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Matthew 11:1-19, John the Baptist

Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!’
— Matthew 10:42

NL Daily Devotion for Thursday, February 21, 2019

by Rev. Stefanie Fauth, Clergy Stuff

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If people want to judge you harshly, they will find a way.

You can fix everything they have found to critique, and they will find something else not to like.

Jesus knew this, and he didn’t let it stop his actions and behavior.

So often we spend our lives adjusting to other’s preferences, when God created us beautifully to be just who we are.

Does this mean we shouldn’t care if we hurt others? No.

But when it comes to who we are and how we present ourselves in the world, know that you are loved just as you are.


Narrative Lectionary Daily Reading:

Now when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and proclaim his message in their cities.

Messengers from John the Baptist

 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’

Jesus Praises John the Baptist

 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
   who will prepare your way before you.” 
Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen!

 ‘But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and calling to one another, 
“We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
   we wailed, and you did not mourn.” 
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon”; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.’

Related & Recent Posts

 
Earlier Event: February 20
Matthew 10:26-42, Coming Persecutions
Later Event: February 22
Matthew 11:20-30, Woes