Adapting or transforming?

The conversation while the disciples are washing clothes is striking in its honesty. Watching the whole scene reveals just how relatable their struggle is. Like the disciples, many of us try to serve God with what we think we have: efficiency, speed, focus, results. We come with our own way of doing things and want to offer it to the Lord.

The desire may be sincere, but Jesus isn’t looking for adaptation.

He is after transformation.

God doesn’t just want to make you a better version of your sinful self.
He wants to recreate you in the image of His Son – to make you a new creation, healed from the damage sin has done.

Today’s text highlights God’s greatness:

His thoughts are higher.
His ways are different.
His plans go further.

We are limited by time and space. God is not. We can’t even come close to understanding the extent of His power or wisdom. God is God—and we are not.

So, what’s the invitation?

To trust.
To trust that His ways are better and more beautiful—even when it doesn’t feel like it.

That’s surrender. That’s faith.

In this episode of The Chosen, we see a disciple learning that lesson as he washes clothes.

You might learn that lesson as you faithfully love and serve your family, as you work diligently at your studies, or as you show up in the ordinary moments for your friends.

You can practice that trust wherever the Lord has placed you right now.

In Romans 12:2, Paul reminds us that we are not called to conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by God. That happens through surrender – by giving your whole life as an offering to Jesus. He has the final say. You allow yourself to be shaped by Him.

And that shaping is not mere adaptation.

It’s something entirely new—something beautiful:

Transformation into the image of Jesus.

Reflection Questions

• In your walk with Jesus, how have you experienced transformation?
• In what areas have you only adapted, rather than fully surrendering to God’s work of transformation?
• What change have you seen in your walk with Jesus over the last six months?
• What is your prayer for the next six months?

Prayer

"Lord, I recognize myself in the disciple who makes efficient plans, following my own thoughts - all with good intentions. Please help me realize that You are God and that You want to transform me. I am a new creation. Lord, do Your work in me - that is my prayer. Amen."