April 15 | Luke 20:1-26

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DAILY READING

Luke 20:1-26

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REFLECTION

Jesus' Authority

By Kim Starr

These three encounters demonstrate the religious leaders’ questioning Jesus over his authority. The religious leaders included elders, priests, scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees. Jesus was a problem to the Jewish religious system primarily because the religious leaders believed that they were the authorities and the ones in charge. Jesus ignored their very highly developed and sophisticated system because he had God given authority. The religious leaders’ anxiety over Jesus was escalating because of Palm Sunday and Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple. Their fear was that Jesus was going to start a religious revolution.

Regardless, Jesus continued to do the work that he was sent to earth to do. While at the temple, the religious leaders come right out and ask Jesus by what authority he’s doing what he’s doing. Instead of answering, Jesus asks them a question about the baptism of John, to which they do not give an answer. Why? Because if they say they believe John, who said Jesus was the Messiah, they validate Jesus. If they say they don’t, they will lose their credibility with the people because the people believed John was a prophet of God.

Jesus then tells the story about the wicked tenants. The religious leaders knew right away that Jesus was talking about them. God had given the religious leaders the authority to lead the people in worship to him, but when they failed, he sent prophets to get them back on track and they beat and harmed them. Now God has sent his only son and they will kill him as well. Meanwhile, the people knew that Jesus was claiming to be the Son of God.

Next, the religious leaders send spies to try to force Jesus into a difficult choice. If Jesus answers that taxes should be paid, he could be accused of denying the sovereignty of God making him unpopular with the people. If Jesus says that taxes should not be paid, he could be arrested by the Romans. Instead, Jesus’ affirms that the government makes legitimate requests of us to which we are to be obedient. However, we ultimately belong to God and are responsible to him in all things. In fact, had the people been obedient to their covenant with God, they would never have had to endure the occupying oppression of the Romans.

PRAYER

Jesus, we are so grateful that you are the only authority we need. We praise you for enduring the questions and trickery that the religious leaders used against you. We know you could have gotten exasperated, lost your temper, and told off the religious leaders. Instead, you continued to teach, educate and explain to all who would listen who you are and how you save us. Thank you for holding fast to your mission. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KIM STARR

I have been a member of UALC since I was 2-years-old. Over my life I have participated in, and volunteered for, numerous ministries, programs, and activities, all of which have grown and strengthened my faith. I have been blessed beyond measure by not only being a part of this congregation, but also by being able to worship with three generations of my family.

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April 14 | Luke 19:45-48

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DAILY READING

Luke 19:45-48

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REFLECTION

Love the Lord or Love the Religion

By Dave Mann

Sadly, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day had come to trust in the ceremony and the structure of the Temple instead of in the Lord.  Still, in our day, it is very possible to trust in one’s religion more than to trust in God.

Some people trusted in the Lord and yet lived in other regions.  They would come to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices and to celebrate the holidays at the Temple, the prescribed location.  However, those people arrived with the foreign currencies they used for their day-to-day financial activities.  To have acceptable sacrifices for the ceremonies, they needed to exchange their tender for the Temple currency to purchase their sacrificial animals.  One can only imagine how those coming from foreign lands were vulnerable to exploitation.

Seeing that the Temple was becoming a locale for financial gain for the insiders, Jesus quotes from both Isaiah 56 and Jeremiah 7.  God’s original intent was that his chosen people would be the avenue through which his steadfast love would reach the people groups all over the world.  However, just the opposite was happening – God’s people had become an obstacle to his purposes.

Read what Isaiah and Jeremiah wrote about the purpose of the Temple structure and ceremonies.

Isaiah 46:6 And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord    

to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord,    

and to be his servants,

all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it    

and who hold fast to my covenant—

7 these I will bring to my holy mountain    

and give them joy in my house of prayer.

Their burnt offerings and sacrifices    

will be accepted on my altar;

for my house will be called    

a house of prayer for all nations.”

Jeremiah 7:11 Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you?

God desired to reach out not just to the people of Israel but through them to claim the world. Here are a few other passages in the Old Testament in which it is clear from the beginning that God had plans for the entire world to have a place in his kingdom:  Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 49:6; Isaiah 42:6; Isaiah 19:24-25.

We also in our day are called to love the Lord and to connect with outsiders as a demonstration of God’s love for the world.

PRAYER

Lord, your love for the world is amazing.  Please help me to be so overwhelmed by your mercy that I would resemble your love to all people, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DAVE MANN

I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of six. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.

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April 13 | Luke 19:28-44

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DAILY READING

Luke 19:28-44

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REFLECTION

Jesus Weeps - Jesus Reigns

By Elaine Pierce

The Bible records Jesus weeping three times: when Lazarus dies (John 11:35), in the Garden of Gethsemane (Hebrews 5:7), and in today's passage, when he weeps over Jerusalem:

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes" (v. 41-42).

He is weeping just after the crowds "spread their cloaks on the road.....and began to joyfully praise God in loud voices...Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" (v. 36-38) Jesus weeps for people who will reject him, and he prophesies the destruction of the city, which happens exactly as he describes it in 70 AD. He loves these people and he longs for them to experience peace and salvation, which can only come through him. He weeps because he knows they have hardened their hearts. In the midst of such joy and celebration - there must have been thousands of people lining the streets singing his praises - our savior, our king, is weeping for the lost.

On this Palm Sunday, when we wave our palm branches and sing "Hosanna, Hosanna, to our risen savior," let's pray to have the heart of Jesus. His desire is that all those who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. He came to offer abundant, eternal life. We know what is coming for Jesus as we enter Holy Week, and we know the price he paid for our sins. We know that his closest followers deserted him in his time of need. Ask God will you - to give us - a soft heart, and a longing to follow him even when he goes where we may not want to go.

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29

PRAYER

Lord, it's Palm Sunday, and we are singing your praises as you enter Jerusalem. You are our King and our Savior. Yet, we know that many will desert you in just a few short days. Forgive us, Lord, when we stray, and welcome us back when we ask forgiveness. Help us as we walk through Holy Week to walk with you daily, in confidence and hope. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!

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