PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 23:16-22
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred?” (Matthew 23:17)
Jesus challenges the religious leaders for misplaced values.
They are focused on the things themselves, and not on their meaning.
It’s not the gold of the temple, but the meaning of the temple that matters.
It’s not the gift that matters, but the devotion of the giver on the altar.
Its not the stars and planets, but the God that reigns over them.
We could extend these to our own religious practices.
It is not the money we give, but the heart and reason we give it.
It is not the words and music of worship, but the reason they are sung.
This gets to heart of the religious leaders’ problem.
Their heart was not directed toward God, but to their religion.
Is my heart in my prayer, my bible reading, my volunteering?
Do my pious words reflect what I really believe and value?
Which is greater, that I go to church this morning?
Or that I genuinely go seeking Jesus, with an open heart?
Lord Jesus, I know what matters more, what is greater. You know my heart. May your Spirit ignite in my spirit a sincere desire to know, honour and serve You with what matters most – my heart!