Truly I Tell You
BRD REFLECTION 2025
(Christina Stanley from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
OBSERVE:
In the different situations presented in Luke 18, what struck me was how Jesus extended His wisdom, grace, mercy and compassion with authority and justice. In each instance when relating to the unjust judge, the Pharisee, the tax collector, His disciples, the rich ruler and the blind beggar, Jesus was just and equitable, having a keen understanding of their mindsets. Being fully God, He saw through man. Being fully man, He empathised, even in the face of His own impending suffering and death.
Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, those who are humble will be exalted. Those who believe that the Kingdom of God is not welcoming to everyone, young and old, will be rebuked. Those who are not willing to give up everything for the sake of God’s kingdom will fail to receive treasures. Those who ask without expectation will receive.
“Truly I tell you” tells us of a Jesus who does not mince His words in teaching us what is right and wrong. But, am I paying enough attention to hearing and doing His Word?
APPLY:
Like the people mentioned in Luke 18, I too can lose sight of what matters to God. So often what shapes me is dominated by my own preferences, biases, opinions. I fall prey to what others say and do, including the all-pervasive media which I am exposed to day and night. And now, it’s sometimes difficult to tell the difference between fake and real news. I am unconsciously manipulated by the world, and yet I obstinately maintain my stance that I would never become like the Pharisee who thought so highly and righteously of himself; or make a show of justice for the wrong reasons like the unjust judge; or mistakenly think that the Son of God should not be distracted by children; or like the ruler, believe that I have done enough to inherit eternal life, when in fact I may not have given my all.
I am reminded from these verses to think less of what the world says and does, and to seek God’s way and will, what He has to say, and how He wants me to lead my life. The example is the blind beggar in verses 25 to 43. He heard that Jesus was passing by, and he persisted in calling out to Him, even though the crowd rebuked him. Jesus is indeed near, but I might lose sight of Him if I do not persist in reaching out.
DO:
My response to the lessons taught in Luke 18 are found in Psalm 32, which is also part of today’s reading. Verses 5 to 11 remind me to acknowledge my sin, confess, seek forgiveness and pray. My hiding place (v7) has to be in the Lord, and not in the world, trusting that He will instruct and teach me in the way I should go, that His loving eye will be upon me as He counsels me (v8). I will trust in His unfailing love (v10) and rejoice always in Him (v11).
PRAY:
Lord, I pray that You will help me to be still, and to seek You, Your righteousness, Your truth, and Your will. Help me to be more humble, to put aside my ways and follow only Yours. Remove from me the noise and distractions of the world and grant me the courage to say “no” to whatever is not right in Your sight, to obey Your commandments and with the help of the Holy Spirit, to give my all. Thank You Lord, for Your unfailing love that surrounds me. Amen.
