Lent 2023 – Day 33 – Luke 20 v 1-26

Welcome to our Daily reflections for Lent.

We have provided a number of ways of using these reflections.

• You can listen to it in podcast style by clicking on the first audio file. (approx 18 minutes);
• You can listen to the reflection and the prayers with a shortened length for personal prayer (approx 6 minutes);
• You can read your own version of the Bible and then listen to the reflection, play the hymn in the embedded YouTube clip and then listen to the prayer section;
• You can choose to just read through it and ignore the audio files; or
• any combination of the above.

However you choose to use them we hope you will find them helpful and thought provoking.

Full Audio of today’s reflection.

Read Luke Chapter 20 verses 1-26. In your own preferred version. The audio uses the NIV.

Link to the Bible Gateway NIV version (Opens in a new tab)

Audio of reflection

“Who gave you this authority?”

Answers: We all want to be able to explain things, to be able to give straightforward correct answers to questions.

In a previous job I designed and coded a computer system for government policy briefings. In doing so, I discovered the difficult balancing act between policies. The example always quoted to me was – Roads – a good thing? To the Department of Transport the best things ever – build more. To the Departments of Environment or Agriculture – a blight on the countryside. There is a balance and often we don’t know what the right answer is.

That is not the case with the teachers in our bible passage today. They know the right answer but are not prepared to give it for the authority it would give to Jesus and to give the “wrong” answer would be to stir up the crowd against them. So they remain silent.

It is no different in our faith and church lives. We know what Jesus wants us to do. To follow him and his path of love. To love ourselves and our neighbours equally and in that love to reveal the pathway to Jesus’ love to everyone around us. But we find it hard to set aside the things we want to do for ourselves, to accept the risk of standing out as a follower of Jesus. In these moments we approach Jesus in faith and confidence. We listen to his words and find the meaning for our lives. If it contradicts what we would like to do then it is our responsibility to change.

The teachers responded as they did so that they would not acknowledge the truth of the situation. May we be braver to speak the answers, in both our words and actions, which reveal Christ to the world.

Hymn: Singing the Faith –  690 “The Church’s one foundation”

Samuel John Stone (1832–1900)

Contemplation Words

“ Who gave you this authority?”

Let us pray together.

Contemplative Prayer

Think of the words in order to understand context and meaning, Feel the meaning of the words with and in your heart, Pray, using the words, for yourself or others. With only a name and without explaining the reasons or pre-defining any answers. Listen for God’s voice in the quiet of your prayers. Pray using your own prayers or one of those which have been prepared below.

Twitter Prayer

Lord help us to discern the truth of your word and to reflect that truth in every aspect of our lives. Amen

Full Prayer

Loving God, we ask your forgiveness for the times that we get embroiled in the religion of Church. For although these can be important issues of truth they can also be stumbling blocks for both ourselves and others. May we listen to your word as we resolve any issues within our fellowship. Help us always speak the truth and not avoid answers because they do not suit our own agendas.