Matthew – the
Gospel of Fulfillment Chapter 23 Woes for Hypocrites
This is one of the most unfortunate descriptions that
Jesus gave about those who should have recognized who He is and why He had
come. But just the opposite is
true. Consider His description of the
“religious” – those who had decided to come to God how they believed was right,
rather than by what God had said:
1.
You do not enter the kingdom of heaven and
prevent others as well.
2.
You ignore the Great Commandment and strive for
outward pious appearance.
3.
You keep the people from coming to God.
4.
You are blind guides more concerned about
material things.
5.
You meticulously observe your own man-made laws
and ignore justice, mercy and faithfulness.
6.
You are meticulous about eating utensils, but
ignore the deceit and selfishness within them.
7.
You are like white washed tombs, but full of
death, hypocrisy and lawlessness.
8.
You are like your fore-fathers, you also will kill
God’s messenger.
And yet as Jesus made these observations He did not do so
to condemn them (or us), but to get them to see the error of their ways. He was extending them the opportunity to
repent (change the direction of their lives) and come into a relationship with
God through Him. The offer doesn’t
expire until you do.
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