Holy Week – Tuesday - My God My Everything

On Tuesday Jesus again went to the temple, passing by the withered fig tree. I try to imagine myself right there with Him, hearing the sound of His voice, watching His movements, walking with Him and trying very hard to really hear and remember the message He was giving. Thankfully, His message is written down for us in His word. When I was reading through my bible these were the paragraph titles for the events of Jesus’ day:

Jesus says the disciples can pray for anything
Religious leaders challenge Jesus’ authority
Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants
Religious leaders question Jesus about paying taxes
Religious leaders question Jesus about the resurrection
Religious leaders question Jesus about the greatest commandment

As I look over those titles the first one gives me such a feeling of security and love. I can talk to God about anything and everything. Jesus set the example when He prayed, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:36)

Our prayers are often motivated by our own interests and desires. We like to hear that we can have anything. But Jesus prayed with God’s interest in mind.

The religious leaders were motivated by their own evil desires to trap and kill Jesus. They questioned His authority to clear the temple, paying taxes, the resurrection and which laws were the most important. Nothing about their questions had anything to do with seeking God’s will for their own lives. Each religious group took their turn in trying to trap Him and one by one Jesus revealed their hidden motives and at the same time taught the crowd about what really mattered, loving God and loving others.

Upon hearing the parable of the wicked tenants they realized that He had spoken it against them. He fully knew the motives of their hearts and He exposed their plot to kill Him and warned that their sins would be punished.

When we love God completely and care for others as we care for ourselves, then we have fulfilled the intent of the law. When we are uncertain about what to do, we can ask ourselves which course of action best demonstrates love for God and love for others. With the right motives in our heart, God will answer our prayers and show us the way.

Personal reflection:

Are my prayers focused on my own interests or Gods?
Do I question Christ’s authority in my life?
Do I do the things I do for show? To be noticed by others?
Do I love others like I love God?

Tuesday’s message: Jesus warned against trying to make a good impression. These teachers of the law were religious hypocrites who had no love for God. True followers of Christ are not distinguished by showy spirituality. Reading the bible, praying in public or following church rituals can be phony if the motive for doing them is to be noticed or honored. Let your actions be consistent with your beliefs. Live for Christ, even when no one is looking. (Life Application Bible)

My prayer

Father, what comfort it gives me to know that You can make all things possible. You know the motives of my heart and You desire that I would follow your example and choose Your will above my own. You know what is best. You are the God who was and is and is to come, all knowing, all powerful. You are my God. In Jesus name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Mark 12: 29-31

” Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”