October 26
Mark 12:28-34; Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:35-37; Matthew 22:41-46; Luke 20:41-44; Mark 12:38-40; Matthew 23:1-12; Luke 20:45-47; Matthew 23:13-39; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4
Whitewashed tombs. This term is used to describe anyone who externally looks great but whose heart is corrupted by death and sin. We see this reality in Jesus’ conflict with the religious leaders. The religious elite failed miserably in trying to stump Jesus with a series of questions. Then Jesus pronounced woes upon them for their focus on externals. We are told "Everything they do is done for people to see" (Matthew 23:5). Jesus speaks to this reality in Mark 12 and Luke 21 as he watches a poor widow place an offering into the temple treasury. Several rich people gave massive amounts, while this widow put in two small copper coins. Jesus says she "put more into the treasury than all the others" (Mark 12:43).
From an earthly perspective, she did not put more in, but from God's perspective, she did. She put in a greater percentage of her wealth and at greater sacrifice. He looks at the heart, the motives, the attitude, and the sacrifice, and proclaims she put in more. Jesus does not simply want us to be good, religious people (whitewashed tombs), he wants our hearts to be conformed to him. In our externally focused world, Jesus wants us to have hearts like his in loving God, loving people, and being people of life.
Father God, conform my heart to the likeness of your Son. Help me to see with your eyes and live with your priorities. Amen.
How can you see things from God's perspective, not being solely focused on externals?
Whitewashed tombs. This term is used to describe anyone who externally looks great but whose heart is corrupted by death and sin. We see this reality in Jesus’ conflict with the religious leaders. The religious elite failed miserably in trying to stump Jesus with a series of questions. Then Jesus pronounced woes upon them for their focus on externals. We are told "Everything they do is done for people to see" (Matthew 23:5). Jesus speaks to this reality in Mark 12 and Luke 21 as he watches a poor widow place an offering into the temple treasury. Several rich people gave massive amounts, while this widow put in two small copper coins. Jesus says she "put more into the treasury than all the others" (Mark 12:43).
From an earthly perspective, she did not put more in, but from God's perspective, she did. She put in a greater percentage of her wealth and at greater sacrifice. He looks at the heart, the motives, the attitude, and the sacrifice, and proclaims she put in more. Jesus does not simply want us to be good, religious people (whitewashed tombs), he wants our hearts to be conformed to him. In our externally focused world, Jesus wants us to have hearts like his in loving God, loving people, and being people of life.
Father God, conform my heart to the likeness of your Son. Help me to see with your eyes and live with your priorities. Amen.
How can you see things from God's perspective, not being solely focused on externals?
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