Focus
Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.
Read
Luke 20:1-8 (NRSV)
One day, as he [Jesus] was teaching the people in the temple and telling the good news, the chief priests and the scribes came with the elders and said to him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?” He answered them, “I will also ask you a question, and you tell me: Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” They discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ all the people will stone us; for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know where it came from. Then Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”
Reflect
Jesus often found himself at odds with the religious authorities in Jerusalem. They viewed him as religiously suspect and politically dangerous. Their delicate interaction with Rome hung in the balance. No wonder they repeatedly tried to entrap him.
In this instance, however, Jesus clearly demonstrated that the hostility with which he was met grew from jealousy and envy. His calm demeanor and straightforward approach exposed their jealousy, which was driven by anger.
Jesus’ genuine purpose, as always, was to bring honor and glory to God. Had these persons answered his question correctly, they would have vindicated his practices and joined in with praising God. In refusing to acknowledge the miracles, they also robbed God of adoration.
In a similar fashion, our lives point others to the power and love of God, or illustrate how sin and unbelief can thwart the presence and influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As a result, our effectiveness in serving the Lord suffers greatly. Instead of other people discovering God in our words and actions, we build barricades that confuse others.
May we gladly and joyfully proclaim, “Jesus is Lord!”
Pray
Lord, may we always recognize the miracle-working power that you possess! Amen.
Go with God.
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