Matthew 12 - 9.8.23
Scripture
Matthew 12:13-14
Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.
Observation
The Pharisees and religious leaders in Jesus’ day were in a great position of authority and influence. They were the ones responsible for teaching people about God and leading them in worshiping and honoring him. But their hearts weren’t in it. Their hearts drifted from loving God and people to loving the job perks – being greeted by the title “rabbi,” sitting in the seats of honor at great banquets, being respected and honored by people, etc.
And here Jesus highlights part of their problem when he heals a man on the sabbath. Rather than rejoicing with the man over what God did for him, they are furious that Jesus broke one of their sabbath traditions (and of course that people were now praising and following Jesus instead of them) and so they start plotting to kill him.
What stands out to me is a leadership red flag. If I ever care more about the rules or traditions (or service orders or church programs) than people experiencing God, there’s a big problem. If I ever care more about people’s opinion of me than God’s opinion, I need to take a massive step back.
Application
Do some honest heart evaluation and repent where necessary. Are there times I care more about what others think than what you think? Where am I not motivated by love for God and people? Where might I be more concerned with rules or fairness or justice than I am people? Is there any jealousy in my heart or am I truly able to celebrate with you and others when you move in and through them?
Prayer
God, please forgive me for the ways I drift from your heart. Fill me with greater love for you and for people. May I be able to say, and all of us be able to say, “Christ’s love controls us” (2 Cor. 5:14). May we hold tighter to you than anything else, live for your glory and not our own, and celebrate the ways you are moving through others around us. To you be all the glory. Amen.
-Levi Thompson