Matthew 23:20
One of our common misconceptions concerning Jesus is his disagreement with the Pharisees. They were what we refer to as a ‘strict’ sect of the Jews. We say this as if their real sin was being too strict. The facts of the case however, show that Jesus was, if anything, more strict. Indeed, it was not the exacting nature of the law, and the Pharisees’ recognition of this, that he had an issue with. As in this verse, he often told the Jewish religious leaders that their standards were not high enough, and that they had found ways to unrighteously excuse themselves.
So, is Jesus more strict than the Pharisees? Yes and no. He is more strict, but he is also more consistent. The Jewish religionists had their own self-glorification as their ultimate goal. For Jesus, the glory of God is the ultimate goal. Thus, the law serves to bring us to a place of recognizing our need for a savior, for forgiveness. It’s purpose is not to justify us, but to show us our great need for justification. So, the problem of the Pharisees was not so much their strictness, but their failure to understand the more important issues, love, mercy, justice, holiness, grace, and the like.
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 6:1-7:51
Scripture Memory: James 2:15 “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and goodness. May we always be thankful for Your law. You have not failed to tell us the truth. You have not withheld it because it is unpleasant. You have not hidden it from our eyes. You have not kept it from us because we do not deserve it. You have given it to us as a gift. Thank You so much for Your Word! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for an unsaved man with cancer. Pray for a woman’s unspoken request. Pray for a couple travelling.
Journal Entry #14201