Scripture:
Matthew 22:41-46 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The Question about the Messiah
41 While the Pharisees were together, Jesus questioned them, (A) 42 "What do you think about the Messiah? Whose Son is He?"
"David's," they told Him.
43 He asked them, "How is it then that David, inspired by the Spirit, [a] calls Him 'Lord (B) ':
44 The Lord declared to my Lord,
'Sit at My right hand
until I put Your enemies under Your feet (C) ' ? [b] (D)
45 "If David calls Him 'Lord,' how then can the Messiah be his Son" 46 No one was able to answer Him at all, [c] and from that day no one dared to question Him any more. (E)
Footnotes:
Matthew 22:43 Lit David in Spirit
Matthew 22:44 Other mss read until I make Your enemies Your footstool
Matthew 22:46 Lit answer Him a word
Cross references:
Matthew 22:41 : Mk 12:35-37; Lk 20:41-44;
Matthew 22:43 : 2Sm 23:2; Rv 1:10; 4:2;
Matthew 22:44 : Ps 110:1; Ac 2:34-35; 1Co 15:25; Heb 1:13; 10:13;
Matthew 22:44 : Ps 110:1;
Matthew 22:46 : Mk 12:34; Lk 14:6; 20:40;
Reflection:
How could King David recognize the Christ as both his son and his Lord? Among the Jews the most common title for the Messiah was the Son of David. The Jews looked forward to the long-expected Savior who would come from the line of David. Jesus was often addressed with that title, especially by the crowds (Mark 10:47ff, Matthew 9:27; 12:23). David acknowledged that the Messiah would indeed come from his line as God had promised him. But David also prophesied in Psalm 110 that the Messiah would not simply be his son and heir, but his Lord and Redeemer who would rule, not just Israel, but all the nations as well.
How could David recognize the Messiah as both son and lord? Jesus proclaims that it was the Holy Spirit who inspired David (Matt. 22:43). David recognized from afar that the promised Messiah would not simply be a prince of David's line who would conquer lands and peoples like David himself. Through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, David recognized that the Messiah would be the true Son of God who would redeem his people and establish them as a royal priesthood and a holy nation. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to reveal the true identity of Christ to all who will open their hearts and minds to receive this revelation.
Jesus points to himself as the true heir of David's throne and the true Lord of David as well. Paul the Apostle states that "no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:3). Jesus did not come with an army to conquer nations and territories, but he came in the power of the Spirit to conquer the hearts of men and women for his kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14:17). He won pardon and freedom for us through his sacrificial love and victory on the cross.
What does it mean to acknowledge that Jesus is Lord? The word Lord means "ruler" or "king" -- the one who is owed personal fealty, familial loyalty, and willing submission. Whether we recognize it or not, we indeed are all ruled by someone or something. The Lord or Master of our lives is the person or power we give our lives over to and submit to in a full way. We can be ruled by many different things -- such as our unruly passions (such as rage, lust, envy, pride, hatred, etc.), the love of money, alcohol, drugs, possessions, etc. Only one Lord can truly set us free to love and to be loved as God intended from the beginning. When we acknowledge that Jesus is Lord we invite him to be the Master of our heart and the Ruler of our thoughts and actions, relationships and home, and all that we do and say. Is the Lord Jesus the true Master and King of your heart and do you give him free reign in every area of your life?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of David and the Son of God. You are my Lord and I willingly submit myself to your rule in my life. Be Lord and King of my life, my thoughts, heart, home, relationships, work and all that I do.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Daily Word - Love God, Love People - Matthew 22:34-40
Scripture:
Matthew 22:34-40 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The Primary Commandments
34 When (A) the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they came together in the same place. 35 And one of them, an expert in the law, asked a question to test Him: (B) 36 "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" [a]
37 He said to him, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. (C) (D) 38 This is the greatest and most important [b] commandment. 39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. (E) (F) 40 All the Law and the Prophets depend [c] on these two commandments." (G)
Footnotes:
Matthew 22:36 Lit is great
Matthew 22:38 Lit and first
Matthew 22:40 Or hang
Cross references:
Matthew 22:34 : Mk 12:28-33; Lk 10:25-28;
Matthew 22:35 : Lk 7:30; 10:25; 11:45; 14:3;
Matthew 22:37 : Dt 6:5; Lk 10:27;
Matthew 22:37 : Dt 6:5;
Matthew 22:39 : Lv 19:18; Mt 19:19;
Matthew 22:39 : Lv 19:18;
Matthew 22:40 : Mt 7:12; Rm 13:8-10; Gl 5:14;
Reflection:
What is the purpose of God's law or commandments? The Pharisees prided themselves in the knowledge of the law and their ritual requirements. They made it a life-time practice to study the 616 precepts of the Old Testament along with the numerous rabbinic commentaries. They tested Jesus to see if he correctly understood the law as they did. Jesus startled them with his profound simplicity and mastery of the law of God and its purpose. What does God require of us? Simply that we love as he loves! God is love and everything he does flows from his love for us. God loved us first and our love for him is a response to his exceeding grace and kindness towards us. The love of God comes first and the love of neighbor is firmly grounded in the love of God - Our relationship is both verticle and horizontal. The more we know of God's love and truth the more we love what he loves and reject what is hateful and contrary to his will. What makes our love for God and his commands grow in us? Faith in God and hope in his promises strengthens us in the love of God. They are essential for a good relationship with God, for being united with him. The more we know of God the more we love him and the more we love him the greater we believe and hope in his promises. The Lord, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, gives us a new freedom to love as he loves. Do you allow anything to keep you from the love of God and the joy of serving others with a generous heart? Paul the Apostle says: hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us (Romans 5:5). Do you know the love which conquers all?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, your love surpasses all. Flood my heart with your love and increase my faith and hope in your promises. Help me to give myself in generous service to others as you have so generously given yourself to me.
Matthew 22:34-40 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The Primary Commandments
34 When (A) the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they came together in the same place. 35 And one of them, an expert in the law, asked a question to test Him: (B) 36 "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" [a]
37 He said to him, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. (C) (D) 38 This is the greatest and most important [b] commandment. 39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. (E) (F) 40 All the Law and the Prophets depend [c] on these two commandments." (G)
Footnotes:
Matthew 22:36 Lit is great
Matthew 22:38 Lit and first
Matthew 22:40 Or hang
Cross references:
Matthew 22:34 : Mk 12:28-33; Lk 10:25-28;
Matthew 22:35 : Lk 7:30; 10:25; 11:45; 14:3;
Matthew 22:37 : Dt 6:5; Lk 10:27;
Matthew 22:37 : Dt 6:5;
Matthew 22:39 : Lv 19:18; Mt 19:19;
Matthew 22:39 : Lv 19:18;
Matthew 22:40 : Mt 7:12; Rm 13:8-10; Gl 5:14;
Reflection:
What is the purpose of God's law or commandments? The Pharisees prided themselves in the knowledge of the law and their ritual requirements. They made it a life-time practice to study the 616 precepts of the Old Testament along with the numerous rabbinic commentaries. They tested Jesus to see if he correctly understood the law as they did. Jesus startled them with his profound simplicity and mastery of the law of God and its purpose. What does God require of us? Simply that we love as he loves! God is love and everything he does flows from his love for us. God loved us first and our love for him is a response to his exceeding grace and kindness towards us. The love of God comes first and the love of neighbor is firmly grounded in the love of God - Our relationship is both verticle and horizontal. The more we know of God's love and truth the more we love what he loves and reject what is hateful and contrary to his will. What makes our love for God and his commands grow in us? Faith in God and hope in his promises strengthens us in the love of God. They are essential for a good relationship with God, for being united with him. The more we know of God the more we love him and the more we love him the greater we believe and hope in his promises. The Lord, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, gives us a new freedom to love as he loves. Do you allow anything to keep you from the love of God and the joy of serving others with a generous heart? Paul the Apostle says: hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us (Romans 5:5). Do you know the love which conquers all?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, your love surpasses all. Flood my heart with your love and increase my faith and hope in your promises. Help me to give myself in generous service to others as you have so generously given yourself to me.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Daily Word - God's Coins - Matthew 12:15-22
Scripture:
Matthew 22:15-22 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
God and Caesar 15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to trap Him by what He said. (A) [a] 16 They sent their disciples to Him, with the Herodians. (B) "Teacher," they said, "we know that You are truthful and teach truthfully the way of God. You defer to no one, for You don't show partiality. (C) [b] 17 Tell us, therefore, what You think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar (D) or not?"
18 But perceiving their malice, Jesus said, "Why are you testing Me, hypocrites? 19 Show Me the coin used for the tax." So they brought Him a denarius. 20 "Whose image and inscription is this?" He asked them.
21 "Caesar's," they said to Him.
Then He said to them, "Therefore, give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (E) 22 When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left Him and went away.
Footnotes:
Matthew 22:15 Lit trap Him in [a] word
Matthew 22:16 Lit don't look on the face of men; that is, on the outward appearance
Cross references:
Matthew 22:15 : Mk 12:13-17; Lk 20:20-26;
Matthew 22:16 : Mk 2:8; 3:6; 8:15;
Matthew 22:16 : Jn 3:2; Ac 10:34; 13:10; 18:26;
Matthew 22:17 : Mk 12:14;, 16-17; Lk 2:1; 3:1; 20:22;, 24-25; Jn 19:12;, 15;
Matthew 22:21 : Mt 17:25; Rm 13:7;
Reflection:
What do we owe God and neighbor but to love and to give each what is their due (Romans 13:6-8)? The Jewish authorities sought to trap Jesus in a religious-state issue. The Jews resented their foreign rulers and despised paying taxes to Cesar. They posed a dilemma to test Jesus to see if he was loyal to their understanding of religion. If Jesus answered that it was lawful to pay taxes to a pagan ruler, then he would lose credibility with the Jewish populace who would regard him as a coward and a friend of Cesar. If he said it was not lawful, then the Pharisees would have grounds to report him to the Roman authorities as a political trouble-maker and have him arrested. Jesus avoided their trap by confronting them with the image of a coin. Coinage in the ancient world had significant political power. Rulers issued coins with their own image and inscription on them. In a certain sense the coin was regarded as his personal property. Where the coin was valid the ruler held political sway over the people. Since the Jews used the Roman currency, Jesus explained that what belonged to Caesar must be given to Caesar. This story has another deeper meaning as well. We, too, have been stamped with God’s image since we are created in his own likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). We rightfully belong, not to ourselves, but to God who created us and redeemed us in the precious blood of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (see 1 Cor. 6:19-20). Paul the Apostle says that we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). Do you acknowledge that your life belongs to God and not to yourself? And do you give to God what rightfully belongs to Him?
Matthew 22:15-22 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
God and Caesar 15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to trap Him by what He said. (A) [a] 16 They sent their disciples to Him, with the Herodians. (B) "Teacher," they said, "we know that You are truthful and teach truthfully the way of God. You defer to no one, for You don't show partiality. (C) [b] 17 Tell us, therefore, what You think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar (D) or not?"
18 But perceiving their malice, Jesus said, "Why are you testing Me, hypocrites? 19 Show Me the coin used for the tax." So they brought Him a denarius. 20 "Whose image and inscription is this?" He asked them.
21 "Caesar's," they said to Him.
Then He said to them, "Therefore, give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (E) 22 When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left Him and went away.
Footnotes:
Matthew 22:15 Lit trap Him in [a] word
Matthew 22:16 Lit don't look on the face of men; that is, on the outward appearance
Cross references:
Matthew 22:15 : Mk 12:13-17; Lk 20:20-26;
Matthew 22:16 : Mk 2:8; 3:6; 8:15;
Matthew 22:16 : Jn 3:2; Ac 10:34; 13:10; 18:26;
Matthew 22:17 : Mk 12:14;, 16-17; Lk 2:1; 3:1; 20:22;, 24-25; Jn 19:12;, 15;
Matthew 22:21 : Mt 17:25; Rm 13:7;
Reflection:
What do we owe God and neighbor but to love and to give each what is their due (Romans 13:6-8)? The Jewish authorities sought to trap Jesus in a religious-state issue. The Jews resented their foreign rulers and despised paying taxes to Cesar. They posed a dilemma to test Jesus to see if he was loyal to their understanding of religion. If Jesus answered that it was lawful to pay taxes to a pagan ruler, then he would lose credibility with the Jewish populace who would regard him as a coward and a friend of Cesar. If he said it was not lawful, then the Pharisees would have grounds to report him to the Roman authorities as a political trouble-maker and have him arrested. Jesus avoided their trap by confronting them with the image of a coin. Coinage in the ancient world had significant political power. Rulers issued coins with their own image and inscription on them. In a certain sense the coin was regarded as his personal property. Where the coin was valid the ruler held political sway over the people. Since the Jews used the Roman currency, Jesus explained that what belonged to Caesar must be given to Caesar. This story has another deeper meaning as well. We, too, have been stamped with God’s image since we are created in his own likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). We rightfully belong, not to ourselves, but to God who created us and redeemed us in the precious blood of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (see 1 Cor. 6:19-20). Paul the Apostle says that we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). Do you acknowledge that your life belongs to God and not to yourself? And do you give to God what rightfully belongs to Him?
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