Matthew 23:1-12
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
This entire chapter of Matthew’s Gospel is an unvarnished condemnation of the first century religious leaders of Israel and their predecessors. Rather than standing afar from Jesus’ stinging words, the next few meditations will be an invitation to internalize these messages and allow them to shine light on our own inner worlds. Read Matthew 23:1-12 listening carefully to the Holy Spirit for anything you need to hear today.
What a sad indictment of these leaders who either by birth or choice have spent their lives studying the Scriptures and teaching others. These religious authorities are not lacking in knowledge, but their knowledge is useless at best because their lives have not been shaped by what they know.
Knowledge of God is gained through obedience to God, and God has been revealed to us through Jesus. Scripture is important not as an end unto itself but as a means that God uses to reveal Jesus to humanity. We don’t follow a book; we follow a living person who is revealed to us in Scripture – Old and New Testaments.
Stop to contemplate your “relationship” to the Bible (both Old and New Testaments). Discuss your thoughts openly with Jesus being sure to listen as much as you talk.
Read Matthew 23:1-12 again.
Jesus came to gather the people of God back to God, and because of his sacrifice on behalf of all humanity, anyone is welcomed into the new community of God’s people through faith in Jesus. The community of Jesus is meant to live in relationship as God originally intended. In this community there is to be no one higher than another, and structures of domination and oppression are not to be erected. The only power and authority in this community belong to Jesus.
Take some time to contemplate your own view of power and position. Share your thoughts with Jesus taking time to listen as well.
Is there anything in particular that Jesus may want you to remember or do today?
How will you follow through on that?
Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week. If you find these meditations helpful, please forward them to a couple of friends.
The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
