Before Reading.
- Centering prayer— Pray for illumination, “Lord, open my heart and mind by the power of the Holy Spirit,” and remain in silence.
Reading.
- Read slowly, keeping any words or phrase that come to your mind, and mark on them.
- Close eyes and meditate on what you read.
- Take a note if you have question, inspiration.
Read Matthew 23
At Jerusalem—Seven Woes
Teaching to disciples (1-12) – Jesus said to the crowds and disciples, and he differentiated them from leaders, Pharisees and Sadducees, who practiced illegitimate practices. Jesus warned them not to follow the practices of these leaders.
Seven woes (13-36)– “woe to you,” is a repetitive phrase that points to Pharisees and Sadducees, and their practices. These woes are directed against a particular set of leaders, not all Jews. Therefore, these woes must not be applied to attack all Jews. Jesus is talking to disciples, including us today, not to do these things that Jesus warns.
Lament against Jerusalem (37-39) – Jesus lament against Jerusalem’s leaders and its destruction that was happened in 70AD by Roman army as God’s punishment. But the sin and punishment leads to restoration. Verse 39 is quoted from Psalm 118:26
After Reading —- Reflection and prayer.
- Reflect on this question, “What does God speak to me today in this chapter?
- Pray that God’s word today be the way, the life, and the truth to you.
- Live it out through the day.
