Wednesday, October 19th: Matthew 9:27-34, Matthew 13:53-58, Mark 6:1-6, Luke 4:16-30, Matthew 9:35-38, Matthew 10:1-15, Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1-6, Matthew 10:16-42, Matthew 14:3-12, Mark 6:17-29, Matthew 14:1-2, Mark 6:14-16, Luke 9:7-9, Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-15 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Matthew 9:27-34, Matthew 13:53-58, Mark 6:1-6, Luke 4:16-30, Matthew 9:35-38, Matthew 10:1-15, Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1-6, Matthew 10:16-42, Matthew 14:3-12, Mark 6:17-29, Matthew 14:1-2, Mark 6:14-16, Luke 9:7-9, Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-15

Today's reading also covers many different storeys and events during Jesus time on earth, like we've read in the past few days.

The part that stood out to me the most was the instructions Jesus gave to his twelve apostles before sending them out. He gave them authority as well as specific instructions to pack light.

Mark 6:8-9
These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt.

These verses are basically repeated in Matthew 10:9  “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts and Luke 9:3  He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.

If I were to go on a journey now, I'd be packing a lot of things, thinking I may need these things and not wanting to be caught without, but here we see that this journey is about more and is very important.

Jesus goes on to warn his apostles about what awaits them once on their journey,

Matthew 10:16-17
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.  Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues.

And then goes on to sum up,

Matthew 10:38
Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me

This to me should sum up what life is all about for us as Christians, keeping things simple and focused on God, having faith that He will provide. We are so busy with life, but need to re-focus daily on Him.

As well, we are only here for a short time, and may have to be shamed or persecuted for following Christ, but it will be worth it.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21, Matthew 14:34-36, Mark 6:53-56, John 6:22-71, Matthew 15:1-20, Mark 7:1-23