The book of Ecclesiastes says there is time for everything. Today, we hear Jesus’s harsh rebuke “Woe to you…” to the Scribes and Pharisees. Jesus did those seven times in a row.
He calls them “hypocrites,” “blind guides,” “whitewashed tombs,” “serpents,” “brood of vipers,” and “murderers.”
Jesus could not be any clearer about His wholehearted and harsh rebukes of these religious leaders.
He criticized them for being “two faced.”
Jesus wasn’t happy that they were misleading people in the name of God. The religious leaders have failed to lead in the right way, the way of God. Jesus told them, “You lock the Kingdom of heaven before me. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter.”
Today, we still such leaders in our society, churches, and communities. We have those who present evil to us to be good, something that we must accommodate in the name of mercy. They would us to believe that the seven deadly sins are virtues.
Jesus hard words is a clear warning to us to be carefully of such people. As Scripture says, from their fruits you shall know them.
Jesus’ strong and public rebuke are acts of mercy on His part. The Scripture says, “Whoever turns a sinner from error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5: 20)
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11: 30)
These rebukes of Jesus are a cry for repentance. The consequences of lack of repentance are worse, eternal damnation.
May we heed to the words of Jesus, and may these truths sink in and lead us to repentance. If we do, the Psalmist words are ours “The Lord takes delight in his people”.
Have a Wonderful Week
