Substance or Show?
March 30, 2015//
Topics to Dig Into
A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and
work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed
his mind and went anyway. Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he
said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.
work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed
his mind and went anyway. Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he
said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.
“Which of the two obeyed his father?” Matthew 21:28-31
(NLT)
(NLT)
Jesus’ most harsh final lessons were
directed at those who claim to be religious role models. Do you fall into that category? I believe I do.
directed at those who claim to be religious role models. Do you fall into that category? I believe I do.
Every believer’s behavior represents
Christianity, but those in leadership positions are judged more strictly
because they must set an example (James
3:1). In today’s parable, Jesus values
integrity and obedience but has more to say…
Christianity, but those in leadership positions are judged more strictly
because they must set an example (James
3:1). In today’s parable, Jesus values
integrity and obedience but has more to say…
Jesus slams
the religious leaders for their hypocrisy, their religious practice without
substance, their prideful show, and the harm they do to their followers. It isn’t
pretty:
the religious leaders for their hypocrisy, their religious practice without
substance, their prideful show, and the harm they do to their followers. It isn’t
pretty:
·
They don’t love and serve God; they
love their status.
They don’t love and serve God; they
love their status.
·
They emphasize the minutiae of the
law but ignore values like justice and mercy.
They emphasize the minutiae of the
law but ignore values like justice and mercy.
·
They present an appearance of
self-restraint, but are actually greedy and self-indulgent.
They present an appearance of
self-restraint, but are actually greedy and self-indulgent.
·
And ironically, they claim to be
open to correction – never would they persecute or murder a true prophet for
unpleasant prophetic messages.
And ironically, they claim to be
open to correction – never would they persecute or murder a true prophet for
unpleasant prophetic messages.
Hypocrisy is worse than unbelief.
God knows your heart.
God knows your heart.
As a believer, teacher and writer, I
pay close attention to Jesus’ message. I’m no saint and don’t have all the answers.
I need Jesus. I desire to love and serve Him better each day and humbly lead others
in His direction.
pay close attention to Jesus’ message. I’m no saint and don’t have all the answers.
I need Jesus. I desire to love and serve Him better each day and humbly lead others
in His direction.
These Holy Week articles would be perfect to repost on
Facebook or Twitter or to forward through email. Scatter seeds as the world recognizes Palm
Sunday, Good Friday and Easter.
Facebook or Twitter or to forward through email. Scatter seeds as the world recognizes Palm
Sunday, Good Friday and Easter.
#seedsofscripture
#HolyWeek #Easter #hypocrisy #integrity
#HolyWeek #Easter #hypocrisy #integrity
1 Comments
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Spend a few minutes to plant a quick Seed. Or stay longer and plant a whole garden.
As one who has been a hypocrite this convicted me. I am praying that God would continue to show me where I am being wishy washy.