February 4
Matthew 23:13-39
Woe! Woe! Woe! This sounds like an antiquated phrase that has probably never been pronounced over you. It is the word of a prophet or judge announcing the consequence of a life of waywardness and wickedness. It is used seven times by Jesus to shock his audience into a response; to move them from apathy and opposition, to draw near to him. There is a common caricature of Jesus that he is simply a warm, fuzzy affirmer of every decision and action we take. Matthew 23 presents a very different picture. Jesus rebukes those who, though in positions of spiritual leadership, have failed to live up to their calling.
This is not just a word for ancient religious leaders but for all sin. The word over our sin is always a word of woe, but, thankfully, that does not have to be the final word. Jesus does not hold back from speaking out against sin, but he also does not hold back in expressing his love. Jesus describes himself as a mother hen who longed to draw all Jerusalem to herself. Even during statements of woe, he still loves the people he is speaking against. He longs for their repentance so they might come to him. Our response to sin and the woes of Jesus, should be to run into his arms of forgiveness and experience the life of joy, peace, and purpose which he makes available to us.
Father God, thank you that you are a God of love and truth. Thank you that you hate evil and love righteousness, and help me to express your heart in the way I live. Amen.
How should Jesus’ love compel you away from sin and into his life?
Woe! Woe! Woe! This sounds like an antiquated phrase that has probably never been pronounced over you. It is the word of a prophet or judge announcing the consequence of a life of waywardness and wickedness. It is used seven times by Jesus to shock his audience into a response; to move them from apathy and opposition, to draw near to him. There is a common caricature of Jesus that he is simply a warm, fuzzy affirmer of every decision and action we take. Matthew 23 presents a very different picture. Jesus rebukes those who, though in positions of spiritual leadership, have failed to live up to their calling.
This is not just a word for ancient religious leaders but for all sin. The word over our sin is always a word of woe, but, thankfully, that does not have to be the final word. Jesus does not hold back from speaking out against sin, but he also does not hold back in expressing his love. Jesus describes himself as a mother hen who longed to draw all Jerusalem to herself. Even during statements of woe, he still loves the people he is speaking against. He longs for their repentance so they might come to him. Our response to sin and the woes of Jesus, should be to run into his arms of forgiveness and experience the life of joy, peace, and purpose which he makes available to us.
Father God, thank you that you are a God of love and truth. Thank you that you hate evil and love righteousness, and help me to express your heart in the way I live. Amen.
How should Jesus’ love compel you away from sin and into his life?
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