LOVE GOD AND YOUR NEIGHBOR
from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation
The state of our hearts separates life from death. Jesus was having dinner with Pharisees and experts in the law when He confronted them about their hearts.
from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation. Luke 11:51
When Jesus finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with Him; the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not wash before the meal.
Hand washing was not about personal hygiene; it was about ceremonial cleanliness.
For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders. When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches. Mark 7:3-4
This Pharisee was surprised that Jesus did not ceremonially cleanse himself before eating, but Jesus did not care for their extra tradition.
Jesus saw it for what it is, a man-made ceremony meant to make people feel like they are acceptable to God, but this is not what makes someone acceptable to God.
Jesus teaches us God cares about what goes on inside our hearts, not what we look like on the outside.
Some people love being religious, going through the motions, going to church, putting their offerings in the plate, singing the songs, and listening to the sermon.
This same person will look at someone and judge them because their actions or life choices differ from theirs.
They do not go to church because they have a love of God inside them. Instead, they love tradition because it makes them feel better about themselves and others.
What made Jesus different from the Pharisees is He met people where they were and did not judge them. Instead, He showed them love and offered them another way of life.
The Gospel is the good news that through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives all Believers new hearts that love God,
Do you love or judge your neighbor?
Heavenly Father, I want to be more like You as I live for You. I am not the judge, and I must show Your heart of love for others. There is now, therefore, no condemnation to those that are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. I love You, and I want to be more like You. I will walk in love and show Your love to others so they may have the opportunity to know You and Your love. In Jesus name, Amen.
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Jesus Teaches Us God Cares About What Goes On Inside Our Hearts, Not What We Look Like On The Outside.
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