OUR DAILY BREAD 31ST OCTOBER 2024 DEVOTIONAL, THURSDAY ODB MESSAGE
Our Daily Bread 31st October 2024 Devotional TOPIC:The Great Divide
Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 22-23; Titus 1
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Key Verse: Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him. Mark 12:17
Today’s Scripture
Mark 12:13-17
Today’s ODB Insight
Part of the reason the religious leaders tried to “catch [Jesus] in his words” (Mark 12:13) was to discredit Him and charge Him with blasphemy for claiming to be God (see Matthew 26:63-65; Luke 20:20). Jesus made an exclusive claim that He’s the Messiah (Matthew 26:63-64) and the only way to the Father: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
The book of Acts underscores this exclusive claim: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). John makes it clear when he wrote, “We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14). The good news is that in Christ, we have our Savior!
OUR DAILY BREAD 31ST OCTOBER 2024 – THURSDAY ODB DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE
In a classic Peanuts comic strip, Linus’ friend berates him for his belief in the Great Pumpkin. Walking away dejectedly, Linus says, “There are three things I have learned never to discuss with people . . . religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin!”
The Great Pumpkin existed only in Linus’ head, but the other two topics are oh-so-real—dividing nations, families, and friends. The problem occurred in Jesus’ day as well. The Pharisees were deeply religious and tried to follow the Old Testament law to the letter. The Herodians were more political, yet both groups wanted to see the Jewish people freed from Roman oppression.
Jesus didn’t seem to share their goals. So they approached Him with a politically charged question: should the people pay taxes to Caesar (Mark 12:14–15)? If Jesus said yes, the people would resent Him. If He said no, the Romans could arrest Him for insurrection.
Jesus asked for a coin. “Whose image is this?” He asked (v. 16). Everyone knew it was Caesar’s. Jesus’ words resonate today: “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (v. 17). His priorities in order, Jesus avoided their trap.
Jesus came to do His Father’s will. Following His lead, we too can seek God and His kingdom above all else, directing the focus away from all the dissension and toward the one who is the Truth.
REFLECT: What divisive issues trouble you? How might keeping your eyes on Jesus help guide your conversations today?
PRAY: Father, I need Your wisdom and guidance for all my interactions.
Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODB) is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 600 employees. It produces several devotional publications, including Our Daily Bread. our daily bread devotional for today audio our daily bread booklet
