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“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites!
This is such a strong chapter! The warnings Jesus gives the teachers of the law and the Pharisees. I think this is a warning to us as well, because sadly I think we too can become modern day Pharisees if we're not careful. I think I particularly struggle with this being a member of a 'holiness' church. We tend to almost subconsciously set up rules to gauge our holiness. God see the heart and knows our intentions.
Even though Jesus had strong words for the teachers and Pharisees the last line is so sweet, Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!
I want that to be me!
As a side note I would like to ask a question of those of you who've been reading along with me. Through the book of John interspersed were readings from Psalms and Proverbs. The original plan I was using you read Monday through Friday and Saturday and Sunday were catch up days. But their original plan January 1 was a Friday. For Matthew we've been reading straight through and I have planned some passages from Psalms and Proverbs before we start Mark. My question is: Would you prefer to read straight through a book like we are doing for Matthew or read the NT book Monday through Friday and have selections from Psalms and Proverbs for the weekend? Either is fine with me, but I wanted to get your input.
Blessings dear friends!
So much of this chapter seemed new to me today! Straining out a gnat but swallowed a camel--wow, I don't remember reading that before, though I obviously I have, LOL.
ReplyDeleteWhat struck me most, though, was the instruction to obey the leaders' words, just not their actions. Teachers can teach, and teach well, yet not believe their words--sad, yet also hopeful for the people.
As for the reading question, I'd like to have the Psalms/Proverbs on the weekends, but I'm totally cool with whatever everyone else says. Doing them between books is fine too. =)
This chapter made me think about my role with the church leaders. Why do some feel they need to look "righteous" when inside they are full of "hypocrisy and lawlessness"? I think it is important for us lay people to remember that our church leaders are human and give them the slack to be human. Sometimes we expect so much more of them than we expect of ourselves. Then, they become isolated and sometimes feel like they can't talk to anyone without judgement. We need to remember they are also our neighbors who we need to show compassion and love towards, even when they slip up.
ReplyDeleteAs for the readings - I know this probably isn't very helpful, but I'm don't have a strong preference. I'm just so blessed to have this blog that I can go to each day and read a chapter. I must confess, it has been years since I read the Bible on a daily basis. So, any format is great for me.
Matthew 23
ReplyDelete4 They make loads that are hard to carry and lay them on the shoulders of the people.
(Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”)
23 ...justice, mercy, and faithfulness...
37b How often I wanted to gather your children together the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings! But you were not willing!
Leaving traditions behind, to bind to His faithfulness, mercy, and justice. He wants to gather and guide us under His protection.
I like the inclusion of Psalms and Proverbs in our readings!