Reflecting on Luke 11:42-54“Woe to you Pharisees, because…” (Luke 11:42)
The Pharisees were deeply devout believers, considered the most holy.
They were devoted to God, to the Law, to holiness and obedience.
They were meticulous and scrupulous in obeying God’s Law.
They were eager to fulfill the smallest letter, the least stroke of the pen (Matthew 5:18).
Yet, Jesus speaks these harsh words of warning: woe to you Pharisees!
According to Jesus, it was for attention and praise.
It was not for the sake of justice or the love of God.
They were dirty and dead on the inside, but looked good outside.
They made life difficult for others, imposing rather than lifting burdens.
Jesus upsets them, because He suggests God does NOT approve of them.
This ought to be a warning and wake up call for all christians.
Am I an expert in the Bible, yet not an expert in what matters?
Or am I more concerned about obeying the book, following the rules?
Does my view of faith lift burdens, or burden and hinder others?
If justice and love are not at the heart of my faith… woe is me!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, we are so eager to hear the words 'well done, good and faithful servant', and not 'woe to you!' Give me a heart for justice and love, not just for the bible, so that I may lift burdens and not impose them on others.
Knowing = Loving = Doing. Words and deeds must be in sync. From the heart come all things for the heart gives life or death. I am reminded of a child’s song, ” I’ve got the love of Jesus down in my heart . . ” and that love needs to be shown by how I live fo Him each day.