Read Matthew 23:1-12 and 1 Corinthians 3:18-23
I Jesus Condemns the Religious Leaders
- Matthew 23:1-12- Here, Jesus exposed the religious leaders for not doing what they preach. They practice the "do what I say, not what I do" phrase. He called them hypocrites who preach to the people one thing just to look good and holy in front of them but do another when no one is looking. They do this to receive the people's admiration and praise when all these should have gone to God. Additionally, Jesus commanded us not to call religious leaders as Rabbi (teacher) or Father for these are reserved for Jesus and God. This is clearly written in the Bible so why do other religious leaders still prefer to be called "father". Are they implicating that they are the same as the Father in heaven. Remember, that only God is our father and He is the only one who can forgive our sins, not any human being. Mark 2:7 reads, “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” We need to discern modern day false prophets who teach of things that are not of God. They feed their listeners with man-made laws which causes them to commit sin and be separated from God. They say they follow Jesus and love God but they do not obey His commandments. Do you love God? Do you obey His commandments? Do you follow His ways? We must make sure that our actions match our beliefs because if they do not, we are also hypocrites just like the pharisees in those times.
II. Foolishness in God's Sights
1 Corinthians 3:18-23, Paul, in this passage, did not tell the church to not seek knowledge. He just recommended seeking for God's wisdom rather than worldly knowledge. He suggested that we become "fools" to make it easier for us to receive and understand the message. We need to open our ears so we can listen and receive God's word. Let us abandon pride and accept the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let us value the content of the message rather than the presentation of the preacher. Let us be humble and accept that we are only human and without God, we are nothing.
III. Proverbs for Today / 10:19
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
IV. Old Testament Reading
Leviticus 22:17-33, Leviticus 23 and Psalms 44:1-8
