“My house was designated a house of prayer for the nations; You’ve turned it into a hangout for thieves.” ~Jesus
Jesus has a message for me. The house of God is a place of prayer, for everyone. It is not …
Tag Archives: Religious Elites
“Why are you trying to kill me?” ~Jesus
Jesus is in the confounding business. Jesus knows what He is talking about and that is disconcerting to many. Some …
“Don’t bicker among yourselves over me. You’re not in charge here.” ~Jesus
The Jewish people were arguing over Jesus: “Isn’t this the son of Joseph? Don’t we know his father? Don’t we know …
“First, let me ask you a question.” ~Jesus
Jesus likes to ask questions. Jesus wants an answer. Jesus doesn’t answer to me. I answer to Jesus. I need …
Why did the religious elites question Jesus on matters of the law?
The religious elites are constantly trying to trap Jesus. I have to be careful. Legalism is insidious. I can slip …
“Give me a drink.” ~Jesus
Jesus is tired and thirsty. That is it. That is how the conversation started. Of course, our Master’s request was …
“Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” ~Jesus
Jesus has something He wants me to know. Jesus wants me to approach His kingdom with simplicity. Jesus wants me …
“I’ve sinned. I’ve betrayed an innocent man.” ~Judas
Jesus has been arrested. He has been tried by the religious elites. Judas changes his mind and tries to undo …
Does Jesus get angry with petty legalism in religious observance?
I need to be careful. It is way too easy to fall into the religious rule and legalism trap. The …
Why is Jesus so upset with the religious elites that He says “Woe unto you”?
“Woe unto you”. Seven times in Matthew 23 Jesus the Messiah say these words to the religious elites of that …
Is God impressed with mere appearances?
There are a number of people who are considered important in our ecclesiastical communities and denominations. Is God impressed with …
Why do religious elites demand a sign from Jesus to prove his messiahship?
Is Jesus the Messiah? We struggle with that and the ones who struggle the most are religious elites. I must …
“Woe to you! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have changed their minds.” ~Jesus
Jesus is upset. Jesus is upset with the elite religious leaders of the day. Jesus hasn’t gotten over it. I …
“You hid these things from the know-it-alls and showed them to these innocent newcomers.” ~Jesus
Jesus sent the 70 out on a mission and they have returned report that God has done amazing things. That …
Why was Jesus criticized for breaking with tradition and opposed by the religious elites?
Things are getting dicey. The fact that the religious elites (scribes and Pharisees) united in this attack and came all …
“Be very careful. Keep a sharp eye out for the contaminating yeast of religious leaders and elites.” ~Jesus
I need to be careful. There is a slippery slope where being a religious zealot moves quietly into religious rule …
“Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” ~Religious elites to Jesus disciples
Jesus gets in trouble a lot. The religious elites don’t like who He hangs out with. They let Jesus know. …
“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
Jesus wrapped up His Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7). The teaching is over. What He has said is amazing. The …
“He’s a dangerous man, endangering the peace.” ~Religious elites about Jesus
Jesus is being tried. He has been arrested. When it was morning, the religious elites and the high priests and …
“Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the religious elites, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” ~Jesus
Jesus continues His manifesto. I have a lot to learn here. Jesus is being clear, as He always is. This …
“We must obey God rather than men.” ~Peter
Jesus is clear. Peter heard Him and took it to heart. Jesus said “Render to the government (aka Caesar) the things …
Jesus wants me to speak strongly!
Jesus wants me to speak strongly. Jesus has a good news message He wants heard and acted on. When I …
“I have not come to call the righteous but those who miss God’s goal to radically change their thinking.” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges me to radically change my way of thinking. Repentance (the original Greek means radically changing my thinking) is of central …
Woe — What does it mean and why does Jesus use it so much?
When we see the word WOE in the scripture, particularly when Jesus uses it, we know we better pay attention. …
Persecution — Are religious authorities and elites an agency of it? Does this include the Religion of Secular Humanism and Atheists?
There is no doubt that persecution is a stark reality of living for a disciple of Jesus. For a disciple …
“Frauds!” ~Jesus
Jesus has the number of the religious elites. They are constantly trying to trap him. They are constantly trying to …
“Watch out for the religion scholars.” ~Jesus
Jesus is constantly challenging the religious elites and leaders of His time here on earth. He still does today. This …
Hypocrisy — What happens when my deeds do not match my words?
Jesus is clear. Jesus detests hypocrites. Jesus calls it out all the time. My contempt allows me to ignore its …
Did some religious elite appoint me as a spokesperson for Jesus?
I am astounded at how many companions in faith I have. Due to the power of the world wide web, …
Pharisees (religious elites) — Accusing Jesus the Messiah of being demon-possessed
Pharisees (religious elites) opposed Jesus the Messiah during his ministry and were among those who brought about his crucifixion. Some Pharisees, …
“My house is a house of prayer; You have turned it into a religious bazaar.” ~Jesus
Jesus is upset. Jesus let’s the religious elites know it. It just isn’t right turning God’s holy temple into the …
“Happy are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” ~Jesus
Is my heart pure? That is an essential issue to address. Jesus lays it out in His manifesto (Matthew 5 — …
Achievement — Is faith required?
Where does faith come from? Faith is not something I conjure up on my own, nor is it something I am …
“The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges me. Am I “sinless“? If so, I get to throw the first stone. Jesus challenged the elite religious …
“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
I am looking for Jesus in all the wrong places. I think “he was”. My language and my attitude is …
Opposition to Jesus — Criticism of His Choice of Company
Jesus get’s constantly criticized by the religious elite of His day. They didn’t like who Jesus was hanging out …
“There is far more at stake here than religion.” ~Jesus
Jesus is not a fan of organized religion and the elite attitudes that go with it. Jesus is in favor …
“Be very careful. Keep a sharp eye out for the contaminating yeast of the Baptist, Methodist, Episcopals, Lutherans or the Catholics. Also the yeast of Obama, Cruz, Sanders, Clinton or Trump.” ~Jesus
This is a special message for our current toxic political and religious environment. Jesus has something to say about all …
“Woe to you … ” ~Jesus
Jesus is upset. Jesus is upset with the elite religious leaders of the day. Jesus hasn’t gotten over it. I …
“We don’t want the crowds up in arms” ~Religious Leaders
The religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus. They would. The religious elites just didn’t want people to be upset about …
“You are masters at making yourselves look good in front of others, but God knows what’s behind the appearance.” ~Jesus
Am I a master at making myself look good? What Jesus has to say to the religious elites (aka Pharisees) …
“I’m after mercy, not religion. I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.” ~Jesus
Jesus, the Messiah and God’s son can do anything he wants. Jesus has been giving all power and authority from …
Pope Francis’ Speech on the Poor and Indigenous Peoples
Pope Francis spoke about the problems faced by the poor and indigenous peoples at the Second World Meeting of the …
