Luke: A 10-Day Devotional Reading PlanEgzanp

The Beginning of the End

The journey is over. Jesus has arrived at the city of Jerusalem, the centuries-old home of God’s people. The heart of the city is the great Jewish temple where the people come to celebrate special occasions like the Feast of Passover or the dedication of a firstborn son. But it won’t always be that way. In fact, Jerusalem’s days are numbered. As for God’s people whose roots are in this city, the Jews, will they embrace Jesus as the Messiah, the King of kings? Or will they reject him? Their eternal destiny depends on how they answer. But that’s just as true today as it was back then. We all must decide—will we acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Savior? It’s a life-or-death decision.

Reflection:

Jesus warns against the attitude of the scribes in 20:45–47. In what circumstances might you be tempted to put on a show of looking and acting religious, hiding the fact that you don’t have your spiritual act completely pulled together? What underlies the temptation, and what steps can you take to overcome it?