Tag: Holy Tuesday Devotion

The Widow’s Mite – A Holy Tuesday Devotion

Scripture – While Jesus was in the Temple, He watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” (Luke 21:1-3)

Devotion: On Holy Tuesday, Jesus went to the temple in Jerusalem to teach and engage with the people. During this time, He addressed various people, including the religious leaders, challenging their authority and highlighting the importance of sincere faith and righteousness. Jesus also used this opportunity to convey parables and teachings about the kingdom of God, emphasizing such themes as justice, humility, and true devotion. His presence in the temple underscored His role as a teacher and prophet, preparing the way for the events that would unfold later in the week. 

As we reflect on the happenings and teachings of Jesus on Holy Tuesday, we are invited to reflect on the nature of true worship, as demonstrated by the widow’s humble offering. Her actions teach us valuable lessons about sacrifice, sincerity, and true devotion to God. The widow gave all she had, illustrating that worship is not about the size of our gift, but about the heart with which it is given. Her act of worship was one of deep trust and adoration, reminding us to consider not simply what we offer, but how and why we offer it to the Lord. 

Reflection Questions:

  1. What are some ways we can offer our resources and talents as forms of worship, regardless of their size?
  2. How does the widow’s example challenge us to reconsider what true sacrifice and devotion is really about?
  3. In what areas of our lives can we put more trust and reliance on God, much like the widow did?

Prayer – Lord, thank You for the powerful example of the widow’s faith and devotion. Help us today to understand that true worship comes from the heart and that our offerings, no matter how small, are significant when given in sincerity and love. Guide us to be more sacrificial in our daily lives, trusting in Your provision and grace. Teach us to give generously, knowing that our acts of worship are pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Followup Worship Activity – In your journal or on a piece of paper, make a list of several ways God has provided for you throughout your life. Then, write out a prayer of worship, thanking God for His provision and declaring that you put your faith and hope in Him.

*This devotion was originally written for “The Week that Changed Everything” Holy Week Devotional for Celebration Church in New Orleans. The full devotional is available for free download at http://www.celebrationchurch.org/library

**Image courtesy of Europeana

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Devotion, Difference Makers, Holy Week and Easter, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Holy Tuesday

Jesus is Challenged by the Religious Leaders

When Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching, the leading priests and elders came up to Him. They demanded, “By what authority are You doing all these things? Who gave You the right?”

“I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?”

They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, He will ask us why we didn’t believe John. But if we say it was merely human, we’ll be mobbed because the people believe John was a prophet.” So they finally replied, “We don’t know.”

And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Matthew 21:23-27)

Palm Sunday was filled with the pageantry of Jesus’ triumphal entry. Holy Monday was filled with surprise as a righteously angry Jesus turned over the merchants’ tables in the temple because they were hindering God’s worship. Some might have believed and even hoped for a quieter day in Jerusalem on Holy Tuesday. Instead, it was filled with drama, with Jesus experiencing a direct, verbal showdown with the Jewish leaders.

These leaders were learned men. Everyone in Jerusalem knew it, and as they approached Jesus in the temple, every eye must have looked to see what they would do while every ear certainly listened to hear these leaders lower the boom and put Jesus in His place. But, as everyone could see, they failed miserably. Instead of being mentally intimidated, Jesus responded with smarter questions and gave clearer answers than they did. They tried to question His motives, but He exposed their hearts. 

Everyone knew Jesus had defeated the Jewish leaders at their own game. But, as these “holy men” walked away, they must have muttered under their breath, “This isn’t over, not by a long shot.” Their hand, in their way of thinking, had been forced. If they wanted to reduce Jesus’ influence, they couldn’t rely on verbal warnings or mere strength. They were going to have to take Him out because it was crystal clear to them that He was not going to yield to their way of thinking. Jesus stood His ground and spent the rest of the day teaching in the temple. It was the last time He would teach in the temple. When Jesus left the temple, the Jewish leaders conspired about how they might have Him arrested and executed. But Jesus knew their plans would actually fit into the will of the Lord.  

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for standing up to the Jewish leaders and fulfilling Your mission, making a way for us to be forgiven of our sin. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Followup Activity: In your journal or on a piece of paper, write a prayer thanking God for His determination in fulfilling His plan for our salvation. If you are leading your family through this devotion, encourage each member to compose their own prayer. Help them write if necessary.

*Photo courtesy of Jonny Gios

**This devotion is a part of the 8 Day RENEWED Holy Week devotional available for free download at http://www.celebrationchurch.org/library

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Devotion, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment