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June 9, 2023

Faithfulness > Obedience

Andrea Roth Murdock   |   Read Matthew 9:18-26

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Lectionary Week
June 5–11, 2023
Scripture Overview

The readings for this week share the theme of our faith and God’s faithfulness. In Genesis, God calls Abram to leave his country and promises to make of him a great nation. Abram has faith in God’s faithfulness and goes. In the Gospel, Matthew follows Jesus immediately, and there are two stories of healings that show great faithfulness. In Romans, Paul explains that God calls Abram and Matthew and us—even though we are all sinners—and reckons our faith as righteousness. The psalmist reminds us that all God’s “work is done in faithfulness.”

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Genesis 12:1-9. Think of a time you chose to follow God’s leading. How were you blessed by the decision?
Read Psalm 33:1-12. Where have you seen God’s faithful
actions in your life? Among the nations?
Read Romans 4:13-25. How is the promise that our faith will
be reckoned to us as righteousness good news for you?
Read Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26. How is Jesus calling you to get up and follow? What would that kind of faith look like?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Matthew 9:18-26

18 While Jesus was speaking to them, a ruler came and knelt in front of him, saying, “My daughter has just died. But come and place your hand on her, and she’ll live.” 19 So Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him. 20 Then a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years came up behind Jesus and touched the hem of his clothes. 21 She thought, If I only touch his robe I’ll be healed. 22 When Jesus turned and saw her, he said, “Be encouraged, daughter. Your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed from that time on. 23 When Jesus went into the ruler’s house, he saw the flute players and the distressed crowd. 24 He said, “Go away, because the little girl isn’t dead but is asleep”; but they laughed at him. 25 After he had sent the crowd away, Jesus went in and touched her hand, and the little girl rose up. 26 News about this spread throughout that whole region.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Upon reading this passage, I was struck by the phrase “and they laughed at him” in verse 24. The “they” is a group of people in active, demonstrative mourning for the death of a young girl. This is not a moment of giggles breaking out to break the tension of...

God of unexpected outcomes, today I pray for daring and the boldness of thought to believe the best is possible even when those around me laugh at my optimism. Amen.


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