Sometimes we act like following Jesus requires building an impressive religious resume. We make sure our calendar is packed with plenty of to-do items for Jesus. How many church committees have we served on? How many times have we read through the Bible? Do we have perfect attendance at church services? Do we look the part of a perfect Christian?

Matthew 15 contains a conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees about tradition and purity. The Pharisees were accusing Jesus’ disciples of breaking tradition by not washing their hands before eating (v. 2). Jesus highlighted the Pharisees’ hypocrisy, emphasizing that it’s not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of it (v. 11). Jesus was redirecting their focus from external rituals to their heart’s condition. He declared that what defiles a person comes from the heart and is not caused by what a person consumes.

Jesus listed several unclean things that come out of our mouths that actually come from our hearts. From our hearts come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, and slander (vv. 18–19). The mouth simply reveals what has been in our hearts all along.

What lesson can we learn? It is critical to prioritize the state of our hearts over the performance of religious duties. Jesus said, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (v. 8). God’s presence is not dependent on our outward practices but on our inward commitment and love for Him. He desires hearts that are devoted to Him more than merely complying with tradition. It is critical to do some internal “housecleaning” to discover, through confession and repentance, what evil lurks in our hearts.

Sometimes we act like following Jesus requires building an impressive religious resume. We make sure our calendar is packed with plenty of to-do items for Jesus. How many church committees have we served on? How many times have we read through the Bible? Do we have perfect attendance at church services? Do we look the part of a perfect Christian?
Matthew 15 contains a conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees about tradition and purity. The Pharisees were accusing Jesus’ disciples of breaking tradition by not washing their hands before eating (v. 2). Jesus highlighted the Pharisees’ hypocrisy, emphasizing that it’s not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of it (v. 11). Jesus was redirecting their focus from external rituals to their heart’s condition. He declared that what defiles a person comes from the heart and is not caused by what a person consumes.
Jesus listed several unclean things that come out of our mouths that actually come from our hearts. From our hearts come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, and slander (vv. 18–19). The mouth simply reveals what has been in our hearts all along.
What lesson can we learn? It is critical to prioritize the state of our hearts over the performance of religious duties. Jesus said, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (v. 8). God’s presence is not dependent on our outward practices but on our inward commitment and love for Him. He desires hearts that are devoted to Him more than merely complying with tradition. It is critical to do some internal “housecleaning” to discover, through confession and repentance, what evil lurks in our hearts.

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

His Presence in Our Hearts

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/ce7617da-7f5a-4296-9b95-b16f017b2731/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

Have you ever tried to put together a new piece of furniture without reading the instruction manual? At first it might seem self-explanatory, but there’s nothing more troubling than to be left with several leftover pieces. Clearly, you needed more information.

In Matthew 22:23–33, Jesus confronts those who were misunderstanding something important. The Sadducees were a wealthy and powerful religious group. They believed in the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, and emphasized individual free will. They also did not believe in life after death, so their question to Jesus was dishonest. They questioned Jesus about marriage, hoping to trap Him (v. 23). Their question revealed that they did not fully comprehend what happened after death and what it would be like to be in God’s presence for eternity. Jesus responded by affirming the reality of the resurrection and the eternality of God’s presence. He corrected their misunderstanding: “He is not the God of the dead but of the living” (v. 32). The apostle Paul tackled this issue in 1 Corinthians: “How can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?” (20:15).

The Sadducees needed guidance and clarity. God’s presence is not limited to our earthly existence; it’s eternal, encompassing both the now and the everlasting. His presence spans beyond our temporal understanding into an eternal reality. This knowledge should inspire awe, devotion, and joy in us and motivate us to dig deeper into His Word and seek to live more fully in His presence.

Jesus was critical of those who “do not know the scriptures or the power of God” (v. 29). It reminds us not to take lightly the privilege we have been given of reading and learning from God’s Word.

Have you ever tried to put together a new piece of furniture without reading the instruction manual? At first it might seem self-explanatory, but there’s nothing more troubling than to be left with several leftover pieces. Clearly, you needed more information.
In Matthew 22:23–33, Jesus confronts those who were misunderstanding something important. The Sadducees were a wealthy and powerful religious group. They believed in the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, and emphasized individual free will. They also did not believe in life after death, so their question to Jesus was dishonest. They questioned Jesus about marriage, hoping to trap Him (v. 23). Their question revealed that they did not fully comprehend what happened after death and what it would be like to be in God’s presence for eternity. Jesus responded by affirming the reality of the resurrection and the eternality of God’s presence. He corrected their misunderstanding: “He is not the God of the dead but of the living” (v. 32). The apostle Paul tackled this issue in 1 Corinthians: “How can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?” (20:15).
The Sadducees needed guidance and clarity. God’s presence is not limited to our earthly existence; it’s eternal, encompassing both the now and the everlasting. His presence spans beyond our temporal understanding into an eternal reality. This knowledge should inspire awe, devotion, and joy in us and motivate us to dig deeper into His Word and seek to live more fully in His presence.
Jesus was critical of those who “do not know the scriptures or the power of God” (v. 29). It reminds us not to take lightly the privilege we have been given of reading and learning from God’s Word.

Eternity in His Presence

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/39cc9555-1d49-48c8-b726-b17f00000c5a/transcript

His Presence in Our Hearts

Today in the Word Devotional

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