Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 3, 2024: SOAP #5265: 2Samuel 7; 1Chronicles 17; Psalm 2; Matthew 20

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 20:25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

OBSERVATION: Jesus gathered his disciples to teach them the difference between the world and God’s kingdom.  In the world, people look for who they can rule, who they can control.  In God’s kingdom, people motivated by love look for who they can serve.  Then Jesus told them to see him as the example.  “Do it the same way I do it,” “Watch me.” 

Then as they left Jericho and headed toward Jerusalem, Jesus showed them just how to do what He had told them.   

APPLICATION:  Matthew (NIV) 20:29 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” 34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

His compassion led Him to get involved in being their servant! 

PRAYER: Lord, Many times I have sung, “Lord make me like you; give me a heart filled with love and make me like you.”  May your compassion move me to get involved in the needs around me.  Lord, touch through me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 2, 2024: SOAP #5264: 1Chronicles 16; Psalm 106; Matthew 19

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 19:13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

OBSERVATION: The disciples were looking out for Jesus.  He was important and should not be interrupted with insignificant issues.  They rebuked the adults who brought children to Jesus.   Jesus did not wait until the disciples were alone with Him to correct the issue.  He immediately corrected the disciples in public.

Children are not insignificant!  They are not to be considered an interruption!  They were too important to be overlooked!  In placing His hands on the children, Jesus did not give them significance; He merely recognized the significance they already had as being made in the image of God.  They already had significance because their lives would pass on into eternity.  …because they had angels assigned to represent them (Matthew 18:10).  …because their lives held so much potential. 

Of course, the One who created them and would soon give His life for them would not allow them to be overlooked!  

APPLICATION:  Blest are the people who serve in church nurseries, or work in children’s ministries, or take care of orphans!  They are doing the ministry of Jesus.  They have these verses and many others to emphasize the importance of children.  They can stand in their faith praying for the needs of the children.  In prayer, they can quote the very words of Jesus regarding the importance of children.  In prayer, they can bring the “little children to Him” because “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as them.”

These little children carry the image of the One who became a baby in a manger.  He made them; He knows what they need!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, as you sent the magi with gifts to provide for the Christ-child, send provision for the orphans being cared for by your people today.  In Jesus Name…Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Just a note:  Pastors and church leaders, like Jesus, set a good example of valuing the children in your congregations.  Personally encourage the parents.  Ask God to give you a personal way of ministering to the children in your fellowship.