
The religious leaders during the time of Yeshua the Messiah’s (Jesus Christ) earthly ministry pretentiously observed and interpreted God’s word through the lens of their self-righteous, self-serving and hypocritical perspective.
They felt they represented what God and wanted from His people. They ‘cherry-picked’ the sins they felt concerned God the most while ignoring and justifying others…
Matthew 23:23 (NIV)
23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
They continued traditions that were in contradiction to God’s word justifying them with their own reasoning…
Matthew 15:3 (NKJV)
3 He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?
They condemned sinners without sharing God’s true word, will, love, truth and salvation…
Matthew 9:11-13 (NKJV)
11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with (A)tax collectors and (B)sinners?” 12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means:(C)‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, (D)but sinners, [a]to repentance.”
And, they responded with violence to those who opposed them or threatened their influence
Mark 11:18 (NKJV)
18 And (A)the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because (B)all the people were astonished at His teaching.
However, the Lord was constantly rebuking them.
It’s amazing that so many (but not all) who call themselves or are labeled evangelicals can’t see the parallels. Many ‘Christians’ our preoccupied and prioritize two sins above equal abominations.
There are too many hard hearted, hypocritical people who call themselves evangelicals that are ‘ruining’ the brand of ‘Christianity’.
Besides, Jesus never called us to be Christians anyway. He called us to be disciples.
Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)
19 (A)Go [a]therefore and (B)make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
John 13:34-35 (NKJV)
34 (A)A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 (B)By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
I hope this doesn’t offend you. That’s not my intention, but if so…why assume that I’m talking about you unless it describes your behavior.
“In Jesus name” is his reputation and character. Notice how many times God says, FOR MY NAME’S SAKE in the bible.
It’s our responsibility to protect the brand!
Psalms 23:3
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
BE BLESSTIFIED!
Very well said. The religious elites of our time are standing condemned by Jesus.
Love this: ““In Jesus name” is his reputation and character. Notice how many times God says, FOR MY NAME’S SAKE in the bible. It’s our responsibility to protect the brand!”
Be blesstified!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much my friend! To our God be the glory!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wonder how much the brand of Jesus is simply Jesus Himself, meaning that we proclaim Christ crucified and risen. When Christians get off the topic of Jesus they ruin the brand. Thought provoking topic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
He never:
– came to establish a religion
– nor denominations
– approved the use of religious titles and, in fact, fobade them
Christianity today is a non-Biblical beast
LikeLiked by 1 person
A message for today. Right to the point, even though it may offend some. Thank you for your words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
God bless you!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jerry Bridges has a challenging book entitled, “Respectable Sins,” that deals with the issue of various sins Christians see as inconsequential, while explaining that God hates these sins just as any other sin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the heads up. I would love to check it out.
LikeLike