I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. John 12:46 NASB.

I want to know Christ! Philippians 3:10.

This morning in our Friday Zoom Retreat, we slowed down to read Luke 10:25-37. Slowing down helps us read anew with our heart opened to what the Spirit would have us understand. The story of the parable of the Good Samaritan. A one-on-one conversation between Jesus and an expert in the law. The law was given by Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit. Words until our hearts respond to the love within those words. And when our hearts are opened to God, a river of life flows! Moved to compassion…a river of life from God to us to others.

And in our chapter, Matthew 21, they have reached the outskirts of Jerusalem. And because Jesus fulfills prophecy, every one, He instructs two disciples to enter the village of Bethphage to find a colt and bring it to Jesus so that it can be fulfilled…“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” (Zechariah 9:9). v. 1-5. If they had truly slowed down, would they have understood that prophecy, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey? The crowds seemed to understand something momentous was happening and shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” And even the children were shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” v. 8-9, 15. But the chief priests and teachers of the law were indignant, and yet, Jesus continued to heal the blind and the lame, v. 14. Jesus was always moved to compassion for us. In the notes below it said that the next verses were a living parable: Early in the morning, as Jesus was on His way back to the city, He was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then He said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered. v. 18-19. How many are hungry for understanding of God? Are we moved to seek Him in the beautiful temples, churches, places of worship, our own homes? And what do we find? What about the teachers of the law who confronted Jesus as He taught in the temple courts? “By what authority are You doing these things?…And who gave You this authority?” v. 23. With their refusal to understand, Jesus would not tell them. But He gave to the crowds there two parables that the chief priests and Pharisees recognized were about them. Creator God – the Son, is telling them about what would happen to Him because of their unbelief and lack of understanding, another parable living and active, v. 28-32, 33-46. And because they who knew the law should have understood but refused, Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.” v. 31-32. And again, and with the temple in view, Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.’” (Psalm 118:22-23). “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” v. 42-44. The law itself cannot save us. Sadly, it can make us hyper critical, condemning, always judging everyone else but never our own hearts. The Giver of the law can save us; and everyone who truly understands just how sinful our own hearts have been can attest to how much His love has saved and healed us. It’s so personal! And so needed. His living words beautifully spoken can bring life to our hearts and minds as we slow down and listen to His voice speaking to us. Moved to compassion by our loving Creator God, His river of Life flows and brings healing and understanding that bears beautiful fruit within us. Thank You, Lord, for so great a Love!