Category: Daily Prayer

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.

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.