IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

The Inside Matters More

Date: Jul. 16, 2023

Passage

Luke 11:37-54 (ESV)

37 While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him, so he went in and reclined at table. 38 The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner. 39 And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40 You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But give as alms those things that are within, and behold, everything is clean for you.

42 “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. 44 Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without knowing it.”

45 One of the lawyers answered him, “Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also.” 46 And he said, “Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. 47 Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed. 48 So you are witnesses and you consent to the deeds of your fathers, for they killed them, and you build their tombs. 49 Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,’ 50 so that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation. 52 Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.”

53 As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak about many things, 54 lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 11:42

“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.

Jesus was tender to the sick and weary-hearted, but to the Pharisees and teachers of the law he did not mince words. When accused of not doing the ceremonial washing, Jesus exposed their hypocrisy, their misguided priorities, and their evil hearts, which was the same as those who persecuted and killed the prophets. Eventually, they would do the same to Jesus.

As spiritual leaders and guides, one should focus on one's inward being by practicing giving to those in need over self-adornment and recognition. Seek justice for the oppressed and practice the love of God towards outcasts. Bible teachers should be less judgmental and more understanding and supportive of people's struggles. When we consider others more than our own image, we may trust the Holy Spirit to work to give true healing and salvation.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, forgive me for being overly concerned about my own goodness, knowledge, and status. Help me to care for others with your amazing grace.

One Word: One Word: Help others.

Daily Bread

God’s Wrath and Justice

Revelation 6:1-17

Key Verse: 6:17

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

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Intro Daily

Today's Question

What does God require from us to escape His anger and curse, which we deserve for our sin?

See answer and references