阅读圣经Online Bible
Resist hypocrisy, practice what you preach
Opening Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that, through Jesus, You pointed out the keys of becoming true disciple and leader, and thank You for rebuking false people so we can guard ourselves against them. Father please help us become disciples after Your heart. In the name of Jesus, Amen!
Scripture
Matthew 23:1-22
Devotion
This passage initially pointed out the object of disapproval, a group of religious leaders, the “teachers of the law and the Pharisees.” Jesus instructed the disciples to be on their guard against the religious leaders, not to guard against what they teach, which has no problem and the disciples should follow, but to guard against their “not practicing what they preach”, their love for showing off and “for people to see”, their love for the place of honor and the most important seats, their desire for fame, their hypocrisy, and so on. Jesus said “woe to” those hypocrites and that they would get their punishment from God. Why is that? Because they are “blind guides”, “able to speak but unable to practice”, they not only cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven themselves, but also lead ignorant people on the wrong path and away from the Kingdom of Heaven.
What does Jesus expect from His disciples and religious leaders? Humility, resisting hypocrisy and showing off, not fighting for titles, practicing what they preach; serving others as a servant leader, and helping others follow the Lord, not themselves. Is that you? What is your reflection from today’s teaching?
Intercessory Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, it is Your will for Lord Jesus to become flesh and be with mankind; You are also with Lord Jesus, You anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and power, for Him to go around to do good deeds and heal all those who are oppressed by the devil. The Church is founded upon Your wisdom. She is the body of the Lord Jesus, in whom He fills all things. Father! We pray to You that the church will do good things through the Holy Spirit and power You have given us. May Your blessings be upon the disadvantaged groups in the community, the old and the weak. Holy Spirit! You are within the church and moving among the saints. We pray that You heal all those who are enslaved by the devil. In the name of the Lord, Amen!