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Matthew 23:13-14
The scribes, Pharisees, and the Sadducees have been questioning Jesus in an attempt to discredit Him as being the Christ. Jesus has now turned the tables on them and is now bringing to light the true intentions of their hearts. The scribes and Pharisees have been leading God’s chosen people Israel in ways that make it very tough for them to follow, while presenting themselves as the most holy people, be it only superficial. Jesus declares in Matthew 23:14c (NKJV), “Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.”
This is a promise and example of the greater condemnation that will come to those who lead others away from God.
We ponder the magnitude of what exactly is “greater condemnation” as being condemned to hell is in itself being away from God for eternity. I personally don’t know what a greater condemnation could be, however, Jesus emphasizes the depth of importance it is to not have this attitude in our lives.
What we do know is that God looks at the condition of our hearts, and the scribes’ and Pharisees’ hearts were not as God would have them to be. As God was seeking to appoint a king for Israel, He declared to the Prophet Samuel as He passed over all the sons of Jesse until He came to David, the youngest and least likely to be king in the eyes of man; He states in 1 Samuel 16:7, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” And in proving our worship to and of God comes from within, Jesus states in John 4:23-24, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Our true feelings and desires come from within our hearts, and the only people who truly know the feelings and desires of your heart are you and God. Our outward appearance, as was the desires of the scribes and Pharisees, is irrelevant in the eyes of God. Where are your hearts true feelings and desires? I hope and pray that it is focused on Jesus, our hope and salvation in the eyes of God.
Dear LORD,
We have many distractions in this earthly world. Please help us to see that it is You that should be the center of our hearts desire, and not pleasing the ways of man. Please help us to see that following Your ways for our lives is the way, the truth, and the life – in Christ Jesus (John 14:6). In Jesus name I pray, amen.