November 25 – Encounters with the Pharisees – Matthew 12
The Pharisees were a group that worshipped religion as God instead of the God of Creation. When Jesus, the Son of God, comes on the scene; the Pharisees felt threatened by Jesus’ miracles and His teachings of having a relationship with God. Instead of following Christ, they attack Christ. Verse 14 gives a clear presentation on just how much the Pharisees wanted to destroy Christ. In verse 3, the Pharisees accuse the disciples to Jesus of disobeying the religious law. In verse 24, the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons with the power from the devil himself. In verse 38, the Pharisees try to trap Jesus into performing “magic tricks” to prove Jesus is the Son of God. Faith does not work by what one see, rather true faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things NOT seen. It is sad to see the Pharisees placing themselves against the Son of God. If we are not careful, we will place more emphasis on doing religious stuff, rather than having a real relationship with Christ. Religious “stuff” is good, but can be a pitfall if that is what we are basing our spirituality upon. Do you talk to God? Does God speak to you? Do you consistently read His Word? Does God have your the desires of your heart? Do those closest to you see your walk with God?
