December 29, 2023
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in our Advent readings from “The Life of Jesus”? Here’s today’s reading:
Day 29 in the Book: “The Life of Jesus“
The Year of Growing Opposition
Read Sections 4.21 through 4.24 (pages 86-88)
This book is an account of Jesus’ life and teachings told through in chronological order from the four Gospels to create one continuous story.
*If you do not have a copy of the book please contact the church at (401)667-0775 and we can get you a copy.
Advent Day 29
Advent 2023 – Day 29
Awesome readings past few days
4.23 Here we see the “millstone award” as we label the justice that Jesus alludes to for those who sin against children or cause children to sin.
I wonder if this is a prophesy by Jesus of the inevitability of crimes against children….that seem to be becoming more prevalent.
“These things must happen, but it will be very bad for anyone who causes them to happen.”
In the question of paying taxes Jesus provides a coin through Peter catching a fish. Jesus could had just provided a coin but instead allowed Peter to take part. Then the followers ask Jesus who is the greatest in God`s kingdom. His answer was for one to come as a little child. To be converted one should humble himself as a little child. This would be the greatest in God`s kingdom. Then Jesus before He shares about the lost sheep makes the statement. [ For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. Matthew 18;11. Jesus the Good Shepherd will go after the lost sheep to bring it to Himself. For He desires all mankind to be saved. Also when one brother wrongs another; the wronged brother should go to the other brother first. Only then if this doesn`t resolve the issue should the other steps be taken. May God richly bless us this coming year as we seek His direction in everything.
We are certainly to give caesar what is caesar’s and give to God what is God’s. And there is nothing more valuable to Him than a simple childlike faith. How readily a child believes what they are told and then acts in a way consistent with that belief. May that be the mark of all our lives. And because children are so innocent, judgement is reserved for those who would misuse them and cause them to sin. Now this would apply to causing anyone to sin as well, but particularly children whose trust can be misused. But all God’s sheep are valuable to Him and He goes out and seeks those who stray to bring them back to the fold. Thank God for that, right? And because none of us gets it right all the time, how important is it that Jesus gives instruction on how to confront people. First, it is directly and in private. If that doesn’t work, then great misunderstanding can be resolved by having an objective party not involved in the conflict be part of the conversation. If that doesn’t work, than there may be stubbornness and defiance going on and so the whole church should be involved. And isn’t it neat that Jesus mentions the church here, recognizing that will be the gathering that would most likely apply these principles.