ACTS: A Way to Live
- Mar 25, 2022
- 2 min read
The Gospel of Luke—Lent 2022
Read Luke 11:37-53, 12:1-12
Focus Verses—Luke 11:39-41
Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? But give what is inside the dish, to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.”
ACTion for Reflection: Recognize Hypocrisy
This is a powerful story from Jesus' life and one that packs quite a punch. I hope you had time to read all of the story. But, even from the focus verses, we can see that Jesus did not hold back.... even when He needed to deliver a confrontational message to the religious elite.
Can you even imagine? Jesus went right to the Pharisee (those known for following the Law) and accused them of trying to look a certain way in public even when their hearts and lives didn't match the behavior on the outside.
We've all faced people like this; and, if we're honest, we've all been these people. So, what's the answer? How do we guard our hearts from allowing us to become whitewashed tombs?
Jesus answered that question. He told the Pharisee to give what is inside the "dish" to the poor. It seems that gratitude and generosity provide protection from hypocrisy. It is almost like focusing on the provision and favor in our life for the purpose of sharing with others is the safeguards against living hypocritically. So, today, what can you give away?
Time?
Money?
Conversation & communication?
Every single person we come in contact with today will need something. What can you give that will add value to a life? I am sure giving of ourselves will allow us to see our own hearts more clearly.
ACTion to Live Out: Give to the poor
We are called to be generous to the poor and help those in need. An idea for today is to give generously of your time or money to a food bank, the homeless or someone less fortunate than you.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for teaching us how to live! After we daily reflect on your life-giving words, help us to then, through your Spirit, get up and ACT. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take your good news to the world. What an honor it is to be your image bearer. Amen.
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