Scripture
Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he’, and they will lead many astray.”

Observation
The disciples marvel at the Temple, its size and splendour. But Jesus says, “Not one of these stones will be left upon another.”

They go to the Mount of Olives and the disciples ask Jesus when these things will happen and what will be the signs that they are near. Jesus says they must be careful that no one leads them astray. There will be wars, earthquakes, and famines but these are the beginnings of the birth pangs.

Application
The disciples look at the Temple as a magnificent creation but Jesus warns them that it will soon be utterly destroyed. A few decades later in 70 AD the Temple was totally destroyed, never to be rebuilt.

The Old Covenant with its system of sacrifices has been replaced by the one true sacrifice of Christ. The two covenants cannot coexist, and God allowed the old Temple to be forever destroyed so that there could be no more repetition of vain sacrifices.

We must take heed of of Jesus’ warning not to be led astray by false messiahs, and others claiming to have the latest revelation.

Hold firm to Christ, even in the midst of disaster, desolation and trauma.

Prayer
Father please help me to stand firm in Christ, to not be side tracked or deceived by anyone. Amen.

Scripture
“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and be greeted with respect in the market places.”

Observation
Jesus warns against the religion of people who teach for selfish reasons and who use their status to draw attention to themselves.

While watching people bring their offerings to the temple, Jesus comments on the relative sacrifice being made by rich and poor people. The rich people give a small fraction of their wealth, but a poor widow who gives two small coins is giving everything she has to live on.

Application
The Lord judges our words and actions differently to us. We tend to look at the outward appearance and make judgements. But God looks at our hearts and what really motivates us.

Any work that we do, or any gifts that we give, for the Lord must be done with an honest heart. Are my prayers in cell group really an expression of the hopes of my heart, or are they to impress other people? Do I give generously and sacrificially for church, missions and the poor, or is it spare change that I might just as easily spend on coffee?

Prayer
Lord, examine my heart and enable me to see my true motives in serving you and in giving to others. Cleanse me from every impure motive. Amen.

Scripture
“To love him with all your heart, with al your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

Observation
A teacher of the Law hears Jesus debating with various religious leaders. He asks Jesus which commandment is the most important.

Jesus replies that there are two: to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself.

The teacher recognises that this is a good answer- to love God and neighbour is more important than all sacrifices. Jesus sees his heart and tells him he is not far from God’s kingdom.

Application
A teacher of the Law comes to Jesus to ask questions, but unlike other leaders, he is not looking to trick Jesus or to justify himself- he just wants to please God the best way he can.

There is a profound difference in heart attitudes between those looking for religious knowledge or brownie points to assuage feelings of guilt, and those who genuinely love the Lord and desire to please Him.

This is the fundamental key to walking in the ways of God.

Prayer
Lord you have shown us that love for you and love for people are at the heart of your kingdom. Help me to walk in the way of love today. Amen.

Scripture
“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Observation
Jesus an His disciples pass through Jericho on their way to Jerusalem. On the outskirts of the town, a blind man named Bartimaeus is sitting begging. When he hears that Jesus is passing by, he calls out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

The crowds try to hush Bartimaeus, but Jesus stops and calls him over. Jesus asks him what he wants. “I want to see” is the reply. Jesus tells Bartimaeus that his faith has healed him. Bartimaeus receives his sight and follows Jesus.

Application
We instinctively feel that god’s grace is in short supply and must be rationed out. The crowd thinks Jesus doesn’t have time, power or the desire to heal a mere beggar. We often put restrictions on grace in the same way, expecting that only certain people will be healed (and then only by the mighty anointed man of God) or that salvation is only available to some classes of people.

The grace of Jesus is bigger than our puny limitations. Jesus heals believers and atheists, thieves and kings.

Bartimaeus had faith in Jesus. Jesus had ample grace for this man’s needs. With Him there is always enough.

Jesus said, “Your faith has healed you,” but here the verb also means “saved.” Bartimaeus was healed by Jesus and also saved by Him, and he went on to follow Jesus along the road.

Saving faith, healing faith. Both require a trust in the power and the goodness of God.

Prayer
Lord you are the God who saves and the God who heals. May every part of my life be transformed by your touch. Amen.

Scripture

“Instead, whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.”

Observation

James and John come to Jesus and ask if they can sit on either side of Him- that is have the places of power- when Jesus comes into His glory. Jesus responds that there is a cup to drink and a baptism to receive. But it is not up to Him to grant this request.

The other apostles are indignant at James and John. Jesus tells them that to rule over the others they must become a slave of all. Jesus Himself did not come to rule but to serve and lay down His life.

Application

For many people, it is natural to seek promotion. We are told from an early age that we need to put ourselves forward.

Jesus’ kingdom is different from the world. For Jesus, influence and promotion come through serving others, not through self-centred methods.

Actually this is the way it works, even in the world. Career advancement comes through serving the needs of the employer. Even political leadership rests ultimately in serving the needs of the voters.

Serving others does not come naturally to most people, even christians. We must learn to look to what the Holy Spirit is asking us to do, regardless of the inconvenience, and to the needs of the people around us.

Prayer

Lord help me to absorb the truth that the way up is down, the way to influence is service. Please show me today who I am to serve and what tasks I need to do. Amen.

Scripture
“It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for someone rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Observation
A rich man comes to Jesus to ask Him what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him he must sell all he owns to give to the poor and then come and follow Jesus.

The man goes away grieving because he has many possessions. Jesus tells the disciples that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter God’s kingdom.

Jesus tells them that anyone who leaves all he has to follow Him will receive much more- including persecution- and will obtain eternal life.

Application
Following Jesus means a daily choice between God’s kingdom and our own kingdom. We have a plethora of idols, but for most of us the greatest of these is what we own.

Our possessions, including money, give us security, identity and status. Jesus requires us to find these things in Him alone.

Faith means that I choose to find myself in Christ not in the things that I see, own and control.

For many people that is a choice that is too hard.

Prayer
Thank you Lord Jesus that in you I have everything that is important. Help me to stand firm against the false promises made by material possessions. Amen.