Reflection and Prayer by Bako Ekoko (12th grade)
Matthew 22:15-22
1. In what ways are we like the Pharisees in this passage?
2. What does God require of us?
Reflection: We often show a sense of competition like the Pharisees. We like to see other humans fail in some way if it shows us to be correct or of higher intelligence. God requires us to love everyone as if they are a part of our family, and treat them with kindness and respect as we would like to be treated.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that the competition mentality can be removed from human nature. May we come to love one another equally and treat each individual encountered with kindness and respect.
The 2013 Advent Devotions were written by Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) youth and their leaders at the 2013 Youth Triennium. Each day provides a lectionary-based Scripture passage, questions for reflection, and the students’ responses.