5 Day Devotional: Jesus Does the Unthinkable

Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on this past Sunday's sermon.

Day 1: Jesus Touches the Untouchable
Reading: Luke 5:12-16
Devotional: Jesus' encounter with the leper demonstrates His compassion for those society deems untouchable. Just as Jesus reached out and touched the leper, declaring him clean, He reaches out to us in our brokenness and sin. Reflect on areas of your life where you feel unclean or unworthy. Remember that Jesus' love and power can transform even the most desperate situations. His touch brings healing, hope, and restoration.

Consider: How can you extend Christ's love to those society might consider "untouchable" today?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your willingness to touch and cleanse me. Help me to see others through Your eyes of compassion.

Day 2: The Power of Forgiveness
Reading: Luke 5:17-26
Devotional: In healing the paralyzed man, Jesus demonstrates His authority to forgive sins. This reminds us that our greatest need is not physical healing, but spiritual restoration. Jesus addresses the root cause of our brokenness - sin - offering forgiveness that transforms us from the inside out.

Ponder the weight of Jesus' words: "Your sins are forgiven." How does the reality of God's forgiveness impact your life? Are there areas where you struggle to accept His forgiveness or to forgive others?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of forgiveness through Christ. Help me to fully embrace Your forgiveness and extend it to others.

Day 3: Called to Follow
Reading: Luke 5:27-32
Devotional: Jesus' call to Levi (Matthew) shows us that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. Despite Matthew's reputation as a despised tax collector, Jesus saw his potential and invited him to be a disciple. This reminds us that God's love and calling are not based on our merits or social standing, but on His grace alone.

Reflect on your own calling. How has Jesus invited you to follow Him? Are there areas of your life where you need to leave everything behind to fully commit to Christ?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for calling me to follow You. Give me the courage to respond wholeheartedly to Your invitation.

Day 4: Hope for the Hopeless
Reading: Mark 5:25-34
Devotional: The story of the woman with the issue of blood parallels the leper's story in Luke. Both approached Jesus in desperation, believing He could heal them. Their faith, even in seemingly hopeless situations, moved Jesus to act. This reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances, Jesus offers hope and healing.

Consider a situation in your life that feels hopeless. How can you exercise faith like the woman who touched Jesus' cloak? Remember, even a small act of faith can connect us to Christ's power.

Prayer: Jesus, increase my faith. Help me to reach out to You in my moments of desperation, trusting in Your power to heal and restore.

Day 5: God's Presence in Our Suffering
Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Devotional: While Jesus often brought physical healing, Paul's experience reminds us that God's grace is sufficient even when physical healing doesn't come. God's power is made perfect in our weakness. This doesn't diminish the reality of suffering, but it assures us of God's presence and purpose within it.

Reflect on times when you've experienced God's grace in the midst of ongoing struggles. How has weakness or suffering drawn you closer to Christ?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your grace that sustains me in all circumstances. Help me to find strength in You, especially in my weaknesses.