Today’s scripture: Luke 20:41-47 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (David Zier):
Jesus asks a question in verse 44, “David thus calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?” Since Jesus is having a discussion with the Sadducees in prior verses, who questioned his teachings and knowledge, it seems reasonable that Jesus is getting to the real point of the Sadducees questions with this one big question: “Why are you asking me about earthly things and then things of heaven when you really want to question who I am!”
Verses 45-47 add more fuel to the fire. In fact, Jesus is saying (my words paraphrased), “You must be asking me this question because you love your place in society, you have your own self interest at heart, you’re greedy, selfish and image conscious, and I am here to speak the truth and take you down!” After all, they will receive the “greater condemnation.”
Okay, many people think that Jesus answers this question later on by who he is and the fulfillment of his mission of death and resurrection. But, perhaps he did answer the question here. Being the Son of God, the Messiah, Jesus is able to speak the truth and as the Messiah speak the heart of the Sadducees.
Just think of what this says about us today. Are we more concerned about the zip code we live in, the titles we carry, our place in society? Do we perform religious good works for the purpose of propping up our images and getting a pat on the back? These are things of this world, just as the Sadducees were asking about marriage here and in the life afterward. Or, are we more concerned about living the life that Jesus calls us to, a life that moves us forward to our next existence in heaven?
If you call yourself a Christian, will people recognize who you are? I don’t think Jesus is saying that we need to be “perfect” or that we need to be the most “righteous,” but that we need to be recognized for who we are in Jesus.
If we love God and neighbor as Jesus commands us, if we live our lives as humbly as Jesus taught us, and if we look out for those who are in need of God’s love and justice, our hearts will be with what we treasure and we will move on into the realm where God reigns in heaven, and on earth.
Thought for the day: Am I a modern day Sadducee who loves my status in the world, my place in society, and the things that I have accumulated, or am I working toward a greater goal for the commonwealth of God?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.