Month: November 2015

11 29 Luke 21.1-4 The observation Jesus made about the widow provides some valuable insight into our own giving.  First, we see that Jesus observed all that gave and all that they gave.  He watches us when we give and He knows the motivation of the heart.  Second, He knows all that we withhold as well.  Scripture provides timeless insight into how we should give from II Corinthians 8:1-15 and 9:6-7.  These passages remind us of some important principles as we give to the Lord.  A gift to the Lord is truly a gift when it is given freely, fully, faithfully and by faith as we trust the Lord to provide what we need.  The Macedonian church is an example in giving in that they first gave of themselves to the Lord.  We cannot give our all if we have not first given ourselves to Him.

11 22 Luke 20.41-47 There is no greater question than the one that Jesus asks the Scribes in this passage.  The answer will determine our destiny.  Who is the Christ?  Yet it isn’t just enough to know His identity, we must also accept Him as Savior into our life by faith.  Jesus concluded the chapter with a warning to the disciples about the religious leaders who led people away from the truth about Him.  As you reflect on Christ, who is He to you?

11 15 Luke 20.27-40 Do you believe in the resurrection?  The Sadducees didn’t, but they had a question for Jesus about it.  Jesus spoke both from the practical nature of the resurrection and a biblical reality affirmed throughout the Bible.  It is something to take place in the future.  Passages in I Corinthians and I Thessalonians speak of its possibility, its promise, its people and its purpose.  All of this made possible because of the power of Christ in His own resurrection.  Are you ready?

11 01 Luke 20.20-26 Once again Jesus is questioned this time by spies sent by the religious leaders in an attempt to find something for which they can arrest Him and hand Him over to Pilate for an infraction against the Roman government.  The spies ask Jesus a question as to whether or not it is lawful to pay taxes (as a Jew) to Rome.  Side with Rome that they should pay taxes and the people will be against Him because they hated Rome.  Side with the people and tell them the (OT) law did not require them to pay taxes because they belonged to God and Rome would be after Him for insurrection.  In the response Jesus gives there are two important points He makes.  Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.  We have an obligation to both the government and to God.  To the government we are to pay, obey, and pray.  To God we owe Him our lives as a living sacrifice.