Chapter Overview
As the Pharisees become more aggressive, Jesus openly warns others about them. While some fear them, Jesus teaches that the only One worthy of fear is God, and they must show this by speaking up for Jesus in the face of opposition. Disciples must also defend the Holy Spirit’s integrity against all who blaspheme. As Jesus is speaking, a man interrupts and asks for part of his family’s inheritance. This displeases Jesus and leads Him to adjust His sermon topic. He addresses the sin of monetary greed. He speaks of putting trust in God and even selling possessions to help others. The most important thing is to be ready for Christ’s return. These truths must be settled in their hearts because times of great persecution and temptation are coming.
Religious movements and groups can have a heavy hand of influence on believers. The only one we fear and answer to is God, and we must defend the Father, Son, and Spirit, no matter who speaks against them. This demands a sense of spiritual priority. It is so easy to get caught up in greed, too much focus on money, and a sense of dependency on things that are not of God. So many will not be ready when Jesus returns. We need to trust God, use our goods to help others, and always be ready to answer to our Lord. In the meantime, true faith can be divisive, and great trials may be in the near future. Get prepared today.
Powerful God, we fear You and offer worship and praise to You alone. Please help us to carry that same boldness into every conversation and every part of our lives. We get so distracted with worry and money and the judgment of others. Great God, help us to lean fully upon You, and to find rest in Your Son’s kingdom. Please present us with opportunities to be givers and servants. All that matters is to be faithful to You at Your Son’s return. Please help us keep that fresh in our minds as we face unbelievers and temptations in this life.
Thought Questions
- 1The Pharisees were wrong, and their hypocrisy was dangerous. How does fearing God sometimes mean opposing religious people?
- 2Greed is also very dangerous. How do you guard against it? What keeps you charitable and spiritual in this material world?
- 3Are you ready for the Lord to return? How does the way you handle difficult people and temptation today help answer that question?