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July 3, 2026

Being Obedient to God

Amy Sigmon   |   Read Matthew 11:16-19, 25-27

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Lectionary Week
June 29–July 5, 2026
Scripture Overview

Our four scripture passages this week connect to the discipleship practice of being obedient to God. In the Hebrew Bible we see Abraham’s servant and Rebekah take leaps of faith to become part of a great family lineage. The psalm is one for a royal wedding, suited to questions of family and legacy. In Matthew, Jesus promises us that if we choose a path of trusting and following God, he will take up our earthly burdens so that we might find joy in following him. Paul writes to the Romans of his emotional turmoil in trying to be obedient to God, and the relief of knowing that Jesus is always ready to come to our aid.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67. When have you felt God calling you to take a leap in faith? How did it make you feel? Can you look back and see the hand of God at work?
Read Psalm 45:10-17. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
Read Romans 7:15-25a. Do you ever feel discouraged with yourself and your faith? How do you lean on Jesus, knowing that his resurrection has saved us from sin and despair?
Read Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30. Think of one burden that is weighing on you right now. Ask God to take it. Who is a wise person in your life? How can you seek wisdom?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-27

16 “To what will I compare this generation? It is like a child sitting in the marketplaces calling out to others, 17 ‘We played the flute for you and you didn’t dance. We sang a funeral song and you didn’t mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 Yet the Human One came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunk, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved to be right by her works.” 25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you’ve hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have shown them to babies. 26 Indeed, Father, this brings you happiness. 27 “My Father has handed all things over to me. No one knows the Son except the Father. And nobody knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wants to reveal him.

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

The idea of secret wisdom is a strange one. In Matthew 11:16-17, Jesus is saying that the current generation has been corrupted by the Pharisees. He is praising John the Baptist, who did hard ministry work in preparing the way for Jesus’ ministry. The people aren’t seeing John and Jesus...

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Jesus, you are the wisdom of God brought down to earth. We long to follow your good and holy ways. Help us to be receivers of your wisdom and to share it with others. Amen.


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