Our Daily Bread for today is here. Give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:11).
The word of God is food to the spirit man. “Eat and digest” the word of the Lord for today and let its unchanging power nuture your faith and help in your daily walk to Christ.
Bible in a Year: Proverbs 27–29 2 Corinthians 10
Memory Verse: What do you want me to do for you? Luke 18:41
Today’s Scripture & Insight: Luke 18:35–43
Jesus’ healing of the blind beggar (Luke 18:35–43) is a concrete fulfillment of His self-described purpose “to proclaim good news to the poor . . . and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (4:18–19; see also Isaiah 58:6; 61:1–3). This account of healing is placed immediately after an account of the disciples’ failure to understand Jesus’ clear description of His coming suffering and death (Luke 18:31–34).
These two accounts are likely connected by the theme of Christ’s suffering and humility (v. 14). The disciples as well as the crowds couldn’t comprehend a Savior willing to suffer for the lowliest and most disregarded members of society, such as someone blind (v. 35). But while they remained spiritually blind to Jesus’ heart and purpose, the blind man was willing to trust Him and joyfully received his sight (v. 43).
Click Here to Read Previous ODB Devotional
ODB MESSAGE FOR TODAY
Ann was meeting with her oral surgeon for a preliminary exam—a physician she’d known for many years. He asked her, “Do you have any questions?” She said, “Yes. Did you go to church last Sunday?” Her question wasn’t intended to be judgmental, but simply to initiate a conversation about faith.
The surgeon had a less-than-positive church experience growing up, and he hadn’t gone back. Because of Ann’s question and their conversation, he reconsidered the role of Jesus and church in his life. When Ann later gave him a Bible with his name imprinted on it, he received it with tears.
Sometimes we fear confrontation or don’t want to seem too aggressive in sharing our faith. But there can be a winsome way to witness about Jesus—ask questions.
For a man who was God and knew everything, Jesus sure asked a lot of questions. While we don’t know His purposes, it’s clear His questions prompted others to respond. He asked his disciple Andrew, “What do you want?” (John 1:38). He asked blind Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51; Luke 18:41). He asked the paralyzed man, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6). Transformation happened for each of these individuals after Jesus’ initial question.
Is there someone you want to approach about matters of faith? Ask God to give you the right questions to ask.
Reflect & Pray
Why can questions be better conversation starters than direct statements? What questions can you ask those who need spiritual help?
Dear Jesus, please help me to reach out to others in a way that can lead to transformation.
Our Daily Bread 2023 Devotional is written by Dave Branon and published by Our Daily Bread Ministries. Read more
Thank you for reading. This Devotional was shared via www.TheDevotionals.Com.NG
♥Blessed by this? Click here to Share This Devotional