Day 280

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Jesus Entering the City!

Scripture

October 6—Matthew 20-23: Confrontation with the Christ

Observation

Jesus now begins his final journey to Jerusalem. Knowing full well what awaits him there, he again alerts his disciples to his coming death and resurrection. The triumphal entry into Jerusalem shows how polarized public opinion has become: one group praises him as King, while another plots his death. As his opponents seek to discredit him before the crowds and accuse him before the Romans, Jesus answers every question they ask him, then silences them with questions of his own. The final countdown to the cross has begun.

Application

A television commercial shows a husband hunched in front of the TV set obviously engrossed in a sports program. From the kitchen comes the raucous voice of his wife, "Harold, when are you going to paint the house?" The beleaguered husband replies, "When they have a sale!"

Suddenly, the TV announcer breaks in to declare the "paint sale of the century." Harold's wife immediately chimes in, "Harold, did you hear that?" Harold responds, "Zzzzzz."

Jesus plainly told his disciples three times of his approaching death and resurrection.  (The first two references are in Matthew 16:21 and 17:22; the other one is found in today's reading. Can you find it?) Yet Jesus arrest and execution caught them completely by surprise because they didn't have ears to hear. How are you doing at being an active listener? As you read today's section, do it slowly, carefully, and thoughtfully, interacting with what you read. Keep pencil and paper handy. Then, as God speaks to a need of yours, hear what he says, and heed it!

Prayer

Loving Father, we surrender our soul to you. We know that faith is the attitude of the soul in which your Word and your Spirit dwell. Faith is the fruit of our prayer so we ask that you help us strengthen our faith so we can make it multiply new believers and unbelievers for your glory. We want more to come into the saving knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ. You are the truth and the way so guide us in your truth and lead us in the way of everlasting especially when we are sharing our faith. We pray this in our Savior, Jesus' name! Amen! 




© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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