Chapter Overview
The Pharisees continue their attacks on Jesus. They see His disciples picking grain heads on the sabbath and accuse them of breaking the law. Later, Jesus heals a lame man on the sabbath, and the Jewish leaders are enraged. In neither case has Jesus or His disciples done anything wrong. The hard hearts of the Pharisees are the problem. Following this, Jesus turns His attention to His ministry. He prays all night and then selects the twelve apostles. He works many miracles. He then gives the sermon on the mount. The focus here is on sacrifice in the kingdom, love for your enemies, and being fair in judging others. Jesus is addressing matters of the heart. To hear Him and obey Him is to build on an indestructible foundation.
The Pharisees turned their traditions into laws they bound on others. But Jesus alone creates laws for His people, and He is always right. We would do well to always acknowledge and understand those things. The greatest way to get out of a cycle of judgment is to get on mission. Jesus turned to recruiting workers, helping people, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom. These acts are great examples to help soften our hearts toward others. But we must practice what we preach: making sacrifices for the kingdom’s sake, loving even our enemies, being merciful to others, and evaluating ourselves before critiquing others. These things come from the heart, and our hearts must be shaped by Jesus.
Tender Father, You have shown so much love in the life of Your Son. He led and fed His disciples. He healed the lame and forgave the penitent. He never let the religious leaders get in the way of His mission to seek and save the lost. It is a joy to serve a courageous and loving Savior. Help us to love Him, to hear Him, and to obey them. Give us opportunities today to be humble in spirit, to love our enemies, to be merciful to others, and to withhold unfair judgment. Establish us on the Rock.
Thought Questions
- 1It is tragic to think of what the Pharisees missed out on in Christ in the name of their pride. How can you make sure to never be like them?
- 2Jesus’ teaching is so counterculture: woe to the rich, love your enemies, give to others. Are you ready to be transformed for His name’s sake?
- 3The words you say come from your heart. This can be good or bad. How do you purify or soften your heart to help control your speech?