READING: Mark 12:28-34, Matthew 22:34-40, Mark 12:35-37, Matthew 22:41-46, Luke 20:41-44, Mark 12:38-40, Matthew 23:1-12, Luke 20:45-47, Matthew 23:13-39, Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4
For some reason, I had never slowed down my Bible reading enough to catch these words. Maybe they caught my attention today because we’ve been reading about religious leaders questioning Jesus, and these words are so distinctly different that they halted me today. Whatever the reason may be for my attention today, here are the words regarding Jesus encountering a gathering of Pharisees: “Jesus asked them a question” (Matt 22:41).
Can you imagine? It’s one thing if you ask me a question; it’s another matter if the Son of God puts a question mark on the end of a sentence directed to me. In fact, I’m reminded of a few other questions Jesus asked:
- “But who do you say that I am?” (Matt 16:15)
- “What do you think about the Christ?” (Matt 22:42)
- “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40)
- “You unbelieving generation, how long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you?” (Mark 9:19)
- “Why are you sleeping? (Luke 22:46)
- “If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? (John 8:46)
- “Do you love me? (John 21:17)
The One asking the question knows all things, including my mind and my heart. I have much to think about prayerfully today as I consider these questions.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What are your answers to the questions above?
DAILY PRAYER: “Jesus, You know my heart. I pray I will answer You well today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Mark 13:1-23, Matthew 24:1-25, Luke 21:5-24, Mark 13:24-31, Matthew 24:26-35, Luke 21:25-38