Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
Jesus confronts the Pharisees in a way that particularly challenges those today who consider themselves religious, upright or intellectual. They test Jesus with questions that portray hostility and scepticism. However, Jesus proves his greater wisdom and insight into the scriptures, also nudging them to see that he is even greated than king David. His warnings to them then turn on their hypocricy. They act in order to be thought of as important, and pass on their erroneous ideas that burden people with outer laws. They show their lack of concern for the things of God, in affirning oaths made on lesser things, but not seeing the seriousness of oaths made on greater things. Likewise, they make much of tithing but not of justice. In short, they are not concerned with inner righteousness, but only what might be seen and fits the concerns of their peers. And Jesus is clear that this will eventually break out in open hostility to him and his followers. However, he is not without love for such people, ;longing to gather them like a hen her chicks (23v37-39). The section ends with a prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem that took place in AD70, and warns all against the judgment coming on those too proud to recognize who Jesus is. As you read note where you are in danger of similar hypocricy.
Matthew 22:15-23:39
Matthew 22:15-23:39
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.