Matthew 24:3-8

³ As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” ⁴ And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. ⁵ For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. ⁶ And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. ⁷ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. ⁸ All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

During the final week of His life, Jesus spent time teaching those who came to Him with questions. In today’s passage, the disciples approached Jesus privately, seeking guidance about uncertain future events. They recognized their need for wisdom beyond their own understanding.

Jesus responded not by giving them a detailed timeline, but by offering practical wisdom they could apply in their daily lives: “Watch out that no one deceives you… See to it that you are not alarmed.” He taught them how to discern truth and maintain peace amid uncertainty.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus met people where they were. He recognized that wisdom takes different forms depending on our needs and circumstances. For some, wisdom meant understanding spiritual mysteries; for others, it meant learning practical skills to care for family or manage resources.

Regardless of its form, true wisdom transforms. It changes not just what we know but how we see ourselves and our place in the world. When Jesus taught, He wasn’t simply transferring information—He was equipping His followers to navigate life with new confidence and purpose.

For those living in poverty, wisdom often comes in the form of practical knowledge and skills. Learning how to read, how to care for one’s health, or how to manage limited resources can transform not just individual lives but entire families for generations to come.

“I never thought I could be a teacher, until I taught my son the alphabet and numbers and realized that I can do it!” shares Rodney of teaching his 5-year-old son Rutchi.

Rodney only finished sixth grade and struggled to find employment. He works as a seasonal farm laborer earning barely enough for his family of three children. His wife left them years ago and he has since raised the family on his own with the help of his mother.

Living in poverty, Rodney hopes for his children to get an education– something he never had. As he looks at Rutchi, he realizes his need to learn his ABCs if he were to enter school, graduate college, and have a shot at a better life. Sadly, Rodney does not know how and what to teach his son. Besides, he thinks this should be the role of a mother.

One day, he heard about Family Academy being held in his community. Concerned about Rutchi’s education, Rodney signed them up for the early childhood education program.

The father-son tandem started attending the coaching sessions. As Rutchi learned how to count and read, Rodney started feeling more confident about guiding his son’s learning. There were interactive games and colorful math and phonics flashcards, and Rutchi enjoyed every session. At home, Rodney reinforced the lessons using take-home resources provided for the parents. Now, he was fully involved in his son’s development.

“I enjoy teaching Rutchi and am grateful for the chance to do so. To encourage him, we agreed that once he masters his lessons in school, he’ll teach me in return,” Rodney shares.

Today, Rodney and Rutchi have completed the 10-week Family Academy sessions and are excited for school to begin. Rutchi dreams of becoming a teacher and his father has no doubts his son will reach his dreams.

Like the disciples who acknowledged their need for understanding, Rodney recognized his limitations but didn’t let them prevent him from seeking wisdom for his son’s future. The knowledge he gained transformed not only his son’s prospects but also his view of himself. What began as a father’s concern became a journey of discovery for both of them, revealing capabilities Rodney never knew he had.

• Where in your life do you need wisdom or understanding right now? Take a moment to acknowledge this need before God, just as the disciples approached Jesus with their questions.
• Consider a time when gaining new knowledge changed how you saw yourself or your capabilities. How might God be inviting you to step beyond perceived limitations today?
• Who in your life might be waiting for you to share wisdom or knowledge that could transform their future? Ask God to show you opportunities to teach or mentor others.

Lord Jesus, Master Teacher, I come to You acknowledging my need for wisdom. Like Your disciples who asked questions and like Rodney who sought help for his son, I recognize that I don’t have all the answers.

Thank You for meeting me where I am. Help me to be open to learning in all its forms—whether spiritual insights, practical skills, or new ways of seeing myself and others. Where I face limitations, show me pathways to growth.

I pray for those who lack access to education and opportunity. For parents striving to give their children a better future, for children with dreams and potential waiting to be developed—provide teachers, mentors, and resources that nurture growth.

Use me, Lord, to share what I’ve learned with others. Help me recognize the wisdom You’ve placed within me that others might need. And in all things, may I approach life with the humility of a lifelong learner, always ready to grow in Your truth. Amen.