Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:1-13

Jesus made it clear that he didn’t come to help those who were already capable, but he came to save those who knew they were helpless. He sought to be a savior, not merely a personal assistant. But it often happens that the longer you and I live life with Jesus, the easier it is to stop depending on him as a savior and start seeing him more as an assistant. Perhaps it’s our pride, perhaps it’s the many distractions all around us, or perhaps it’s that we’re not as amazed by Jesus’s amazing grace—but over time, many of us seem to only seek Jesus out and draw near to him when we need something from him.

The reality is, we don’t like to think of ourselves as desperately in need of a savior. We’d much rather save ourselves than rely on someone else. But the gospel isn’t just about making a decision to be saved once—it’s actually about growing in a relationship with a God who continually reveals to us our daily and moment-by-moment need for Him. More than that, the depths of God’s grace and goodness can only be experienced by those who acknowledge that they’re truly desperate and in need.

Hear this good news today: God loves to pour out grace on those who can admit that they are helpless and needy. You will never outgrow your need for His grace, and He will never tire of giving you the grace you need. So call out to Him, and just as you did on the first day you came to know Jesus, depend on Him for new grace and new mercy today.