Greatness: Matthew 14-20Sample

Much like in our own lives, there are certain scenes in Scripture that feel ordinary and chaotic. From scenes where a father pleads for his tormented son, to the weight of mundane responsibilities like paying tax. It’s amidst these relatable messes that Jesus steps in to remind His listeners of the cosmic perspective that is available to us through faith.

These can be stressful and even painful moments, but not hopeless ones because of Jesus. The power the disciples once wielded seems distant when they fail to heal the tormented boy. Then, with a word, Jesus rebukes the demon and the boy is healed. What the disciples couldn’t do in their strength, Jesus does in mercy.

Here, Jesus reminds them of something vital. His power and authority is not only cosmic, but deeply personal and available in grace by the gift of faith. Jesus says it’s through this faith that mountains can be moved; that prayers can confront real evil and pain.

King David echoes this posture in Psalm 32:6–7 (ESV), “Let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found… You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble.” Deliverance doesn’t come from strength or control, it comes from knowing where to run.

Then, almost in passing, Matthew tells us that Jesus paid the temple tax. The One to whom the temple belongs quietly submits to the system, not because He must, but because He loves. Even here He provides miraculously, humbly, and completely. A coin in a fish’s mouth. A hidden act of His divine authority and grace.

We shouldn’t be tempted to give in to the helplessness of our messy lives. It is there that Jesus meets us. He delivers where we are powerless. He provides where we come up short. He does it all with compassion, not asking us to prove ourselves, but to trust Him.

The disciples were learning what we all must learn. The Christian life isn’t fueled by performance, but by prayerful dependence. Jesus does not need our strength, He asks for our trust.

Today, ponder this: Where are you relying on your own strength instead of turning to Jesus in prayerful dependence? What would it look like today to trust Him as your Deliverer and Provider?