Sunday’s Verse:
From Matthew 22:22 ESV
“When they heard (Jesus’ Words), they marveled. And they left him and went away.”
The Pharisees felt they had Jesus cornered. They asked him whether he thought we should pay taxes to Caesar. Knowing that no matter what Jesus said, they could twist his answer to fit their needs.
Jesus knew these men were hypocrites.
“Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.”
After this, Matthew says they marveled and left. They marveled at his answer. Marveling isn't having faith.
They stood before the Son of God and heard Him speak the truth. And they chose to walk away.
We all do this. We hear God's word, and we know it's true. Sometimes we marvel at how wise God's word is. Then, when it asks us to give up our lust or our pride, we choose to walk away.
The difference between the law and the gospel is shown here. The law will always point out that you are trying to make yourself righteous and that you owe God everything. The gospel points you to Jesus who didn't walk away from us.
We have sinned and turned our backs on God time and time again. Jesus, however, went to the cross for us. He took our sin and paid our penalty. And rose to live for us.
The Pharisees marveled at Jesus and walked away. We, by God’s grace, can marvel at Jesus and stay.
When our faith wavers, we know that our savior won't.
Today’s Prayers
Lord, help us to hear Your word and believe what You're saying. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, open our minds to understand. In Your Son’s name I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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