Tuesday, March 18, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Matthew 7

In 1968, people were enamored with the song "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye. Although Gladys Knight and the Pips recorded the original song a year before, it was Gaye's velvety voice that amazed the audience and made them pay attention.

What amazes you and catches your attention? What gives you that best-thing-since-sliced-bread feeling?

For me it was my teachers. They astonished me—the ones who could grab my attention—which usually meant stepping away from the required curriculum. My English 111 professor recommended unlisted books to heal my heart and unlock my love of writing. They connected with me in ways that made me feel like I mattered.

So often, we receive messages from the “same book,” delivered like every other messenger. However, we all have different passions and learning needs.

Matthew 7:28-29
²⁸ When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, ²⁹ for he taught with real authority- quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

Jesus commanded the crowd and delivered messages like no one before. People heard the word of God from scribes and rabbis, but those religious leaders recited the same teachings, in the same manner as their predecessors, because that’s what was done. It never carried the weight and authority of Jesus’ “velvety” voice.

People can present something backed with truth, but that doesn’t mean it will be received. Delivery is everything. Jesus understood how to give an elevator pitch over and over.

Jesus used a heavenly syllabus, one that could only be understood with the help of the Holy Spirit. He let the world know that his teachings were from God, not the average Rabbi Joe. He repeatedly challenged the expectations and traditions of the Jewish teachers, providing the lessons that the people needed to hear, rather than repeating the old ones.

Jesus’ words, contained in the Bible, still offer us incredible wisdom and guidance. God’s Word can still change lives, the Holy Spirit working in us to reveal what we need to hear. Unlike any other self-help book or inspirational speaker, Jesus’ words are targeted to you and designed to bring you closer to him.

Get to know Christ through pages of Scripture, and let him become your best thing. He has amazed me, and I believe he will amaze you, too.

Questions:
What astonishes you as you build your faith? What teachers in your life push you to learn more?

Next Steps:
Ask who your spiritual leaders and mentors listen to. Take time to understand scripture by attending Bible studies and joining a Group.

Prayer:
God, I am searching for answers beyond my understanding. Please point me toward scripture, which will lead me as I grow in my faith. Continue to place mentors in my life who equally challenge me as they walk beside me on this journey. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Hebrews 4:15
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the LivingItOut.