Jesus had just said that blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it. He went on to show the wickedness of their generation and any generation, including ours, when we do not open our ears and hearts to the truth of God. Instead, we stick to our own versions of success and righteousness: the conventional wisdom of doing this and that to earn the approval of God and others. Solomon, in all his wisdom, and Jonah with a message of repentance were glimpses of God's wisdom and salvation found in the words and life of Jesus. Jesus highlights the responses of the Queen of Sheba and the Ninevites as unlikely good examples. This reveals that God's salvation is universal for all who hear and accept it.

Jesus says that your eye is the lamp of your body. Healthy (generous) eyes see the world and people with eyes of hope, grace, and beauty. Unhealthy (stingy) eyes see the world and others with a sense of judgment and depravity. We need to be illuminated with the light of God's wisdom and grace, then our lives may shine like stars in the sky (Philippians 2:15).


Application: Lord, grant me open ears and eyes to receive your love in my life. May your grace and truth illuminate my way and shine like a light in any dark situation.
One Word: Shine.