Week 43 Devotions

October 22 - - A blind man named Bartimaeus, is sitting beside a road when he hears a crowd approaching. When Bartimaeus learns that Jesus is in the crowd, he cries out for mercy. And even though those in the crowd told him to shut up, Bartimaeus shouted even louder. He had heard the many stories about Jesus; how he healed those with leprosy, cast out demons from those who were possessed, enabled those who were lame to walk again, and, given sight to the blind. Jesus was near! Jesus was here! This opportunity to see may never come his way again. He must get the attention of Jesus! If only Jesus knew Bartimaeus’ condition, Jesus could help! So, he shouted all the more louder. “Son of David, have mercy on me!” When Jesus heard Bartimaeus shouting among the whole crowd, the two had a brief conversation. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. Could it be? Was this too good to be true? “Teacher, I want to see!” “You may go. Your faith has healed you.” And instantly, the man could see (Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43). Contrast his attitude with that of James and John. They, who had been with Jesus nearly three years also had a favor to ask. But, it was far different from that of Bartimaeus. “Teacher, we want you to do us a favor.” “What is it?” Jesus asked. “In your glorious Kingdom, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one at your right and the other at your left” (Mark 10:35-37; Matthew 20:20&21). Like ourselves, there were so many things the disciples didn’t understand (Luke 18:34). Unlike Bartimaeus, James and John did not immediately receive what they had requested of the Master. Jesus still asks of us the same question today, “what do you want me to do for you?” When our request comes from our faith in him, and when our request will honor and glorify him (Colossians 3:17,23; I Corinthians 1:31; 10:31), and when our request is made with the right motive (James 4:3&4), our answer will be the same as that of Bartimaeus; and not like the one received by James and John. So, what is it you want the Lord to do for you? October 25 - - As Jesus’ time of death drew near, his stories became very pointed. Whereas, there were times earlier in his ministry when neither the crowds or his disciples understood the meaning of his teachings, Jesus made sure they knew exactly what he was saying in his final days on earth. Jesus told a story about two sons, one with good intentions who didn’t keep his promise to his father, and the other who did help his father in spite of his initial refusal to do so (Matthew 21:28-32). In another story, Jesus told of a vineyard owner whose tenants horribly treated his servants sent to collect their rent, even killing some, including the owner’s son (Matt.21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19). And in a third story, Jesus told of a king ready to throw a great banquet. But, those who were initially invited, shamefully treated the servants sent to invite them, even killing some (Matt.22:1-14). The Jews knew exactly what Jesus was saying. God had been sending prophets to the Jews for centuries and they continuously beat those prophets and even killed many. Finally, God sent His Son and they were plotting even then to also kill Jesus. There was no doubt about Jesus’ meaning in his teachings. So, in order to justify arresting Jesus and doing to him what he prophesied they would do, the religious leaders tried to trip Jesus up with questions about religious law. If they could entice him to give an answer the people disagreed with, they could also justify arresting him. In their first question, they brought some “supporters of Herod” along. “Should we pay taxes to the Roman government or not?” If Jesus replied that Jews should not pay taxes, then he would alienate the Roman officials. But, if Jesus said that Jews should pay taxes then he would upset the Jews who hated the Roman taxation. Jesus said there is a time and a place to render unto the government what the government asks and a time and method for giving to God what belongs to Him (Mark 12:13-17; Matt.22:15-22; Lk.20:20-26). Those who heard his answer were completely amazed. When the Sadducees, who did not believe in a Resurrection of the dead, tried to trap Jesus with a hypothetical example that was so far-fetched it could never happen, Jesus exposed their ignorance with his answer (Matt.22-23-33; Mk.12:18-27; Lk.20:27-40). Not only were the crowds impressed by what Jesus said, but so were the Sadducees who asked the question. The Bible says, “that ended their questions, no one dared to ask any more” (Lk.20:40). The apostle Peter writes, “if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way” (I Peter 3:15). Peter had watched how Jesus dealt with difficult people and difficult questions. May God grant us the grace to be as wise, as clear, and as bold as Jesus was when people ask us why we believe what we believe.