What Jesus Did! 'God Cares for More Than Just Us!' — Luke 4:25-27

Monday, February 27, 2023

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[Jesus continued,] "Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was sent instead to a foreigner — a widow of Zarephath in the land of Sidon. And many in Israel had leprosy in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian."
— Luke 4:25-27 NLT

Key Thought

God didn't love Israel to love only Israel. God chose Abraham and his descendants through Isaac to bring his gracious blessings to all people. [1] God loves all people — people of all races, all cultures, and all languages. So not only does he want us to minister to the broken and the outcast, but he also wants us to minister to the broken and outcast of even our enemies and those who do not share our faith. [2] Jesus reminds us of this charge with two startling examples — the widow of Zarephath and Naaman. Both of these people were non-Israelites, and one was the leader of an enemy — a stark reminder that loving our enemies and caring for those we may not perceive as redeemable is not a theory, but a passion for the God of all redemption.

[1] Genesis 12:1-3, 17:19.
[2] Matthew 5:43-48.

Today's Prayer

Open my eyes, Lord, and open the eyes of all your people. While our world struggles with conflict and hatred, please use us to be your ambassadors of reconciliation and redemption. Give us the courage to share your grace in all places and with all people who need it regardless of their race, culture, or language. Use us to touch the nations with your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 24:44-49
  • Acts 1:3-8
  • Acts 28:28

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 4:25-27 NLT — "Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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