PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 23:29-36

What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?

“Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages and teachers.” (Matthew 23:34)
The reading today contains harsh words of judgment against the religious leaders.
Those who ought to be representing God’s goodness and grace are not.
They are silencing and killing those who challenge them… as their ancestors did.
Apparently religious people have a tendency to crucify God’s messengers.
It is encouraging to see how even so, Jesus will STILL send messengers to call us back.
Jesus does not give up on us even when we’re stubborn, and keeps sending messengers.
So who are the messengers Jesus is sending me, and who am I inclined to crucify?
Who is Jesus speaking to me through, that I am refusing to pay attention to?
When I’m so convinced I’m right is when I’m at the greatest risk of not hearing Jesus.
My usual tendency when I hear contrary voices is to challenge them, to correct them.
But maybe instead I should listen humbly and graciously, looking for Jesus in their words.
Even if much of what they say is wrong, there may be something from Jesus in it.
I do believe Jesus still sends messengers to comfort, convict and challenge us.
The question is, am I crucifying them, or am I considering what they are saying?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to crucify this tendency to correct those who disagree with me. Help me to discern with your help if there is something I need to hear from you though them.