Bible Reading: Matthew 23:27 & 28
The Pharisees or religious leaders of Jesus’ day were supposed to be the “good guys”. They spent lots of time in the synagogue. They knew God’s word inside and out. They
obeyed they law – God’s and man’s. They hardly seemed like troublemakers. They weren’t really all “that bad.”
However, Jesus said that although they looked good on the outside, their hearts were filled with arrogant pride. While they thought they had their trip to heaven all sewn up because of all the good things they did, in reality, those “good things” done by “good guys” had so distracted them that they missed the point. They overlooked the necessity to love and honor God and to love other people. In Matthew 23:27 & 28 Jesus scolded the Pharisees saying, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”
Do you know a “good guy” who’s missed the point and needs to show God his or her love by letting Jesus into his or her life? Are you that “good guy”?
“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:22-24
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I’m a “good guy”, but I know I’m not good enough. I need You in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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