F I R E ◆ S T A R T E R READ: Matthew 11:1-30 THINK: Do you ever wrestle with doubts about God’s purposes or His work in your life? Even John the Baptist—the one who prepared the way for Jesus—struggled with doubts and insecurity during extremely dif- ficult times. But Jesus understood. He assured John that God’s work was being done and He defended John’s legacy of fearlessness and faith. In fact, it was John’s loyalty to Christ—his stand for truth His and opposition to wickedness—that landed him in prison. But John boldly proclaimed the message of Jesus and eventually gave his life for his Friend and Lord. RESPOND: Why do you think John sent his followers to question Jesus? What did Jesus mean when He said that “he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he (John the Baptist)”? (See 11:11 note.) What benefits and privileges do Christians today have that even great people like John the Baptist did not fully experience? What does it mean that “the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it” ? (See 11:12 note.) In what way is God’s truth hidden (v. 25) from people who are only wise in a worldly sense? In what sense does Jesus provide rest for those who are weary? (See 11:28 note.) PRAY: Ask God to help you overcome any doubts you might have regarding God’s work and your relation- ship with Jesus. Pray for courage, intensity and perseverance in pursuing God’s purposes for your life. If you are spiritually weary in any way, ask God to refresh you as you spend time with Him. ACT: Instead of being reactive with your faith and simply responding to situations or opportunities, focus on being proactive—pursuing and creating opportunities to demonstrate Jesus’ love and communicate His mes- sage. Take the first step and do something that may be uncharacteristically bold for you regarding your faith. Don’t be pushy or obnoxious, but find a way to honor God in a deliberate way today. F I R E ◆ S T A R T E R READ: Matthew 12:1-21 THINK: When Jesus walked the earth, He was a polarizing figure to whom people responded in extreme ways. The Pharisees rejected Jesus and wanted to kill Him because they viewed Him as a threat to their posi- tions and way of life. On the other hand, masses of people followed Jesus from place to place because they were well aware of their need and they looked to Him for answers. No doubt, some followed Jesus solely out of fascination or because of what He could do for them. But others recognized who Jesus is and truly put their faith in Him as their only Source of hope and spiritual salvation. RESPOND: Why were the Pharisees so upset by what Jesus and His disciples were doing? What was the Pharisees’ real motivation for challenging Jesus? What is the true principle and purpose behind a weekly Sabbath, or day of rest? (See 12:1 note.) Is this purpose still valid for Christians today? How so? What are the benefits of this time? In what ways did the Pharisees miss the point of the Sabbath—and of Jesus mission— distorting its true meaning? What was the Pharisees greatest concern? Why were they more obsessed with their rules and traditions than with actually helping people who were in desperate need, such as the man with the withered hand? What do you think Jesus meant when He said, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (v. 7)? PRAY: Give thanks to God for giving you times of rest and refreshment. But also ask Him to keep you from be- ing distracted by your own ideas, concerns and benefits. Pray that you will always be able to recognize the good things He wants you to do for others as a means of demonstrating God’s mercy and compassion. ACT: Throughout the day, look for opportunities to represent Jesus by doing good for others. As much as possible, keep the focus off of yourself and do all you can to benefit those around you with random acts of kindness, help and encouragement..