Several groups of religious leaders try to play “gotcha” with Jesus. It didn’t end well for them.
The people would have been familiar with these religious leaders abusing their power and authority.
God will not be mocked without consequence.
When men get power we tend to get cocky.
I don’t need to become impressed with myself.
Too many people have a bad taste in their mouth because of terrible religious leaders. Don’t be that guy.
Father, please help me stay grounded to you.
Jesus enters Jerusalem for his crucifixion.
I think early hearers/readers would have understood Jesus was still explaining the Kingdom with godly passion while clearly preparing to die.
Jesus was willing to do the hard but essential ministry.
Man is capable of breaking Jesus’ heart.
Don’t be afraid to teach God’s word no matter who is watching.
Keep eyes on the mission regardless of the circumstances.
Kingdom minded and on mission- that is my prayer.
Zacchaeus follows Jesus.
Jesus reaching out to a chief tax collector would have surprised early Jewish hearers- maybe even repulsed them. Jesus really does love sinners!
Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
Nobody is too far gone for God to reach.
Be quick to take any opportunity to boldly minister to a genuine seeker.
There are people, some seemingly unlikely, who are hungry for Jesus and would be receiptive to the Gospel.
Father, help me to see people with your eyes.
As Jesus is thinking about his own upcoming sacrificial death he teaches about steadfast faith in the Kingdom.
These teaching as miracles are pointing to Jesus’ upcoming death.
God is looking for persistent humility.
Mankind sure does like to elevate their status.
I need to recognize and embrace my lowly state because God is near.
Many people are hung up in self importance, religion, or challenges of life while Jesus is waiting for them to turn completely toward him.
Father, help me realize and be confident in any place.
Jesus proclaims that he is the Kingdom of God.
Jesus is definitely referring to himself as the Messiah and judge of the world.
As sure as he came the first time, Jesus is coming again.
Many people will not be prepared to meet Jesus.
Live life full of faith and on mission.
Tell the world about Jesus.
Lord Jesus, increase my faith. Align my will to yours.
Jesus teaches Kingdom values through parables.
Seeing Jesus layer pursuing wealth along side eternity and it was obvious which was far more important.
God values faithfulness.
Man values money and power.
Don’t let the quest for money and power derail my call to help others prepare for eternity.
Many people, even God fearing people, are controlled by the mission of acquiring wealth.
Lord Jesus, help me have your view of riches and prestige and keep my eyes focuses on your mission.
Jesus teaches that God is a joyful finder.
These parables hit hard because every has felt lost. But this was a new way to think about God.
God is constantly, diligently seeking the lost.
People can be lost in their sin (v.13) or equally or equally as lost in their religion (v.29-31)…but they are still lost.
Be a joyful seeker.
There are lost people in ditches on either side of the road- all need a Savior.
Father, help me to value all of the lost enough to act.
Jesus shows the wide invitation to the Kingdom but also challenges to count the cost.
The least likely people are sought after by God.
God is looking for followers who are willing to honor him- to enjoy him.
There is a great cost to be considered for following Jesus.
Make sure I’m all in.
Jesus is for losers (and thats everyone)- and only some will agree they are in that category.
Father, I trust the way you are making your guest list. I’m all in.
Jesus explains the narrow way of salvation.
Jesus not fearing the Pharisees or Herod was either brave or stupid.
Jesus does not apologize for making exclusive claims.
People are generally interested in salvation, but time will tell is they were interested in Jesus.
Preach and follow the narrow way.
Love people enough to teach what Jesus taught about the narrow way.
Lord Jesus, help me to walk the narrow way with you,
Jesus tells of the growing Kingdom of God.
I think the common devout Jews of the day would have been shocked at the pettiness of the Pharisees’ response to this amazing miracle.
God doesn’t need man’s approval to work.
Clinging to empty religion is like insisting on swimming with a log chain around your neck.
Rejoice when God does glorious things only he could take credit for.
Join God in highlighting and celebrating mercy and grace.
Lord, change my heart to value your ways higher than anything.
