Today's Reading:O.T. - Proverbs 9
N.T. - Matthew 21
Focus Verses:
Matthew 21:14-16 14The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. 15But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant. 16"Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, "'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'?"
Insight:
Jesus' authority was unlike the oppressive authority people were experiencing at the hands of government and religion. Jesus did not demonstrate his authority by lording over people, but rather by defending people from exploitation and by healing the blind and lame. The children praised Jesus in celebration and thanks for the wonderful things he was doing. This annoyed the priests and teachers of the law because the children were singing a well-known song of praise (Ps. 118) thanking God for the messiah and the salvation he would bring.
Jesus' response to this criticism was to make an even bolder claim to authority. He said that the children were simply fulfilling the words of another song they knew, Psalm 8. That psalm is a song of praise that addresses God directly. By saying this, Jesus was making a clear claim to deity; he was allowing words of worship normally reserved for God to be directed toward himself.
Response and Action:
I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father. God from God, Light from Light, True God from True God. I believe Jesus is the Savior, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. I look to him for salvation. I acknowledge his authority and deity. I will praise him. I will live my life for him. I will seek to follow him and honor him.
Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name and power and authority of the Lord God.
O Jesus, you have promised those who love you wonderful things that surpass our understanding. Pour into my heart such love toward you, that I might love you in all things and above all things, and in doing so, may obtain your promises which are far greater than all I can imagine or desire. Amen.
Proverbs: 9:10
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
Resources:
Jesus, the One and Only
by Beth Moore and Dale McCleskey
