Jesus responded to the Pharisees' criticism of Him and His disciples by comparing Himself to King David and the priests of the Temple (Mt 12:3, 5). Jesus also took the liberty of giving these religious leaders a lesson in interpreting the Bible (see Mt 12:7). Next, Jesus called Himself the Lord of the sabbath (Mt 12:8). In effect, He called Himself God.
The Pharisees probably thought: "Who does this Galilean Carpenter think He is?" Jesus acted as if He was King of kings, Priest of priests, Rabbi (Teacher) of rabbis, and God Himself. The Pharisees had no choice but to worship Jesus or stone Him as a blasphemer.
Jesus is also challenging you to believe in Him as your Lord, God, and All (see Jn 20:28). He wants to take over your whole life and make you realize your total dependence on Him (see Jn 15:5). He wants to be not part of your life, but all of your Life (see Phil 1:21). After all, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn 14:6). Jesus doesn't want more of you or 99% of you. He wants all of you —100%.
Will you pray: "I have been crucified with Christ, and the life I live now is not my own; Christ is living in me"? (Gal 2:19-20)
| PRAYER: | Father, as soon as possible may every knee bend and every tongue proclaim: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD! (Phil 2:10-11) |
| PROMISE: | "This day shall be a memorial feast for you, which all your generations shall celebrate with pilgrimage to the Lord, as a perpetual institution." –Ex 12:14 |
| PRAISE: | St. Lawrence of Brindisi preached throughout Europe, and like Jesus fortified himself with much prayer. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College