Topic: Woe unto you, hypocrite!
Opening Prayer: Lord, let the light of your word shine into my life as I meditate on your word.
Scripture: Matthew 23:16-28
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any warning for me to heed?
MESSAGE
Christ Jesus pronounces four woes. We shall examine them and see how they could apply in our contemporary life today. Blind guides (vs.16-22): Christ here describes the Scribes and Pharisees as ‘blind guides’, ‘blind fools’ and ‘blind men’. They failed to see the more important aspects of worship. In swearing, they emphasized what would benefit their pocket – the gold of the temple, the gift on the altar while neglecting the God who dwells in the Temple and to whom the altar has been built.
Our aim in all our worship must be to please Christ, our Master. See what the apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:9. Neglect of weightier matters of the law (vs.23-24): The weightier matters of the law – justice, mercy and faithfulness were neglected by the Scribes and Pharisees. What are the issues of the Christian life to which we should pay close attention? Some Christian leaders appreciate and pray for church members who give heavy donations but forget to give attention to the poor and the needy!
Greedy and self-indulgent (vs.25-26): Outside, the Pharisees seemed good but inside they were greedy and self-indulgent. Do we not see and hear of many such today? Whitewashed tombs (vs.27-28): appearing righteous to others but, in reality, very lawless.
Practice/Word Application
• Thought: Would Jesus pronounce any woe on you, if He were here now?
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Lord, search me and cleanse me from all hypocrisy. • Praise Him for His love in keeping our families together in unity, and in meeting our spiritual and material needs.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalm 138:7;Psalms 77-78; Acts 27:27-44
Scripture Union Daily Guide 9th August 2021. Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God