Here’s some thoughts I shared, a few months ago, in a forum called “Do you believe?” Many of the members are professing athiests.
I just love how Jesus had a way with words!! You know, He was on earth for a short 33 years and His earthly ministry was only 3. How could someone so young have so much wisdom?
Yet lately, I’ve been reading my Bible, Matthew’s Gospel in particular. One thing that strikes me is how He answered all His religious critics. They were constantly trying to trap Him and catch Him up in what He said. But His answers to them were BRILLIANT!! He knew exactly how to answer them and stop them in their tracks.
If you don’t have a Bible handy, you can read Matthew’s gospel here.
These religious dudes were out to get Jesus, because He was cramping their style. He exposed their hypocrisy. On the outside, these guys looked very sanctimonious and holy, but inside they were rotten to the core. Check what Jesus said about them… Matthew 23..
“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them….
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” (Mat 25, NIV)
Boy, this is a lot different to the meek and mild picture we normally get of Jesus. But He hated hypocrisy… and He was not into religious experiences. He was into REAL LIFE!!
And here’s something else He said in Matthew’s gospel…(Chapter 11:25-30)
“I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
And that is the spiritual experience I have found. I’ve been in love with this Jesus for 30+ years!! And I’d never turn back!! Compared to Jesus, what could the world or religion offer?
