What Jesus Did! 'Responsible for All?' — Luke 11:50-51

Thursday, August 6, 2015

"So you people that live now will be punished for the deaths of all the prophets that were killed since the beginning of the world. You will be punished for the killing of Abel. And you will be punished for the killing of Zechariah. Zechariah was killed between the altar and the temple. Yes, I tell you that you people that live now will be punished for them all."
— Luke 11:50-51 NLT
Illustration of Luke 11:50-51 NLT — "So you people that live now will be punished for the deaths of all the prophets that were killed since the beginning of the world."

Key Thought

Wow! Jesus' judgment on these folks is severe. Why is his pronouncement so harsh? How can he say such things? I believe there are three reasons why Jesus' words are so strong. First, Jesus Christ, the Son of God (who is greater than the prophets and great souls of the past), has come to them and they will murder him to protect their religion. Second, Jesus wants them to realize how utterly flawed their approach to religion actually has become. Third, Jesus wants us to see clearly how horrible it is to try to protect our religious pre-conceptions rather than to be shaped by the truth. His words were sharp and harsh, but absolutely true and needed!

Today's Prayer

Father, I am convicted of how easily I can trade my vibrant faith in you for a flawed and self-protecting "religiousness." Please call me away from any false motives, pretenses, and convictions so that I can serve you with an undivided heart. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 8:40-47
  • John 1:10-13
  • Matthew 27:24-25

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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