Sunday: A Legion of Demons — Matthew 8:28-32; Mark 5:1-13; Luke 8:26-33
Jesus encountered a man who was severely tormented by demons. Immediately the man recognized Jesus as the Son of God and Jesus rescued the man. Without Jesus, the man would have experienced endless torture by these multiple demons. Others had tried to help him the only way they knew how, by tying him up with ropes and chains. But their efforts were feeble. Only Jesus could save him. When life’s temptations overtake us, we can be just like this. Our efforts to triumph are pathetic, at best. But with the power of Jesus, we can overcome.
Monday: A City Rejects Jesus — Matthew 8:33-34; Mark 5:14-20; Luke 8:34-39
When the people of the town heard what had happened, they ran to the beach to see for themselves. There they found the man sitting calmly at Jesus’ feet. The man was utterly transformed—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Instead of reacting with excitement, the people were frightened. They likely were superstitious and afraid of what might happen next, or maybe they were nervous that Jesus would end up destroying more of their livestock. Whatever the cause of their fear, they didn’t recognize Jesus as being the Son of God.
Tuesday: The Daughter of Jairus — Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26; Mark 5:21-24; Mark 5:35-43; Luke 8:40-42,49-56
The miracle Jesus performed of raising Jairus’ daughter has three striking lessons. First, Jairus’ faith is a focus of the story. Even though he was informed that his daughter was already dead, he had utmost faith that Jesus could even overcome that dire circumstance. His faith was real and deep. Indeed, Jesus even commended him. Second, the miracle itself showed the ultimate power of Christ; He is the Resurrection and the Life! Third, Jesus wanted to keep the miracle private. He could have broadcasted the miracle throughout the land and increased His fame among the people. But He didn’t.
Wednesday: The Hem of His Garment — Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48
This passage shows that even in a throng of people, Jesus was fully aware of the woman’s individual need. True faith always stands out from the crowd, and that day virtue flowed into her. Even though she was unclean due to her disease, she risked coming to Jesus. She came stealthily to touch just the hem of His garment; she was desperate. She was at the lowest point of her life. Why do we also wait like this before reaching out to Jesus?
Thursday: Jesus Heals the Blind & Mute — Matthew 9:27-34
These miracles of healing offer an interesting contrast. When the crowd sees them, they are amazed. They even comment that they’ve never seen anything like it! But the men whose lives were devoted to religious purpose claimed the miracles were satan’s doing. They saw the same miracles, what was the difference? The crowd recognized Jesus as the Son of God. The Pharisees didn’t.
Friday: A Final Visit to Nazareth — Matthew 13:54; Mark 6:1-2
When Jesus returned to Nazareth, He taught in the synagogues. The people were amazed at Jesus’ works and the wisdom of His teaching. But that didn’t mean they acknowledged Him as the Son of God. They were pleased, but they didn’t believe that He was the Messiah due to their early familiarity with Jesus. They were spiritually blinded to His true identity.
Saturday: A Prophet Without Honor — Matthew 13:55-58; Mark 6:3-6
At Nazareth, Jesus isn’t readily accepted like He had been when He was traveling. Nazareth was His hometown. The people questioned His authority asking, “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” The people whom Jesus had grown up with, basically took Jesus for granted. Jesus’ own life showed how it can be more difficult to reach those closest to us for Christ, while total strangers are better received. When unbelief and contempt rule us, Christ is driven from the heart.