Hello,
Read Luke 11
Today we find some of Jesus’ harsher language and critiques of the religious elite of his day. This doesn’t read like what we typically think of Jesus. Often, we gloss or skip over these sections because we don’t like them. I wonder if we bypass passages like this (especially verses 29-52) because we find ourselves often in the place of the religious leaders and we don’t like Jesus pointing the finger at us.
So the question today is simply to look at these critiques that Jesus makes of the religious and do some honest reflection, some soul searching for the ways we look more like the religious leaders and less like Jesus. Where do we see ourselves in the mirror Jesus holds up? What do we need to repent and make room in our hearts for Jesus this Advent?
Are we displaying a clean exterior while on the inside we are rotting and unclean? (Lk 11.37-41).
Are we really faithful about particular rules/details, but neglecting the big picture of God’s kingdom? (11.42-44).
Are we making it harder for others to follow Jesus and adding to the gospel message and in doing so keeping people from entering the kingdom? (11.45-52).
What is the Spirit revealing to you today?
Grace and Peace,
Matt