Wednesday Devo
Scripture:
Luke 20:45-47
45 Then, with the crowds listening, he turned to his disciples and said, 46 “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. 47 Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be severely punished.”
45 Then, with the crowds listening, he turned to his disciples and said, 46 “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. 47 Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be severely punished.”
Commentary:
20:45–47 Beware of the Scribes. Luke concludes the preceding “debates” with a warning about the hypocrisy of the scribes. Beware of the scribes. Although not all scribes deserved the following condemnation (cf. v. 39; Mark 12:34), the majority of them did (cf. Luke 11:45–53; 12:1). They walk … in long (ostentatious) robes; they love greetings and places of honor (cf. Luke 11:43; 14:7–8). While doing this, they devour widows’ houses (probably while serving as executors of their estates) and for a pretense make long prayers (cf. Matt. 6:5–6). As a consequence, they will receive the greater condemnation (cf. Matt. 23:13–36; Luke 11:37–52).
Questions:
- Finally, Jesus, the Prince, exalts Cinderella. He calls their attention to a widow who has just given everything she had in the temple; two copper coins. This was the smallest amount of currency available, the smallest amount that the temple would allow someone to give and everything she possessed. Jesus is telling us that THIS is the goal. This is the picture of righteousness. This is what it looks like to truly love God. Not just speaking financially, but have you given your all to the One you serve? Is there anything you have withheld from him?
- Darrell Bock said, "In contrast to the scribes’ pride and hypocrisy stands this woman who has sacrificed out of her life to honor God. So Jesus says, “Beware of the scribes, but follow this widow.” When God measures the life of service, he does not just count, he weighs." What is this quote saying to you? How would God answer the question above about you?
Pray:
- That you would truly give God your all.
- That you would learn what true devotion to Him looks like.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
5. Why do I follow Jesus? I follow Jesus because Jesus rose from the dead proving that He is the way, the truth and the life.
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
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