Category: Daily Prayer

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 isn’t finished teaching the religious leaders. He tells another parable that explains the coming of the prophets and also His presence in Israel. The priests and elders rightly see themselves in the lesson, but instead of humble repentance, they become angry.

It’s hard to hear that we are failing. Sometimes we are aware of our shortcomings, sometimes it is a shock to hear. Regardless of our knowing or not, our reaction should be to ask God’s forgiveness and accept the grace He gives us to change our hearts and minds.

If God didn’t love us, why would He bother to send the prophets to teach us the error of our ways, and Jesus to offer us reconciliation? When we see ourselves in the scripture lessons we are able to turn away from sin. God’s mercy is there for all when we admit our wrongdoing and earnestly follow Christ.

Loving Lord, thank You for the lessons You teach and the love You give to us. Help us to share Your truth and love with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 21:21-32.

Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.”

Jesus isn’t trying to assert His authority here, He wants those He debates with to understand all authority comes from God. They are using their position and power not to further God’s kingdom but to make themselves look important. Jesus teaches us that we must serve God and each other if we want to do His will.

These leaders seem to have forgotten that the original intent of the laws they enforce was to free people from sin and turn their hearts to the Lord. Now they are used to control people and consolidate the leaders’ power. Jesus challenges their mindset and their position in the community.

The story He tells forces them to consider which example they are living out – obeying the Father with their actions or saying “yes” but not doing the work. It is hard for us to look at ourselves and say we’re not living up to God’s law. It is worse if we use it to punish others or lift ourselves up.

Loving Lord, we are humbled by Your gifts and Your guidance for us. Help us to use both for the good of Your children and Your glory. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 21:21-32.

Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.”

Jesus reminds the priests and elders that John the Baptist was sent for them, a subtle hint that He has come for them too. He is giving them a chance to change their minds and follow Him. Jesus is always ready for us to give up our selfish ways and be saved.

Jesus wanted everyone to know the Good News, that God was waiting to forgive their sins when they repented and turned to Him in faith. While He often debated the religious leaders, He wanted them to understand and receive God’s blessing as much as any other. No one is above or beyond His love and mercy.

Think you’ve missed your opportunity to change your life? Think again! Jesus is waiting with open arms to welcome you back and set you on the right path again.

Gracious God, we are grateful for Your boundless love, offered to us no matter what our situation. Help us to take Your love to everyone that they may be part of the kingdom. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 21:21-32.

Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.”

Jesus asks the religious leaders which son did his father’s will, and they answer correctly. They can understand what He teaches but they refuse to accept it. For this reason He tells them “the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you” (v. 31).

Jesus knows when people haven’t heard His teaching or when they truly do not understand, but this is not the case with the priests and elders in this lesson. The prophet Jeremiah had warned Israel against this years before, saying “Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear” ( Jeremiah 5:21). Knowing the truth but failing to accept it is a sin of pride, placing our “knowledge” above the word of God.

Jesus told us we would hear hard lessons and be called to do difficult things for His kingdom. Rejecting these because we value earthly things puts us in direct opposition with what He teaches. We have heard the truth and He calls us to joyful obedience.

Loving Lord, we need Your guidance every day. Be with us as we go into the world to do Your will. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 21:21-32.

Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.”

Jesus tells us of two sons, asked by their father to go work in his field. One said yes but did not go. The other refused but eventually went. He uses this as an example to us of obedience to God’s call on our lives.

God has asked us to work for His kingdom here on earth. Saying yes and accepting the task He has for us is important, but that alone won’t accomplish what is needed. Agreement is necessary but action is essential.

God wants us to go and do. The movement of the Holy Spirit in us must energize us to act in His name. Let His call on your life move you, that you may be His face and love to others.

Loving Lord, we are slow to hear and even slower to act. Help us to hear Your invitation to caring action in our world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 21:21-32.

Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.”

Jesus was unhappy with the religious leaders who questioned His authority but He would have discussed with them if they were honestly seeking an answer. Their pettiness and political maneuvering certainly saddened Him. They were debating not to gain knowledge but to gain an advantage.

I’m sure it saddens Jesus to see us still engaged in this behavior with each other. Sometimes we must raise our voices to be heard but we are called to treat each other with respect. We must not attack others personally, we must listen to understand and we must not let the actions of others distract us from our kingdom goals.

God wants us to love one another even when we disagree – especially when we disagree. It is easy to love each other when things go well. Our commitment to God and following His commandments are often shown best in how we treat His people in troubled times.

Gracious God, we are quick to anger and slow to learn. Help us to hear each other’s concerns and respond with Your love and compassion. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 21:21-32.

Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’  But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.”

In the debate with Jesus the chief priests and elders lose the argument not so much because they don’t know the right answer but because they are not honest about it, even with themselves. Their discussion shows that they wanted the politically correct answer, one that would fulfill their needs to discredit Jesus and maintain their power. However, Jesus has put them in a no-win situation, as evidenced by their answer “we don’t know”.

Telling Jesus “we don’t know” isn’t a sin when we are truly unsure. Jesus encourages us to ask questions and discuss in order to better understand God’s plan for us and what we are called to do. The chief priests and elders in this lesson weren’t seeking the truth, they only wanted to keep their hold on control.

Above all, we must be honest in our efforts to know Jesus and accept His offer of salvation. When we are working for ourselves, we fail. When we accept the forgiveness He brings and turn to Him in faith, we become the people God intends us to be.

Loving Lord, help us to seek Your truth in order to see our place in creation. May we know the joy of an eternal connection to You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 21:21-32.

Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’  But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.”

The religious leaders have questions for Jesus regarding His authority. They ignore what He is doing for people and ask “who gave you permission to do these things?” Are we sometimes more concerned with “who said you could do this” and less with what is being accomplished?

God has blessed us to be a blessing to others in whatever ways we can. However, it seems that we sometimes face a choice between doing good and doing right according to human law. God’s law would never require such a choice, because good and right should always be in agreement. Notice that it doesn’t prevent the good and right thing from sometimes being a hard thing!

Jesus makes us think about such questions. He wants us to understand the call placed on our lives to care for one another. God has given us the means and the responsibility to love our brothers and sisters as He first loved us.

Gracious God, we are grateful for Your many gifts. Help us to use them in ways that benefit all Your children. Amen.