Jesus was raised in a poor family. He did not go to “Priest Seminary School.” Sons were taught the trade of their fathers. Jesus was taught Joseph’s trade – carpentry. Yet when He went into the synagogue and started teaching, He taught with authority – the kind that comes directly from God. The people listening were amazed because of His teaching. Because Jesus is God, there is no better authority to teach us. After all, the commands and laws were handed down by God to Moses and the prophets. Throughout His ministry, Jesus would upset the priests, scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees as He openly confronted their pious acts and false teachings. The authority of His teaching, wasn’t just in the words He taught, but His authority also worked to prick the consciences of the people who listened. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of the soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Jesus’ teachings is the word of God, so as He taught, His words had the same results as Hebrews 4:12. However, the priests, scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees, did not want to be confronted. They wanted to go about their own self-righteous ways, looking better than everyone else. As a result, their pride and sin kept them from realizing the promised Messiah was standing right there with them.
What if Jesus came to your church today as a guest speaker? Would you recognize the authority with which He spoke? What might Jesus confront you with? Would your own pride and sin keep you locked in to your own self-righteousness?
God, thank you for the Scriptures you gave us to show us how we should live and how we should glorify You. When, through the Holy Spirit, Your Word confronts us, help us to humbly submit to Your teaching and to be obedient so that the intentions of our heart aligns with Yours.Â
God, Love and Marshmallow Wars: This book contains 365 daily challenges for couples to strengthen their relationships to each other and with God. Couples will complete activities such as Scripture memory, conversation starters, relationship builders, learning about Biblical marriage, romance builders, personal reflections, and date ideas. Click here to purchase your copy. (This link will open a new widow and take you to Westbow Press’ bookstore.) Also available on Amazon and Barnes & Nobel. It is also available at Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, and Barnes & Nobel
Looking for a speaker for your next ministry event? Julia is booking for 2019 and 2020 events. Book with us now. Click the link and fill out the online form or call us at 904.524.8073.
