March 5

Matthew 22:23-33 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

29But Jesus answered them, "You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 31And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: 32 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not God of the dead, but of the living." 33And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching. (vv. 29-33)

Observation

Sadducees posed a question with no apparent answer. Their confidence was in their literal belief of the bible. They were condescending and approached Jesus with sarcasm. Jesus directly challenges their perceived strength, knowledge of the bible. He tells them that they are ignorant of the bible and the power of God. His answer was from the perspective of true knowledge, "in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage..." as well as the knowledge of the bible, "have you not read..." He spoke with authority. The crowd was shocked by his teaching. They must have wondered where he got such knowledge and the confidence to speak so boldly.

Application

Do I want to know the scripture and the power of God? How do I avoid the trap of the Sadducees? Jesus is the answer. He came from heaven. He is the way, the truth and the life. God invites us to, "come and reason together" but faith comes from a personal encounter with Jesus. In a world where intelligence is revered, I must beware of Satan's ploys to belittle God's truth with man's intellect. He distorted the truth and misled Eve and tries to do the same with us. I will meditate on the bible with all my reason but with a receptive heart to experience his living word that comes from the power of the spirit.

Prayer

Lord, I want to excercise all of the capacity you have given me to understand and experience your living word. More than understanding, I want your living word to be manifested in my life. Please guard me against contempt for things I don't understand. Thank you for the promise of your spirit. It is what I need and desire. Thank you in Jesus name.

--Jason Kim