Matthew 21:23-23:36, Mark 11:27-12:40, Luke 20:1-20:47 / Authority Challenged
Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4 / Widow's Offering
Heading back into Jerusalem the next day Jesus and the disciples passed the fig tree that Jesus cursed the day before, it was withered and dead. Peter and the others were astonished, Jesus' reply is, I believe, with equal amazement towards their lack of faith and responded that this and more, even this mountain, will submit to them (and us) if you believe. Have faith from a pure heart He says, do not harbor hate in your heart, which causes doubt, but rather stand before God forgiving others. Wise words as they were descending from the Mounts of Olives into the city below. Jesus was about to be confronted by hordes of Jewish priests, scribes, lawyers, teachers, and elders as He was teaching in the temple. They challenged His authority throughout the day and tried to entrap Him by posing a series of debates and questions of various kinds about temple operations, taxes, the resurrection, and the commandments. Jesus responded with parables and questions of His own, finally Jesus harshly pronounced judgment on them and denounced their practices in scorching condemnation. Following His wrathful discourse towards them He is filled with pity for the nation and the destruction that He knows they will face. Then the highlight of His day...as He is sitting back observing the people putting money into the treasury He spots a poor widow quietly giving to God all the money she has to offer. Yes, there is a righteous remnant in Israel! People whose hearts are fixed on God and not trying to please man. He beckons the disciples to take note of this act of genuine piety and continues today to beckon us as well. Have faith in Him, believe in God and give all that we have in genuine love.
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