Post by marilyn777 on Oct 26, 2009 0:14:33 GMT -5
Authoritatively Alone!
So while the Pharisees were together, Jesus asked them a
question. Jesus said, "What do you think about the Christ?
Whose son is he?" The Pharisees answered, "The Christ is the
Son of David." Then Jesus said to the Pharisees, "Then why
did David call him 'Lord'? David was speaking by the power of
the {Holy} Spirit. David said, 'The Lord (God) said to my
Lord (Christ): Sit by me at my right side, and I will put
your enemies under your control.' David calls the Christ
'Lord.' So how can he be David's son?" None of the Pharisees
could answer Jesus' question. And after that day no person
was brave enough to ask Jesus any more questions {to try to
trick him}.
-- Matthew 22:41-46 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
After Jesus' answer on the "greatest commandment" question, we are
brought back to the truth of the situation. The opponents of Jesus
aren't really interested in his answer on this important matter. His
answers are for us, his disciples; Jesus' opponents don't care to hear
the truth of God. They are simply trying to trap him and trick him into
a huge mistake. So Jesus' answer stressing the importance of love is
saved for us, to help us know what our Savior holds as most important
for us to do. However, Jesus has no illusions about the hostility he
faces in the Pharisees, Sadducees, and teachers of the Law. He knows
their plan and their purpose. But Jesus still loves them and longs to
confront them with the truth. So he asks a question to baffle the hard
hearted. At the same time, his question is designed to speak to the
seeker in these hostile groups and ask them to look deeper into his
Davidic and Messianic claims and come to his authority emanating from
God. The first group, of course, is silenced and shamed at being
tripped up in their own game. The latter group has a seed that is
planted in their hearts that hopefully will germinate when the Spring
of faith warms with hope at his resurrection.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Almighty God, I know that no one is like you or worthy of the praise
that is due you. I thank you, however, for showing me Jesus. One who
took on human flesh and walked the world that I face. Thank you for
showing me your grace and strength in the context of my world. I want
to live under your authority and according to your will. Seeing you in
Jesus helps me know unmistakably that your authority alone saves. Thank
you, in Jesus' name. Amen.