Listen

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had left the Sadducees speechless, they met together. One of them, a legal expert, tested him. “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Matthew 22:34-36

Think

The Pharisees and Sadducees were the Jewish religious leaders of Jesus’ day. The Pharisees especially were obsessed with keeping Jewish law and tradition. Jesus criticized them for worrying more about rules than having pure hearts that honor God. In Matthew 23:27 Jesus said, “How terrible it will be for you legal experts and Pharisees! Hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs. They look beautiful on the outside. But inside they are full of dead bones and all kinds of filth.” Harsh! Needless to say, the Pharisees challenged Jesus often, trying to catch him off guard and trip him up.

Life often catches us off guard and challenges our faith. Being patient through this pandemic has certainly tested mine! We can look at Jesus’ life and seek support from other believers to help us stand firm and trust that the God who loves us will always be with us. James 1:12 says, “Those who stand firm during testing are blessed. They are tried and true. They will receive the life God has promised to those who love him as their reward.”

Stella Perrin

Pray

Jesus, I acknowledge that you are the way, the truth, and the life. When my faith is tested, help me to look to you and trust that you will guide me to respond so that you are honored and love prevails. Amen.

Go

Go,

Offering yourself fully to God, faults and all,

Believing that God loves you without reservation,

As you seek to love God and the world with all that you are.