Daily Devotion

Because of the behind-the-scenes insight that it gives into the life of Jesus, this is one of the most interesting passages in Luke's gospel. (1^st) it gives us, at first sight, the surprising information that not all the Pharisees were hostile to Jesus. Here we have some of them actually warning Him that He was in danger, and advising Him to seek safety. It is true that from the gospels we do get a one-sided picture of the Pharisees. The Jews themselves knew very well that there were good, and bad Pharisees. They divided them into different classes. (a) the Shoulder Pharisees. These are those who wore their good deeds on their shoulder and performed them to be seen.   (b) the Wait-a-little Pharisees. They could always find a good excuse for putting off until tomorrow. (c) the Bruised, or Bleeding Pharisees. No Jewish Rabbi could be seen talking to any woman on the street, not even his wife, mother, sister, or daughter, but certain of the Pharisees went further. They would not look at a woman on the street; they even shut their eyes to avoid seeing a woman; they, therefore, bump into walls, etc., and bruised themselves; then they exhibited their bruises as badges of piety. (d) the God-loving Pharisees. They were copies of Abraham who lived in faith, and charity. This passage shows that even among the Pharisees there were those who admired, and respected Jesus.

 

The lament over Jerusalem is most important, because it is another of the passages that shows how little we really know of Jesus' life. Jesus could never had spoken like this unless He had more than once gone with His offer of love to Jerusalem; but in the other three gospels, there is no indication of any such visits.  Nothing hurts so much as to go to someone and offer love and have it rejected. That is what happened to Jesus in Jerusalem; He still comes to people and still they reject him.

 

Life Application: What did you learn about walking with Jesus? Do you think you can walk in His footsteps? Don't expect to be loved, because you are a follower of Jesus.

 

Praise/Prayer: Dear Father, I know you love me, and that I love You, but this world is surely a place where not many people talk about loving God. I know they talk about the things You do for them, but the thanksgiving is missing. Please forgive me if I have not been generous with my offerings of thanksgiving. You have been so loving, and kind to me. Amen!