What Jesus Did! 'What the World Honors' — Luke 16:14-15

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

The Pharisees were listening to all these things. The Pharisees criticized Jesus because they all loved money. Jesus said to the Pharisees, "You make yourselves look good in front of people. But God knows what is really in your hearts. The things that people think are important are worth nothing to God."
— Luke 16:14-15 NLT
Illustration of Luke 16:14-15 NLT — "You make yourselves look good in front of people. But God knows what is really in your hearts. The things that people think are important are worth nothing to God."

Key Thought

Who switched the price tags? Our world values things very differently than God does. The Pharisees loved their money and they tried to look good in public. They were honored by many with a worldly perspective for their religious dedication. After all, they were religious and blessed. God, however, knew that much of their wealth came from a covetous and greedy heart—it was an abomination instead of being a blessing. They scoffed at Jesus' words—not because they were wrong, but because those words were right and their hearts were not. How about us? What do we dearly love? How are our hearts?

Today's Prayer

Father, I pray for a wise mind, an open heart, and a generous spirit as I use the financial blessings you have placed in my care. Guard me from greed, materialism, and covetousness. Help me see the way you want me to use my blessings for your Kingdom's work. Most of all, dear Father, please let nothing have a hold on my life other than my love for you, your Kingdom, and your righteousness. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 18:22-27
  • 1 Timothy 6:17-19
  • Psalm 62:10

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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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