How can we apply Jesus' example in Matthew 20:29 to our daily lives? Setting the Scene “As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him.” – Matthew 20:29 What We Notice About Jesus in This Moment • Intentional movement: Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem, yet He takes time for people. • Openness: A “large crowd” surrounds Him, but He does not withdraw. • Availability: The next verses show Him stopping to hear two blind men (Matthew 20:30-34). • Compassion in action: He turns a journey into ministry. Why This Matters for Us Jesus models how purpose and compassion coexist. He keeps the Father’s mission in view (Luke 19:10) while remaining interruptible (Mark 10:46-52’s parallel account highlights the same heart). Practical Ways to Walk Like Jesus 1. Stay Purpose-Driven • Begin each day remembering why you’re here: to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). • Filter decisions—schedules, commitments, conversations—through that purpose. 2. Live Interruptible • Hold plans loosely; see unexpected needs as assignments, not annoyances (Proverbs 16:9). • Ask the Spirit to alert you to divine appointments: a co-worker’s burden, a child’s question, a stranger’s need. 3. Cultivate Compassion • Let crowds move you to empathy, not withdrawal (Matthew 9:36). • Choose acts of mercy: a listening ear, practical help, a timely word (James 2:15-16). 4. Practice Presence Amid Pressure • Jesus was en route to the cross, yet fully present with people before Him (Philippians 2:4-5). • Limit distractions—mute the phone, pause the to-do list—to honor those around you. 5. Bring Others Along • The “large crowd” followed and witnessed His mercy. Invite family, friends, and fellow believers to join you in serving (Hebrews 10:24). • Share testimonies of God’s work during your day; it builds faith and multiplies impact (Psalm 145:4-7). 6. Keep Moving Forward • After ministry, Jesus continues the journey. Serve, then press on with the Father’s agenda (Galatians 6:9). • Balance compassion with perseverance so fatigue doesn’t derail long-term faithfulness. Encouragement to Close Following Jesus out of Jericho means walking with eyes open for need, hearts ready to respond, and feet committed to the path God sets before us. Every hallway, highway, or checkout line can become a Jericho road where His love touches lives through ours. |
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