Bible scholars attribute many happenings to the Tuesday of Holy Week.  Jesus was questioned by the religious leaders as to by what authority was He doing these things.  Jesus cleverly trapped them in their own question and they left him alone. (Matthew 21:23-27)  After that confrontation, Jesus proceeded to teach with parables about the tenants who killed the messengers sent by the master, then the example of the wedding banquet where those invited refused to come and others were welcomed in.  Both of these pointed to the treatment of Jesus, God’s Son, by the religious leaders and Jews of His day.  Jesus also taught about taxes and where we owe our allegiance.  He spoke about marriage in heaven and who He really was. (Matthew 21:28-23:39)  Later in the evening, Jesus ate at the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha.  There Mary anointed Jesus with pure nard, a very expensive perfume, and the disciples were upset at her for using this costly perfume on Jesus. (Matthew 26:6-12)  From morning until night, Jesus used every minute to instruct and build up the faith of His followers as He knew His time was short.

During this day, one of Jesus’ most important teachings was revealed.  The leaders asked Jesus what was the most important commandment in the Law?  Jesus replied: ³⁷ And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ³⁸ This is the great and first commandment. ³⁹ And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)

This statement about priorities for our lives is so simply stated but difficult to live out on a daily basis.  Putting God first in our lives will keep everything else in balance and then loving others with as much love as we love ourselves comes next.  Do you love yourself?  Do you take care with what you put into your body, soul and mind? Jesus tells us that He expects us to love and respect ourselves and out of that love for who God made us to be for Him should come equal love for those around us.  Think about your priorities today and the fact that Jesus spent time His last week on earth telling us how to align our lives in the most productive way for ourselves and others.

Prayer:  Lord, sometimes I don’t act like I love myself at all.  I know you made me in your image and I have your Holy Spirit living within me so I have value to you.  Help me to view my priorities with your perspective.  Help me to focus on Jesus and loving You, myself and others today.  Amen.

Striving to love Jesus first then myself and others,

Linda