Empowering Grace

“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” Romans 12:3

Matthew’s Message

In Matthew 8-9 we find that Matthew records the stories of 12 individuals who encounter the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The leper, Peter’s mother-in-law, a Roman centurion and his servant, two demoniacs, and the paralytic are just a few examples. In every story the individuals are in a hopeless state of need or a situation that requires faith to trust in God’s help.

Intentionally Individual

It is interesting that Jesus addresses the crowds and ministered to numbers of sick and demon-possessed people yet He did not linger in the crowds. “Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side.” Matt. 8:18. Jesus fulfilled scripture by preaching and ministering to multitudes, but when it came to bestowing grace He always dealt with individuals. I love the truth that God knows and calls us individually. He always pours out grace to meet the needs of each one of us. 

Divinely Personal

In Matthew’s stories Jesus both graciously touches people and speaks a word of grace. He demonstrated His divine nature’s transcendence and immanence. He is outside of our need caused by sin because He is the sinless Creator yet He is actively personal in reaching into our lives to offer help. We can rejoice in knowing Jesus cares for us in a way that is personal and gracious. 

Empowered Grace Extended

By remembering this great truth, we can extend grace to those around us. We, as followers of God, are the hands and feet of Jesus. Jesus spoke that to His disciples when He said, 

“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” John 13:15-17

Who around you today needs a gracious touch and a word of encouragement? Extend God’s grace to them by remembering the grace that has been given you.

A family sharing a moment of prayer together at home.

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