Bible Reading: Matthew 23:13-36
Today we will continue our discussion of “The Christmas Creed.” Let’s look at the next phrase: “… the proud could never understand…”
Proud people have a problem. Because of their pride, they can’t understand the truth about Jesus or why He was born. His crucifixion and resurrection are a mystery to them. Every part of the gospel seems like foolishness to them. Proud people think they have all the answers, so looking to Jesus Christ for an answer to their sin problem and to find the way to God is, in their minds, a waste of time.
Jesus dealt with proud people. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees that Jesus was talking to in Matthew 23:13-36 were some of these proud people. Jesus
called these men “hypocrites,” “blind guides,” and “snakes.” He said they were like “tombs that are painted white. Outside they look fine, but inside they are full of dead people’s bones and all kinds of filth. It is the same with you. People look at you and think you are godly. But on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and evil.” (Matthew 23:27 & 28).
Why did Jesus describe these men this way?
Jesus knew that they said one thing and did another thing was because of their pride. They thought they knew more than the ordinary person. They thought that they made the rules and other people should follow them. Thinking they already knew everything meant that they were unable to genuinely understand the truth about Jesus.
This Christmas is the perfect time to ask Jesus to remove your pride and give you the gift of a humble heart, a heart that understands your need for Jesus.
“The Lord has the highest place above all others, but he still cares for the humble. Even from there, so high above, he knows what the proud do.” Psalm 138:6
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive my pride. Please give me a humble heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.