Month: October 2020

Our scripture this week is Matthew 23:1-12.

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father–the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

Jesus teaches that we must be aware of the effects of our actions. He says the religious leaders “place heavy burdens on the shoulders of others” (v. 4) through their interpretation and enforcement of the Law. They are doing this intentionally, to keep their grip on power and their position.

Do we harm others unintentionally perhaps? Think about the things you say and do and how they might impact the lives of others. As we have discussed, the world is watching and our behavior as Christians can cause people to react positively or negatively.

We must consider our words and actions to reflect Christ’s truth and not seem like the Pharisees of the present. Sharing His love will help people understand the joy of a relationship with God and each other. Let us be the ones who help lift their burdens and bring them to Christ.

Gracious God, we hear the call to go into the world to share the Good News. Make us strong in faith to help others find the way to Your love. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 23:1-12.

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father–the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

Jesus says we must all be students, no matter what our experience or position. Those who think they know everything become inflexible and intolerant of anything that might contradict their opinion. Jesus says there is no end to our learning and we must always be open to the truth God has for us.

This doesn’t just mean newly discovered things, often it is a reminder of very old things we may have forgotten. Jesus said “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). He wants us to remember what God has promised from the very beginning.

Above all, God is constant and consistent. His love for us and His law are unchanging. He calls us to see and understand things which may seem new to us, but have always been part of His plan.

Loving Lord, we often close our minds to things we don’t want to deal with or things we don’t understand. Help us to learn the lessons You have for us and use them to show others Your love. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 23:1-12.

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father–the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

Jesus teaches us to humble ourselves before God and others. By offering ourselves as servants we are able to reach out with His love to those in need and show them the joy of a connection with God. This is the blessing and the command to those who follow Jesus.

We are warned against pride that steals the meaning of our efforts, feeling that we have accomplished something when it is only due to God’s gifts. Jesus says of the Pharisees “they do all their deeds to be seen by others” (v. 5), a sad commentary on their motivation. It is done not to help others or to please God but only to increase their own standing in the community.

We need to understand that what the world thinks of us isn’t important. The world can’t save us! Only our repentance and acceptance of Christ’s pardon can bring us to eternal life.

Loving Lord, we are sorry when our pride overrides our love. Help us to be the humble servants You intend, serving You and each other. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 23:1-12.

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father–the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

Jesus teaches us to be conscious of our behavior and its effect on others. When we act wrongly, two bad outcomes are possible. Those observing may think our actions are acceptable, or they may think “if this is how Christians act I want no part of it”.

Like it or not, we are being watched as followers of Jesus. Others form opinions about Christianity based on us. If they see our actions don’t match our words, we have failed as the Pharisees do in this lesson.

Jesus tells us to take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). There is a cost to being a disciple and the world is watching. We know the Lord will be with us when we accept His forgiveness and share His love with everyone.

Gracious God, we are grateful for Your love and mercy. Help us to be living examples of the lessons Jesus taught, obeying Your will and sharing the Good News with the world.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 23:1-12.

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father–the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

One of the lessons Jesus shares warns about having a double standard – especially one for ourselves and another for those around us. He holds up the Pharisees as an example of those who do this. We must strive to be fair in our treatment of each other and the expectations we have.

Jesus tells us that this group of leaders hold the people to a standard they do not follow themselves. While they require strict adherence to the smallest points of the law from the people, they feel free to ignore its application to them. They want respect and honor for their position but do nothing to deserve it.

Jesus teaches that we are all equal in the eyes of God and we must see each other in the same way. We must not let our feelings and opinions influence our treatment of people. Jesus shows us that we must be blind to people’s position or social standing, dealing with everyone in love as He does.

Gracious God, we often let our judgement of others hamper our relationship. Help us to see everyone through the eyes of love, knowing we are all Your children. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 23:1-12.

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father–the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

After long debate with the religious leaders, Jesus addresses the crowd. He wants them to understand that while they should hear the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees, their example is not to be followed. They send a mixed message because their actions don’t match their words.

Sadly, we still see this in our society today. The advice to “practice what we preach” often goes unheeded. If we advocate a certain behavior from others, it must be something we are willing to do as well.

Jesus teaches us to be humble servants of God’s kingdom, obeying and teaching His way to all. Our faith must be one of belief and action, knowing and following God’s commandments. Only when our thoughts, words and behavior match His will we be truly His children.

Gracious God, we hear the lesson but it is hard for us to put it into practice. Help us resolve our disagreements and disobedience, to be energetic followers of Christ. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:34-46.

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” “The son of David,” they replied. He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says, “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Jesus has taught us what is most important – our relationship with God and one another. If we get this right, everything else will follow. When we interact with love we are better able to see God’s plan for us and the world.

Those listening that day might have remembered the scripture “Hatred stirs up strife but love covers all sins” (Proverbs 10:12). In one of his letters Peter echoes this teaching saying “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1Peter 4:8). Those who come to know Jesus learn that this is an essential part of the faith to which He calls us.

We desperately need to show our love for God and each other in our words and actions right now. We are concerned for our health and we worry over the state of our world. Jesus knows our fears and weakness, and He calls us to the assurance that God cares about us. Loving God and each other is the only way to resolve our issues and bring healing to all.

Gracious God, we know that it is only through Your love that we are here at all. Help us to us share that love with one another that the world may know You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:34-46.

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” “The son of David,” they replied. He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says, “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Jesus didn’t ask for the debate with the religious leaders but He uses it as an opportunity to teach them and those around them about what is most important. They were expecting to confuse Him but the answer comes honestly and plainly “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (v. 37). Who can argue with that?

Seeing our connection with our Creator as our first duty changes the priorities in our lives. When we live for God in all we do, we can be confident in our words and actions. Knowing and sharing His love becomes a blessing instead of a task to be accomplished.

Jesus wants us to see God’s love for us and our love returned to Him as it was intended – the original order of creation. We were made to be in relationship with God and each other. When we remember this and live it out, we restore the connection.

Loving Lord, help us set our attention on what is most important, our love for You and all Your children. May we see ourselves as part of Your eternal family, loved and blessed. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:34-46.

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” “The son of David,” they replied. He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says, “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Jesus answers the Pharisees’ question in a way they can’t refute because it is God’s truth. From the very beginning we were created to be in relationship with God and each other. This is our nature and our ultimate blessing.

In Genesis 1:18 God says “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” God has put within us a deep need for the companionship of other humans. In different seasons and varying degrees we all experience this and it is especially distressing to us to have to be isolated from those we love and humanity in general.

While we struggle through the health issues of the COVID virus we are additionally burdened by being separated from each other. Reach out through prayer to God and whatever means you can to each other in order to stay connected. Loving God and neighbor is still the greatest commandment.

Loving Lord, we are stung by the pain of our world’s illness and the loss of connection it causes. Help us to know You are with us and may we care for each other through Your grace. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:34-46.

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” “The son of David,” they replied. He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says, “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Jesus has a question for the Pharisees as well. He asks whose son is the Messiah, and then quotes from Psalm 110 regarding their answer. He is reproving them for their attempt to discredit Him using scripture, but also asking them to consider what they think they know.

Jesus doesn’t test our knowledge to judge us, He asks questions to help us better understand what God intends for us. Through the guidance of God’s word given in scripture we are able to connect with Him and see the blessings that are planned for us. To know scripture is to know God.

John 1:1 tells us “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus is the Word, so it is no surprise that His opponents were unsuccessful in their attempts to confuse Him with scripture. Jesus doesn’t want to confuse us but to lead us to the blessing of salvation and eternal life in Him.

Loving Lord, we stumble over Your teachings, trying to assign our own meaning to the lessons. Help us to truly understand that we may do Your will by loving God and each other. Amen.