Have you ever sat through a sermon or talk and realized you didn’t hear one word? Or have you ever thought during said presentations, gosh this would be so good for so and so? Yeah, me neither.
This is my brain, but I need to take notes while someone is speaking. I need to write what I am hearing or poof! It is gone. Or, if I’m thinking the whole time about how this would bless…fill in the blank, then I am not giving the Spirit room to work in my heart. of course, yes, send the message. But how about I allow the words to impact me first. Reminds of putting on your mask before putting on your child’s in the event of a airplane emergency. By giving the Spirit a chance to breathe into your life first, you are able to spread the truth, which is life (oxygen) to others.
“When they had crossed over [the sea], they went ashore at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent word throughout all the surrounding district and brought to Him all who were sick; and they begged Him to let them merely touch the fringe of His robe; and all who touched it were perfectly restored.”
Matthew 14:34-36 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.14.34-36.AMP
They recognized Jesus. They brought HIM to all who were sick. They begged him to let the sick just touch him, just touch his robe. Healed, now the next chapter begins.
“Then some Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem came to Jesus and said, “Why do Your disciples violate the tradition (religious laws) handed down by the [Jewish] elders? For Your disciples do not [ceremonially] wash their hands before they eat.” He replied to them, “Why also do you violate the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition [handed down by the elders]? For God said [through Moses], ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of or insults or treats improperly father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say, ‘If anyone says to his father or mother, “Whatever [money or resource that] I have that would help you is [already dedicated and] given to God,” he is not to honor his father or his mother [by helping them with their need].’ So by this you have invalidated the word of God [depriving it of force and authority and making it of no effect] for the sake of your tradition [handed down by the elders].”
Matthew 15:1-6 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.15.1-6.AMP
The Pharisees missed out on knowing and following Jesus. Rather than spend their time amazed and astonished, asking Jesus to clarify and teach them, their energy and passion was full on trapping the Son of God. They wanted him gone. Listen, is it good for people to wash their hands? We know, yes, it is good. The Pharisees are completely aware of the previous verses. They have seen the healings too. They don’t want to understand. They have missed the point.
The greater problem Jesus addresses here is the heart. The Pharisees, scribes and elders cared more about their selves and money and their pride than helping their parents. Caring for them.
“And Jesus replied to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].’ The whole Law and the [writings of the] Prophets depend on these two commandments.””
Matthew 22:37-40 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.22.37-40.AMP
Friends, I can spend all my time looking at the Pharisees and judging them, but then, I have missed the point. Jesus is asking us to look at the state of our hearts and lay the gavel down. This is the greatest command. Love God. Love people. If I do this, everything falls into place.
Lord, today, help us to follow you and love.
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