Matthew 23:25-39 Even More Woes...

Jesus continues the onslaught on the Scribes and Pharisees. Using the images of a cup and plate as well as a whitewashed tomb, he points out their preference to appear righteous on the outside but continuing to be unclean on the inside. Jesus points out the importance to be clean on the inside first so that it will be manifest on the outside. There is a Spanish saying that translates like this: you can dress up a monkey with silk, but it will remain a monkey! Dressing up my sin will not change the fact that it is sin. Transformational change begins within! I must be changed!

Jesus turns to the image of a serpent and brood of vipers. This image has been used throughout Scripture to identify the devil himself. Why? Because they are descendants of murderers! The prophets of old that God had sent to Israel were killed to silence their message. The Scribes and Pharisees not only are descendants of murderers but will kill Jesus and many of the disciples in the near future and persecute the Church. Jesus prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem during that generation (AD70) as a judgment for their killing the prophets, himself, and many disciples. The consequences of not listening to God's Word are disastrous!

The destruction of Jerusalem was not the final judgment of God upon the Jews, but it was a partial judgment, a disciplinary action for their disobedience. As I reflect upon the state of our economy, I wonder if it is God's discipline upon the world for our bad stewardship manifested in our materialism and greed. Big corporations ripping off the poor through legalized usury. The poor trying to have more than they can through loans they can't repay. It all ends in lives that are far away from God and the values of the kingdom because I don't have time left to seek him. I am too busy working several jobs to pay off what I can't afford.

Lord, I want to be changed from the inside out. Enable me to seek you day by day. Help me pay attention to your words and live by them.