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Matthew 23:16-22
In the teachings of Jesus, as is in this current case of Jesus scolding the scribes and Pharisees for their improper conduct that is leading others away from God with their earthly man made ways of worship, Jesus does not simply scorn the wrongdoer, His whole purpose is to make the wrongdoer aware of his or her wrongdoing and then show them the right way in God’s eyes to return to the pathway that leads to forgiveness and a righteous life.
In Matthew 23:16-22 Jesus refers to the scribes and Pharisees as “blind guides” and “Fools and blind!” These are harsh words, but we must also realize and understand that the scribes and Pharisees were the religious leaders of the day – if they were leading those seeking God astray, then everyone would be lost. Desperate measures were needed to correct the ways of man that had tainted the ways of God. Jesus teaches the scribes and the Pharisees that it is not the gift that is presented to God that is righteous, but being in His Spirit and in His presence at the altar which is representative of God Himself that is the sanctifying of the gift. The scribes and Pharisees had put their focus on the gift, not on God. This is why Jesus came when He did – the time was right. The Apostle Paul teaches us in Romans 3:26 (NKJV), “to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” And in Romans 5:6, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” In 2 Corinthians 6:2 Paul declares, “…Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
This is an example that things of this world are not righteous, but that it is God who sanctifies and makes righteous.
No one likes to be scolded, but corrective criticism is a way of life in a world of sin and disobedience to God. We all need it! We all are imperfect beings in the eyes of God, and we need correction in our lives as we live and learn. We cannot be “blind guides” viewing the Bible in our own ways and beliefs, but that we transform our minds and hearts to the Bible. The Apostle Paul teaches us in Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Dear LORD,
We seek and desire to grow in our relationship with You in Christ Jesus. Please help us to not be deceived by the ways of this world but that our worship of You is sincere and true in our hearts – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.