-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / WHAT JESUS DID! -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, April 17, 2009
Dinner with Sinners
Jesus ate dinner at Matthew's house. Many tax collectors and
other bad people came and ate with Jesus and his followers.
The Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with these people.
The Pharisees asked Jesus' followers, "Why does your teacher
eat with tax collectors and other bad people?" Jesus heard
the Pharisees say this. So Jesus said to the Pharisees,
"Healthy people don't need a doctor. It is the sick people
that need a doctor."
-- Matthew 9:10-12 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
It's one thing to minister to the outcasts and sinners in public
preaching; it's quite another to go to their parties. Jesus did both.
It made everyone in the religious power structure very nervous, and
eventually, very beligerent. But Jesus came to earth on a mission. A
little disapproval from some religious snobs didn't slow him down any.
Jesus' purpose, however, was not to cause controversy but to share
salvation and fellowship with his new disciple and his friends. To this
day, the best way for people to come to Christ is through a friend who
has recently become a Christian. True friendship always shares our
fellowship with our friends and Jesus!
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Father, thank you that Jesus had his mission so clearly in mind when he
served here. Thank you that criticism would not derail him from this
ministry. And Father, I ask for eyes to see and ears to hear so that I
might minister to others who are seeking for the answers only you
provide. In the grace and the name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.
>> NEW: Phil's What Jesus Did devotional is now
>> available as a book. Click below to order!
http://images.ultracart.com/aff/ACU9/1414/108/185/575/0/index.html
>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/matthew/0417-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+9:10-12&sr=1&t=erv
/--- Sponsor a Child with Compassion -----------------------\
For less than a dollar a day, you can make a powerful
difference in the life of a needy child. Click on the
following link to learn more about sponsoring a child
through Compassion!
\--- http://ads.heartlight.org/email/92/ -------------------/
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
CAPTIVATING: UNVEILING THE MYSTERY OF A WOMAN'S SOUL, by John & Stasi Eldredge
Many Christian women are tired, struggling under the weight of the
pressure to be a "good servant," a nurturing caregiver, passionate
lover, or capable home manager. What Wild at Heart did for men, this
book can do for women.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?254
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!
WHAT JESUS DID! from HEARTLIGHT /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd \/
This devotional is made possible by YOUR donations! If you've found
our emails encouraging or inspiring, we pray you'll give a voluntary
donation to keep this ministry going. Donations are NOT required,
but they are appreciated!
http://www.heartlight.org/support
What Jesus Did! is a 365-day devotional through the book of Luke.
It is written by Phil Ware <phil@heartlight.org> and is part of
HEARTLIGHT Magazine, the leading Christian living e-zine on the
Web. Visit HEARTLIGHT on the web for even more articles, plus
music, devotionals and more for your Christian walk!
http://www.heartlight.org
HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-wjd@maillists.heartlight.org
HOW DO I LEAVE?
Send a blank email to the unsubscribe address:
wjd-unsubscribe@maillists.heartlight.org
STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.
OTHER QUESTIONS?
Find answers to your frequently asked questions:
http://www.heartlight.org/help/faq/wjd.html
======================================================================
