Holy Week, Day 2 - Disciple Makers Series #22Sample

A mirror showing the inside and the outside  

Thoughts on the message

The outside looks good, but the inside is full of evil. 

These religious leaders looked just like that. Jesus exposed their hearts. Jesus challenged them to get their hearts cleaned – but they refused. As a result, Jesus will expose one more thing. He reveals the judgment coming to them. God will judge them like He judges those who killed His messengers throughout the whole Bible. Abel was the first godly person killed by evil men recorded in the Old Testament. Zechariah was the last godly person killed that was mentioned in the Jewish Old Testament (2 Chronicles was the last book of their holy scriptures). These religious leaders are exactly like those godless men.

Before we say that we could never do this, remember two things. First, these were the godly religious people of the day – it can be done by them, and it can be done by us. Second, Jesus tells us that evil words we speak about others are just the same as murder in God’s eyes (Matthew 5:21-22). It is very easy to kill someone’s reputation, speak words that destroy. Yes, we can do the same.

Prayer

Father, it is easy to say evil things about others – and feel we are justified in saying it. You told us to leave the judging to you. Forgive me when I speak evil things. Forgive me when I allow evil things to be said – and I do not stand up for what is right. I want to be a man whose mouth is filled with grace and whose heart seeks blessing. Keep my heart free from thinking evil of anyone and just keep doing what is right. In Jesus’ name, Amen.