Year 3 Day 143

Wednesday, January 27

Read Matthew 23

Think About It:

1. Normally, people estimate greatness by how many people serve and honor them. Jesus reminded His followers that in His kingdom it should be different from the rule of the scribes and Pharisees, and that we should estimate greatness by how we serve and honor others. Do you feel that the present-day leaders of the church as a whole, imitate the leadership philosophy and style of the scribes and Pharisees or the servant style of Jesus?
2. The first accusation against the religious leaders could apply to many religious leaders today. Many teach as if the essence of Christianity were a set of burdensome rules to follow. These religious leaders, along with the scribes and Pharisees, were burden bringers; Jesus was a burden taker. In Matthew 11:28-30 (Amplified Bible) we read Jesus’ words: ²⁸ “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.” Is the Christian life a heavy burden for you or are you living in the rest that following Jesus as His disciple brings?

Family Time:

1. After reading verses 1-12, do you think Jesus liked the way the scribes and Pharisees behaved? What were some of the things they did? Do you ever behave like a Pharisee?
2. In verses 13-36 Jesus makes it very clear how He feels about the scribes and Pharisees. This is how Jesus would feel about us if we choose to be prideful, fake and treat people bad. How would it feel if Jesus said these things about you? Could He say things like this about you today? What are you like with your friends? Siblings? Parents? At school? In public? Do you always have the same heart, or do you change who you are? Sometimes this behavior makes us feel important. I’m sure the Pharisees felt important acting the way they did. Read verses 13-36 again. Carefully. Is it worth it?
3. In verse 39, when will this be?