Luke 20:41-47
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As we continue listening in to Jesus’ discussion with the Sadducees, read Luke 20:41-47 noticing any questions that arise as you read.
These politically connected intellectual religious leaders thought they would be able to entrap Jesus with their story and their question, but Jesus once again turns the tables on them. Now he asks a question of his own – not to entrap them, but to show them that there are many things they do not understand.
The Messiah is both the Son of David and the Lord of David. He is born of human lineage, but he existed before the world was formed. Jesus is fully God and fully human, and this is a mystery that defies human logic.
Contemplate the words of God spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9
Share your thoughts and feelings about this with Jesus.
Read Luke 20:41-47 again focusing on what Jesus says about the religious leaders.
It is one thing to misunderstand the ways of God – we all do that from time to time. A God who fits into the human intellect is not God at all. But it is quite another thing to use religion - the expression of faith in God - as a means for being perceived as significant or powerful. The Sadducees had a form of religion that provided them with political connections and prominence. But in reality, it was an empty form of religion that missed the mark entirely.
Take some time to meditate on these words written by James, the half-brother of Jesus:
“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” – James 1:27
As you end this time of reflection, sit in silence and center yourself in the presence of Jesus. Breathe deeply as you release any distracting thoughts. Then listen.
What is Jesus inviting you to reconsider or do today?
What will you do about that?
Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week. If you find these meditations helpful, please forward them to a couple of friends.
The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
