Journey to Joy: Daily Devotions for a Happy Heart

WEDNESDAY, 20 MARCH 2024

 

TEXT: Luke 20:41-21:4

 

41: Then Jesus said to them, “Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David?

 

42: David himself declares in the Book of Psalms: “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand

 

43: until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’

 

44: David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”

 

45: While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples,

 

46: “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.

 

47: They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

 

Luke 21:1-4

 

1: As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.

 

2: He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.

 

3: “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.

 

4: All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

 

(New International Version Holy Bible)

 

TOPIC: WARNING AGAINST TEACHERS OF THE LAW

 

Jesus directly and publicly criticizes the Jewish religious leaders whose quest for power, popularity and glory is not in tandem with spiritual leadership.

 

They like to walk around in flowing robes and cassocks; love to be greeted with respect in the markets and other public places; and sought power and glory for themselves while neglecting the needs of the poor and lowly.

 

Jesus also condemned them for deceptively handling the property of a widow's deceased husband or of generally oppressing the weak and the vulnerable members of society.

 

Sadly, we are living witnesses to these terrible attitudes in our political and even church leaders today.

 

QUESTION: Do you sometimes indulge in lengthy prayers as a cover up?

 

PRAYER: Forgive me, Father for my quest for power and glory, instead of humility, in Jesus name. Amen.

Remain Blessed      

ECWA Food For The Day, 2024.