Which Is Greater?

Daily Reading: Matthew 23

Scripture Focus: Which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? (Matthew 23.19)

Devotional Thought: In Matthew 23, Jesus took the religious leaders to task once again.  They had been “in his face” since he had entered Jerusalem earlier in the week, and I sense that Jesus had had just about enough!  Besides, he felt the need to alert his disciples that they didn’t need to – indeed they must not! – blindly follow these religious elitists.

This alliance of literalists (teachers of the law) and legalists (Pharisees) had seized religious authority and enjoyed their domination over the common Jewish people.  They created convoluted justifications that enabled them to milk the system in order to line their own pockets.  One such elaborate rationalization was a way to get out of vows made before the Lord.  In rebutting their justifications, Jesus asked an interesting question: “Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred?”  The elitists said it was the gift – the gold!  Jesus said, “No way!”

In the Jewish sacrificial system, things were made holy – set apart to God – by presenting them at the altar.  Further, the New Testament says that “Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood” (Hebrews 13.12).  In essence, then, he has become the altar that makes the gifts holy.  The gifts that are made holy are lives offered “as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Romans 12.1).  The question becomes: “Which is greater, me [the gift] or Jesus [the altar]?”  Of course we would say, “Jesus!”  But, how do we live?  Do we live in such a way that the will of God is greater than our will?  Have we surrendered our desires and priorities and privileges?  Do we give Jesus the best of our energy and affection?

Which is greater in your life?

Prayer: Jesus, I learned a prayer in my childhood that said, "God is great..."  And, Lord, I believe that is true.  You are great, greater than anything else, including my wants and wishes.  I present my life to you that you might make me holy. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 89.14-18

14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.

15 Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face,

16 who exult in your name all the day and in your righteousness are exalted.

17 For you are the glory of their strength; by your favor our horn is exalted.

18 For our shield belongs to the LORD, our king to the Holy One of Israel.