Mountain climbers, when tackling a difficult steep ascent, must leave behind unnecessary weight and fix their eyes on the right route to reach the summit. It is the same for modern-day disciples who are seeking to follow all that our Lord has commanded us to do.

Matthew 16 is a pivotal chapter, as Jesus begins His journey toward Jerusalem (v. 21). Right after Peter’s great confession to the Lord, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v. 16), Jesus invites His disciples, and us by extension, to follow Him. But following Jesus is not without cost; it involves self-denial and taking up our cross. However, Jesus assures us that whatever we lose for His sake will be gained back in the kingdom of God (v. 27). He ends with a promise of His personal return in glory, accompanied by His angels (vv. 27–28).

Taking up our cross means surrendering our desires and priorities to align with God’s will. It’s in the surrender that we discover the fullness of God’s presence and purpose for our lives. It also requires unwavering focus and singularity in our calling to follow Him. Though this path may lead us through challenges and trials, the promise of God’s presence and the hope of His eternal kingdom are able to sustain us.

The writer of Hebrews summarized this by writing about “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb.12:2). The journey of discipleship certainly is not an easy one, but it’s a journey in which we’re never alone because we follow close after Jesus.

Mountain climbers, when tackling a difficult steep ascent, must leave behind unnecessary weight and fix their eyes on the right route to reach the summit. It is the same for modern-day disciples who are seeking to follow all that our Lord has commanded us to do.
Matthew 16 is a pivotal chapter, as Jesus begins His journey toward Jerusalem (v. 21). Right after Peter’s great confession to the Lord, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v. 16), Jesus invites His disciples, and us by extension, to follow Him. But following Jesus is not without cost; it involves self-denial and taking up our cross. However, Jesus assures us that whatever we lose for His sake will be gained back in the kingdom of God (v. 27). He ends with a promise of His personal return in glory, accompanied by His angels (vv. 27–28).
Taking up our cross means surrendering our desires and priorities to align with God’s will. It’s in the surrender that we discover the fullness of God’s presence and purpose for our lives. It also requires unwavering focus and singularity in our calling to follow Him. Though this path may lead us through challenges and trials, the promise of God’s presence and the hope of His eternal kingdom are able to sustain us.
The writer of Hebrews summarized this by writing about “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb.12:2). The journey of discipleship certainly is not an easy one, but it’s a journey in which we’re never alone because we follow close after Jesus.

Today in the Word is a daily audio devotional available via podcast. Today in the Word features solid biblical content and study that models the mission and values of Moody Bible Institute.

Today in the Word Devotional

God’s Presence in Discipleship

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/66d76aaf-8268-491c-bdd5-b17f000009d0/transcript

What if you had a mirror that didn’t just reflect your outward appearance, but could also reveal your inner self? The mirror would show how you interact with other people around you, particularly the least noticed and least cared for among us. This is like what Jesus does in Matthew 25:31–46, as He communicates a profound truth about recognizing His presence in those we meet as we go about our everyday lives.

Here, in the parable of the Sheep and the Goats (vv. 31–40), Jesus surveys all the people from all nations, separating them into two groups: sheep and goats (v. 31). One is given “eternal punishment” the other “eternal life” (v. 46). Jesus uses a unique method to tell one group from the other; and He identified with “the least of these”—the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the prisoner (vv. 35–39). When we act in love to them, we encounter the living Lord Himself. By neglecting them, we turn our backs on Jesus and risk incurring future punishment.

Jesus calls us to be people of compassion. God’s presence is not only found in expected places, for example where we regularly meet to worship with other believers, but also through our humble acts of kindness toward others. We are to cultivate a heart of compassion toward “the least of these” (v. 40) because when we do reach out to those in need around us, we are doing it as if the recipient was Jesus Himself. The words of Jesus are both sobering and enlightening: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (v. 40). Jesus’ presence, then, is intricately intertwined with our actions and interactions with others, especially those on society’s margins.

What if you had a mirror that didn’t just reflect your outward appearance, but could also reveal your inner self? The mirror would show how you interact with other people around you, particularly the least noticed and least cared for among us. This is like what Jesus does in Matthew 25:31–46, as He communicates a profound truth about recognizing His presence in those we meet as we go about our everyday lives.
Here, in the parable of the Sheep and the Goats (vv. 31–40), Jesus surveys all the people from all nations, separating them into two groups: sheep and goats (v. 31). One is given “eternal punishment” the other “eternal life” (v. 46). Jesus uses a unique method to tell one group from the other; and He identified with “the least of these”—the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the prisoner (vv. 35–39). When we act in love to them, we encounter the living Lord Himself. By neglecting them, we turn our backs on Jesus and risk incurring future punishment.
Jesus calls us to be people of compassion. God’s presence is not only found in expected places, for example where we regularly meet to worship with other believers, but also through our humble acts of kindness toward others. We are to cultivate a heart of compassion toward “the least of these” (v. 40) because when we do reach out to those in need around us, we are doing it as if the recipient was Jesus Himself. The words of Jesus are both sobering and enlightening: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (v. 40). Jesus’ presence, then, is intricately intertwined with our actions and interactions with others, especially those on society’s margins.

God’s Presence in Serving Others

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/7f7faea8-a0c6-4bbb-9d06-b17f00000dc6/transcript

Every military family knows how it feels to wait for the return of their active-duty loved one. They don’t know the exact day or hour when their family member will return, so they stay prepared, eager, and watchful. The family’s anticipation for their loved one’s homecoming mirrors our watchfulness for Christ’s return.

In Matthew 24:42–51, Jesus calls us to a state of constant watchfulness in the light of His coming physical presence. Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of being prepared. Like a homeowner who doesn’t know when a thief might strike, we must stay alert (v. 43). We are encouraged to keep our spiritual house in order and stay alert for the signs of His coming.

In addition, the parable of the two servants urges us to use our God- given gifts wisely and responsibly (vv. 45–51). The faithful and wise servant, who is ready when his master returns, is contrasted with the wicked servant, who lets his guard down. Jesus states that the master “will come on a day when he does not expect him” (v. 50).

The Lord’s presence is not just a comforting past experience or simply a future hope. Rather, it’s an everyday reality that calls us to a higher standard of living in the present. In the busyness of our lives, we may be tempted to become like the unwise servant, complacent, and negligent of our duties. But the Lord calls us to live differently—to stay awake, keep watch, and act responsibly.

Living with anticipation transforms us. It turns our waiting into watchfulness, our complacency into alertness, and our responsibilities into acts of faithfulness, not rituals. Ask yourself today how eagerly you are looking for the return of Jesus. Seek tangible ways that the Lord’s presence can empower you to stay awake, live wisely, and remain faithful.

Every military family knows how it feels to wait for the return of their active-duty loved one. They don’t know the exact day or hour when their family member will return, so they stay prepared, eager, and watchful. The family’s anticipation for their loved one’s homecoming mirrors our watchfulness for Christ’s return.
In Matthew 24:42–51, Jesus calls us to a state of constant watchfulness in the light of His coming physical presence. Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of being prepared. Like a homeowner who doesn’t know when a thief might strike, we must stay alert (v. 43). We are encouraged to keep our spiritual house in order and stay alert for the signs of His coming.
In addition, the parable of the two servants urges us to use our God- given gifts wisely and responsibly (vv. 45–51). The faithful and wise servant, who is ready when his master returns, is contrasted with the wicked servant, who lets his guard down. Jesus states that the master “will come on a day when he does not expect him” (v. 50).
The Lord’s presence is not just a comforting past experience or simply a future hope. Rather, it’s an everyday reality that calls us to a higher standard of living in the present. In the busyness of our lives, we may be tempted to become like the unwise servant, complacent, and negligent of our duties. But the Lord calls us to live differently—to stay awake, keep watch, and act responsibly.
Living with anticipation transforms us. It turns our waiting into watchfulness, our complacency into alertness, and our responsibilities into acts of faithfulness, not rituals. Ask yourself today how eagerly you are looking for the return of Jesus. Seek tangible ways that the Lord’s presence can empower you to stay awake, live wisely, and remain faithful.

God’s Presence in Watchfulness

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/4280b8c7-1f6d-4a89-a3af-b17f00000d25/transcript

When a bird is born, the fledgling is small and vulnerable. It doesn’t yet have the fully grown feathers to protect its body. So to keep her babies safe and warm, the mother places her own wings over them. Her presence provides protection, comfort, and assurance of love. Often in Scripture, we see the description of God as a parental bird, keeping us safe under His wings.

In Matthew 23, Jesus laments over Jerusalem, longing to gather its inhabitants as a hen gathers her chicks, but they were unwilling (v. 37). This vivid imagery reflects the depth of God’s longing to protect and comfort His people. It’s a poignant reminder of God’s constant, enveloping presence that we sometimes resist. Jesus agonized over their rejection, yet His arms remained open and His protective presence ever available.

The passage is filled with warnings regarding the Pharisees. Again and again, Jesus calls them “hypocrites,” “snakes,” and a “brood of vipers!” (vv. 13, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29, 33). He warns of the results of their blatant disobedience. The passage concludes with Jesus’ prophetic words: “For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’” (v. 39). This is not only a prediction of Jerusalem’s dark future because they were not willing to embrace Him but also an invitation open to any who will recognize and welcome Him.

There is a striking contrast between the strong words aimed at the Jewish leaders and the warm, intimate image of a hen gathering her chicks (v. 37). We are reminded of God’s intimate, protective, and loving embrace—a holy longing for us to be in fellowship with Him. It’s a call to come home, to step into the circle of His love, and to experience the fullness of life within His presence.

When a bird is born, the fledgling is small and vulnerable. It doesn’t yet have the fully grown feathers to protect its body. So to keep her babies safe and warm, the mother places her own wings over them. Her presence provides protection, comfort, and assurance of love. Often in Scripture, we see the description of God as a parental bird, keeping us safe under His wings.
In Matthew 23, Jesus laments over Jerusalem, longing to gather its inhabitants as a hen gathers her chicks, but they were unwilling (v. 37). This vivid imagery reflects the depth of God’s longing to protect and comfort His people. It’s a poignant reminder of God’s constant, enveloping presence that we sometimes resist. Jesus agonized over their rejection, yet His arms remained open and His protective presence ever available.
The passage is filled with warnings regarding the Pharisees. Again and again, Jesus calls them “hypocrites,” “snakes,” and a “brood of vipers!” (vv. 13, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29, 33). He warns of the results of their blatant disobedience. The passage concludes with Jesus’ prophetic words: “For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’” (v. 39). This is not only a prediction of Jerusalem’s dark future because they were not willing to embrace Him but also an invitation open to any who will recognize and welcome Him.
There is a striking contrast between the strong words aimed at the Jewish leaders and the warm, intimate image of a hen gathering her chicks (v. 37). We are reminded of God’s intimate, protective, and loving embrace—a holy longing for us to be in fellowship with Him. It’s a call to come home, to step into the circle of His love, and to experience the fullness of life within His presence.

God’s Yearning Presence

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/a3619661-ab3f-44d7-98d4-b17f00000cb1/transcript

God’s Presence in Discipleship

Today in the Word Devotional

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