February 16. Matthew 21

Facts:

• When a plant is growing well, it bears fruit.

• When you love someone, you show it.

Jesus was keenly aware of that fact. Everything He did was out of love for His Father. And throughout the chapter, He tries to illustrate with parables and real-life examples what that does (and doesn’t) look like.

With much of our media and influences in our world sensationalizing love, the word itself can lose its meaning and we can grow numb to its true meaning. Love isn’t just a phrase or feeling, but action. We have to choose to show that we care about what we do: by bearing fruit. It’s the same with our relationship with Jesus! When we don’t do this, we become cursed like the fig tree (v. 19-20) and hardened like the Pharisees.

We have been so blessed! Every breath is a gift, and every day is full of ways Jesus is loving us. Thus, we should use each day to look for each of those ways, and reciprocate with our own obedience and bearing fruit. It’s only then that we can live in confidence, peace, and joy...and bring light to a world that desperately needs it.

How has God loved you today? How can you show your love to Him and bear fruit today?

Practicals:

• Sit and meditate somewhere quiet for 5 minutes! Try to clear your mind and think of only the ways God has made His love known to you.

• Call/text another disciple or and encourage them by pointing out something in their character that reminds you of Jesus. Pray with and for them!

• Share how Jesus’s love has given you peace and strength through the hardship of 2020-2021 with the cashier or someone else you meet at the store!