Genesis

Genesis 47:13-31:
As the famine worsens, Joseph sells grain to the Egyptians and people from other countries. Eventually, the money in Egypt and Canaan runs out, and the Egyptians offer their livestock in exchange for food. When their livestock are depleted, the people offer themselves and their land to Pharaoh in exchange for sustenance, leading to their servitude. Joseph then implements a policy where the people give one-fifth of their produce to Pharaoh but keep the rest for seed and food. Before the passage ends, Jacob, nearing death, makes Joseph swear to bury him in Canaan, not Egypt.
Psalm 55:1-8:
In this section of the psalm, the speaker pleads with God to listen to his prayer and not ignore his plea for help. He describes his distress and turmoil caused by the oppression and hostility from his enemies. The psalmist wishes for wings like a dove so he could fly away and find rest, escaping the violent and tumultuous situation he finds himself in.
Proverbs 17:23:
This proverb condemns corruption, stating that a wicked person accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice. It highlights the moral corruption inherent in such acts and their destructive impact on fairness and integrity.
Proverbs 29:4:
This proverb emphasizes the importance of just leadership, noting that a king establishes the land by justice, but if he exacts gifts (takes bribes), it leads to the land's ruin. It underscores the idea that good governance depends on justice and integrity.
Matthew 22:34-46:
After silencing the Sadducees, the Pharisees gather to test Jesus further. A lawyer asks Jesus which commandment in the Law is the greatest. Jesus replies that the greatest commandment is to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and the second is to love one's neighbor as oneself. Jesus then challenges them by asking whose son the Messiah is, citing Psalm 110 to show that the Messiah is greater than David, hence not merely his son but his Lord.
Mark 12:28-37:
A scribe asks Jesus about the greatest commandment, and Jesus responds similarly to Matthew, emphasizing love for God and neighbor. The scribe agrees, adding that these commandments are more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. Jesus commends his understanding, saying he is not far from the kingdom of God. Afterwards, Jesus teaches in the temple, questioning the common teaching that the Messiah is merely David's son, using Psalm 110 to argue that David himself calls the Messiah Lord.
Luke 20:41-44:
Jesus poses a question to his listeners in the temple about the Messiah being David's son. He cites Psalm 110, where David calls the Messiah "Lord," challenging the notion that the Messiah is only his descendant. This rhetorical question is meant to provoke deeper reflection on the nature and identity of the Messiah.