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

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all [of Jesus' teaching] and scoffed at him. Then he said to them, "You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God."
— Luke 16:14-15 NLT

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 righteous in public. They were honored for their apparent religious dedication by many with a worldly perspective. After all, they were outwardly religious and blessed. God, however, knew that much of their wealth came from a covetous and greedy heart — their wealth 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 against greed, materialism, and covetousness. Help me see the way you want me to use my blessings for your Kingdom's work. Dear Father, please let nothing have a hold on my life other than my love for you and your Son, your Kingdom, and your righteousness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 18:22-27
  • 1 Timothy 6:9-10, 17-19
  • Psalm 62:10

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 16:14-15 NLT — "You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

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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