Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: 39:1-41:16, Matthew 12:46-13:23, Psalm 17:1-15, Proverbs 3:33-35

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What Is My Motive?

“A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore.” – Matthew 13:2 (NLT)

In Matthew 13, large crowds gather around Jesus—so large that He steps into a boat and teaches from the water while the people listen from the shore. At first glance, it seems like a practical choice. Water naturally carries sound, and the sloping shoreline would have created a natural amplifier, allowing more people to hear Him clearly. But Scripture rarely records details without deeper meaning and purpose.

By now, Jesus has experienced large crowds around Him. He didn’t move to get away—He moved to reposition Himself before them.

This moment marks a shift.

Jesus is about to begin teaching in parables—truths that require more than curiosity to understand. From this point forward, hearing will no longer be automatic. Understanding will require readiness of heart.

By stepping into the boat, Jesus creates intentional space. He is not withdrawing from the people, nor is He rejecting them. He is repositioning Himself so that those who truly want to hear can listen with intention, not distraction. The crowd remained near Him—but true understanding required more than physical closeness; it required hearts fully present and ready to receive.

This is a loving boundary.

Jesus knows that not everyone who gathers is prepared to receive truth. Some come for miracles. Some come out of curiosity. Some come with hardened hearts. So He teaches in a way that invites reflection rather than spectacle.

In stepping into the boat, Jesus invites us to reposition ourselves—not asking, “What can I get?” but “What do You want me to know?”

Jesus is with them. He still speaks, and truth still goes out. But understanding now depends on heart posture—on humility, openness, and a willingness to listen beyond the surface. Do we come to Him only for answers and outcomes, or do we come for understanding and relationship?

This message is for us today. It is possible to be near God’s Word and still miss what He is saying. Noise, expectations, distractions, and even familiarity can dull our hearing. Sometimes, Jesus lovingly repositions Himself in our lives—not to push us away, but to draw us into deeper attentiveness.

When Jesus gets into the boat, He invites us to examine our own heart and position before Him.

Are we just part of the crowd—or are we listening with hearts ready to receive? 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Today, take 5 minutes to intentionally create space to listen. Step away from distractions, quiet your thoughts, put aside selfish desires, and ask God to show you what He wants you to know. Ask Him:

• “What do You want me to know today, Lord?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then do it!

Let today be a day of repositioning with Him, so He can do greater things in you.

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Prayer

Lord, help me not only to hear Your words, but to truly receive them. Remove distractions, pride, and anything that dulls my spiritual hearing. Teach me to listen with humility and readiness, and position my heart to receive the truth You are speaking. I thank you for positioning Yourself before me, so all I have to do is seek and I will find. I give You all the praise, honor, and glory this day. Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.