Jesus speaks of a judgement that is coming for everyone.
Jesus levels the severity of outrageous sins with the average sins of the day.
God’s justice is above man’s.
Man’s justice is below God’s.
I should take my sin as seriously as God does.
People love to justify their own sinful patterns.
Father, help me to take my sin seriously so you can refine and use me.
Jesus sets his gaze on helping people prepare for eternity.
Jesus arcs several big challenges of life to a much bigger and surer reality- eternity.
Jesus will return to judge the world.
Our biggest concerns in this life pale in comparison to eternity.
Fear God and remember what is after this life.
Needs abound and always will, but the end is assured for all of us.
Lord Jesus, help the thought of your return motivate all of the time, talent, and treasure you have loaned me.
Jesus roasts the self-righteous.
Vehemently calling out the most educated, powerful, religious leaders of the day was jaw dropping.
God does not tolerate empty religion.
Men are quick to fashion a god into their own image.
Beware of becoming a Pharisee.
Many people still confuse religion with relationship with God.
Father, I want you.
Jesus tries to get the people to focus on the spiritual.
Those who refused to believe that Jesus was the Messiah would have had to come up with a reason for the miraculous works he was doing.
God is patient, even to unbelieving hard hearted people.
Some people will go to great lengths to explain away the power of God.
Believe Jesus.
Realize that for some apologetics, prophecy, and even miracles will not be enough to convince them that Jesus is indeed the only way to God.
Father, increase my faith.
Jesus teaches about prayer.
The simplicity of this kind of prayer was different than the ritualistic religion of the day.
God is a good father.
We really make prayer more complicated than it is.
Simply…fervently….pray.
People should be encouraged to talk with God like a loving father.
Father, thank your for being good, attentive, and loving- even to a problem child like me.
Jesus gives a lesson in priorities.
Jesus’ interaction with female followers was quite different than the customs of the day.
Jesus wants more than good works. He wants us.
Busyness can steal precious time.
Make sure my priorities match God’s.
It is a helpful reminder that busyness does NOT = meaningful time with God.
Lord Jesus, show me when my priorities get all mixed up.
The message of Jesus is not received by everyone.
The most religious Jews seem to have the most difficulty in believing Jesus.
God is generous with the proclamation of his Kingdom message.
Many people will reject God’s message.
Boldly proclaim Jesus- but remember all everyone didn’t receive his message either.
You never know who will be receptive!
Father, I love you more than success. Help me be a faithful steward.
While Jesus is humbly preparing others for his death his disciples are trying to wield power for themselves.
I think early hearers/readers who knew the Gospel story would look back at this and see that the disciples at this point still didn’t understand Jesus’ mission.
God’s rescue mission is so amazing that even Jesus’ closest disciples had trouble comprehending what was about to happen.
Men thirst for power.
Don’t get sucked into power grabs.
Don’t hesitate or stutter- the Kingdom life is a serious decision.
Father, help me to joyfully embrace Kingdom life and help others to do the same.
The disciples’ eyes are starting to open to the idea of Jesus being the Messiah.
Early Jews would have accepted the miracles as from God- but this talk of suffering and death would been very difficult.
All of God’s ways are purposeful and perfect.
Humans tend to dislike the darker shades by themselves but combined and contrasted with the lighter shades God’s masterpiece is revealed.
Trust God’s entire pallet choices.
People need to be reminded of God’s bigger plan/story.
Father, you are the master. Help me to trust and embrace your perfect plan always.
Nature, demons, sickness, and even death obey Jesus.
This is still more overwhelming evidence of the divinity of Jesus.
God’s heart is filled with compassion which results in a generous outpouring of mercy and grace.
Needs abound and Jesus is able.
Fully depend on Jesus.
Keep proclaiming the Kingdom message because some will hear.
Jesus, you are the almighty Son of God! You are able!
