Reflection and Prayer by Nichole Brady (10th grade)
Matthew 23:13-26
1. Why does Jesus call justice, mercy, and faith the “weightier matters of the law?”
2. Why are these more difficult to practice than a strict list of rules?
Reflection: In this passage, Jesus calls justice, mercy, and faith the “weightier matters of the law” because in the long run, they are what will really matter. By the rest of the passage, it is clear that the Pharisees are more concerned with the way they are viewed than by how holy they actually are. As long as others see them as holy, it doesn’t matter what happens behind closed doors. Justice, mercy, and faith are more difficult to practice than a strict set of rules because they involve using our minds.
Prayer: Dear God. Strengthen my faith in you, and help me to grow in justice and mercy. Help me to focus on strengthening my inner self instead of trying to change how I appear on the outside. Amen.
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.