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Read: Matthew 8:23-9:9
Listen:
Matthew 8

The men were amazed and asked, What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!Matthew 8:27

Matthew recounts three stories that showcase Jesus’s remarkable authority—calming a storm, confronting demons, healing a paralyzed man and forgiving his sins. These displays of power over nature, the spiritual realm, sickness and sin stun observers. They can’t help but question Jesus’s true identity. They wonder, who is this man that can command the weather, cast out evil spirits, heal sickness and forgive sins against God? Matthew intentionally links Jesus’s authority with his identity. These weren’t just impressive acts. They reveal Jesus as more than a gifted teacher, healer or prophet. Jesus acts with the very authority of God himself.

We can easily become numb to these familiar stories and lose sight of their profound meaning. However, recognizing Jesus’s true identity and authority is crucial for our faith. When we grasp that Jesus is fully man and fully God, it reshapes how we relate to him. His commands carry ultimate weight. His promises are completely trustworthy. His love and grace take on infinite value. Jesus isn’t just an inspiring figure from history. He’s the Lord of all creation who invites us into a relationship with him. How we respond to his identity and authority is the most important decision we’ll ever make.

TODAY: Reflect on how you may have become numb to Jesus’s true identity and authority. Ask God to give you fresh eyes to see Jesus for who he truly is. Consider journaling about how embracing Jesus’s divine identity and authority could impact your daily choices and priorities.


JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Ezekiel 19-20. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Note God’s recounting of Israel’s rebellious history. Consider how Jesus comes to write a new history of obedience (Romans 5:19).