Daily Devotional Dives - Jesus Spoke Some More - Part 4

When Jesus spoke to the Pharisees and teachers of the law, He often spoke very bluntly.  That echelon of God's people were the spiritual leaders who should have known better in how to behave themselves in things regarding to God.  They should have known to walk in sincerity.  They apparently did not.  In another place Jesus told them that they bound on to the ordinary Jewish person, burdens more grievous to be borne than what God had originally commanded (Matthew 23:4).  Those leaders did not practice in private what they preached in public.  They put emphasis on the wrong thing for their own interests more than for God's.

Jesus rebuked them, as we can see in Matthew 23:17, 19, and 33, saying...

"You blind fools!  Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred?"

"You blind men!  Which is greater:  the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred?"

"You snakes!  You brood of vipers!  How will you escape being condemned to hell?"

Such strong words.  Wake up, people!   Realize the direction you are going!  This seems to be what Jesus is saying to them.  Perhaps among those spiritual leaders would be one or two who would take heed.  Jesus is gracious in providing these warnings of destruction ahead.  Find the way out.

Nowadays, we do well to take the same heed especially if we find ourselves in a leadership position.  Others will always be checking us out to see if we practice what we preach.  I just had someone tell me today that he observes me from a distance and called me "a teacher and mentor".  To me that is scary to know someone is taking note; I'm not even in a leadership role!  

But Scripture also admonishes us to...

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.  Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you...?" (2 Corinthians 13:5)

And in 1 Corinthians 11:28...

"A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup."

If we, not just the spiritual leadership over us, would do just that there would be a lot less judging (I hope) of others against us, or us against others.

Yes, leaders do fall that's why I like another verse that says...

"Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you.  Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."  (Hebrews 13:7).

Yes, focus on their faith, not on their mistakes.   Yet, leaders, do take the warnings of Jesus seriously and examine yourselves whether you are walking in God's will and ways to please and honor Him.  There will always be critics but God is the Judge of all the earth and He knows your genuineness and that is what matters.   

So whether you are a pastor, teacher, elder, or deacon, etc...take heart and let Jesus be your mirror.    He is gracious and forgiving.  I always like to remember 1 John 1:9 where we have recourse for our failings...

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 

Matthew 24:45 is a comforting verse and binds this subject together nicely...

"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the Master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?" 

Praise be to the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

                                                          ~ERC  2017~

                                        Originally written March 1996; adapted Aug 2017