ACTS: A Way to Live

Wednesday, April 13

ACTS: A Way to Live

The Gospel of Luke—Lent 2022

Read Luke 20: 1-19

Focus Verses—Luke 20: 17-18

Jesus looked directly at them (the religious leaders) and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.”

ACTion for Reflection: Opening the Door to the Gentiles

As we work our way through holy week as well as the book of Luke, we come to chapters 20 and 21, which is full of much dialogue from Jesus. We also see how the Jewish leaders are trying to trap him by asking question after question. They are full of jealousy concerning the escalating attention that the people are giving Jesus. Because their own power is at stake, they have decided that he must be dealt with, some how, some way.

In today's passage Jesus is telling a parable that is meant to inform these Jewish leaders that he is fully aware of their plot to kill him. He ultimately tells them that because of their rejection of him as the Messiah, he will now give his kingdom to those who will accept him. Faith in Jesus is the cornerstone around which the new church will be built. The door is open to all who will believe in him.

In the middle of this holy week, take some quiet minutes to reflect on Jesus as not only the cornerstone of the whole church body, but also as the cornerstone of your own soul. Where would you be without Jesus? Is he the backbone of your identity? Does his truth hold you together? If so, acknowledge this out loud to him in prayer, thanking him for his ongoing presence. Tell him you love him with your whole heart. Thank him for his extreme measure of love, his life for yours.

And then, turn your prayers into a request... for someone. Who in your world needs to know Jesus--his life, his death, his resurrection, his salvation? Pray for that person the rest of the week. If you feel led, write their first name in the comments below and give us the privilege to pray for this person over the rest of this holy week as well.

I can't help but end today's post with one of my all time favorite hymns, In Christ Alone. I love this version with the bagpipes. Listen, give thanks, worship, and lift up your person: https://youtu.be/8kvFtXphmMU

ACTion to Live Out: Share that Jesus is the Cornerstone and is for everyone!

A couple ideas for today are to contact Habitat for Humanity (or similar organization) and sign up to volunteer on a house building project or purchase a few pavers from your local hardware store and write on them, “Let Jesus be the Cornerstone of your Life!” and hand it out to whoever the Lord leads.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you for teaching us how to live! After we daily reflect on your life-giving words, help us to then, through your Spirit, get up and ACT. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take your good news to the world. What an honor it is to be your image bearer. Amen.

Audio to Luke 20: https://youtu.be/n0Z0709PGMw

Audio to Luke 21: https://youtu.be/qiNsg7Pqxx4