Luke 11: 46.
Woe to you also lawyers! For you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers.
This was spoken by Jesus to the scribes in particular. You have to remember that the word scribe means person who reads,writes and interprets the law. The law is the Law of God, and the Law of the state. There are three groups that could be scribes. Of the religious types you have the Pharisees, and the Sadducees, and the scribe could be an unbeliever as well. In the previous posts, Jesus has been picking on the Pharisees only. Now He is including the Sadducees' as well, along with the lawyers who just interprets the "State" law. The Sadducees were primarily interested in running the Temple. However, this was done on rotation basis. Levites living in all parts of Israel would be called upon to serve in the Temple in Jerusalem. It took a lot of man power to run the Temple, and all Levites, would help in the running of the Temple in their different capacities. They were divided into a 24 group rotation, so each group would serve in the Temple twice a year. According to this, the Sadducees would have to have another source of work and income to feed their families. The religious leaders and the lawyers believed that they were above the law. They believed that they were exempt because they were interpreting the law for the common folk. Jesus was telling them that the Law was written for all men and should be kept by all men not just others you feel are below you. We have all sinned and fallen short of the Kingdom of God, this is why we need a Savior!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
361st Post Jesus On Harsh Words for the Religious System Con't. - Matthew 23: 25 - 26.
Matthew 23: 25 - 26.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.
This was spoken by Jesus during His last week of earthly Ministry before He was to be crucified.
Jesus was talking from the Temple along the colonade of Solomon, on the east side of the temple, where He could look across the Kidron valley and see the Mount of Olives. Notice how carefully Jesus worded this passage. It takes more trouble to wash only the outside of a cup and dish than to wash the whole thing. Jesus was telling them that they take great care to wash only the outside (outward appearance) instead of cleaning their inside as well. Jesus goes on to say if you cleanse the inside the outside will be clean also. If you have done dishes, you know that concentrating on cleaning the inside you wash the out side at the same time. The Pharisees, acted the part of a pious religious leader, but they lived quite differently. Look at the words Jesus used to describe their behavior, extortion and self indulgence. These are not the attributes Jesus was teaching the people. Jesus taught to be humble, and be empathetic to the rest of the group. Think of your self last. Where would you weigh in on this passage?
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.
This was spoken by Jesus during His last week of earthly Ministry before He was to be crucified.
Jesus was talking from the Temple along the colonade of Solomon, on the east side of the temple, where He could look across the Kidron valley and see the Mount of Olives. Notice how carefully Jesus worded this passage. It takes more trouble to wash only the outside of a cup and dish than to wash the whole thing. Jesus was telling them that they take great care to wash only the outside (outward appearance) instead of cleaning their inside as well. Jesus goes on to say if you cleanse the inside the outside will be clean also. If you have done dishes, you know that concentrating on cleaning the inside you wash the out side at the same time. The Pharisees, acted the part of a pious religious leader, but they lived quite differently. Look at the words Jesus used to describe their behavior, extortion and self indulgence. These are not the attributes Jesus was teaching the people. Jesus taught to be humble, and be empathetic to the rest of the group. Think of your self last. Where would you weigh in on this passage?
Thursday, August 11, 2011
360th Post Jesus On Harsh Words for the Religious System Con't. - Matthew 23: 23 - 24.
Matthew 23: 23 - 24.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!
This was spoken by Jesus during His last week of Ministry on Earth, before He was to be crucified.
The Pharisees prided themselves with how well they kept the Law. They kept the letter of the Law, but did not see that the Law also was meant to protect the weaker ones by modifying the Law to match a weaker one's situation. An example would be throwing a widow out of her house because she could not pay all of the temple costs. Justice, mercy and faith. Justice in that situation mentioned above would be to cast her out of her house. Mercy, would be to accept whatever she could pay, and count the account closed. Faith, would be believing that the Lord would see and make up the difference. The Pharisees, in keeping the letter of the Law, forgot that God is a loving and compassionate God. This was going to be shown the whole world later in the week when Jesus would be crucified. Even, this did not cause the Pharisees to repent! How do you treat other people? Like the Pharisees? Or with more compassion? Do you need to make a change??
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!
This was spoken by Jesus during His last week of Ministry on Earth, before He was to be crucified.
The Pharisees prided themselves with how well they kept the Law. They kept the letter of the Law, but did not see that the Law also was meant to protect the weaker ones by modifying the Law to match a weaker one's situation. An example would be throwing a widow out of her house because she could not pay all of the temple costs. Justice, mercy and faith. Justice in that situation mentioned above would be to cast her out of her house. Mercy, would be to accept whatever she could pay, and count the account closed. Faith, would be believing that the Lord would see and make up the difference. The Pharisees, in keeping the letter of the Law, forgot that God is a loving and compassionate God. This was going to be shown the whole world later in the week when Jesus would be crucified. Even, this did not cause the Pharisees to repent! How do you treat other people? Like the Pharisees? Or with more compassion? Do you need to make a change??
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
359th Post Jesus on Harsh Words for the Religious System Con't. - Matthew 23: 16 - 22.
Matthew 23: 16 - 22.
Woe to you, blind guides, who say, "Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold in the temple, he is obliged to perform it." Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold? And, "Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it." Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? Therefore he who swears by the temple, swears by it and Him who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it.
This was spoken by Jesus during the last week of His earthly Ministry; before He was to be crucified. This passage shows the disconnect between what the Scriptures say and the Pharisees believed. The Pharisees believed you could swear, one of two ways. One way you were held accountable for that oath, and the other way you were not. The problem with the oath, was that God in the Scriptures told us not to do it at all. Our yes, was to be yes. And our no, No!. Why did God not want us to swear by oaths? If you have to swear that you are telling the truth, that means you lie the rest of the time. Swearing an oath in a court of Law, is not the same, because you are entering your testimony into the court record. Do you tell the truth? Or do you use oaths?
Woe to you, blind guides, who say, "Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold in the temple, he is obliged to perform it." Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold? And, "Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it." Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? Therefore he who swears by the temple, swears by it and Him who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it.
This was spoken by Jesus during the last week of His earthly Ministry; before He was to be crucified. This passage shows the disconnect between what the Scriptures say and the Pharisees believed. The Pharisees believed you could swear, one of two ways. One way you were held accountable for that oath, and the other way you were not. The problem with the oath, was that God in the Scriptures told us not to do it at all. Our yes, was to be yes. And our no, No!. Why did God not want us to swear by oaths? If you have to swear that you are telling the truth, that means you lie the rest of the time. Swearing an oath in a court of Law, is not the same, because you are entering your testimony into the court record. Do you tell the truth? Or do you use oaths?
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
358th Post Jesus On Harsh Words for the Religious System Con't. - Matthew 23: 15
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.
This was spoken by Jesus during His last week on earth before He was to be crucified. This is a very stern warning from Jesus to the scribes and Pharisees, but it can apply to people in our own day. The scribes and Pharisees, were the main teachers of God at the time of Jesus. Their view of God, did not match the view Jesus was teaching the people. Both messages came from God, so both messages should have been the same. Why did not this happen? The scribes and Pharisees, placed themselves above the Law, meaning it was OK for them to tell others to keep the Law, but they did not have to themselves. This is why Jesus called them Hypocrites! To understand the last part of this passage, I will explain it from a Godly position, the scribes and Pharisees did exactly the opposite. Jesus said the a student can never be greater than his teacher. The teacher teaches, but can never teach the student all he knows. The teacher has spent years studying and gives the student the benefit of that study. When the student starts to teach, he uses the knowledge already given him and builds on it, but he will never have the foundation of knowledge that his teacher has. Negatively speaking, Jesus was telling them that as they are teaching different position, that position gets further and further from the truth with each new student. If you apply your lessons on Scripture, and keep it in the context of God's Word, you will teach correctly.
This was spoken by Jesus during His last week on earth before He was to be crucified. This is a very stern warning from Jesus to the scribes and Pharisees, but it can apply to people in our own day. The scribes and Pharisees, were the main teachers of God at the time of Jesus. Their view of God, did not match the view Jesus was teaching the people. Both messages came from God, so both messages should have been the same. Why did not this happen? The scribes and Pharisees, placed themselves above the Law, meaning it was OK for them to tell others to keep the Law, but they did not have to themselves. This is why Jesus called them Hypocrites! To understand the last part of this passage, I will explain it from a Godly position, the scribes and Pharisees did exactly the opposite. Jesus said the a student can never be greater than his teacher. The teacher teaches, but can never teach the student all he knows. The teacher has spent years studying and gives the student the benefit of that study. When the student starts to teach, he uses the knowledge already given him and builds on it, but he will never have the foundation of knowledge that his teacher has. Negatively speaking, Jesus was telling them that as they are teaching different position, that position gets further and further from the truth with each new student. If you apply your lessons on Scripture, and keep it in the context of God's Word, you will teach correctly.
Monday, August 8, 2011
357th Post Jesus On Harsh Words for the Religious Leaders Con't.- Matthew 23: 13 - 14.
Matthew 23: 13 - 14
But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.
This was spoken by Jesus during His last week of Ministry, before He was to die on the cross. As we mentioned in our previous posts, Jesus was very critical of the scribes and Pharisees; they were supposed to be leading the people to God, but instead were leading the people astray. They were hindering the work of Jesus, they would sit in the back and to the side of the group, and intimidate new believers from joining Jesus. They did this through their false leadership. The second part of this passage shows the ways that the scribes and Pharisees, showed their Godlessness, by taking advantage of widows' and stealing their possessions, under the pretext of doing God's work. The Scriptures tell us over and over we are to protect the widows' and orphans' and all the less fortunate. The Pharisees would hide their evil with long prayers. Jesus taught us to pray in secret and not to keep repeating meaningless words and phrases that have lost their meaning. They think they will be heard because they talk a lot. Contradiction is never a good thing. This is what Jesus was calling the scribes and Pharisees on. How is your walk??
But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.
This was spoken by Jesus during His last week of Ministry, before He was to die on the cross. As we mentioned in our previous posts, Jesus was very critical of the scribes and Pharisees; they were supposed to be leading the people to God, but instead were leading the people astray. They were hindering the work of Jesus, they would sit in the back and to the side of the group, and intimidate new believers from joining Jesus. They did this through their false leadership. The second part of this passage shows the ways that the scribes and Pharisees, showed their Godlessness, by taking advantage of widows' and stealing their possessions, under the pretext of doing God's work. The Scriptures tell us over and over we are to protect the widows' and orphans' and all the less fortunate. The Pharisees would hide their evil with long prayers. Jesus taught us to pray in secret and not to keep repeating meaningless words and phrases that have lost their meaning. They think they will be heard because they talk a lot. Contradiction is never a good thing. This is what Jesus was calling the scribes and Pharisees on. How is your walk??
Friday, August 5, 2011
356th Post Jesus On Harsh Words for the Religious System Con't. - Matthew 23: 2- 7 Con't. 3rd Post
Matthew 23: 2 -7 Continued 3rd post.
The scribes and Pharisees enjoyed the best places etc. The Religious Leaders enjoyed the notoriety of their positions. They enjoyed the best places at feasts, meaning the best seat at the table. The best place in the marketplace, and to be made a fuss over no matter where they went. This is contrary to what Jesus said and did. Jesus was teaching humility, while they taught "Its all about Me"!! Who was getting the glory here? Who is supposed to be getting the Glory? What did Moses teach? The same exact thing Jesus taught. The Pharisees enjoyed being called "Rabbi", teacher. Everything the Pharisees did was in contradiction to what Jesus taught. Before you start pointing your finger at the Pharisees, remember that Jesus also taught, that our righteousness must exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees in order to get into Heaven. This means we have to study as hard as them, and remain humble like the example Christ gave us. You can do that by remembering Who Gets the Glory. It is not us who have been given the opportunity to bring God's Word to you, whether in Church or Sunday School, Bible Class, or even by blog. The reason, we do it is to spread God's understand to you through our efforts. It is always God who should be getting the Glory, not us! Praise God!
The scribes and Pharisees enjoyed the best places etc. The Religious Leaders enjoyed the notoriety of their positions. They enjoyed the best places at feasts, meaning the best seat at the table. The best place in the marketplace, and to be made a fuss over no matter where they went. This is contrary to what Jesus said and did. Jesus was teaching humility, while they taught "Its all about Me"!! Who was getting the glory here? Who is supposed to be getting the Glory? What did Moses teach? The same exact thing Jesus taught. The Pharisees enjoyed being called "Rabbi", teacher. Everything the Pharisees did was in contradiction to what Jesus taught. Before you start pointing your finger at the Pharisees, remember that Jesus also taught, that our righteousness must exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees in order to get into Heaven. This means we have to study as hard as them, and remain humble like the example Christ gave us. You can do that by remembering Who Gets the Glory. It is not us who have been given the opportunity to bring God's Word to you, whether in Church or Sunday School, Bible Class, or even by blog. The reason, we do it is to spread God's understand to you through our efforts. It is always God who should be getting the Glory, not us! Praise God!
355th Post Jesus On Harsh Words for the Religious System Con't. - Matthew 23:2 - 7 Con't.
Matthew 23: 2 - 7 Continued 2nd post.
The scribes and Pharisees placed these burdens on the people, and felt they did not sin, so they were exempt from having to comply with these extra laws. This is what was behind their arguments with Jesus about His authority; by their standards Jesus had no authority. Every time the Religious Leaders did something good, they made sure they were seen doing it. Jesus taught that you were to do in secret, and God would reward you in secret. Contrary to what the leaders taught. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. The laws pertaining to these are found in Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy says that the phylacteries (Prayer Boxes) should be small, they are attached to the body with black leather strips. These boxes could be worn on your finger or on your forehead. The prayer boxes contained small strips of paper with pieces of Scripture written on them. The reason for placement on your finger or forehead, was so that they would be seen in the case of your finger when reading the scripture. Forehead to be felt and reminding you to keep the verses inside the box close to your mind and heart. In Israel today, you can see people wearing both styles near the Wailing Wall. The borders of their garments, is talking about their Prayer Shawls, this also is explained in Deuteronomy. The Pharisees introduced more colors and elaborate fringe to their garments to set them apart from the rest of the people. The word "Pharisee" means set apart.
I see I am running out of space again. Continued next post.
The scribes and Pharisees placed these burdens on the people, and felt they did not sin, so they were exempt from having to comply with these extra laws. This is what was behind their arguments with Jesus about His authority; by their standards Jesus had no authority. Every time the Religious Leaders did something good, they made sure they were seen doing it. Jesus taught that you were to do in secret, and God would reward you in secret. Contrary to what the leaders taught. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. The laws pertaining to these are found in Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy says that the phylacteries (Prayer Boxes) should be small, they are attached to the body with black leather strips. These boxes could be worn on your finger or on your forehead. The prayer boxes contained small strips of paper with pieces of Scripture written on them. The reason for placement on your finger or forehead, was so that they would be seen in the case of your finger when reading the scripture. Forehead to be felt and reminding you to keep the verses inside the box close to your mind and heart. In Israel today, you can see people wearing both styles near the Wailing Wall. The borders of their garments, is talking about their Prayer Shawls, this also is explained in Deuteronomy. The Pharisees introduced more colors and elaborate fringe to their garments to set them apart from the rest of the people. The word "Pharisee" means set apart.
I see I am running out of space again. Continued next post.
354th Post Jesus On Harsh Words for the Religious System Con't. - Matthew 23: 2 - 7.
Matthew 23: 2 - 7
The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the boarders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and be called by men, "Rabbi, Rabbi."
This was spoken by Jesus during the last week of His earthly Ministry. It may take more than one post to explain this passage.
The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses' seat; but unlike Moses, they thought themselves above the law, and did not sin. Moses on the other hand knew every mighty thing he did came from God and not him. Moses always gave god the glory! Moses lived under by the same laws that God told him to give to the people. And did not see himself above the law of God. This is what the second sentence of this passage is talking about. That was why they were telling others to do and they themselves did not do. They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, these were the added laws that they told the people to keep that were not in God's Word. The classic example is their laws concerning the Sabbath and work. I will continue this next post.
The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the boarders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and be called by men, "Rabbi, Rabbi."
This was spoken by Jesus during the last week of His earthly Ministry. It may take more than one post to explain this passage.
The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses' seat; but unlike Moses, they thought themselves above the law, and did not sin. Moses on the other hand knew every mighty thing he did came from God and not him. Moses always gave god the glory! Moses lived under by the same laws that God told him to give to the people. And did not see himself above the law of God. This is what the second sentence of this passage is talking about. That was why they were telling others to do and they themselves did not do. They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, these were the added laws that they told the people to keep that were not in God's Word. The classic example is their laws concerning the Sabbath and work. I will continue this next post.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
353rd Post Jesus on Harsh Words for the Religiou System Con't. - Matthew 21: 42 - 44.
Matthew 21: 42 - 44.
Have you never read in the Scriptures: "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes"? Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.
This was spoken by Jesus during His last week of earthly ministry. Jesus quotes Psalm 118: 22-23. Telling the people this is the Lord's doing. What Jesus meant by this that His authority was given by God rather than from man. Verse 44 of Matthew combines the Scriptures of Isaiah 8:14, and Daniel 2: 34, 44. Jesus claims to be the destroyer of earthly kingdoms, and the founder of God's Kingdom. These passages prophecy that the Jewish Leaders will oppose the Messiah (Jesus), and will be crushed by Him. This is the meaning of the stone quote used frequently in the rest of the New Testament. Old Testament prophecy is alive and well throughout the New Testament, and is especially there in Revelation. Daniel and John both saw the end of the world. Daniel could not understand it and it frightened him. In order to understand Revelation, you need to bring the whole Bible to the study, not just your pet verses. The Bible is God's Word, from Genesis to Revelation, and God's Word interprets God's Word.
Do you believe Jesus is the Savior? We have been establishing the facts from Scripture, are you convinced yet? If you are, what are you going to do about it??
Have you never read in the Scriptures: "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes"? Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.
This was spoken by Jesus during His last week of earthly ministry. Jesus quotes Psalm 118: 22-23. Telling the people this is the Lord's doing. What Jesus meant by this that His authority was given by God rather than from man. Verse 44 of Matthew combines the Scriptures of Isaiah 8:14, and Daniel 2: 34, 44. Jesus claims to be the destroyer of earthly kingdoms, and the founder of God's Kingdom. These passages prophecy that the Jewish Leaders will oppose the Messiah (Jesus), and will be crushed by Him. This is the meaning of the stone quote used frequently in the rest of the New Testament. Old Testament prophecy is alive and well throughout the New Testament, and is especially there in Revelation. Daniel and John both saw the end of the world. Daniel could not understand it and it frightened him. In order to understand Revelation, you need to bring the whole Bible to the study, not just your pet verses. The Bible is God's Word, from Genesis to Revelation, and God's Word interprets God's Word.
Do you believe Jesus is the Savior? We have been establishing the facts from Scripture, are you convinced yet? If you are, what are you going to do about it??
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
352nd Post Jesus On Harsh Words for the Religious Systems Con't. - Matthew 21: 31 - 32.
Matthew 21: 31 - 32.
Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believed him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.
This was spoken by Jesus during the last days of His earthly ministry. Jesus had just told the Parable of the Two Sons. This is part of the on going lessons concerning who will enter the Kingdom of God. Notice Jesus tells the Religious Leaders, that the tax collectors and harlots will enter the Kingdom of God before them. In the eyes of the Religious Leaders, tax collectors and harlots have no chance of entering the Kingdom of God because they are sinners. Jesus is telling them that the sinners will get into the Kingdom ahead of the Religious Leaders. Jesus points out to the Leaders that they rejected the teachings of John the Baptist while the tax collectors and harlots believed him. Their belief was counted as righteousness. Jesus was telling the Leaders that their unwillingness to listen to the Words of the Lord will be counted against them. The Leaders were given the best opportunity to get to know God, but they were stuck in their traditions and own understanding that they rejected God. The tax collectors and harlots came with childlike faith, and they recognized they had a need to be saved, and believed the truth. Have you made a decision yet? Only you can make this decision. It is up to you!!
Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believed him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.
This was spoken by Jesus during the last days of His earthly ministry. Jesus had just told the Parable of the Two Sons. This is part of the on going lessons concerning who will enter the Kingdom of God. Notice Jesus tells the Religious Leaders, that the tax collectors and harlots will enter the Kingdom of God before them. In the eyes of the Religious Leaders, tax collectors and harlots have no chance of entering the Kingdom of God because they are sinners. Jesus is telling them that the sinners will get into the Kingdom ahead of the Religious Leaders. Jesus points out to the Leaders that they rejected the teachings of John the Baptist while the tax collectors and harlots believed him. Their belief was counted as righteousness. Jesus was telling the Leaders that their unwillingness to listen to the Words of the Lord will be counted against them. The Leaders were given the best opportunity to get to know God, but they were stuck in their traditions and own understanding that they rejected God. The tax collectors and harlots came with childlike faith, and they recognized they had a need to be saved, and believed the truth. Have you made a decision yet? Only you can make this decision. It is up to you!!
351st Post Jesus On Harsh Words for the Religious System Con't. - Matthew 16: 8 - 11.
Matthew 16: 8 - 11.
O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? Do you not understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up? How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? - but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 - 2 years into His earthly Ministry. Jesus had just performed the miracle of feeding the four thousand. The Pharisees and Sadducees had just demanded another sign from Jesus. This passage takes place the next day after the feeding, and the Disciples and Jesus were in a boat going across the Sea of Galilee. The disciples were thinking among themselves they had brought no bread with them. Jesus tells the disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The disciples thought of physical bread, Jesus was talking about Spiritual Leaven. The Leaven Jesus was talking about was unbelief. Unbelief like faith, does not take very much to affect the whole lump or batch. The people Jesus had reached through His miracles, had little knowledge to go with that faith, and because of that were very fragile and could either strengthen or weaken because of the force of unbelief. The new believer's needed to be protected from the unbelievers until they could receive more teaching to make them strong to stand on their own. I believe this is a big problem in our Church's today. We turn new believer's into workers too quickly, and then we stop feeding them, and we justify it by saying we gave them the tools to feed themselves. Providing the tools, and not providing the instruction in how to use the tools is worthless!! This is shown by the huge turnover provided by our so called new believers, when put into a leadership or teaching role.
O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? Do you not understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up? How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? - but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 - 2 years into His earthly Ministry. Jesus had just performed the miracle of feeding the four thousand. The Pharisees and Sadducees had just demanded another sign from Jesus. This passage takes place the next day after the feeding, and the Disciples and Jesus were in a boat going across the Sea of Galilee. The disciples were thinking among themselves they had brought no bread with them. Jesus tells the disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The disciples thought of physical bread, Jesus was talking about Spiritual Leaven. The Leaven Jesus was talking about was unbelief. Unbelief like faith, does not take very much to affect the whole lump or batch. The people Jesus had reached through His miracles, had little knowledge to go with that faith, and because of that were very fragile and could either strengthen or weaken because of the force of unbelief. The new believer's needed to be protected from the unbelievers until they could receive more teaching to make them strong to stand on their own. I believe this is a big problem in our Church's today. We turn new believer's into workers too quickly, and then we stop feeding them, and we justify it by saying we gave them the tools to feed themselves. Providing the tools, and not providing the instruction in how to use the tools is worthless!! This is shown by the huge turnover provided by our so called new believers, when put into a leadership or teaching role.
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