THE WORD 4 ev 1

Today’s reading: Matthew 23 (click here for link)

Jesus’ words today are harsh. In many ways they seem a little out of character. But these words are perfectly fitting. The Jewish religious leaders were all of these things and more. It was not just simple lack of faith that led them to hate Jesus. Rather it is that Jesus stood against everything that they loved. These religious leaders had taken the law of God and turned it into a means of extortion. They had literally blinded God’s people to the fact that God was a loving God willing to do anything to save his people—even be born among them to die for them. The Jewish religious leaders were indeed those whom Jesus earlier referred, “If anyone should lead one of these little ones astray, it would be better for him to be cast into the sea with a millstone around his neck.” But the “woes” of this chapter are even harsher when we realize that we, too, are guilty of many of these same crimes. Just read through verses 1-30 again.

A couple of days ago we read about Jesus triumphal entry. When Jesus presented Himself to Jerusalem, it was the Sunday in which the families of Israel selected their lamb for Passover sacrifice. He came into town on a donkey as the kings of Israel did when they were coming in peace. The crowds seemed to be receptive, welcoming Him, but Jesus wept and uttered the lament that is our passage for today. He looked beyond the crowd, caught up in the moment, and could see their next enthusiastic shouts would be "Crucify Him!" He looked even further into the future and saw the Roman army leveling the city and the Temple.

His heart was to save them from the destruction they were bringing on themselves, both physical and spiritual. The crowd did not have ears to hear or understand. We look back and wonder how they could be so dull in heart. How could they see the miracles and yet insist on their own agenda? Yet, we tend to live in the same pattern. Jesus comes to give us new life and we welcome it with shouts of "Hosanna!" Before long we are making decisions against our Savior. We are all of like nature. That is why Jesus made this journey to the cross. He came to deliver us from our nature, not material difficulties or hardship.

He longs to gather us, too. What a beautiful picture! The mother hen sees the hawk and calls her chicks under her wings. She is willing to be the one that endures the talons to save her little ones. Won't you run under the wings of Jesus?

Pastor Aaron