What Jesus Did! 'We Don't Share the Message Without Opposition' — Luke 8:11-12

Friday, May 12, 2023

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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[Jesus began his explanation of the parable,] "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God's word. The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved."
— Luke 8:11-12 NLT

Key Thought

As we share the message of Jesus, we need to know that there are all sorts of forces, powers, and people who will seek to destroy, corrupt, and negate that message in the hearts of those who are open to God's Kingdom. Sharing the message of Jesus Christ is far more than sharing our religious opinion; it is spiritual warfare against the evil one and all of his forces. He does not want Jesus' name honored or God's Kingdom to rule in the hearts of men and women. That's why the apostle Paul solicited prayers for his efforts to share the Good News. That's why he was sometimes met with fierce opposition and persecution. More than just the power of closed-minded, hard-hearted, and bigoted people, the powers of hell oppose those who share the message of God's grace in Jesus. Our battle will sometimes not be easy, but we can always be assured that we will ultimately and eternally be victorious!

Today's Prayer

Father, the one true and holy God, may your will be done on earth as completely as it is in heaven. Please guard me as I seek to live and to share your truth with those around me. Protect your servants who share your Good News with others. Please guard the hearts of those who are deciding about the Good News right now. Help them see the radical choice they are facing. Give me great boldness to declare this message clearly and courageously. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 6:10-12
  • Colossians 1:11-13
  • Acts 14:19-20; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 8:11-12 NLT — The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved.

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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