TODAY’S INTRO
Which part of today’s text will stand out for you? There are some sections that challenge, some that comfort, and some that speak of destiny!
TODAY’S TEXT- Luke 18: 9-43
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. 11The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” 13But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” 14I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’
15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. 16But Jesus called for them and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’
18 A certain ruler asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ 19Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 20You know the commandments: “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honour your father and mother.” ’ 21He replied, ‘I have kept all these since my youth.’ 22When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money* to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ 23But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich. 24Jesus looked at him and said, ‘How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’
26 Those who heard it said, ‘Then who can be saved?’ 27He replied, ‘What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.’
28 Then Peter said, ‘Look, we have left our homes and followed you.’ 29And he said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.’
31 Then he took the twelve aside and said to them, ‘See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. 32For he will be handed over to the Gentiles; and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon. 33After they have flogged him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise again.’ 34But they understood nothing about all these things; in fact, what he said was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.
35 As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth* is passing by.’ 38Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ 39Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ 40Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, 41‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me see again.’ 42Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.’ 43Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God
TODAY’S STATUS UPDATES
“I’m glad I’m not like that person.” -- I guess that is the one that stands out to me today. In our world, it seems that people are quicker to find the flaws in others instead of celebrating the good things.
We live in an ultra-competitive world where we are often taught early to be better than others or to try and be the best. Finding the flaws in others is often a key defense mechanism. We see the problems of another and feel better about ourselves. That reality, of pointing out the flaws in others, exists in high schools, middle schools, facebook conversations, blogs, news, and in face to face conversation.
Jesus, however, points us to a new way. It is one that does not drag down “the other”. It simply starts with self-examination and a humble request for god to help us with our lives. We ask God to humbly bless us so that we might be a blessing for others. Start there and then seek to bless others & not pick out their faults.
Jesus never looked at the people of this world and said, “I am glad I am not like them.” The great story of God sending Jesus into this world was that he would “become one of us” but then truly show us how to live. His life was marked by humilty, servanthood, and a desire to lift up every person he encountered (even those that others wrote off!)
Will you bless others today or will you be quick to see the flaws? Let’s seek to find the goodness in others today. Let’s play our part in bringing out the best in others.
FRIENDS ADDED
Humble
Children
Those who “give all” for the advancement of the Kingdom
Proper use of possessions
NOTES
We are a mere two weeks from Easter. Our devotions through Luke will finish right around Easter.
On Monday, April 5 we will start walking through Luke’s 2nd edition, the Book of Acts. http://www.ripplingout.blogspot.com/
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