Conflict, Warnings and Exhortation

Week Three - Day 2

Today's Reading -- Luke 10:38 to Luke 12:34

The road to Jerusalem will not be easy for Jesus or his followers.  Although he enjoys the hospitality of people like Martha and Mary, and can take the time to do some teaching on prayer in response to a request, opposition is on the horizon.  When Jesus cast a demon out of a man that had been leaving the man mute, some in the crowds hurl a charge at him that he is in cahoots with Satan.  They reason that only someone with satanic powers could act against a demon.  Still others in the crowds keep testing him, demanding that he give them a sign from heaven.  Jesus turns their words around, however, essentially saying that it makes no sense that Satan would act against himself.  That would only lead to the fall of his kingdom of evil.   Jesus then goes on to address the demand for a sign by saying that it is by the finger of God that he casts out demons, evidence that the kingdom of God has come upon the people (11:20).  That is not the end of it, however, as Jesus declares that even when an unclean spirit is cast out it may attempt to come back, strengthened and more emboldened (bringing seven other spirits more evil than itself, 11:26).  Life in the kingdom of God takes diligence and fortitude.

Jesus then issues a series of “woes” against the actions of the Pharisees regarding right faith, accusing them of being concerned with outward appearances while their interior spiritual life was wicked and impure.  When a lawyer speak up, feeling that what Jesus says about the Pharisees casts insults upon his standing in the community as well (11:45), Jesus turns and speaks a series of “woes” and against lawyers for their interpretations of the Law that have placed heavy burdens upon others that they themselves do not nothing to relieve or to follow themselves.

There is more to do and to learn as the journey to Jerusalem continues to move on: fearlessly confessing Jesus before others, not allowing your possessions to become your hope for salvation, and to put worry aside in favor of trusting in the goodness of God, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (12:34).