Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Luke 20.20-47

20So they watched him and sent spies who pretended to be honest, in order to trap him by what he said, so as to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor.21So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you are right in what you say and teach, and you show deference to no one, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth.22Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?”23But he perceived their craftiness and said to them,24“Show me a denarius. Whose head and whose title does it bear?” They said, “The emperor’s.”25He said to them, “Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”26And they were not able in the presence of the people to trap him by what he said; and being amazed by his answer, they became silent.


Thte question of authority is the relavant question they are striving to catch Jesus on.  He's a smart man, though and the game of authority becomes a game of whits.  Who can outwhit the other?  Here we have the question of money...power...living in society.  

Luke 21

21He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury;2he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.3He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them;4for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.” She gives everything...she has nothing else...she puts her faith in God and gives her 2 coins.  She takes the risk and gives everything she has with the faith God will provide.   It's interesting that these questions of money are so present during Holy Week.  To think about money this week seems so out of the picture...we're supposed to be talking about our hearts, our faith, our Savior!  How often, though, does money come between us and our God?  The need for money to pay bills....to provide a roof over our heads....luxuries....groceries....life.  But the question stands....which is more important?

Who or what holds authority in your life over God?  Who or what holds power in your life?

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