too far gone to approach God.

Yet, Matthew 8:3 reminds us that no one is beyond the touch of Jesus. He does not wait for us to clean ourselves up before He approaches us. Moved by infinite love, He meets us exactly where we are, crosses our self-imposed boundaries, and extends His healing hand.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We stand in absolute awe of the grace and compassion displayed by Your Son, Jesus. Thank You that when we were isolated by our own brokenness, mistakes, and sins, You did not turn away from us in disgust. Instead, You reached down into our mess to pull us close.

Lord, we ask for Your healing touch today. Wherever we feel spiritually numb, emotionally isolated, or physically broken, let Your cleansing power wash over us. Restore our hearts and renew our minds.

Fill us with that same radical love. Grant us the courage to cross the boundaries of comfort and fear so we can reach out to the lonely, the hurting, and the forgotten people in our world. May our lives reflect Your brilliant light and enduring hope.

In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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Bible Study Tools I Use

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Map Pencils
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September 12, 2026

SON OF DAVID / LUKE 18:38-39

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 18:38-39

And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. ³⁹And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.

Hearing the Cry of Faith: The Power of “Son of David”

Have you ever felt like your voice was being drowned out by the noise of the world? In Luke 18:38-39, we encounter a blind beggar sitting by the roadside near Jericho. He is trapped in darkness, ignored by society, and entirely dependent on the pity of strangers. But when he hears that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by, something shifts within him.

He doesn’t just ask for a handout. He cries out with a specific, profoundly theological title: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

More Than a Name: A Confession of Faith

By using the title “Son of David,” this man was showing immense faith. He was publicly acknowledging that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah—the “Anointed One,” Savior, and Christ.

Scripture had promised that the true King and Deliverer would be a direct descendant of King David (Matthew 1:1-16; Jeremiah 23:5). While the religious elites of the day missed who Jesus truly was, this blind man saw clearly with the eyes of faith. He knew that this specific lineage meant Jesus possessed the authority, the power, and the heart to save and heal (Matthew 12:23; 21:15-16; John 7:42).

Persisting Through the Crowd

The response from the crowd around him was immediate and harsh: they rebuked him and told him to be quiet.

How often does the world—or even our own self-doubt—tell us to silence our prayers? How often are we tempted to believe that God is too busy, too distant, or too important to care about our specific pain?

But the blind man refused to be silenced. Instead, he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” His persistence caught the attention of the King of Kings. Jesus stopped in His tracks, called the man forward, and restored his sight.

Your Turn to Cry Out

Today, whatever darkness or obstacle you are facing, know that the Son of David is still passing by. Do not let the noise of the world, your past failures, or the discouragement of others silence your prayers. Cry out to the Messiah with bold, expectant faith. He hears you, He moves toward you, and He has the mercy you need.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, Almighty God,

We come before You today acknowledging Jesus as the Son of David, the true Messiah, and the Savior of our lives. Forgive us for the times we have allowed the noise of the world or the doubts in our hearts to silence our prayers. Give us the bold, persistent faith of the blind man by the roadside.

Lord Jesus, we cry out for Your grace today. Where there is darkness in our lives, bring Your miraculous light. Where there is brokenness, bring Your healing. We trust in Your sovereign authority and Your boundless compassion. Thank You for hearing our cries and never passing us by.

In the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Messiah, Amen.

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Bible Study Tools I Use

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Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

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September 12, 2026

RECEIVE MANY TIMES AS MUCH / LUKE 18:30

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 18:30

Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

The Divine Math of Sacrifice: Understanding Luke 18:30

We live in a culture obsessed with subtraction and addition. We carefully calculate what a choice will cost us, what we have to give up, and whether the return on investment is worth our time, money, or energy.

When we read the Gospels, following Jesus can sometimes feel like an exercise in radical subtraction. We see Him tell the rich young ruler to sell everything. We hear Peter speak up, perhaps with a tinge of anxiety: “See, we have left our homes and followed you.” (Luke 18:28).

But Jesus doesn’t leave His disciples in a place of deficit. Instead, He introduces them to kingdom multiplication.

In Luke 18:30, Jesus gives a staggering promise to anyone who has let go of something precious for His sake:

“…who will not receive many times as much in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”

If you have ever felt the sting of sacrifice for doing the right thing, choosing faith, or serving God’s kingdom, this promise is for you.

1. “Many Times as Much” is a Present Reality

It is easy to push Jesus’ promises entirely into the future—relying on the idea that “we’ll get our reward in heaven.” While eternity is the ultimate prize, Jesus explicitly says we will receive many times as much “in this time.”

When we surrender earthly security for the Kingdom of God, God opens up a completely different economy:

A Larger Family: You might lose individual relationships or comfort, but you gain a global household of faith. The early church lived this out beautifully, sharing what they had so no one was left wanting.
Manifold Forms of Blessing: The original language for “many times as much” or “manifold” implies many different forms. God’s repayment isn’t always a direct financial transactional return; it comes in the form of deep peace, divine protection, purposeful joy, and community.

2. Giving Up vs. Letting Go

Jesus never asks us to give up something unless He intends to replace it with something infinitely better. The rich young ruler walked away sad because he couldn’t grasp that what Jesus was offering was worth far more than his earthly wealth.

Clinging tightly to our possessions, our titles, or our comfort creates a false sense of security. True abundance begins when we open our hands, trust His providence, and embrace a posture of childlike dependence.

3. The Ultimate Return: Eternal Life

The earthly blessings are just the preview. The ultimate culmination of a life surrendered to Christ is eternal life in the age to come. This isn’t a wage we earn through our sacrifices; it is a gift of pure grace given by a generous Father.

Whatever you have laid down at the feet of Jesus—whether it is a career path, an unhealthy relationship, material comfort, or the approval of others—know that it is never in vain. You cannot out-give God.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your overwhelming generosity. Forgive us for the times we hold tightly to our comfort, our wealth, and our plans out of fear that letting go means losing out. Fill us with the faith and courage to trust Your kingdom math.

We thank You for the profound promise that whatever we surrender for Your sake will be returned many times over, both in this present life and for all eternity. Help us to live with open hands and an eye toward eternity, resting fully in Your faithful provision.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

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Bible Study Tools I Use

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September 12, 2026

A RICH MAN … THE KINGDOM / LUKE 18:24-25

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 18:24-25

And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! ²⁵For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Shifting Perspectives: Wealth, the Needle’s Eye, and the Kingdom

Have you ever had a core belief completely turned upside down?

For the disciples walking alongside Jesus, one of those radical paradigm shifts happened when a wealthy young ruler walked away from eternal life, downcast and grieving. Up to this moment, the disciples—like most people of their culture—likely held the common view that material riches were a clear sign of God’s favor, blessing, and approval. If anyone was a shoe-in for the Kingdom of Heaven, surely it was the wealthy and successful, right?

But Jesus completely rewrote the script.

In Luke 18:24-25, Jesus looks closely at the retreating figure of the wealthy ruler and delivers a striking, counter-cultural truth:

“Jesus looked at him and said, ‘How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.'”

The Deception of Self-Sufficiency

Jesus’ words sent shockwaves through the crowd, prompting the immediate, bewildered question: “Who then can be saved?” (Luke 18:26).

Jesus wasn’t saying that wealth itself is inherently evil. Instead, He was exposing the profound spiritual danger that often accompanies it: the illusion of self-sufficiency.

When our bank accounts are full, our needs are met, and we have the resources to solve our own problems, it becomes incredibly easy to rely on ourselves rather than on God. Wealth can subtly become an anchor that ties our hearts to this world, making it agonizingly difficult to surrender everything to follow Christ.

Passing Through the Needle’s Eye

The imagery Jesus uses is intentionally extreme. A massive camel trying to squeeze through the tiny opening of a sewing needle is an absolute impossibility by human standards. It paints a vivid picture of total helplessness.

To enter the Kingdom of God, we have to let go of our baggage. We cannot squeeze through the narrow gate of grace while clinging tightly to our own achievements, status, or material security. We must come to Jesus empty-handed, recognizing our deep spiritual poverty apart from Him.

The beautiful twist comes just a verse later. When the disciples wonder how anyone can ever make it, Jesus offers the ultimate hope: “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). True security isn’t found in what we possess, but in the One who possesses us.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You recognizing that everything we have is a gift from Your hand. Forgive us for the times we have allowed comfort, security, and material possessions to take Your place in our hearts. Shake us out of our self-sufficiency and remind us daily of our deep need for Your grace.

Lord, help us to hold the things of this world loosely. Give us the courage to surrender whatever anchors us to this earth, so that we may fully pursue Your Kingdom. Thank You for doing the impossible in our lives and for saving us when we could never save ourselves. May our ultimate treasure always be found in You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

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Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
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Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 12, 2026

SELL EVERYTHING YOU HAVE / LUKE 18:22

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 18:22

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

The “One Thing” Keeping Us From Everything: A Reflection on Luke 18:22

We love a good checklist. There is a distinct, satisfying feeling that comes with crossing off our daily tasks, checking the boxes of our goals, and feeling like we have everything securely under control.

In Luke 18, a wealthy, young, influential leader approaches Jesus with his own spiritual checklist. He asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. When Jesus lists the commandments, the man responds with confidence: “All these I have kept since I was a boy.”

He had the morality down. He had the reputation. He had the wealth. But his heart was still searching, sensing that something crucial was missing.

Jesus looks at him—not with anger, but with a piercing, loving clarity—and delivers a radical truth that shatters the man’s comfortable world:

“When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’” — Luke 18:22

The Grip of Our Possessions

This Scripture can feel incredibly uncomfortable. Is Jesus commanding every believer across all of history to empty their bank accounts and give away every physical item they own?

Scholars and pastors often note that Jesus was diagnosing the specific condition of this man’s soul. The issue wasn’t the currency itself; it was the grip that the currency had on his heart. The rich ruler didn’t just own wealth—his wealth owned him. It was his security, his identity, and his god.

Jesus knew that for this man to truly receive the kingdom, he had to open his tightly clenched fists. When you open a closed fist, whatever you are holding naturally falls out. In this case, Jesus wanted that wealth to fall into the hands of the poor, freeing the man to fill his hands with a much greater treasure: Christ Himself.

What is Your “One Thing”?

The tragedy of the story is found in the very next verse. The man walks away consumed by grief because he was extremely wealthy. He chose temporary comfort over an eternal inheritance, choosing the things he could see over the Savior who saw right through him.

This narrative forces us to step back from our own modern checklists and ask a heavy question: What is the “one thing” standing between us and total surrender?

It might not be a massive investment portfolio or luxury items. It could be:

A career or reputation we refuse to jeopardize
A relationship we prioritize above God’s calling
Our need for absolute control and certainty over our future
Comfortable habits we are unwilling to sacrifice for kingdom purposes

Following Jesus has always carried a cost. He asks us to be entirely willing to surrender whatever provides us with a false sense of security. He demands to be our ultimate treasure.

Trading Up, Not Missing Out

It is easy to view “selling everything” as a profound loss. But Jesus didn’t invite the ruler into emptiness; He invited him into an upgrade. He promised “treasure in heaven.”

When we release what we are desperately trying to keep, we finally discover the freedom of relying entirely on God’s grace. Today, let us pray for the courage to audit our hearts, release our false idols, and respond to the ultimate invitation: “Come, follow me.”

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with open hearts, acknowledging how easily we let the things of this world capture our devotion. Forgive us for the times we have looked to our possessions, our finances, and our personal comforts to provide the security that only You can give.

Holy Spirit, reveal the “one thing” in our lives that we are holding onto too tightly. Give us the supernatural courage to loosen our grip. Transform our hearts so that we view our resources not as things to hoard, but as tools to bless others and advance Your kingdom.

We want to follow You without reservation. Be our ultimate treasure, our true identity, and our primary security. We lay our lives at Your feet today.

In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

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Bible Study Tools I Use

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www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
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September 12, 2026

LIKE A LITTLE CHILD / LUKE 18:16

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 18:16

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Like a Little Child: Rediscovering Trust in a Restless World

In our fast-paced, self-reliant culture, we are constantly told to achieve, accumulate, and guard our independence. We wear our adult responsibilities like armor, measuring our worth by our productivity and competence. But in Luke 18:16, Jesus completely flips this worldly hierarchy upside down:

“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”

When the disciples tried to shoo the families away—likely thinking Jesus had far more important, “adult” theological matters to attend to—Jesus stopped them. He didn’t just welcome the children; He looked at the adults in the crowd and told them that if they wanted to experience the Kingdom of God, they needed to become like these little ones.

Receiving vs. Achieving

What does it mean to approach God like a little child? It doesn’t mean being naive or abandoning wisdom. It means understanding the difference between achieving and receiving.

Total Dependence: A young child doesn’t present a list of accomplishments to their parents to earn dinner. They simply rest in the assurance that they will be provided for. Childlike faith recognizes that we are completely spiritually bankrupt without Jesus, and we rely entirely on His grace.
Inherent Trust: Children don’t carry the heavy baggage of suspicion or self-sufficiency. When a parent reaches out their arms, the child leaps. God wants us to drop our rigid control and trust His heart just as simply.
A Sense of Wonder: As we grow older, the world can make us cynical. Reclaiming a childlike faith means letting God restore our sense of awe, wonder, and daily gratitude for His love.

Today, Jesus is issuing the same invitation to you. He is asking you to lay down your exhausting efforts to prove yourself. Step out of the exhausting cycle of self-reliance, crawl into your Heavenly Father’s lap, and simply let yourself be loved.

A Closing Prayer for Childlike Faith

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that I do not have to carry the heavy weight of trying to earn Your favor or figure out life all on my own. Forgive me for the times I let pride, anxiety, and self-sufficiency keep me at a distance from You.

Today, I pray for a heart like a little child. Strip away my cynicism and restore my sense of wonder. Teach me to trust Your promises without overcomplicating them, and to rest completely in Your unconditional love and grace. I drop my defenses and open my arms to receive the Kingdom just as You designed it.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

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Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 12, 2026

THE PHARISEE AND THE TAX COLLECTOR / LUKE 18:9-14

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 18:9-14

The Danger of Self-Righteousness: Lessons from the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

We live in a culture that constantly encourages us to build our own resume, curate our best image, and prove our worth. It is easy to let that same mindset creep into our faith. We start measuring our standing with God by how well we perform compared to the people around us.

In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus delivers a powerful, countercultural parable that completely dismantles this approach to faith. He contrasts two men praying in the temple: a Pharisee and a tax collector. Through their stories, Jesus reveals exactly what kind of heart captures the attention and grace of God.

The Pharisee: Blinded by Pride and Self-Righteousness

To understand the Pharisee, we have to look at his background. As noted in passages like Matthew 3:7, Pharisees were deeply religious leaders known for their strict adherence to Jewish law. They were exceptionally committed to outward works.

In the parable, the Pharisee stands by himself and prays: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”

The Pharisee was completely puffed up with pride. He genuinely believed he was right with God because of his own efforts. By focusing entirely on his impressive behavior, he fell into dangerous traps:

He ignored his sinful nature: He forgot that sin is not just about bad actions, but a condition of the heart that separates us from God.
He assumed he didn’t need mercy: Because of his exceptional religious performance, he didn’t think he needed to repent or ask for forgiveness.
He looked down on others: He used the brokenness of others as a backdrop to highlight his own imaginary perfection.

The Tax Collector: A Heart of True Humility

At the other end of the temple stood a tax collector. In the ancient world, tax collectors were notorious for cheating people and collaborating with the Roman oppressors. This man knew exactly who he was. He was deeply conscious of his sin and guilt.

Yet, his response to his brokenness is what changed everything. He wouldn’t even look up to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Unlike the Pharisee, the tax collector possessed a heart willing to truly repent:

He humbled himself: He made no excuses and offered no spiritual resume.
He admitted his need: He recognized his constant need for God’s help, grace, and mercy.
He surrendered: He threw himself entirely on the character of a merciful God.

The Divine Verdict

Jesus concludes the story with a shocking twist for His listeners: “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

The tax collector—the outcast, the cheat, the spiritual failure—was the one made right with God. Why? Because God does not respond to our self-righteous credentials; He responds to our humility.

True children of God are not defined by perfection, but by a consistent posture of humility and repentance. When we stop trying to prove how good we are, we finally open our hands to receive how good God is.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today recognizing that You see past our outward appearances and straight into our hearts. Forgive us for the times we have allowed pride to take root, and for the moments we have compared ourselves to others to make ourselves feel secure.

Strip away any illusion of our own self-righteousness. Help us to remember that our good works cannot save us, and that we are in constant, desperate need of Your grace every single day. Give us the heart of the tax collector—a heart that is quick to humble itself, quick to repent, and fully reliant on Your endless mercy. Thank You that when we come to You with a broken and contrite spirit, You never turn us away. We surrender our pride and choose to walk in Your grace today.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace