Day 281

         The theme for this week is authenticity.  As you read about the life that Jesus lived, I hope you are able to see how authentic He was in His dealings with the people around Him.  Whether they were friend or foe, He did not deceive or mislead anyone and always acted authentic.

Matthew 9:27-10:42; 13:53-58; Mark 6:1-13; Luke 9:1-6.  “A Heart for the Lost”

         If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. – Matthew 5:46
         In the gospel of Matthew, right before Jesus sends out the 12 disciples, He told His disciples to ask the Lord to send more workers to gather the harvest.  In that passage (Matthew 9:35-38), Jesus reveals to the disciples His heart for the lost.  As He taught and healed among the people, His heart was genuinely burdened for those people whom He described as a sheep without a shepherd.
         A heart for the lost is not easily feigned.  This is because the lost are not going to be receptive to the message of Jesus, or the messenger for that matter, most of the time.  It is so easy to love those with whom we are comfortable.  What about those who have hurt you or persecute you?  A heart for the lost means that we must respond with grace and mercy to those who don’t deserve it, but desperately need it. 
         May you, like Jesus, have an authentic heart for the lost.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?