Dear FBCO Friends:

We are looking at what went on in the last week of Jesus’ life, day by day. Today is Tuesday, the day of confrontation. His actions today would lead to His death in 72 hours. Read about it in Mark 11:27-13:37.

Tuesday of Passion Week:  Tuesday was one of the longest, most grueling days ever for Jesus.  His rejection of the moneychangers on Monday inflamed the authorities.  As He approached Jerusalem, His foes were waiting for Him, their trap baited.

Their questions seemed innocent: "Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" (Mark 12:14). This challenge forced Jesus to take a stand on the most inflammatory issue of their day. Rome required every subject of the Empire to pay the "poll tax," using a coin whose inscription praised Caesar as a god. If Jesus advocated this idolatry, the adoring crowds would morph into an ugly mob and reject Him as Messiah. If He rejected the tax, the Roman army standing guard would quickly arrest Him for treason. Either way, His enemies would be rid of this Galilean and His threat to their stale religion.

Jesus' answer stunned His opponents speechless! "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" (Mark12:17). We can be loyal to our country, but above all we are to be loyal to our Lord. He deserves our obedience, worship, gifts, and gratitude.

What do you owe God now? Your next breath is His gift. He has forgiven every sin you've confessed to Him. If Jesus is your Lord, he has given you eternal life by His grace. Every "good and perfect gift" comes from Him (James 1:17).

Now our Abba-Father wants you to love Him "with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength," and to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:30-31). Despite the passive religion of our day, true Christianity is not private opinion. Christ followers are called by God to positive, transforming action. In Mark 13 Jesus reminds us all will not always be the same—He is coming again to make things right, to punish evil and to reign forever—and we will be with Him, FOREVER!

So take time on this Tuesday for a spiritual examination. Would God say that you love Him with all your "heart" (your will and decisions)? With all your "soul" (your personal worship)? With all your "mind" (your attitudes and thoughts)? With all your "strength" (your actions)? Would your fellow students, coworkers, family, and friends say that you love them as much as you love yourself?

Marriage counselors tell couples who don't feel that they love each other to "act into feelings." Do what love does and you'll feel what love feels. What could you do now to show that you love your Father and your neighbor?

Enjoy this beautiful day as His gift! Live today in full devotion to Abba, as your gift back to Him! Pray for the Seder and Easter Sunday and invite people you know to Easter.

The shepherd loves the sheep,

Pastor Roger