August 2 - Jesus Stumps the Elite

Luke 20:9-26

And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent. (Luke 20:26 ESV)

Have you ever tried to argue a point only to have someone say something so incredibly superior to your view that you have to shut up and remain silent in deference to their superior rhetoric? That is exactly what happened to the Jewish religious elite one day when they tried to argue with Jesus. The simple truth is that lost people don't think like Jesus.

It takes a work of God for the human mind to begin to think in a different way. It takes the infusing of a new perspective, and a life-giving transformation. Many of the Pharisees wethe incapable of this, and so they thought their petty squabbles over inconsequential religious triflings would stump Jesus. No, he always had a superior stance.

When I think about this story it gives me pause to stop and look and my own ridiculously religious nature. It is something I have to fight against. It is a challenge.

God is taking me in new directions in my pursuit of Him. Christ has called me to abandon the petty arrogance and wayward assumptions of things that don't matter. And the Holy Spirit is leading me into a place of a reinvigorated emphasis on what is important—namely loving people and exalting Jesus.

Does that mean I won't feel elite or superior? Of course not, I know my ridiculous inclinations. But I pray that he will help. And on those days that I feel truly stumped I will have to stop and acknowledge that Christ is at work in me to change or teach me.

May 13 - Gaining Brothers

Read: Matthew 18:15-20

"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. (Matthew 18:15 ESV)

A lot of the language used in describing the early community of Christ followers was familial in nature. Brother and sister were words regularly used to refer to fellow believers. This is the kind of brother Jesus was speaking of.

There will be times in this life in which we find ourselves at odds with fellow believers. Usually it will be a difference of opinion or a misunderstanding, but there are also times when this tension will be a result of a moral failing. We have an obligation to address the sins of those we care about.

Too often in the Christian culture we paint sin as something incredibly easy to deal with, but the truth is that sin is anything but easy. Obviously we are supposed to take our sins before Christ as a matter of repentance and forgiveness. But what about dealing with them friend-to-friend and brother-to-brother?

Jesus advocated one-on-one confrontations. Upfront personal conversations are best. Sitting with someone and talking the issue out always reveals the honest nature of those involved. It cuts through the potential miscommunications and lays all of the cards on the table. Hopefully in a way that brings healing and restoration to the relationship, and points the one who has sinned toward redemption.