Matthew 22:41-46
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say 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.
In today’s passage, Jesus is surrounded by Pharisees and the tension is high. Read Matthew 22:41-46 noticing Jesus’ rock-steady composure.
When our erroneous ways of thinking become set in stone, they require disruption before we can begin to see differently. The Pharisees know the Old Testament Scriptures and they are convinced they have correctly interpreted and understood them, so when Jesus questions them about the origins of the Messiah they’re quick to rattle off the answer.
Jesus masterfully pokes a hole in their logic, not because he has any interest in winning a philosophical debate, but because they are missing the obvious point. The Messiah is standing in the midst of them, but because of their refusal to examine their previous understanding of Scripture, they cannot recognize him and therefore cannot turn to him to find life.
Stop to consider the possibility that some of your own understandings of Scripture may be missing the mark. Are you open to having Jesus disrupt your erroneous beliefs? Talk openly with Jesus about this.
Read Matthew 22:41-46 again.
In an earlier meditation, we considered the fact that finite humans cannot fully understand an infinite God. It is also true that none of us have all of Scripture figured out. Our journey of following Jesus is a journey of transformation in which the Holy Spirit is continually enlightening us and refining our minds and hearts to make them more like Jesus.
When we come to the Bible, we should come with great humility. We can’t approach the Bible as we would a textbook from which to gather information, but rather we must recognize that it is a book like no other – a book that “reads us back” and ultimately reveals Jesus to us. And when we come with open hearts and minds, Jesus will use Scripture to draw us closer to him.
Take a moment or two to sit in silence and simply be in the presence of Jesus. When you are ready, consider asking the Holy Spirit to search your mind and heart and reveal any ways you are remaining closed off from divine disruption or transformation. Take as long as you need for this.
What do you sense Jesus saying to you or inviting you to do today?
How will you respond?
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