“Whoever obeys and teaches others to obey will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” ~Jesus
Jesus demands that we take His way seriously. There is nothing frivolous about it at all. My job, my mission, …
Tag Archives: Religious Elites
Are there things in our spiritual life we avoid looking at too closely?
There are things in our spiritual life we avoid looking at too closely. What about our lust? What about our …
Do others have plans against God’s servants? Will we be persecuted?
There is no doubt that persecution is a stark reality of living for a disciple of Jesus. For a disciple …
Why does Jesus the Messiah question the religious elites?
Jesus had lots of questions for the religious elites of his day. He pressed them and would not let them …
“Watch and beware of the teaching of the religious elites.” ~Jesus
When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 Jesus said to them, “Watch and …
“By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” ~Religious elites
Jesus is clear. Jesus doesn’t have to answer questions. That is shocking to me. I deserve to have my questions …
Will we stand with Jesus or the religious elites?
Again, he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, to see …
“Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” ~Religious elites to Jesus
By New Testament times, the religious leaders and elites had hijacked the Law and added to it their own rules …
“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
Why this is important: Legalism is deadly. Jesus is very clear that God wants our hearts. Jesus put an end …
Why did Jesus create a freak out of the first order of magnitude?
And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief …
Is this yeast worth being warned about?
Religious establishment elites and leaders of the early first century were driven by desires for secular power, politics and religious …
Why is Jesus hated by religious leaders?
Why it matters: When you talk to people who are non-Christians today, they are usually very complimentary of Jesus. They’ll …
Does God reward those who seek Him? What if you are a religious fraud?
Why is this important: Jesus is clear. God’s goal for us is to seek God. If we seek God, we …
Was Jesus possessed by demons?
Accusing Jesus the Messiah of being demon-possessed: Now this is bold. This took some chutzpah. The Pharisees (religious elites) were mostly …
Are we just using Jesus as a cover for teaching whatever suits our fancy?
Jesus spends special time with religious elites of His day. He is direct always. Are we frauds? It is a …
Is there far more than religion at stake with Jesus?
Jesus is not a fan of organized religion and the elite attitudes that go with it or are against it. …
Jesus has a warning! Will we heed it?
Jesus is constantly challenging the religious elites and leaders (scribes) of His time here on earth. He still does today. …
Danger! Warning! Is our legalism causing us to be religious frauds?
Jesus has the number of the religious elites. They are constantly trying to trap him. They are constantly trying to …
Is Jesus going to accuse us before God?
Jesus is clear about His role. He is the one who saves us from missing God’s goal for our life. …
Are we more interested in religion than in people?
What matters: The people of the town of Bethel sent a delegation to the priests and prophets with a question. They …
Should we just ditch God’s command and take up the latest fads?
Yeshua [Jesus] challenges the religious to stay focused on God and what He wants. Fads come and go. Jesus and …
When we embellish our words with religious lace, does that make them true?
Jesus challenges us to make sure our words are clear and genuine. They should reflect all of His love. Embellishing …
Are religious elites using Jesus as a cover for teaching whatever suits their fancy?
Jesus is very direct about how religious leaders are focused on justifying what they teach to match their way of …
What is religious fraud all about? What does Jesus say?
Jesus spends special time with religious people. He is direct always. Are we frauds? It is a question to ask …
Is Jesus a lackey to the Sabbath? What is more important, rules or the Ruler?
What is more important? Rules and regulations? Or the Ruler? Jesus deals with the problem of “being religious” head on. …
“Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?” ~Religious elites to Jesus
The religious elites are constantly trying to trap Jesus. I have to be careful. Legalism is insidious. I can slip …
“The religious elites could find no answer to these things.” ~Luke
Jesus has a question for me. Jesus has lots of questions. I don’t have a good answer. In fact, I …
“He [Jesus] has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” ~Religious elites
I miss God’s goal for my life (aka sin or sinning). That is my natural state. Does this bother Jesus? …
“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
Am I trying to trap Jesus? Do I have some trick questions for Him? Do I scour the scriptures to …
“Be on your guard against the yeast of the religious elites, which is hypocrisy” ~Jesus
Jesus warns me about hypocrisy. It is a serious problem. Being a religious elite leads to all kinds of errors. …
“I will ask you one question; then answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.” ~Jesus
Jesus has a question for me. Actually, He has a lot of them. When He asks them, I am compelled …
“After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart!” ~Jesus
I need to be careful. It is way too easy to fall into the religious rule and legalism trap. The …
“Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders?” ~Religious elites
I think I underestimate how much of a legalist I am. Let’s add to that a pious religious elitist. It …
“Unless you are circumcised according to the custom prescribed by Moses, you cannot be saved.” ~Religious Elites
God is doing amazing things. The people are coming to Jesus. The legalists emerge. They sense fresh meat and pounce. …
“This is the Sabbath. The law prohibits you from picking up your mat.” ~Religious elites
Jesus is on a mission. His mission is bringing healing to everyone He can. He is full of compassion and …
“You serpents, you generation of vipers, how can you escape the damnation of hell?” ~Jesus
“Woe unto you”. Seven times in Matthew 23 Jesus the Messiah say these words to the religious elites of that …
“Why are you doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” ~Religious elites to Jesus
Am I like the religious elites, constantly challenging Jesus? Am I a know it all trying to catch him breaking …
“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” ~Jesus
The Jesus manifesto continues. Jesus takes on oaths and swearing. Jesus is clear on this. I am to say yes …
“Are you a teacher of Israel and don’t know these things?” ~Jesus
I can get confused. Nicodemus did for sure. His whole world was the bible and theology. He is a member …
“Immediately the religious elites went out and started plotting with the political elites against him, how they might kill him.” ~Mark
Conspiracy theories are interesting. People get intrigued by them. This one really existed. The religious and political elites of the …
“Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” ~John the Baptizer
John the baptizer is speaking the truth. I must be careful to align myself with Jesus and not the religious …
“Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” ~Religious elites
Is Jesus the Messiah? We struggle with that and the ones who struggle the most are religious elites. I must …
“Stretch out your hand.” ~Jesus
I don’t want Jesus looking at me in anger. That is not a good thing. I don’t want to be …
“Now John had a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.” ~Apostle Matthew
John calls on the religious and the religious elites to confess missing God’s goal (aka sin) and to be baptized. …
“Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” ~Jesus
Legalistic rule following can cause me to miss God’s goal for my life. Jesus warns me against it. it is …
“Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders?” ~Religious elites to Jesus
Things are getting dicey. The fact that the religious elites (scribes and Pharisees) united in this attack and came all …
“Saul was right there, congratulating the killers.” ~Luke
The religious elites (members of the Sanhedrin) had Stephen killed for following Jesus. Saul (later to become the Apostle Paul) …
“In order to accuse him, they were watching him closely to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath.” ~Mark
Am I scrutinizing Jesus? Am I watching Him carefully to see if He will mess things up? Am I ready …
“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 …
“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, Episcopal, Lutherans or the Catholics. Also the yeast of Biden, 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 …
Jesus Quotes and God Thoughts 