Jesus and Religious Traditions
Look at what the Scribes and Pharisees are doing. They watched and knew that Jesus was going to heal a man who needed wholeness. The scribes and Pharisees were so blinded by darkness, by the letter of the law that they could not see the beauty of a miracle and the miracle Maker right in front of them. They waited to catch Jesus in His words, but He answers too gracefully with every response, not having the intention to prove them wrong, but the intention to speak what is truth. Speak the truth because its truth. Speak truth with good intentions.
Jesus Chooses Twelve Apostles
Jesus spent the night in prayer before He choose His twelve disciples. The fact that Jesus and His Father are One, yet He spent all night in prayer. How much more the necessity of prayer for us all.
Jesus Taught Them What Matters Most
The Kingdom of Heaven is counter-cultural to what the world says. Jesus’ sayings are the entry requirements for Heaven. Those who are rich should be cautioned. Living a life of comfort in this life is all the comfort you’ll ever get because in the next life you’ll have no comfort at all. There is a danger of physical comfort that can become an idol or a hinderance to our character, especially in the American Church.
Love Your Enemies
Live your life like Jesus lived. Don’t get wrapped up in what you’ve done for others expecting them to do something for you in return. Evaluate why you’re doing the things you do. Are you investing to get back a return? Are you doing things to represent Jesus well? Are you doing things to represent yourself? Do with an intent to give, whatever that may look like, expecting nothing in return. Even with tithing to Church, let your intentions be good, not demanding that the money is spent in a certain kind of way. Be merciful as your Father is merciful.
Summary
- Don’t let tradition nullify your faith, 2-5
- Don’t come to Jesus with ulterior motives, 7
- Step away to pray, 12
- Be strong in Jesus’ light not your life, 9
- Don’t gobble up God’s mercy and give scraps to others, 36
- You don’t have a right not to do what’s right, 27-31
- Correct your walk before you talk, 42
- Displays of virtue in your heart should match your actions, 45
- Call upon the Lord and obey His instructions, 46
