The next up to attempt a trap for Jesus would be the Sadducees. Their topic? The foolish and illogical notion of life beyond the grave. Yet again, Jesus confounds the “wisdom of the wise” and delights in the glorious promise of joy forevermore that exceeds anything our current earthly existence has to offer. Do you long for that glory with a passion greater than for the things of this world?

Still intent on undermining the authority of Jesus and the sway He has over the crowd; an unusual team appears eager to catch Him in a trap. This time the subject is submission to the government – Should we come under the Roman tax, or stand opposed to the ungodly ruler over us? Jesus, the master-teacher, amazes them with His answer and lays down a principle for Christ-followers of every age to follow.

I just don’t see enough servants in our world, or in the Church today. I see more disciples committed to learning and growing, but fewer servants committed to going and dying, to a life of sacrifice and selflessness - day in and day out. We are all called to be servants, and some are set apart within the church for the office of deacon and deaconess. They are an irreplaceable gift to the church alongside elders within a covenant community of members!

After the religious leaders interrogate Jesus about the source of his authority to do what he does, he stumps them with a question of his own about authority. Having silenced his critics, he goes on to answer his own question by use of a parable. Through the parable we learn that the very nature of God is the reason that he has all authority and is worthy of our complete submission.

It’s now Tuesday and the Jewish leaders have had the evening to process Jesus’ actions in the Temple courts. They aren’t happy. They like to be in control. At the first opportunity, they challenge Jesus’ authority in an effort to maintain their own. Jesus masterfully unmasks their hypocrisy and self-seeking leadership over the people. They are the fig trees with the beautiful leaves and no fruit.

On the Monday of Passion Week, Jesus makes His way into Jerusalem, and we observe two encounters that expose the righteous anger of the King. The humble entrance into the city the day before must not be mistaken for passivity. Driven by the mission of the Father, we are given a rare glimpse into the emotions of our Savior, and what compels Him to action.

The mission of Jesus now enters its final phase. The reason for which He came, and has declared now multiple times, will soon be upon Him – To suffer and die. A king put to death? Most certainly. But this is no ordinary king, no mere human royalty. As Jesus enters Jerusalem, it becomes quickly apparent that we are watching something utterly unique leading to that which will change the world forever.

It doesn’t have to be wicked, sinful things that take you out. It may be good things gone wrong, or necessary things elevated to the first place in your heart, that keep you from spiritual maturity. A spiritual inventory is often needed to audit our heart priorities. Are yours in the proper place and perspective?

The Lord alone satisfies the longing heart. Oh, if it were only that easy. We were created with longings and so much of life is avoiding sinful longings and fighting the disappointment we find in the lesser longings that never truly satisfy. We need to constantly rehearse the source of all true satisfaction, both in the fallen world today and the perfect one yet to come. May our hearts find their ultimate satisfaction in Christ the Redeemer!

Jesus has been teaching the disciples and the crowd, revealing who He is to them, yet they have not had spiritual eyes to see. Now, on the verge of entering Jerusalem, days away from the cross, His healing of blind Bartimaeus clearly demonstrates the heart of true discipleship. We are forced to consider the character of all true disciples who clearly see and understand what it means to follow Jesus.