Jesus & His Teachings
Crowds are gathered around Jesus as He begins to teach inside the temple courts. Knowing His time is at hand, Jesus delivers a pointed message, captured in Matthew 21-25. Read slowly this small portion of His teaching below, re-read it if you need to, then follow the guide to reflect, respond, and pray!
READ
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” Matthew 23:25-28
REFLECT
Even though Jesus’ words are blunt and, at times, harsh, they are filled and guided by grace. Jesus hoped the eyes of the religious leaders, long blinded by pride, legalism, and religious duty would open - that their hearts would soften and be receptive to the freedom He provides. He holds out the same hope for us. Jesus isn’t interested in our mindless obedience; He is after our hearts. It’s not about changing our behavior for the applause of the crowds; it’s about living our authentic lives for an audience of One and allowing His formation to occur from the inside out.
RESPOND
Take a moment to consider the places of your heart that remain hardened and resistant to the transformational power of God’s love. Picture God peeling back the layers to get to its root cause.
How would you describe the current state of your heart?
PRAY
Lord Jesus, search my heart, expose where hypocrisy reigns.
Shine a light on my ulterior and selfish motives.
Open my eyes to the places where I’ve not practiced what I preach, and sought the admiration of the crowd over resting in the security of Your approval.
Create in me a clean heart so that I can live authentically before You and others.
Remind me of my desperate need for grace. Amen.