Because I say So…
Opening Prayer
Thank God for the chance to know him personally, not just relying on what others tell us about him.
Read MARK 12:35-40
[35] While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “How is it that the teachers of the law say that the Christ is the son of David? [36] David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”‘ [37] David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with delight. [38] As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, [39] and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. [40] They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What was wrong with the teachers of the Law?We can easily make assumptions about what God’s Word says—and some of those assumptions may be far off the mark. Many people had very definite ideas about what they expected the Messiah to be like, but Jesus did not conform to any of their stereotypes. Think, he challenges them: are your ideas really based on God’s Word, on what you think is in it, or what other people have been telling you?
Does what we believe about God come from trustworthy sources? Do we know his Word for ourselves or do we rely on second-hand information? Are our ideas about what God is like really based on the Bible, or are we influenced by the popular images of God in society around us? Those people who look most important, Jesus tells us, are not necessarily those on whom we should rely. He also tells us that a good sign is whether their actions match their words (see Matt. 7:15-20). His own authority may be less showy, but it is really from God, and the signs are there for those who take the trouble to look.
Apply
How well would you say that you know God’s Word for yourself? What steps can you take to get to know God’s Word better?
Closing prayer
Pray that God will give you an even greater desire to know his Word and to take in its wonderful truths.
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