Luke 20
Although many of Jesus' words and teachings were not evident to His disciples (see also post here), they WERE becoming more evident to the Jewish leaders whose selfishness and hardened hearts could not be overcome - Jesus had to be turned over to the authorities and crucified. The law HAD to be fulfilled. John Piper writes SO eloquently that God's love for His One and Only Son was the only remaining obstacle between God and our salvation - so Jesus HAD to die for us.
From this, I believe a challenge for us as believers exists to avoid the hardened hearts and selfishness that prevent us from being who God intends for us. We must go to God daily, and serve Him and others. We must deny ourselves and glorify Him (not ourselves) as this is why exist.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me more than I can ever imagine - thank You Jesus! I am undeserving of Your love - I worry way too much! Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people. v19
Although many of Jesus' words and teachings were not evident to His disciples (see also post here), they WERE becoming more evident to the Jewish leaders whose selfishness and hardened hearts could not be overcome - Jesus had to be turned over to the authorities and crucified. The law HAD to be fulfilled. John Piper writes SO eloquently that God's love for His One and Only Son was the only remaining obstacle between God and our salvation - so Jesus HAD to die for us.
From this, I believe a challenge for us as believers exists to avoid the hardened hearts and selfishness that prevent us from being who God intends for us. We must go to God daily, and serve Him and others. We must deny ourselves and glorify Him (not ourselves) as this is why exist.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me more than I can ever imagine - thank You Jesus! I am undeserving of Your love - I worry way too much! Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
