Key Passage
Some Pharisees came to Jesus. They tried to make Jesus say something wrong. They asked Jesus, “Is it right for a man to divorce his wife?”
— Mark 10:2 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
Isn’t it amazing how religious people can resort to trickery and legalistic debate to try to prove their superiority? Shouldn’t we focus on the real issues of God’s heart like justice, mercy, and righteous living? Words are important, but religious words become righteous only when they truly come to life in people who are living to honor God.
Prayer
O Righteous Father, may the words of my mouth, the thoughts of my mind, the motivation of my heart, and the actions of my life be pleasing to you. In the name of Jesus my Lord. Amen.
Related Scriptures
Man, the Lord told you what goodness is. This is what the Lord wants from you: Be fair to other people. Love kindness and loyalty. Live humbly with your God. {Don’t try to impress him with gifts.}
— Micah 6:8
“It will be bad for you teachers of the law and Pharisees. You are hypocrites. You give God one tenth of everything you own—even your mint, dill, and cummin. But you don’t obey the really important teachings of the law—being fair, showing mercy, and being faithful. These are the things you should do. And you should also continue to do those other things. You guide the people, but you are blind! Think about a person picking a little fly out of his drink and then swallowing a camel! You are like that.
— Matthew 23:23-24
Stay away from the evil things a young person wants to do. Try very hard to live right and to have faith, love, and peace. Do these things together with those people who have pure hearts and trust in the Lord. Stay away from foolish and stupid arguments. You know that those arguments grow into bigger arguments. A servant of the Lord must not argue! He must be kind to every person. A servant of the Lord must be a good teacher. He must be patient. The Lord’s servant must gently teach those people that don’t agree with him. Maybe God will let those people change their hearts so that they can accept the truth. The devil has trapped those people and makes them do what he wants. But maybe they can wake up {and see that the devil is using them} and free themselves from the devil’s trap.
— 2 Timothy 2:22-26
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.
