Matthew 23: 8-11 You are not to be called rabbi…call no man your father… Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant.

Natural, earthly men like titles. The only deserving one for a name of honor is Christ Jesus, our Teacher. We are to serve. (v11)

Funny how even minor titles of recognition can be important to me-like President of a company, Elder, or whatever.

Lord I let it all go, and come before you with all I am, nothing of worth except what you have done in me. Today I want to serve you and others under your instruction and authority. AMEN

Matthew 22:45,46 If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son? And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him anymore questions.

Jesus can ask questions that we can not answer, but he has the answer to every question.

Let me not think that the kindness and gentleness of Jesus makes him any less the authority. There was not one single question that he did not answer with profound wisdom. He still does, through His work and by His Spirit.

Lord Jesus, Wisdom of God, I worship you, and am in awe of all that you are! AMEN!

Matthew 22:37 And he (Jesus) said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

God first, God embraced, God adored, God obeyed, God esteemed, God pursued, God worshiped, and much more of all love means.

I love you Lord, You know I do. but my love is weak and pitiful, and unworthy of You. Stir in me, Lord. Grow in me. Make my love a growing flame that never goes out. AMEN

Matthew 22:29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God.”

The sadducees did not believe in resurrection (v.23) Jesus makes clear the reality of the resurrection, and its root are the scriptures. They reveal the power of God.

I must know and believe the scriptures, for in them is the power of God revealed.

“My spirit pants for thee, O living word.”

Matthew 22: 20-21 “Whose likeness and inscription is this? They said “Caesars.”

Money is of the world, and for the world. Jesus gives that perpective. Use it to fulfill earthly obligations, but know God wants my heart and soul.

What is important to me? Don’t get too caught up with money. It’s fleeting and deceitful. God will provide for my earthly obligations, and even be a blessing to others!

Lord, today, and always, I give you my heart and soul. I want to live for eternity today! AMEN

Matthew 21:19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once.

Jesus expected there to be fruit on this tree. The purpose of a fig tree is to grow figs. That is why it was created, and planted where it was.

Rev. 4:11b KJV “You have created all things, and for your pleasure they are created.”

Everything – created by him and for him. Therefore Jesus is totally reasonable in expecting fruit, growth in grace, faith and ministry from me!

Jesus, stir in me. Let you life flow through me, and make me fruitful for your pleasure! AMEN

Matthew 21:5 “Behold, your king is coming to you,
Zechariah 9:9 “humble, and mounted on a donkey”

Jesus made his grand entrance – the king presenting himself. Instead of a flashy stallion, a donkey. Instead of capturing wealth, discarding it (v.12) Instead of executions, healings (v.16)
Instead of flattery from the powerful, praise from children. (v.15,16)

You remind me again that your ways are not my ways. You turn everything upside down. You, who should be proud, are humble, rich-poor, vengeful-kind.

Jesus, put your stamp on my life. Make me like you! AMEN