Today’s Tasting: Mark 11; John 12
As Mark 11 begins, Jesus and his followers are approaching Jerusalem. Jesus enters Jerusalem on the back of a colt while people around him praised God. Jesus then threw the money changers and those selling animals out of the Temple, accusing them of turning God’s house into a hideout for robbers. Jesus uses the death of the fig tree he cursed to emphasize to his followers the power of prayer, then tells them they must forgive those they are angry with if they want God to forgive their sins. When the leading priests and teachers of the law of Jerusalem asked Jesus about where his authority came from, he refused to answer unless they stated by what authority John the Baptist baptized people.
John 12 opens with Jesus and his followers having a meal at the house of Lazarus. Judas Iscariot questions why Mary uses a jar of expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet, instead of giving the money to the poor, but Jesus says it is right to do this to prepare him for burial, and the poor will always be there, but he will not. John 12 then tells the story of Jesus and the crowds praising him while he is on a colt. Jesus then talks to the crowd about his death. At this time, many people still did not believe in Jesus, despite the miracles they had seen, and many of those who did stayed silent in order to stay a part of the synagogue.
Today’s Nourishment:
“I have come as light into the world so that whoever believes in me would not stay in darkness” (John 12:46 NCV).
We sometimes get so caught up in the details of how to run our modern churches that we can forget the basics of Jesus’ message and his purpose. There are many different beliefs on many different issues, and we often let our differences divide us, instead of uniting as followers of Jesus, people who want to help bring light to the world.
While there is a place for genuine discussions of deep theological issues, we also need to remember that as Christians, we are not being a light to the world by being known more for divisions over our traditional worship services pan out, than for the joy and care we give to others.
So, come out of darkness and live as light to the world for Christ to reflect through you.
How are you living as light?
Tomorrow’s Delight: Matthew 22; Mark 12
Kaitlyn Sexton
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