Tag Archives: the book of Matthew

January 31
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“Jesus replied, ‘You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.'” (Matthew 22: 29, NIV)

Ouch!

What a stinging rebuke it was to the people to whom Jesus spoke these words: People whose business it was to know both the Scriptures and the power of God.

As followers of Jesus, we are also expected to know both the word of God, and the power of God.  Our Lord expects it of us.  The watching world expects it of us; and we ought to expect it of ourselves.

The former we acquire through diligent study; and the latter we acquire through faithful obedience. This is our safeguard against error.  – Luther

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January 25
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“Then he said to them, ‘So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’” (Matthew 22:21b, NIV)

We know what belongs to Caesar.  Caesar’s name is on his money.  Caesar collects his tax from wages, even before it is deposited in our personal accounts. Caesar has laws for conduct that must be obeyed under penalty of fine or imprisonment. We get it, and we render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar because it is right to do so.

On the other hand, what belongs to God?

For an answer, we need look no further than the first book of the Bible (Genesis), where we see that we each were created in the image and likeness of God. As coin and currency bears the image and likeness of Caesar (a.k.a civil government), it is God’s image only that is borne by you and me.

While Caesar is about possessions and property, God is always about persons.  We belong to God, and God desires our fellowship.  He desires nothing more; and we should offer Him nothing less.  – Luther

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January 22
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Uncategorized Aside
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. ‘” (Matthew 19:14, NIV) 

There is much the disciple of Jesus can learn from a child: Humility, a readiness to learn, and a natural attraction to the One who loves them.

When was the last time you approached the dawning day as young children do: With openness, wonder, enthusiasm, and joy?

When was the last time you approached our Lord as the children, in today’s scripture reading, did: Desiring only to be near Him?

Do not fear or suppress the child within you.  “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  – Luther

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