The Pharisees followed hundreds of OT commandments and hundreds more of their own making.  Which mattered the most?  Jesus’ answer, which boils down all of God’s law to two commands, is a perfect guide for our Christian life.  As 1 Cor. 13 points out, we can do many things and accomplish many feat, but without love, it’s nothing. Homework for next week: Read Mark 12:41-44

(Luke 22:66-23:12) The laws of jurisprudence are out the window! The lies at his trial - He opposes payment of taxes! He’s like all those other riot-starting Messiah/Kings! Pilat and Herod’s own testimony of his innocence. The hypocrisy of the Sanhedrin to accuse Jesus of starting a riot and then starting one themselves! I’d connect this to the doctrine of justification and how Jesus is being treated as if he were guilty and how we are treated as if we were innocent.

Jesus’ shocking words to the Sadducees about the resurrection of the dead and marriage bother many of us (I won’t be married in heaven?!?). But, upon further reflection, they are some of the most beautiful words in the NT. In eternity, we have the joy the angels have, a joy that far supersedes anything even our best earthly relationships gave us. Homework for next week: Matthew 22:41-46

(Matthew 26:47-56) Under the cover of night?! Led by one of the 12?! A large crowd comes after Jesus?! In a private place?! Even Jesus called them out for the secrecy and the darkness of that scandalous arrest! I’d connect this to what we do as Christians when no one is looking. What thoughts go on in the privacy of our minds, what websites do we click when the door is closed, what happens at home that wouldn’t dare happen at church? Then I’d connect this to Jesus’ willingness to be arrested. Although he knocked the soldiers on their backsides with his words, he “hid” his divine power and allowed it all to happen…for the sake of grace. (Sorry...no podcast available.)

The political scene was a hot-button issue in 1st century religion, dividing the Herodians and the Zealots and the other religious groups. Jesus’ brilliant answer reminds us to give the government what it deserves (taxes, honor, obedience, etc.) but reserve our hope, our joy, and our devotion for God alone. Homework for next week: Read Matthew 22:23-33

We don’t often picture “meek and mild” Jesus flipping over tables and starting a riot…but he did! Apparently, Jesus feels very strongly about people using the church for human gain instead of glorifying God and loving people. The takeaway? Let’s make sure our church is a house of prayer and not a place for our gain, our glory, etc. Homework for next week: Read Matthew 22:15-22

(Matthew 26:1-5) The chief priests and elders?! The high priest?! During the Passover?! Kill the Son of Man?! The Pharisees' plot was what got the ball rolling on possibly the greatest scandal the world has ever known. Sadly plots to sin like this still happen today in our lives as we plot and scheme to sin against God. Thankfully we know of the gracious plot the Trinity had before time began and put into action to redeem us from our sins.

The defining call in our lives is to agape each other. To do what’s best for each other. Regardless of how we feel, God is asking us to do what’s best for people, whether they deserve it or not. Homework for next week: Read Mark 11:15-18

The best definition of love is not how we “feel” about God, but rather what God has done for us. He sent Jesus as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Why? Because God is defined by agape, the love that does what’s best for another. Homework for next week: Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-8

God’s definition of love isn’t a feeling. It’s not romantic. It’s action. God doesn’t just feel compassion, but rather acts for our good. Homework for next week: Read 1 John 4:7-21