The Gospel of Luke

This devotional is written by Slawa Gumuchian. Slawa and Guy are a retired business couple. They have been married for 41 years. They have been baptized at St Mary's, and been with us for over 11 years.

Today we have two devotionals, one written by Slawa followed by one written by Guy.

Whose Son Is the Messiah?

41 Then Jesus said to them, "Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David? 42 David himself declares in the Book of Psalms:

"‘The Lord said to my Lord:
"Sit at my right hand
43 until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet."'
44 David calls him ‘Lord.' How then can he be his son?"

Warning Against the Teachers of the Law

45 While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46 "Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely."

Reading the passage for the first time, I did not have a clue. I thought it illustrated perfectly the religious tradition I was brought up with. But after reading it quite a few times, I asked myself who are ''they''? Who is the Lord speaking to my Lord?

And then I can hear David describing a conversation. In his prophetic vision, David sees the Lord, the Messiah, speaking to the Lord, the Father.

The scribes and Pharisees preached that the Messiah is going to be the son of David, but David talks of him as my Lord. Surely David would not call his son my Lord.

In his spirit David saw the Lord, the Father speaking to his son, Christ, the Lord.

What does it teach me? I should ask the Spirit whenever I read the Bible to lead me and not rely on the modern learned scribes. By being open to the Spirit, God speaks to me directly and reveals His Truth to me intimately.

Amen.