I'm getting this sense of everything coming to a head. Jesus is getting really offensive (hehe) and everyone's trying to trap him in something, and Jesus just slips out of all of it. Then he goes on to pretty much curse the Pharisees. But he still "finds time" to just get excited about the love offering from that widow. That just shows You right there! A day in the life of Jesus... never a dull moment.
Love,
Matthew 21:23-27, Mark 11:27-33;
So all these super religious guys come up to Jesus to ask him where he got the authority to drive out the money changers and teach and stuff. But Jesus is like, let's look at John the Baptist. Where was his authority from (because Jesus' and John's authority was the same). They said they didn't know because they were afraid of ridicule either from Jesus for being dishonest or from the people for being honest. So Jesus didn't tell them.
I wish I knew how that side tactic (if that's what it was. I'm guessing it's not, Jesus is too awesome for such things) relates to what I could do today. hmm....
Matthew 21:28-23:29, Mark 12:1-44, Luke 20:9-21:4;
I like the parable of the two sons because it gives me permission to change my mind if I'm feeling obstinate and then repentant.
Parable of the tenants... It is pretty crazy. This is a direct slap on the faces of the Pharisees. And they're getting angry. Jesus, did it pain you to talk about the son getting killed? or was it ok because you knew the big picture? I love you.
The wedding. You invited the Israelites, but not many of them were willing. So you opened it up to all of us as well. Thanks for that. But man, the shame of having no one come to your wedding feast! *slapslapslapslapslapslapslap* But thanks for opening it up to us. But that one man without wedding clothes! (without Jesus I'm assuming?) that was not good, Mr. Jesus!
I love this because this story shows your love, your humiliation, and the par-tay we're going to have later! (w007!)
Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. Basically, yes, we're under the power of the Romans, but don't forget about God. I love though that this wasn't really an issue of taxes. It was an issue of trapping Jesus. And they couldn't. They knew it, he knew it.
Jesus: 1 Testers: 0
Ok, I love that the Sadducees are asking Jesus about the resurrection, even though they don't believe in it. So Jesus says there's no marriage in heaven... and let's go deeper about the resurrection, since you don't believe that one. God says he's the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But they were dead by Moses' time. But God's a God of the living. *Cue exclamations from the crowd, testers leaving.*
Jesus: 2 Testers: 0
Interesting. Mark, who often abbreviates everything, has the longest section about the greatest commandments. Matthew says this guy was a part of the Pharisees, testing him. Mark says it's just an expert of the law who actually wants to understand something, since Jesus is doing so well. So love God, love people. I like the man's answer: That sounds exactly right. :-)
Jesus: 3 Testers: 0
And while the testers are regrouping, trying to think of a new test, Jesus gives it for them. How does David call Jesus "Lord" when Jesus is David's son? That'd be weird. So he just makes the point that he's got his stuff down... ok, more he makes the point that he can answer all questions wisely because he's God.
Jesus: 4 Testers: 0
Then he warns people against the Pharisees because they like to waltz around acting holy and being praised and adored because of it.
Most definitely on the lookout for that in others and in me...
I've said this before, I'll say it again. I love the story of the Widow. Everyone else is taking out of their surplus, but she's giving everything--even though that everything is hardly anything to live on. But she could still hold onto it--but she didn't. That's love for God. And God noticed, and loved it. Jesus got excited seeing her do it.
And then the 7 woes. Jesus is really laying it on thick--he doesn't want anyone to doubt his thoughts on hypocrisy. He also wants to leave some really important stuff about doing things for God, not men. Doing things for each other, not elevating each other, only God.
Clean the inside. Practice what you preach. Don't swallow camels.