Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection - The Sadducees don't believe in resurrection, so they are trying to trip up Jesus here by making the assumption that resurrection life is like present life. However, once again, Jesus answers calmly and with great wisdom. The resurrected life is not like life here on earth, so the question of marriage doesn't come into play. He then tells the Sadducees that they don't know their Scripture. If they did, they would understand this concept. How about you? Do you need a little more Scripture to set you straight? Read it!
Greatest Commandment - These are not new words, nor are they new commandments. The first is part of the Shema, a prayer spoken twice a day by faithful Jews. This command is found in Deuteronomy 6:5. These men would have been very familiar with the Scripture, but rote recitation more than likely erased the meaning. Think about it. How ofter have you said the Lord's prayer? Do you pay attention to the words? The meaning behind them? Or is it something you just say? Pay attention! The second commandment, "love your neighbor as yourself" comes from Leviticus 18:18, 34. So, what does God "rate" as most important? 1) Love God, 2) Love others. Whoa! It's not obedience, it's not rules, it's not power or wealth or status. It's relationship.
Jesus presents a question - The Psalm quoted here is one of the most important Messianic texts and the most quoted in the New Testament. It states that the Messiah isn't just the political descendant of David, He is the Son of God. The religious leaders understood this Scripture and it shut them up. They didn't dare ask anymore questions for fear of hearing something they didn't want to believe.
Luke provides a short event here - the widow's offering. It's not about how much you give. It's about what it means to you. What is your motivation? Are you giving because you want to serve God and further His kingdom? Or are you giving so others will see how great you are?
Seven woes to the Scribes and Pharisees - These religious leaders, the ones charges with leading the people in true worship and relationship with God, have fallen down on the job. They talk the talk, but they don't walk the walk. Their entire life is about making themselves look good. They feed on selfish ambition. Not only are these men hypocrites, they are inhibiting the faith of those they lead. Rather than take this word to heart, to examine their choices and make changes, to come to true faith and repentance, they continue to plot His death and incur God's wrath. Jesus then laments over the nation of Jerusalem. The temple will be destroyed and He will not return to them until they are ready to receive Him.
Signs of the End of the Age - Later, the disciples want to know when this will all happen. Jesus tells them that three things will happen first - suffering throughout the world, suffering of the disciples, the preaching of the gospel throughout the world. The Abomination of Desolation is two-fold. Rome will destroy the temple (fulfilled in A.D. 70) and the image of the antichrist being set up in the last days. When this happens, there will be no time to collect provisions and times will be horrific, but fear not, for God will cut this time short. However, don't be fooled by false christs. Jesus' return will be preceded by darkness, the stars will fall, the earth will shake - then a sign will be see by everyone followed by trumpets! There will be no doubt that Jesus is coming. So, if you're left wondering, "Is this Jesus?" it's not the second coming. So, when you see these things start to happen, get ready. How about I just say, get ready. The world is in turmoil, nature is taking a turn for the worst, and the gospel is making it's way around the globe. Jesus could return tomorrow or a hundred years from now. Stay alert, pay attention, read your Bible, and pray. But don't worry, God's got your back. You are still to invest in life. That's what the parable of the talents is about. Yes, Jesus is coming, but until then share His message and His love with others.
The Final Judgment - When Jesus returns, we will all be judged. Those who followed those two commandments - love God, love others (see, it's all about relationship) will be commended. Those that took care of numero uno (selfish-ambition, no relationship) will be cast out. Now does this mean it's all about works? Nope. Absolutely not. It means, when you believe that God is God, that He has your best interest at heart, you will form a relationship with Him and that relationship (built on love, forgiveness, compassion, understanding) will flow into your life. If you ignore God and reject a relationship with Him, well you will struggle in your relationship with others. What you believe in your heart will be expressed in your actions. So reject God now & He will let you reject Him forever. Get to know God now & you will know Him forever.
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