Episode 1098 - Jarvis Kingston Jesus prioritized mercy and healing over rigid adherence to rules, teaching us the importance of compassion

Jarvis Kingston

Your Daily Prayer 🙏🏾 Matthew 10:1
Your background doesn’t define your future in God’s kingdom.
Today’s daily devotional is about Jesus calling His twelve disciples. Despite the Pharisees' opposition, Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath and then chose a diverse group of twelve men to follow Him. These disciples, not chosen for their abilities but for their hearts, were instrumental in spreading the kingdom of God.
STORY
Bible in a Year: The Twelve
Scripture
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Matthew 9:37-38
Have you ever felt inadequate or unqualified for a task?
Jesus’ selection of His twelve disciples shows that God’s call is not based on human qualifications but on His divine purpose. On a Sabbath, Jesus entered the synagogue and healed a man with a withered hand, despite the Pharisees' attempts to catch Him breaking Sabbath laws. This act of compassion and defiance highlights Jesus’ commitment to doing good and showing God’s love, regardless of societal constraints.
What can we learn from Jesus’ response to the Pharisees?
Jesus prioritized mercy and healing over rigid adherence to rules, teaching us the importance of compassion and doing good, even when it goes against societal norms.
How can you apply Jesus’ example of compassion in your daily life?
After this event, Jesus went to a mountain and chose twelve men from His followers to be His closest disciples. These twelve were a diverse group, including fishermen, a tax collector, and a zealot. They were not chosen for their abilities or status but for their willingness to follow Jesus and learn from Him.
What does the selection of the twelve disciples teach us about God’s calling?
The disciples’ varied backgrounds remind us that God’s call is inclusive and based on His purpose for our lives. Jesus saw their potential to be transformed and to carry His message to the world.
How can you embrace God’s call in your own life, despite feelings of inadequacy?
Reflect on the qualities that made the disciples effective: humility, willingness to learn, and faith in Jesus. As you follow Jesus, trust that He equips those He calls and that your unique background and experiences can be used for God’s glory.
REFLECTION
Reflect on the times you have felt unqualified or inadequate for what God has called you to do. Are there areas where you need to trust more in God’s ability to equip you?
This week, focus on developing a heart of humility and a willingness to learn from Jesus. Embrace your unique experiences and background, trusting that God can use them for His purpose.
PRAYER
“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”
MATTHEW 10:1
God I thank You that when You choose people for greatness, You don’t choose the people who look the part, but You choose those whose hearts are pure and whose willingness shouts louder than any shortcomings they may have. Jesus, because You chose 12 of the most unlikeliest of characters and personalities, I will not look for perfection when choosing those who run alongside me, but I will look for people whose hearts are pure and who have a genuine willingness to pursue the things of God. Through 12 disciples You turned the world right-side up, Jesus, and through my relationships and friendships I know we will make a lasting impact! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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