On Sunday, the religious leaders rebuked Jesus for allowing His followers to worship Him. On Monday, Jesus exposed their corruption by driving out the money changers from the temple. Now, on Tuesday, the religious leaders are questioning Jesus to trap Him in His own words.

They asked Him about His authority, His political alignment, and then His theological distinctives. When Jesus stumped each of their attacks with stunning wisdom, they retreated for fear that their efforts would only increase His popularity.

Jesus made it very clear where He stood with the religious leaders of His day. He skewered them for their lofty views of their own authority and He called them out for how they would only align themselves with those who could advance their own status. Then He turned to a widow who was giving up her livelihood to line their pockets. Jesus declares, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

This is the theme running through Luke’s Gospel. He is repeating the point that there is a real cost in following Christ. The Pharisees weren’t making any sacrifices. Their giving was designed to increase their influence. Jesus was a threat to their power and instead of repenting, they tried to discredit Him. This poor widow gave all that she had to live on and better demonstrated what it truly means to be a disciple.

Pray today with a spirit of self evaluation. Examine the sacrifices you are willing to make in following Christ

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