• Home
  • About
    • Blogs I maintain
    • Starting the journey to be a disciple of Jesus.
    • How can I help you? Do you have questions?
  • God Thoughts
    • God is Great
    • God is Good
    • God is God
    • God’s Goal
    • Digital Ministry
  • Quotes
    • Leadership
    • MLK Quotes
  • Jesus Sayings
  • Resources
    • How to be saved!
    • Slave or Servant
    • It’s Greek to me
      • What does it mean to be blessed [happy or fortunate]?
      • What does “Christ” mean?
      • What does it mean to be blessed [happy or fortunate]?
    • Matthew – a “Good News” book
    • Mark – a “Good News” book
    • Luke – a “Good News” book
    • John – a “Good News” book
    • Translation Assessments
    • Why do I use The Message Bible? What about translations?
  • Teachings
  • How to be saved!
  • Personal Thoughts

Jesus Quotes and God Thoughts

~ “God’s wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes.” ~Apostle Paul

Tag Archives: Religious Elites

Why does Jesus the Messiah question the religious elites?

January 17, 2023

Jesus had lots of questions for the religious elites of his day. He pressed them and would not let them …

Continue reading →

“Watch and beware of the teaching of the religious elites.” ~Jesus

March 10, 2022

When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 Jesus said to them, “Watch and …

Continue reading →

“By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” ~Religious elites

March 3, 2022

Jesus is clear. Jesus doesn’t have to answer questions. That is shocking to me. I deserve to have my questions …

Continue reading →

Will we stand with Jesus or the religious elites?

December 15, 2021

Again, he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, to see …

Continue reading →

“Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” ~Religious elites to Jesus

November 16, 2021

By New Testament times, the religious leaders and elites had hijacked the Law and added to it their own rules …

Continue reading →

“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” ~Jesus

November 15, 2021

Why this is important: Legalism is deadly. Jesus is very clear that God wants our hearts. Jesus put an end …

Continue reading →

Why did Jesus create a freak out of the first order of magnitude?

November 6, 2021

And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief …

Continue reading →

Is this yeast worth being warned about?

August 20, 2021

Religious establishment elites and leaders of the early first century were driven by desires for secular power, politics and religious …

Continue reading →

Why is Jesus hated by religious leaders?

August 5, 2021

Why it matters: When you talk to people who are non-Christians today, they are usually very complimentary of Jesus. They’ll …

Continue reading →

Does God reward those who seek Him? What if you are a religious fraud?

May 19, 2021

Why is this important: Jesus is clear. God’s goal for us is to seek God. If we seek God, we …

Continue reading →

Was Jesus possessed by demons?

May 4, 2021

Accusing Jesus the Messiah of being demon-possessed: Now this is bold. This took some chutzpah. The Pharisees (religious elites) were mostly …

Continue reading →

Are we just using Jesus as a cover for teaching whatever suits our fancy?

April 18, 2021

Jesus spends special time with religious elites of His day. He is direct always. Are we frauds? It is a …

Continue reading →

Is there far more than religion at stake with Jesus?

April 1, 2021

Jesus is not a fan of organized religion and the elite attitudes that go with it or are against it. …

Continue reading →

Jesus has a warning! Will we heed it?

March 4, 2021

Jesus is constantly challenging the religious elites and leaders (scribes) of His time here on earth. He still does today. …

Continue reading →

Danger! Warning! Is our legalism causing us to be religious frauds?

February 10, 2021

Jesus has the number of the religious elites. They are constantly trying to trap him. They are constantly trying to …

Continue reading →

Is Jesus going to accuse us before God?

January 24, 2021

Jesus is clear about His role. He is the one who saves us from missing God’s goal for our life. …

Continue reading →

Are we more interested in religion than in people?

January 5, 2021

What matters: The people of the town of Bethel sent a delegation to the priests and prophets with a question. They …

Continue reading →

Should we just ditch God’s command and take up the latest fads?

December 17, 2020

Yeshua [Jesus] challenges the religious to stay focused on God and what He wants. Fads come and go. Jesus and …

Continue reading →

When we embellish our words with religious lace, does that make them true?

December 11, 2020

Jesus challenges us to make sure our words are clear and genuine. They should reflect all of His love. Embellishing …

Continue reading →

Are religious elites using Jesus as a cover for teaching whatever suits their fancy?

December 5, 2020

Jesus is very direct about how religious leaders are focused on justifying what they teach to match their way of …

Continue reading →

What is religious fraud all about? What does Jesus say?

September 11, 2020

Jesus spends special time with religious people. He is direct always. Are we frauds? It is a question to ask …

Continue reading →

Is Jesus a lackey to the Sabbath? What is more important, rules or the Ruler?

May 8, 2020

What is more important? Rules and regulations? Or the Ruler? Jesus deals with the problem of “being religious” head on. …

Continue reading →

“Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?” ~Religious elites to Jesus

April 19, 2020

The religious elites are constantly trying to trap Jesus. I have to be careful. Legalism is insidious. I can slip …

Continue reading →

“The religious elites could find no answer to these things.” ~Luke

April 12, 2020

Jesus has a question for me. Jesus has lots of questions. I don’t have a good answer. In fact, I …

Continue reading →

“He [Jesus] has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” ~Religious elites

March 18, 2020

I miss God’s goal for my life (aka sin or sinning). That is my natural state. Does this bother Jesus? …

Continue reading →

“Teacher, we know you are truthful and don’t care what anyone thinks, nor do you show partiality but teach the way of God truthfully” ~Religious elites to Jesus

March 17, 2020

Am I trying to trap Jesus? Do I have some trick questions for Him? Do I scour the scriptures to …

Continue reading →

“Be on your guard against the yeast of the religious elites, which is hypocrisy” ~Jesus

February 18, 2020

Jesus warns me about hypocrisy. It is a serious problem. Being a religious elite leads to all kinds of errors. …

Continue reading →

“I will ask you one question; then answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.” ~Jesus

February 12, 2020

Jesus has a question for me. Actually, He has a lot of them. When He asks them, I am compelled …

Continue reading →

“After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart!” ~Jesus

February 1, 2020

I need to be careful. It is way too easy to fall into the religious rule and legalism trap. The …

Continue reading →

“Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders?” ~Religious elites

November 30, 2019

I think I underestimate how much of a legalist I am. Let’s add to that a pious religious elitist. It …

Continue reading →

“Unless you are circumcised according to the custom prescribed by Moses, you cannot be saved.” ~Religious Elites

November 28, 2019

God is doing amazing things. The people are coming to Jesus. The legalists emerge. They sense fresh meat and pounce. …

Continue reading →

“This is the Sabbath. The law prohibits you from picking up your mat.” ~Religious elites

November 24, 2019

Jesus is on a mission. His mission is bringing healing to everyone He can. He is full of compassion and …

Continue reading →

“You serpents, you generation of vipers, how can you escape the damnation of hell?” ~Jesus

October 31, 2019

“Woe unto you”. Seven times in Matthew 23 Jesus the Messiah say these words to the religious elites of that …

Continue reading →

“Why are you doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” ~Religious elites to Jesus

October 18, 2019

Am I like the religious elites, constantly challenging Jesus? Am I a know it all trying to catch him breaking …

Continue reading →

“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” ~Jesus

October 10, 2019

The Jesus manifesto continues. Jesus takes on oaths and swearing. Jesus is clear on this. I am to say yes …

Continue reading →

“Are you a teacher of Israel and don’t know these things?” ~Jesus

October 6, 2019

I can get confused. Nicodemus did for sure. His whole world was the bible and theology. He is a member …

Continue reading →

“Immediately the religious elites went out and started plotting with the political elites against him, how they might kill him.” ~Mark

September 7, 2019

Conspiracy theories are interesting. People get intrigued by them. This one really existed. The religious and political elites of the …

Continue reading →

“Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” ~John the Baptizer

September 3, 2019

John the baptizer is speaking the truth. I must be careful to align myself with Jesus and not the religious …

Continue reading →

“Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” ~Religious elites

August 20, 2019

Is Jesus the Messiah? We struggle with that and the ones who struggle the most are religious elites. I must …

Continue reading →

“Stretch out your hand.” ~Jesus

August 16, 2019

I don’t want Jesus looking at me in anger. That is not a good thing. I don’t want to be …

Continue reading →

“Now John had a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.” ~Apostle Matthew

August 11, 2019

John calls on the religious and the religious elites to confess missing God’s goal (aka sin) and to be baptized. …

Continue reading →

“Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” ~Jesus

July 21, 2019

Legalistic rule following can cause me to miss God’s goal for my life. Jesus warns me against it. it is …

Continue reading →

“Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders?” ~Religious elites to Jesus

July 10, 2019

Things are getting dicey. The fact that the religious elites (scribes and Pharisees) united in this attack and came all …

Continue reading →

“Saul was right there, congratulating the killers.” ~Luke

July 9, 2019

The religious elites (members of the Sanhedrin) had Stephen killed for following Jesus. Saul (later to become the Apostle Paul) …

Continue reading →

“In order to accuse him, they were watching him closely to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath.” ~Mark

July 3, 2019

Am I scrutinizing Jesus? Am I watching Him carefully to see if He will mess things up? Am I ready …

Continue reading →

“My house was designated a house of prayer for the nations; You’ve turned it into a hangout for thieves.” ~Jesus

June 14, 2019

Jesus has a message for me. The house of God is a place of prayer, for everyone. It is not …

Continue reading →

“Why are you trying to kill me?” ~Jesus

June 13, 2019

Jesus is in the confounding business. Jesus knows what He is talking about and that is disconcerting to many. Some …

Continue reading →

“Don’t bicker among yourselves over me. You’re not in charge here.” ~Jesus

May 26, 2019

The Jewish people were arguing over Jesus: “Isn’t this the son of Joseph? Don’t we know his father? Don’t we know …

Continue reading →

“First, let me ask you a question.” ~Jesus

May 22, 2019

Jesus likes to ask questions. Jesus wants an answer. Jesus doesn’t answer to me. I answer to Jesus. I need …

Continue reading →

Why did the religious elites question Jesus on matters of the law?

May 19, 2019

The religious elites are constantly trying to trap Jesus. I have to be careful. Legalism is insidious. I can slip …

Continue reading →

“Give me a drink.” ~Jesus

April 24, 2019

Jesus is tired and thirsty. That is it. That is how the conversation started. Of course, our Master’s request was …

Continue reading →

“Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” ~Jesus

April 16, 2019

Jesus has something He wants me to know. Jesus wants me to approach His kingdom with simplicity. Jesus wants me …

Continue reading →

“I’ve sinned. I’ve betrayed an innocent man.” ~Judas

April 10, 2019

Jesus has been arrested. He has been tried by the religious elites. Judas changes his mind and tries to undo …

Continue reading →

Does Jesus get angry with petty legalism in religious observance?

March 28, 2019

I need to be careful. It is way too easy to fall into the religious rule and legalism trap. The …

Continue reading →

Why is Jesus so upset with the religious elites that He says “Woe unto you”?

February 6, 2019

“Woe unto you”. Seven times in Matthew 23 Jesus the Messiah say these words to the religious elites of that …

Continue reading →

Is God impressed with mere appearances?

January 16, 2019

There are a number of people who are considered important in our ecclesiastical communities and denominations. Is God impressed with …

Continue reading →

Why do religious elites demand a sign from Jesus to prove his messiahship?

December 23, 2018

Is Jesus the Messiah? We struggle with that and the ones who struggle the most are religious elites. I must …

Continue reading →

“Woe to you! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have changed their minds.” ~Jesus

December 8, 2018

Jesus is upset. Jesus is upset with the elite religious leaders of the day. Jesus hasn’t gotten over it. I …

Continue reading →

“You hid these things from the know-it-alls and showed them to these innocent newcomers.” ~Jesus

December 5, 2018

Jesus sent the 70 out on a mission and they have returned report that God has done amazing things. That …

Continue reading →

Why was Jesus criticized for breaking with tradition and opposed by the religious elites?

November 28, 2018

Things are getting dicey. The fact that the religious elites (scribes and Pharisees) united in this attack and came all …

Continue reading →

“Be very careful. Keep a sharp eye out for the contaminating yeast of religious leaders and elites.” ~Jesus

November 23, 2018

I need to be careful. There is a slippery slope where being a religious zealot moves quietly into religious rule …

Continue reading →

“Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” ~Religious elites to Jesus disciples

October 26, 2018

Jesus gets in trouble a lot. The religious elites don’t like who He hangs out with. They let Jesus know. …

Continue reading →

“And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their religious elitist leaders.” ~Apostle Matthew

October 16, 2018

Jesus wrapped up His Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7). The teaching is over. What He has said is amazing. The …

Continue reading →

“He’s a dangerous man, endangering the peace.” ~Religious elites about Jesus

October 3, 2018

Jesus is being tried. He has been arrested. When it was morning, the religious elites and the high priests and …

Continue reading →

“Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the religious elites, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” ~Jesus

October 2, 2018

Jesus continues His manifesto. I have a lot to learn here. Jesus is being clear, as He always is. This …

Continue reading →

“We must obey God rather than men.” ~Peter

September 27, 2018

Jesus is clear. Peter heard Him and took it to heart. Jesus said “Render to the government (aka Caesar) the things …

Continue reading →

Jesus wants me to speak strongly!

September 18, 2018

Jesus wants me to speak strongly. Jesus has a good news message He wants heard and acted on. When I …

Continue reading →

“I have not come to call the righteous but those who miss God’s goal to radically change their thinking.” ~Jesus

September 11, 2018

Jesus challenges me to radically change my way of thinking. Repentance (the original Greek means radically changing my thinking) is of central …

Continue reading →

Woe — What does it mean and why does Jesus use it so much?

September 4, 2018

When we see the word WOE in the scripture, particularly when Jesus uses it, we know we better pay attention. …

Continue reading →

Persecution — Are religious authorities and elites an agency of it? Does this include the Religion of Secular Humanism and Atheists?

August 28, 2018

There is no doubt that persecution is a stark reality of living for a disciple of Jesus. For a disciple …

Continue reading →

“Frauds!” ~Jesus

August 27, 2018

Jesus has the number of the religious elites. They are constantly trying to trap him. They are constantly trying to …

Continue reading →

“Watch out for the religion scholars.” ~Jesus

August 10, 2018

Jesus is constantly challenging the religious elites and leaders of His time here on earth. He still does today. This …

Continue reading →

Hypocrisy — What happens when my deeds do not match my words?

August 9, 2018

Jesus is clear. Jesus detests hypocrites. Jesus calls it out all the time. My contempt allows me to ignore its …

Continue reading →

Did some religious elite appoint me as a spokesperson for Jesus? 

August 8, 2018

I am astounded at how many companions in faith I have. Due to the power of the world wide web, …

Continue reading →

Pharisees (religious elites) — Accusing Jesus the Messiah of being demon-possessed

July 30, 2018

Pharisees (religious elites) opposed Jesus the Messiah during his ministry and were among those who brought about his crucifixion. Some Pharisees, …

Continue reading →

“My house is a house of prayer; You have turned it into a religious bazaar.” ~Jesus

July 25, 2018

Jesus is upset. Jesus let’s the religious elites know it. It just isn’t right turning God’s holy temple into the …

Continue reading →

“Happy are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” ~Jesus

July 23, 2018

Is my heart pure? That is an essential issue to address. Jesus lays it out in His manifesto (Matthew 5 — …

Continue reading →

Achievement — Is faith required?

July 21, 2018

Where does faith come from? Faith is not something I conjure up on my own, nor is it something I am …

Continue reading →

“The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” ~Jesus

July 19, 2018

Jesus challenges me. Am I “sinless“? If so, I get to throw the first stone. Jesus challenged the elite religious …

Continue reading →

“Don’t be afraid. I know you’re looking for Jesus the Nazarene, the One they nailed on the cross. He’s been raised up; he’s here no longer.” ~An Angel

July 18, 2018

I am looking for Jesus in all the wrong places. I think “he was”. My language and my attitude is …

Continue reading →

Opposition to Jesus — Criticism of His Choice of Company

July 16, 2018

  Jesus get’s constantly criticized by the religious elite of His day. They didn’t like who Jesus was hanging out …

Continue reading →

“There is far more at stake here than religion.” ~Jesus

July 11, 2018

Jesus is not a fan of organized religion and the elite attitudes that go with it. Jesus is in favor …

Continue reading →

“Be very careful. Keep a sharp eye out for the contaminating yeast of the Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, Lutherans or the Catholics. Also the yeast of Biden, Cruz, Sanders, Clinton or Trump.” ~Jesus

July 1, 2018

This is a special message for our current toxic political and religious environment. Jesus has something to say about all …

Continue reading →

“Woe to you … ” ~Jesus

June 21, 2018

Jesus is upset. Jesus is upset with the elite religious leaders of the day. Jesus hasn’t gotten over it. I …

Continue reading →

“We don’t want the crowds up in arms” ~Religious Leaders

June 14, 2018

The religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus. They would. The religious elites just didn’t want people to be upset about …

Continue reading →

“You are masters at making yourselves look good in front of others, but God knows what’s behind the appearance.” ~Jesus

June 4, 2018

Am I a master at making myself look good?  What Jesus has to say to the religious elites (aka Pharisees) …

Continue reading →

“I’m after mercy, not religion. I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.” ~Jesus

January 2, 2016

Jesus, the Messiah and God’s son can do anything he wants. Jesus has been giving all power and authority from …

Continue reading →

Pope Francis’ Speech on the Poor and Indigenous Peoples

July 12, 2015

Pope Francis spoke about the problems faced by the poor and indigenous peoples at the Second World Meeting of the …

Continue reading →

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 9,778 other subscribers

Top Posts & Pages

  • "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Master [Jesus].” ~Apostle Paul
    "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Master [Jesus].” ~Apostle Paul
  • Are we seeking a shiny new object?
    Are we seeking a shiny new object?
  • "Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you." ~Pericles
    "Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you." ~Pericles
  • "A man of courage is also full of faith." ~Marcus Tullius Cicero.
    "A man of courage is also full of faith." ~Marcus Tullius Cicero.
  • "God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile." ~Max Lucado
    "God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile." ~Max Lucado

Tags

Anger Apostle Paul Sayings Faith Family Friend God's Goal God is God God is Good Good News Heal Heart Heaven Holy Spirit Jesus Jesus Manifesto Jesus Sayings Joy Kindness Kingdom Kingdom of God King Solomon Love Matthew 5 Messiah Miracle Obedience Peace Praise Resurrection Sick Sin Teachings Truth Wisdom Wise Sayings

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets

Recent Posts

  • Should we both fast and pray? February 3, 2023
  • “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Master [Jesus].” ~Apostle Paul February 2, 2023
  • Are we seeking a shiny new object? February 2, 2023
  • Why are So Many Young Americans Irreligious? The Secular Brainwash is the First Reason February 1, 2023
  • “Laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” ~Apostle Paul February 1, 2023

Categories

Archives

Recent Posts

  • Should we both fast and pray?
  • “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Master [Jesus].” ~Apostle Paul
  • Are we seeking a shiny new object?
  • Why are So Many Young Americans Irreligious? The Secular Brainwash is the First Reason
  • “Laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” ~Apostle Paul

Archives

  • Michael Wilson
    • Should we both fast and pray?
    • “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Master [Jesus].” ~Apostle Paul
    • Are we seeking a shiny new object?
    • Why are So Many Young Americans Irreligious? The Secular Brainwash is the First Reason
    • “Laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” ~Apostle Paul
    • “Let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” ~Apostle Paul
    • “We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word.” ~Apostle Paul
    • Is Yahweh God?
    • “A good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.” ~King David
    • “Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother?” ~Apostle Paul

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com

Blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • Jesus Quotes and God Thoughts
    • Join 1,694 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Jesus Quotes and God Thoughts
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...