Sunday, September 11, 2011

Matthew 23:13-33

As I began to read this passage, “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law,” I looked up at verse one. Jesus isn’t talking to the religious leaders! He is talking to his disciples and the crowds gathered around him.

Then I thought of a music teacher who began her class and noticed that a few of her students were missing. She says, “Woe to those who do not practice every day. They will soon lose their gift of music.” While her words are directed toward the students not present, her words are also intended to encourage the students that are present.

So it is with Jesus and his seven ‘Woes” against the religious leaders. He is still addressing his disciples and the crowd gathered around. When he chastises the religious leaders the disciples are not cheering him on, shouting “Yeah! Give it to them Jesus.” They are self-reflecting.

What are there in these pronouncements of Jesus that might apply to my life? Is there something within these seven woes that will help me become more of a fully devoted follower of Jesus?

Maybe I need to read them again.

What does today’s reading reveal to you
about God?
What does it reveal to you about yourself?
Think about what God wants you to do
or remember about this passage.
Does God want you to change anything in your life?

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