Month: October 2020

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.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Jesus repeats these familiar words to the Pharisees, part of a prayer called the Shema, originally found in Deuteronomy 6:5, recited morning and evening by faithful Jews since the time of Moses. This would have resonated with those listening as part of their faith heritage, part of their daily devotions for all their lives.

Yet for all their piety, these religious leaders did not seem to understand the law was for much more than just daily repetition. They knew the law and used it to keep the people in line, maintaining their hold on power, but they did not live the law as God intended. They prayed with their lips but not with their hearts.

Do we fall into the same pattern? Is our faith something we pull out for Sunday and then put away until the next week? God wants us in relationship with Him always and forever. That means making Him part of our daily lives, not just when we walk into church. Take the Lord with you wherever you are today and see Him make a difference in your life.

Gracious God, we are sorry to ignore Your love and Your law, using them only when it’s convenient for us. Help us to live for You every day, sharing Your love with all the world. 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.

The Pharisees make one last desperate attempt to discredit Jesus by asking “what is the greatest commandment?” This seems unanswerable, but Jesus replies quickly and with great wisdom. Loving God and each other is absolutely necessary for keeping all the commandments.

In 1 John 4:8 we read “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” We cannot claim to love God if we do not love His children. Jesus has taught us this in everything He says and does.

Love is the basis for all our relationships, here and in eternity. When we share God’s love with one another, He blesses our efforts and shows us new ways to reach others for Him. Only through our love given freely can we prepare the way for His kingdom.

Wise and wonderful God, our lives would not exist without Your love. Help us to share this gift with everyone that they may know and love You as well. 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 been questioned by several groups of religious leaders, all trying to catch Him on a point of law or scripture. They ask a variety of things and while the questions are faith related, they are not asking out of faith but malice. Although Jesus wants us to ask about things we don’t understand, He knows our hearts and the intent of our questions.

The Pharisees are only asking to further their own interests and protect their position in the community. It is a selfish and fearful motive that drives them. They don’t really want to know what Jesus has to say!

When we ask sincerely, wanting to know more and better apply the lesson, Jesus responds and blesses our efforts. His teaching is for everyone but we must want to accept it and make it part of our lives. Knowing what Jesus says is important; knowing Jesus is essential!

Loving Lord, we come to You in our unknowing and You give us strength through wisdom. Help us to use the truth You bring, to share Your love with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:15-22.

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

Jesus has been debating with various religious leaders as they try to discredit His teaching and ministry. They have been unsuccessful so far, but their question about paying taxes to the emperor is very sensitive to the people. The tax is a heavy burden and they resent supporting those who occupy their territory.

Jesus doesn’t avoid the issue but He points their attention to what is really important – their connection to God and the obligation He lays on them. If we focus only on our earthly cares, it is easy to be defeated by them. If we see the blessings that God has for us, we are strengthened and called to be part of His plan.

When we are overwhelmed by this world, Jesus wants to comfort us. He charges us to comfort others as well. In joy or grief, we are all God’s children, responsible to Him and each other.

Loving Lord, the world weighs us down because we have let it become our primary concern. Help us lift our hopes to You and see the new world You promise us all. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:15-22.

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

Jesus wants us to see the difference between God’s gifts and the things of the world which often lead us astray. He teaches that while we must deal with earthly matters, we mustn’t let them become the focus of our lives. God has much better things for us than the world can ever offer.

Jesus prayed for His disciples, saying “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:16). Paul taught us “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2). We are meant for a higher purpose than this physical existence.

God calls us to be part of eternity with Him. We are created to be connected to our Father in heaven first and foremost. When we realize the blessing that awaits us, the things we see here will cease to attract us and we can be the children He intended us to be.

Gracious God, in Your mercy You forgive our worldly sins and invite us back to the relationship that is meant for us. Help us to share Your love that all people may know that connection with You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:15-22.

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

Jesus tells those who will listen not to let worldly issues such as taxes interfere with their connection to God. Our lives seem busy and complicated now, but if we are honest we see that people throughout history have had to reconcile their faith and daily living. The fact that we are so involved in the world means we must focus even more on the promise God gives us and be intentional about our relationship with Him.

18th century English theologian and reformer John Wesley recommended that our faith practice be a regular part of our daily schedule, as important as any other appointment on our calendar. Yet we often find our time with God squeezed into the small empty spaces in our planners. How sad that the Creator of all things gets only the leftovers of our time.

We need to create a habit of connecting with God on a regular basis. Think of time you could spend in prayer each day and write it on your calendar or enter it on your phone. God will be waiting to welcome us whenever we come to Him.

Patient God, we are sorry for how little of our time we spend with You. Help us to live out our thanks for all Your gifts through a regular connection with You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:15-22.

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

The religious leaders ask Jesus if it right to pay the tax to Caeser. It is a question that is much debated even today – how much tax we pay and for what purposes. Jesus knows that those gathered are not looking for a serious answer but He gives a very serious response.

This group hopes He will either say “don’t pay”, after which they could have Him arrested, or “do pay”, which would anger His followers. Jesus replies in a way that makes them look at how things are being done in the world. Instead of a hard answer, He makes them think.

Jesus opposes Rome not because of who they are but for their treatment of people, the violent oppression of occupied territory and the tax burden they levy, mostly for their own enrichment. Jesus doesn’t tell them not to pay but instead to leave earthly things to earthly powers and focus instead on our relationship with God. If we accept God’s gifts and His plan, we can worry less about everyday things. The song “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” tells us “and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace”. When we trust God, we can live in confidence.

Loving Lord, it is hard for us to let go of control. Help us to be the people You created us to be, to put our faith in You and love each other. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:15-22.

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

Jesus wants those gathered to know the difference between respect for the government and respect for God. He says “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (v. 21). He asks us to give to God what is His…which is everything, even our very existence.

In His love for us, God created wonderful gifts for our use. He wants us to see that these earthly things only have value when we use them as He intended, for the good of His kingdom. He tells those listening that God wants them to live for Him and for each other.

God knows everything we go through, the burdens we place on each other and the systems we allow. Jesus teaches that we are connected to each other here on earth and our relationships are important to God. Giving Caesar what is his is only temporary, giving ourselves back to God is eternal.

Gracious God, all creation is Yours but in Your love and generosity it is ours to use. Help us to live wisely in the world today that we may be part of the world to come. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:15-22.

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

Jesus knows the religious leaders who have gathered are plotting against Him. We might have refused to talk to them or shouted them away, but that’s not how Jesus chooses to work. Instead He hears them out, no matter how much He disagrees with their statement.

While we encounter opposition in the world today, almost never are those with whom we disagree actively planning to kill us, as this group did Christ. Even in the face of such a threat, Jesus listens and responds wisely. He turns what could be a confrontation into a discussion that confounds His opponents and they leave.

Perhaps we can’t respond to difficult discussion as quickly or logically as Jesus does, but we can choose not to raise the level of tension with our answers. Fighting fire with fire only means more fire. Jesus says “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45).

Loving Lord, teach us Your patience when we face hard conversations and difficult choices. May we show the world Your way of relating to each other that all may know Your love. Amen.