March 7

Matthew 23:1-12 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.
11 The greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Observation

We know that Jesus is full of grace and truth and often think of him as merciful, which he is. In this passage I notice that he is speaking the truth very directly to the religious (I hear him speaking to the pastors of today). The biggest thing I noticed from this passage is that Jesus is highlighting the difference between the actions of the religious leaders and their heart motives. Jesus is addressing the motives of why the rabbi's do good things (pray, teach, etc). Jesus also puts the primacy of all our relationships to God through the Father, we are all brothers (and sisters), and we have one instructor, the Christ.

[I had to look up what the word phylacteries which means boxes containing Scripture verses, worn on forehead and arm.]

Application

In order to have the mind of Christ, the same attitude of Jesus, I invite the Spirit to discipline me every time my motives are not in line with the motives of Christ. If I posture myself to appear better than I am and do things for how I am seen rather than a heart of love and gratitude to God I want to be made aware so that I can be set free from my sinful ways.

And, I want to turn to the one instructor that we all have, Jesus the Christ. Jesus, teach me how I shall live in all circumstances with your heart and mind.

Prayer

Loving Father, Son and Spirit,

Thank you for living a life that reveals the kind of life that is alive in us via your Spirit. May I hear you speak to me every single minute your teaching and wisdom for my situation so that I may know your will for each moment of my life. Father, help me to surrender my will to your active presence in my life that empowers me to humble myself just like you did. Help me to always seek to serve others with your heart and mind. I know this is the best life that you've called us to live and when we obey you and follow your ways you give us life, abundant life!

Thank you for giving us the gift of your wonderful Spirit so that I and all my brothers and sisters can live with the same attitude that you did as revealed in the gospels. I listen for your Spirit's guidance and respond in obedience. And, when I fail I humble myself and turn towards you. I love you because you first loved me.

--John Loppnow