Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:23-33.

“That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. “Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. Finally, the woman died. Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?” Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.”

Jesus continues His lesson to this group of religious leaders, explaining that heaven will not be like earth. He tells them “At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven” (v. 30). We try to understand what it will be like, but Jesus says it will be infinitely more than we can imagine.

Did you ever think about a future event and play out in your mind how it would be? When it happened, was it like you thought and if not, were you disappointed? Jesus teaches us that eternal life is beyond our frame of reference, that we can’t possibly see what it holds for us because of our human limitations.

The Apostle Paul writes “For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52). This is why we can’t figure out what it will be like – we will be changed, different from our temporary human forms. Jesus wants us to learn about God’s eternal love, but not to get wrapped up in “what it will be like”. It will be wonderful!

Wise and wonderful Lord, we often get distracted by asking foolish questions and trying to see beyond our limits. Help us to focus on what is important now that we may be worthy to receive Your eternal blessing. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:23-33.

“That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. “Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. Finally, the woman died. Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?” Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.”

The Sadducees didn’t believe in resurrection, so they were immediately at odds with Jesus’ message. That’s why they were “sad, you see” (old preacher joke!) They use a riddle in an attempt to discredit His teaching, but Jesus uses scripture they are familiar with as an answer. He often turned to what people knew as a starting point for new teaching.

He tells them that as teachers they should be more wise in understanding God’s word. Any who would lead will be held to a higher standard. He also warns they are ignoring the power of God, that earthly ways are not heavenly ways.

Jesus didn’t condemn them, but tried to explain their mistaken belief about resurrection and eternal life. Jesus gives us all the assurance that by faith we can be saved and live with God. We don’t know exactly how it will be, but we can trust His promise that it will be beyond any joy we know.

Loving Lord, when we don’t understand, help us to seek the truth rather than creating our own limited answers. Your word is the ultimate knowledge and we are grateful to share it with the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:23-33.

“That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. “Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. Finally, the woman died. Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?” Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.”

In this lesson a different group of religious leaders are hoping to trap Jesus with their questions. There always seemed to be those who thought if they could catch Him with one wrong answer, it would undo His entire ministry. It sounds like the political rhetoric we hear today, that if one is wrong on one topic, they are likely wrong about everything.

I imagine Jesus heard the Sadducees questions and shook His head sadly. After hearing all His teachings this is what they want to discuss? However, He listens patiently and then gives them the truth.

Do we test Jesus as well? Realize that this is different from honest discussion and questions asked seeking real answers. Jesus is always ready to teach us more about His love, but we must never question who He is or what He has done for us.

Gracious God, in Your mercy You sent Jesus to save and free us. Help us to believe more fully, seeing the proof of Your forgiveness in the love we are called to share. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 21:33-46.

“Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

I have heard people say “I know you were preaching to me last Sunday”. Do you sometimes find the message seems to pertain especially to you? That was the situation for the religious leaders Jesus speaks to in this lesson, and He certainly was directing His message to them. (Inside note – most pastors I know don’t preach directly to a person or group, my sermons are often directed at myself!)

While Jesus was calling this group out for their poor leadership, it wasn’t just to shame them. Jesus honestly wants them to see the error in their thinking and behavior, to be convinced of their wrongdoing and ask forgiveness. That’s what He wants from all of us.

Jesus isn’t about blame and punishment. He took the consequences of the world’s sin on Himself that we might be freed to live in the love and joy God intends for us. He calls our faults to our attention not to put us down but to have us give them up and live new lives in Him.

Gracious God, we often ignore our sin and when we do become aware, we let it keep us from the love and mercy You offer. Help us to lay down the burden of sin we carry and turn to You in repentance. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 21:33-46.

“Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

Jesus has a troubling prophecy for the religious leaders gathered to question Him: “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit” (v. 43). Will God really take back His blessing? The truth Jesus is teaching says unless we repent and become productive members of the kingdom, we will lose it.

This is hard to hear, but God is constant and consistent. There will be consequences for those who do not accept His grace and turn from sin. We have been told what is expected of us and we still have trouble obeying His will.

However, God offers us His mercy time and again. We are given chance after chance to feel the love He sends and change our lives. Jesus warns us of the danger but reaches out to save us. Take His hand, believe, and follow Him.

Loving Lord, we know the truth and the call You place on our lives. Help us to be obedient and joyful servants of the kingdom, sharing Your blessing with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 21:33-46.

“Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

Jesus has a sharp lesson for the leaders that are questioning Him. He tells them “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (v. 42), telling them they are missing something important. It gives us a sense of His frustration that these leaders who should know Him and understand His mission are only concerned about maintaining their position and power.

Jesus speaks of the builders, a reference to those in charge, ones whose knowledge and experience should allow them to make the best choices. When they choose poorly, it also affects others. Jesus warns that those who lead must seek to make good decisions for the sake of all the people.

In some sense, we are all leaders. Our words and actions affect and influence others. As Christians we must ensure that we are an example to be followed, encouraging others to know His love.

Gracious God, we are called to bring Your light to a dark world, building on the lessons Jesus taught us. Help us to be loving and wise, showing others the joy of a relationship with You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 21:33-46.

“Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

Jesus explains to those listening how important it is that they believe that God sent Him. Notice He doesn’t argue how important He is, the glory all goes to God. He tells them “the Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes” (v. 42).

Jesus wants everyone to know the love God has for them, even the church leaders who oppose Him. I think Jesus hurt for them because they were missing the truth of God He brought to all of us. Why would He try so hard to reach them if He didn’t think they too could be saved?

We face the same problems today. We oppose each other on issues of this world – important issues yes, but most often worldly issues – and fail to know and share God’s love while we contend with each other. We must remember that God is in control, not us, and include the Lord in all our dealings with each other.

Wise and wonderful God, we are often our own worst enemies, fanning the flames of discord and failing to hear the needs of our fellow creatures. Help us to be more patient with each other and not allow the words and actions of others to destroy the peace we know in You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 21:33-46.

“Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

In His parable Jesus speaks of the landlord sending his servants to collect his fruit. He reminds us that we are to bear fruit for the kingdom and that God will someday require an accounting of what we have produced. While we can’t buy or earn our way to salvation, God expects us to use the gifts we’ve been given for the good of His children.

Our lives are intended for more than simply accumulating wealth. We have an obligation to God and each other to use His resources wisely. When we become preoccupied with earthly things, we neglect the charge we have been given to bear fruit worthy of repentance (Matthew 3:8).

However, God’s love is always there for us, waiting for our acceptance of His mercy and forgiveness. Only then can we become effective workers for His kingdom. When we see the purpose for which we were created, we can become fruitful stewards of His gifts, producing a harvest of love for all.

Gracious God, we are often ungrateful servants, ignoring the bounty You have given and the needs of Your children. Help us to hear Your call and respond in love. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 21:33-46.

“Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

Jesus uses the illustration of tenants taking care of a vineyard for the landowner to show us our place in creation. The lesson speaks of responsibility, but also to the fact that while God owns all of creation, we are called to care for it and enjoy its blessings and beauty. When we fail in our duty to manage God’s gift and give Him the glory, we are like the wicked tenants.

In the very beginning, God called us to be part of His creating work, to care for what He had given us and use it wisely. Genesis 1:28 tells us “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.'” We are intended to look after the earth and its bounty.

While God gave it to us to use, we have a responsibility to Him to value the earth and its riches, to ensure that it is maintained, and above all to remember that we are only tenants. We are not in charge here. Nothing we see or use was made by our own hands, but only through God’s love for us.

Gracious God, we are thankful for the gift of the good earth that sustains us. You created us and placed us here for Your purpose. Help us to do Your will and care for the gifts You have given. Amen.