Introduction

While the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) described what life in the kingdom of God should look like, this next segment of the book of Matthew (chapters 8-12) shows us in a remarkable way how Jesus would establish that kingdom here on Earth. Step by step, we see the Messiah ushering in God’s kingdom through healing, casting out demons and powerful displays of authority over humanity, nature and the spiritual realms. As He works, Jesus gathers His disciples and empowers them to accomplish His mission as well.

This daily devotional will walk you through several chapters of Matthew, section by section. Each Sunday there will be an opportunity to respond to the sermon, which provides the primary teaching for the week. Each weekday will have a section of Scripture for you to read, sometimes from Matthew, sometimes from related texts. There will be a question or two for re!ection afterwards, primarily to ask yourself what you are learning about God or yourself in this context. Finally, each Saturday there is an opportunity for you to re!ect on all that you have read and learned from the week, and see where God would have you apply and share that message.

Our hope is that as you witness the Messiah’s Mission, you will be drawn to carry it on in your life, at work, at home, in your neighborhood and this church.

How to Use this Devotional:

• FIND A RHYTHM THAT WORKS FOR YOU—Plan a 30-minute window each day when you can thoughtfully do the daily reading and study. Set a time, create a pattern, and stick to it for all six and a half weeks.
• DAILY SCRIPTURE READING—Each day, the Scripture passage for the day will be printed on the page, with space for you to write, draw, and engage with the text. Connect key passages with lines, circles, or underlines.
• JOURNALING SPACE—Each day also features space for personal reflection and prayer, along with a few prompting questions to guide your reflection. Feel free to write here, to draw, to doodle, or not—this is your book!
• CONNECT IN COMMUNITY—Use this online version of the devotional readings to reach out to friends online and around the world. Invite them to follow along with you during this year of devotionals from Eastbrook, which we are calling “Eastbrook 365.” Find the online version at eastbrook.org/devotionals. Use Eastbrook’s Facebook page (facebook.com/eastbrookchurch) and other social media outlets such as Twitter and Instagram (@eastbrookchurch) to share ideas. Post your comments, thoughts, and questions in the online version. Read others’ comments. This is a great way to learn from the perspective of others.