Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: Mark 10:1-12
In today’s Gospel reading, we see the Pharisees challenge Jesus on the subject of divorce. But if you read the passage carefully, you will see that the reason they asked him the question was to “test” him. This part of today’s teaching often goes unnoticed, but is an integral part of what Jesus is trying to teach us.
Many times, we come to God in the same way as the Pharisees. We don’t necessarily ask Him questions because we truly want to know the truth, but instead we have ulterior motives. Sometimes we come to Him with the things we want to see happen despite knowing they are wrong, other times we simply don’t believe Him or we don’t trust Him, so we too “test” Jesus to see if the answer will change.
Jesus brought a new way, a new understanding of the scriptures that nobody had ever seen before. While the religious leaders were focused on sending Jesus into a theological tailspin, Jesus was focused on the content of their hearts.
It is easy to look at this passage and judge the Pharisees for their attitude towards Jesus but more difficult to place ourselves in their shoes, examining our own motives and desires. Placing the focus on ourselves forces us to examine not only the way we approach God but why we are approaching Him.
Today, as you take your questions to Jesus, check your motives for doing so. Are you asking Him because you really want to know the truth or are you asking for your own self-serving purpose? When we are brutally honest with God and come to Him with pure motives and empty hands, we will be able to hear His answers, and the life-giving truth that they bring.
Ponder:
Are you coming to God with an open heart or have you already decided what His answer should be?
Pray:
Jesus, create in me a clean heart so that I may come to You in sincerity. Let me seek truth, which is only found in You, above all else.
Copyright 2022 Melissa Presser
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