Dear Explorer,
Read Matthew 23:13-22
First, who is preaching this sermon?
Jesus. He's probably standing on the temple steps in the Courtyard and preaching to a mixed crowd.
Who does He address this sermon to?
Pharisees and teachers of the Law, the religious leaders of the Jews. Jesus is teaching about things that are displeasing to Him, I believe that we can apply them to our lives, too. So instead of focusing on what it meant to the Pharisees, I'll ask you to look at what they could mean to you today.
So, what's the first point (found in Matthew 23:13)? Please summarize it in your own words.
I remember the first time I took my husband, David, to church with me. We went together on a Sunday evening and sat near the back with the other teenagers. I didn't usually sit with them, but I wanted my new boyfriend to feel comfortable in my church. Yet, we didn't hear much of the message because the teenagers around us were “cutting up”. They were whispering and giggling and passing around candy and totally ignoring the pastor. I was so upset. Now, David was a new follower of Jesus and was really interested in growing and learning more about Jesus, but he couldn't hear the pastor's message because they weren't letting him listen! Matthew 23:13 came to mind and we discussed it.
#1 Point: Be careful that your behavior or actions point others to God – not away from Him.
What is the next point? (found in Matthew 23:15). Please summarize in your own words.
#2 Point: Make sure that you are pointing people to God and not to yourself.
Remember we talked about John the Baptizer (Day 34) being careful to lead His disciples to Jesus and not to himself.
What is the next point (found in Matthew 23:16-22)? Please summarize in your own words.
#3 Point: Don't get distracted by semantics.
What does that mean?
We were once part of a church that was hung up on the 7-day creation. They seemed to focus on it and we found out later that many in the church felt that if you did not believe in a 7-day (24-hour-day) creation then you could not be a follower of Jesus. They were stuck on what the word “day” meant. I promise you; Jesus never once mentioned this debate. Your opinion on how creation happened has nothing to do with the fact that you need a Messiah!
We'll continue this discussion tomorrow.
In His service, dale