Prepare: How faithful are we in handling the Word of truth? (2 Tim 2:15)
Read: Luke 11:37-54
The Pharisees and experts in law misinterpreted God's laws and gave importance to outward rituals, neglecting the inward purity.
Wrong motives: This ceremonial washing of hands was practised by the priests before entering the Temple. Jesus pointed out that while the Pharisees made a public show of being 'clean', they were corrupted to the core inwardly. Through their tithes they wanted to show themselves faithful to God, but they ignored the need for justice and mercy to the poor and needy. In short, their thinking about God and His demands were absolutely wrong and they only used their knowledge of the law to gain respect and status for themselves. Are we guilty of showing ourselves superior to others because of our spiritual status, church attendance, tithing, fasting, talents, etc., while ignoring the needs of those around us?
Wrong interpretation: Jesus charged the experts in the law of: (1) They added such minute details to the law which made it a burden for the people-like how far one could walk on the Sabbath (Acts 1:12), healing a person was work, while an animal could be rescued from a pit (Luke 14:3-5). (2) While they honoured the prophets who were dead, they resisted those who lived among them, even the One who was the focal point of all the prophets and the history of the nation.
Respond: Help me to study, and teach Your Word faithfully to others.
Read: Luke 11:37-54
The Pharisees and experts in law misinterpreted God's laws and gave importance to outward rituals, neglecting the inward purity.
Wrong motives: This ceremonial washing of hands was practised by the priests before entering the Temple. Jesus pointed out that while the Pharisees made a public show of being 'clean', they were corrupted to the core inwardly. Through their tithes they wanted to show themselves faithful to God, but they ignored the need for justice and mercy to the poor and needy. In short, their thinking about God and His demands were absolutely wrong and they only used their knowledge of the law to gain respect and status for themselves. Are we guilty of showing ourselves superior to others because of our spiritual status, church attendance, tithing, fasting, talents, etc., while ignoring the needs of those around us?
Wrong interpretation: Jesus charged the experts in the law of: (1) They added such minute details to the law which made it a burden for the people-like how far one could walk on the Sabbath (Acts 1:12), healing a person was work, while an animal could be rescued from a pit (Luke 14:3-5). (2) While they honoured the prophets who were dead, they resisted those who lived among them, even the One who was the focal point of all the prophets and the history of the nation.
Respond: Help me to study, and teach Your Word faithfully to others.
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