“Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.  They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” (Luke 20:46-47)

     Jesus warns the crowds about the hypocrisy of the religious ruling class of his day.  He calls out their performative prayer, their prideful attitude, and their unjust actions toward the vulnerable, saying they “will be punished most severely.”

     God is not looking at the outward appearance, which can sometimes provide a false perception of who we really are.  He is looking for what is within our hearts, accepting the grace of God, and our willingness to listen to his all that we are being taught in his word.  As followers of Christ, we become much more relatable to everyone and are confident of God’s love and faithfulness.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for accepting me as I am.  Help me to stay close to you and to live out my faith each day.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.