Today’s passage: Luke 19:45-20:18
Helpful thoughts:
- The Jews had hoped the Messiah would come to Jerusalem to drive out the Romans. Instead, He drove out Jews who were abusing the Temple and sought true worshipers.
- The Jewish leaders understood the things Jesus was saying in this passage. However, they told Jesus He was wrong and they were more interested in the people thinking highly of them than they were interested in the people thinking highly of God the Son.
- One does not simply disagree with God. To disagree is to rebel. The rebellion of these leaders was evidenced in this passage by their desire for the praise of man. Their reason for waiting to destroy Him was because the people looked like they would oppose such a thing.
- Matthew 28:18-20
- In the parable, Jesus told these religious leaders exactly what they wanted to do and why they wanted to do it. They wanted Jesus dead because they wanted His glory. But, the death of the Son brought righteousness to all who believe…and judgment to all who reject.
Questions to consider:
- Why is the fear of man so dangerous? How does it hurt our walk with Christ?
- If the prophets were beaten, imprisoned and even killed, and if Jesus was beaten and crucified, should we expect the world to think highly of us? (John 15:18-19, John 16:33)
- There are many popular verses from the Psalm 118 passage linked above. To what person, day and accomplishment are they referring?