- Gospel of Matthew, Day 50 of 58
February 21 – Matthew 25:14-30
Reading
https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=513224176
Scripture
15to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
Observation
Those who offer their talents more receive more blessings.
Application
How can I offer my talents for great impact in the Kingdom of God.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, grant me the confidence to offer my talents to the world. In your Holy name I pray. Amen.
- Gospel of Matthew, Day 51 of 58
February 22 – Matthew 25:31-46
Reading
https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=513224222
Scripture
34Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”
Observation
Seeing Christ in the eyes of our neighbors calls us to be compassionate.
Application
I see the need to be more compassionate to those who are incarcerated. The Oasis at Lowell Correctional Institute is a great ministry that we support at First UMC of Mount Dora.
Prayer
Almighty King, we honor you by honoring the least, the last, and the lost among us. In your Holy Name I pray. Amen.
Gospel of Matthew, Day 52 of 58
- February 23 – Matthew 26:1-25
Reading
https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=513224254
Scripture
20 When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; 21and while they were eating, he said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ 22And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, ‘Surely not I, Lord?’ 23He answered, ‘The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.
Observation
All of the disciples let Jesus down in his hour of need.
Application
How might I be humble enough to accept there are times I could let Jesus’ down?
Prayer
Lord, I am sorry for the ways, knowingly or unknowingly I let you down. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
- Gospel of Matthew, Day 53 of 58
February 24 – Matthew 26:26-46
Reading
https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=513224281
Scripture
41Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’
Observation
The disciples fall asleep on Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane.
Application
What are the ways I can overcome spiritual fatigue? Staying close to Jesus through prayer, fasting, searching the scriptures, meeting with other believers, and remaining active in worship.
Prayer
Almighty God, watch over me that I may not fall into temptation. In your Holy Name I pray. Amen.
- Gospel of Matthew, Day 54 of 58
February 25 – Matthew 26:47-75
Reading
https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=513224311
Scripture
71When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, ‘This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.’ 72Again he denied it with an oath, ‘I do not know the man.’
Observation
Peter denies Jesus three times. He is emphatic in his denial each time.
Application
How might I back away from claiming to follow Jesus’ in the face of threats?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to stand strong in my faith with the aid of Your Spirit. Amen.
- Gospel of Matthew, Day 55 of 58
February 26 – Matthew 27:1-26
Reading
https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=513224333
Scripture
22Pilate said to them, ‘Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ All of them said, ‘Let him be crucified!’
Observation
He is the Messiah, but the crowd chooses a robber instead.
Application
How might the world choose criminality over righteousness?
Prayer
Lord God, for those who brazenly choose criminality over the respect for life. We ask that in your mercy you would hear our prayers. Amen.
- Gospel of Matthew, Day 56 of 58
February 27 – Matthew 27:27-44
Reading
https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=513224357
Scripture
32 As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross.
Observation
Simon was from an area of Africa that corresponds to modern-day Libya. His sons were Rufus and Alexander. According to tradition they all became followers of Jesus Christ.
Application
I realize there are times where I may be asked to take on a great responsibility for the sake of the Kingdom.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, give me strength to carry the weight of responsibility for the sake of your kingdom. In Your Holy Name I pray. Amen.
Gospel of Matthew, Day 57 of 58
- February 28 – Matthew 27:45-66
Reading
https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=513224380
Scripture
50Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. 51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split.
Observation
Jesus willingly gives up his life for the sake of the world to reconcile humanity to God.
Application
How can I better appreciate the supernatural power of God.
Prayer
There are times where I may feel that I have no control. However, your word gives me a sense of power and peace. Thank you for your great sacrifice that draws me closer to your Holy Presence.
Amen.
Gospel of Matthew, Day 58 of 58
- March 1 – Matthew 28:1-20
Reading
https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=513224439
Scripture
18And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’
Observation
The Great Commission calls us out into the whole world to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
Application
Dear Jesus, help me fulfill my calling to be an agent of healing and reconciliation.
Prayer
“Lord Jesus Christ,
you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross
that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace.
So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love,
may bring those who do not know you
to the knowledge and love of you;
for the honor of your name. Amen.” (from the Book of Common Prayer, p. 101)