Gospel gems – Jealousy breeds hatred

And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, Matthew 21:15

Jesus was doing what His Father had sent Him to do, the children saw it and some adults saw it too. As a matter of fact, everyone who was in the area saw the wonderful works of Jesus.

The only ones who were upset and displeased were the chief priests and scribes, the religious leaders. Displeased in this verse means “to be greatly afflicted – indignant.”

Can you imagine being so angry that it greatly affected you? They were angry because the children were praising Jesus. The second reason they were angry was because of the “wonderful things” that Jesus did.

Their jealousy had turned to bitter hatred. They hated that Someone was doing more than them and getting and receiving praise. Remember these were the same ones who “loved to be seen of men”. (Matthew 23:5)

When a problem of jealousy, hatred or bitterness starts to well up, confess it and turn from it now before it controls your life. 

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Gospel gems – Check my motives

1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,  Matthew 23:1-6

Jesus was giving a description of the “works” of the scribes and Pharisees. Each and everything they did was a “big show”. They wanted those around them to see them as “the religious”. They were quick to tell others what to do but would not do it themselves. They had to have the “best seats” and make sure everyone noticed them.

This scripture got me thinking. Why do I do the things I do? To be seen of men? or to please God?

A motive is something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act. I need to check my motives. Do I do things just because “it is the in Christian thing” to do? Do I do things because God has spoken to my heart about a certain situation?

He is a personal God. Praise Him we are not all puppets. God made each of us individually and deals with us as such.

I need to take my eyes off others, and not worry about what they are doing for God. My next step is to ask God, in prayer, to lead and direct.

Have a blessed day,
Donna