4 x 6 Plan | Read: Matthew 21:18-32 & Ephesians 3:1-13
“I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. (Matthew 21:31)
Are you living in the “get to” mentality, where following Him is a joyful opportunity, rather than a list of obligations? In Matthew 21:18-32, we witness Jesus’ encounters with the withered fig tree and the parable of the two sons. These stories remind us that following Jesus is not a burden to bear but a privilege to embrace. It’s about shifting our perspective from a “got to” mentality to a “get to” mindset, fueled by His grace.
When Jesus cursed the fruitless fig tree, He highlighted the danger of outward religiosity without genuine transformation. We must avoid reducing our faith to a checklist of obligations. Instead, we are called to enter into a vibrant relationship with Jesus, one where we eagerly “get to” walk alongside Him, experiencing His love, grace, and joy. The parable of the two sons further underscores the importance of the heart’s posture. One son initially rejected his father’s request but later repented and obeyed, while the other son gave lip service but failed to follow through. Jesus desires a genuine response from us—a heart that understands the privilege of walking with Him.
We can easily fall into the trap of viewing our faith as a series of obligations, robbing us of the joy and freedom Jesus intends for us. But He offers us a transformative invitation—to see every moment, every opportunity to follow Him, as a privilege, not a burden. When we shift our mindset to a “get to” mentality, we discover a new level of joy and purpose in our walk with Jesus. We realize that we are not forced into obedience or burdened by the law, but rather empowered by His love and grace.
Thoughts on Ephesians 3:1-13
Have you ever felt ill-equipped to do something you wanted to do or knew you should do? Sometimes, we feel that way about following Jesus. We know we should read our Bibles, but it’s difficult to sit down and focus on God’s Word. We want to serve others, but it’s hard to find the time when so many responsibilities demand our attention. We know we should share our faith with a co-worker, but we can’t seem to work up the courage. We all face situations in which we don’t feel good enough.Paul, the writer of Ephesians, felt ill-equipped sometimes, too. Paul was a missionary who wrote most of the New Testament. Yet in Ephesians 3:8, Paul refers to himself as “less than the least of all God’s people.” So how does the least of these become one of the most influential church leaders of all time?Paul “became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power” (Ephesians 3:7). Serving the church was a gift from God to Paul, and the same is true for us. God, in His grace, allows us to play a part in what He’s doing in our church and in the lives of those around us.
Action Steps
Bible: What is God showing me? What am I going to do about it?
Bless: Serve one person through word, action, or gift today.
Recent Comments