Matthew 21:23-23:39.
Holy Tuesday is often referred to as the Day of questions.
As Jesus continued to teach in the temple, He was approached by the chief priests and scribes about His authority to teach. Rather than give a direct answer, Jesus questioned them about the baptism of John.
They are trapped, and no doubt more infuriated after listening to the parable of the wicked tenants.
So they changed tactics and asked the disciples, "Is it lawful to pay taxes the the emperor or not?" Jesus, of course aware of their malicious intent, answered for the disciples (and for us, too)....Yes, we must all pay our taxes.😢
So on this day of questions, Jesus made it quite clear that His authority comes from God, but at the same time He recognized the authority in this world.
We are citizens of two worlds, and in both Authority must be obeyed.
But God's authority is divine and able to penetrate the souls of all, unveiling the hypocrisy or unjust laws of the Pharisees and Scribes.
Jesus broke more than convention and rules when He openly condemned how these religious authorities misinterpreted the whole concept of the religious Law by insisting on OUTWARD observances, but ignoring the spirit and mercy of it.
Holy Tuesday is a day of questions for us, too.
By whose authority am I living?
We all have the sin nature to be captivated and seduced by the world and by Satan and his evil spirits.
If we put ourselves into silence and solitude, into the scenes of Jesus questioning the authorities,
how is the Holy Spirit showing us who we really are?
Are we behaving more like the religious leaders who define their authority by their outwardly pious acts and rituals, without mercy?
Or staying alert and walking with Jesus during Holy Week?
It is easy to get swept up in the triumphal entry of the Jesus Palm Sunday experience but quite another to learn how to be inwardly transformed by Christ in the presence of betrayal, violence, pain, struggle and death.
How will we be intentional about staying awake with Christ through all the events of this week?
Where is that place in my soul where I can be present to Christ's suffering, learning the very personal lessons he has for me?
For if we stay awake with Him all along the journey, Holy Week becomes the best week of HOPE and JOY we have.
Pain
Presence
Comfort
Joy
Prayer: On this Holy Tuesday, let me submit myself to Your authority in all that I do, knowing that if I submit completely I shall not live like the Pharisees by seeking recognition, but in humility, silently rejoicing that I am able to do Your will and be Your instrument in this world.
Prepare our hearts to walk with you the rest of the way this Holy Week.
Help us to find ourselves walking alongside you in your story this week and not run from the pain. Help us to stay alert and awake to what we cannot learn in any other way. Amen
Thank you Lyn Woodruff for posting through Lent to the
River Prayer Reflections text messaging community of women
Holy Tuesday is often referred to as the Day of questions.
As Jesus continued to teach in the temple, He was approached by the chief priests and scribes about His authority to teach. Rather than give a direct answer, Jesus questioned them about the baptism of John.
They are trapped, and no doubt more infuriated after listening to the parable of the wicked tenants.
So they changed tactics and asked the disciples, "Is it lawful to pay taxes the the emperor or not?" Jesus, of course aware of their malicious intent, answered for the disciples (and for us, too)....Yes, we must all pay our taxes.😢
So on this day of questions, Jesus made it quite clear that His authority comes from God, but at the same time He recognized the authority in this world.
We are citizens of two worlds, and in both Authority must be obeyed.
But God's authority is divine and able to penetrate the souls of all, unveiling the hypocrisy or unjust laws of the Pharisees and Scribes.
Jesus broke more than convention and rules when He openly condemned how these religious authorities misinterpreted the whole concept of the religious Law by insisting on OUTWARD observances, but ignoring the spirit and mercy of it.
Holy Tuesday is a day of questions for us, too.
By whose authority am I living?
We all have the sin nature to be captivated and seduced by the world and by Satan and his evil spirits.
If we put ourselves into silence and solitude, into the scenes of Jesus questioning the authorities,
how is the Holy Spirit showing us who we really are?
Are we behaving more like the religious leaders who define their authority by their outwardly pious acts and rituals, without mercy?
Or staying alert and walking with Jesus during Holy Week?
It is easy to get swept up in the triumphal entry of the Jesus Palm Sunday experience but quite another to learn how to be inwardly transformed by Christ in the presence of betrayal, violence, pain, struggle and death.
How will we be intentional about staying awake with Christ through all the events of this week?
Where is that place in my soul where I can be present to Christ's suffering, learning the very personal lessons he has for me?
For if we stay awake with Him all along the journey, Holy Week becomes the best week of HOPE and JOY we have.
Pain
Presence
Comfort
Joy
Prayer: On this Holy Tuesday, let me submit myself to Your authority in all that I do, knowing that if I submit completely I shall not live like the Pharisees by seeking recognition, but in humility, silently rejoicing that I am able to do Your will and be Your instrument in this world.
Prepare our hearts to walk with you the rest of the way this Holy Week.
Help us to find ourselves walking alongside you in your story this week and not run from the pain. Help us to stay alert and awake to what we cannot learn in any other way. Amen
Thank you Lyn Woodruff for posting through Lent to the
River Prayer Reflections text messaging community of women
Comments
Post a Comment