What Jesus Did! 'I'm Perfect!' — Mark 10:19-20

Sunday, July 17, 2016

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"{But I will answer your question.} You know the commands: 'You must not murder anyone, you must not do the sin of adultery, you must not steal, you must not lie, you must not cheat, you must honor (respect) your father and mother ...'" The man said, "Teacher, I have obeyed all these commands since I was a boy."
— Mark 10:19-20 NLT
Illustration of Mark 10:19-20 NLT — "{But I will answer your question."

Key Thought

Here's a guy pretty sure that he has mastered it all ... and he even began as a child. Oops! This is where his spiritual "heart problems" begin to show through his veneer of legalistic righteousness. Instead of keeping the Law to honor God, this fellow was using his law-keeping as leverage to exalt his status before God. That misses the point. The pride of law-keeping becomes the false god that shatters the whole point.

Today's Prayer

Father in heaven, you are holy and majestic. I know that my attempts to be holy are going to be met with failure. I commit to work at being a holy person, but I know that my own efforts, even on my best days, are going to fall short. I thank you for giving me a righteousness beyond my abilities, works, and efforts. Thank you for Jesus, whose sacrifice for me makes me righteous and thank you for the Holy Spirit whose power works on transforming me into your character and holiness. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Galatians 5:22-22
  • 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
  • Colossians 1:18-23

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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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