Good morning! We made it to Thursday. Thank you Lord for another day. Today, we will continue in Matthew 21 where things are about to escalate. Enjoy today’s reading and your day.

Bible Verse – Matthew 21:23-27 NLT
²³ When Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching, the leading priests and elders came up to him. They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”

²⁴ “I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. ²⁵ “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?”

They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask us why we didn’t believe John. ²⁶ But if we say it was merely human, we’ll be mobbed because the people believe John was a prophet.” ²⁷ So they finally replied, “We don’t know.”

And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”

REFLECTION
Jesus knew the leaders and teachers of the religious law were attempting to set a trap for him. He wasn’t playing their game, but he did give them an opportunity to respond to his questions. How would you respond to the questions?

• By what authority was Jesus doing all these things?

• Who gave Jesus the right?

• Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?

Brothers and sisters, let’s check the answers. God gave Jesus the authority and right. John’s authority to baptize came from heaven. While these answers are clear to us, the leaders had a hard time comprehending this information. People today have a hard time understanding this. However, God can and will reveal his word to those who seek Him.

Therefore, don’t be confused by those who don’t have your best interest at heart.  Be mindful of the snares of the enemy, be willing to stay silent in the face of adversity and use discernment when you must respond. Know the truth, speak to truth and the truth will set you free.

PRAYER
Father God, thank you for today’s verses. Thank you for loving us and not giving up on us. Lord, continue to work in our hearts and minds. Help us to understand your truth. Give us the strength and wisdom we need to follow you with our whole heart. Lord, we lift up the sick and broken hearted. Lord, comfort and heal them today. Lord, we pray for those suffering with Leukemia and other cancers. Lord, they need a miracle and you are the miracle worker. So Father, in the name of Jesus we ask that you do a miraculous healing in their bodies. Lord, be with the families and loved ones of those who are grieving today. Strengthen their faith and relationship in you. Lord, be with those who are struggling to make ends meet. Lord, you are provider and we ask that you bless their finances and homes, bring people into their lives who can be your hands and feet on earth. Lord, we lift up our youth and young adults. Lord, ignite a passion and flame into their lives to come to know you and serve you. Lord, continue to change us. In Jesus name, amen.

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