20Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.

21"Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

- P52

28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

- P54

When Jesus addresses the ongoing sin in the towns He visits, He boldly proclaims God‘s inevitable judgment upon unrepentant sinners. His messageis apocalyptic and terrifying. Jesus also praises the Father and affirms Hisrelationship to God as His Son.  - P54

God‘s people have the opportunity to knowthe Father and the Son, Jesus beckons all who are weary and burdened tocome to Him and learn from Him, knowing that He is gentle and humblein heart. All of us can be weary and burdened at times, but when we goto Jesus, we are assured that we will find rest for our souls.  - P54

The question isnot whether Jesus will invite us into His peace but whether we will acceptHis loving offer. - P54

Dear Jesus, thank You for giving rest to our souls. Help us to serve You withjoyful and humble hearts. Teach us to follow Your example of gentlenessand humility each day. In Your name, amen. - P55


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2When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples

3to ask him, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"

4Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see:

- P46

Jesus sends off His disciples and goes to preach in the towns of Galilee. Johnthe Baptist, who is in prison, sends his disciples to Jesus to ask if He is the Oneto come. Jesus points to His works of healing and preaching as an answer.
He then praises John as being the messenger sent before the Messiah andrebukes those who reject both John and Himself. - P47

While John the Baptist is in prison, he sends his disciples to confirm whether Jesus is the true Messiah. Rather than directly affirming His messiahship, Jesus offers proof through His ministry: the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, and the Good News is being proclaimed to the poor. - P48

John may feel discouraged in prison, but he can be strengthened by the testimonies of what his disciples have seen and heard Jesus do. This is encouraging for believers who are struggling today: Our faith can be strengthened as we seek Jesus and see what He has done both in Scripture and from the testimonies of fellow believers who have been blessed through encounters with Him. - P48

Many have failed to recognize the true identity of John the Baptist andJesus. They judge both harshly, saying that John has a demon and Jesus isa glutton and drunkard who is friends with sinners. However, Jesus shareswith the crowd who John the Baptist really is.  - P48

Those who are willing tolisten will recognize that John is the prophesied Elijah who has come toprepare the way for the Messiah. Yet Jesus also says that the person who isleast in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John. We are blessed to bemembers of the new covenant by grace through faith.  - P-1

We, too, have theprivilege of proclaiming Jesus, testifying about Him more clearly than Johnever could. - P48

Heavenly Father, thank You that I can always turn to You when I face discouragement and doubt. Help me overcome my unbelief and remind me of the Good News of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name I pray, amen. - P48


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39Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

40"Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. - P43

At first glance, Jesus’ words sound as though He wants to bring division. However, He is addressing the issue of lordship. Loving our family members is, of course, a good thing, but if we love them more than Jesus, then we have made them lord over our lives. Whomever or whatever we have acknowledged as lord also dominates our thoughts and actions. This is why Jesus says that whoever does not take up their cross and follow Him is not worthy of Him. - P44

The person who refrains from doing so shows that they are not fully devoted to Christ. Taking up the cross is difficult and requires self-sacrifice, but those who do so know that it is worth it because they are walking the path of their Savior.
- P44

The gospel can sometimes offend the mind, but the work of the Holy Spiritcan turn hardened hearts into ones that are ready to receive His Word.
- P45

Ultimately, we can take our cues on how to be a Christian from ChristHimself. When faced with opposition, He spoke razor sharp truths whilemaintaining deep compassion for the lost. Though this can be challenging,
with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can boldly model Christ and openlyshare the Good News. - P45

Jesus, I acknowledge You as Lord over my life. I remember Your sacrifice and renew my commitment to take up my cross and follow You. I desire to work faithfully for Your kingdom and honor others who do the same. In Your name I pray, amen. - P45


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19But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,

20for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

- P38

32"Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.

33But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. - P39

For the Twelve, being sent out like sheep among wolves is probably not their ideal job description. Jesus warns His disciples to be on their guard because they will face fierce opposition and persecution, including being flogged in the synagogues and being hated by everyone. However, the disciples are also promised strong support. They will not have to worry about what to say or how to say it because the Holy Spirit will speak through them. - P40

Sometimes we may be worried about what to say when people challenge our beliefs. However, we can be confident that God’s Spirit will give us the words to say when we need them. We become His mouthpiece as God speaks to others through us. - P40

Lord, I know that when I face opposition and persecution, I do not need to worry because Your Spirit is with me. May my faith and courage rise so that I may live fearlessly as Your disciple. In Your name I pray, amen. - P41

We must remember God has shown Himself to be the ultimate expert. Heisn‘t just available to us for a one-time salvation from the judgment that isto come; He saves us from living a meaningless life and calls us to live ac-cording to His plans and purposes.  - P41

His desire is for us to live life to the full,
and there is only one way to achieve this: Receive salvation through God‘sSon and grow in His likeness. The world may laugh at the notion of turningto God, but we should remember that we can turn to Him for anything,
whether that be concerns about our health, money, or relationships.  - P41

Let usalways look to God, the ultimate expert of this life. - P41

The threat of physical harm can paralyze even the most courageous amongus. However, we do not need to be afraid of people who may harm thetemporal body but cannot kill the soul because God cares for His people.
He knows every hair on our heads, and we can be assured that in due time,
He will bring all things to light. No injustice will go unpunished, and thosewho confidently declare Christ on earth will be acknowledged by Jesus inheaven.  - P40

Nothing escapes the all-seeing gaze of our Father. Be encouraged,
for we are fully known and cared for by our powerful and loving God,
and He will act with perfect wisdom and justice against those who comeagainst - P40


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These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.

6Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.

7As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ - P34

14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.

15Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. - P35

Jesus calls His twelve disciples and gives them authority to drive out evil spirits and heal every disease—tasks that He Himself has done on this earth. The disciples become an extension of their teacher as they demonstrate the power of the kingdom of heaven. - P36

The disciples’ mission is Jesus’ mission, showing that Jesus is present among them and working through them. Though the twelve disciples come from different backgrounds, each of them holds a special place in Jesus’ mission. - P36

Today, Jesus is likewise calling us to be His workers in the harvest of His kingdom. Having witnessed His power and authority through the Scriptures, we are called to continue His divine mission as His stewards. - P36

After calling His disciples, Jesus gives clear instructions for the harvest-where to go, what to do, and how to do it, including guidance on the rightattitude and approach. This marks the beginning of their mission, and allthey need to do is follow Jesus‘ strategy.  - P36

Though they may face oppositionand rejection, there is no need to worry or fear; God will provide for them.
As we step into the mission Jesus entrusts us with, we are not stepping intoit empty-handed. Through the Scriptures, He equips us with clear instruc-tions and guidance so that we can turn to Him when we are unsure of whatto do or how to do it. - P36

I am comforted as I am reminded that I, too, am called for a specific rolein Jesus‘ mission. Despite my limitations and imperfections as a mission-ary, Jesus reassures me that His power and authority are with me as I stepinto the world. He affirms me with His loving voice, leading my steps andshowing me the right path. As I walk forward in faith, I trust that He willcontinue to guide, empower) and use me for His glory. - P37

Dear God, I am honored that You have called me to be a worker for Your harvest. Help me to demonstrate the power of Your kingdom and be a witness to those who do not yet believe in You. In Your Son’s name I pray, amen. - P37


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