Woe and Beware

Lk. 11:42-12:3

While talking with a Pharisee and a lawyer, Jesus reveals some very upsetting things prefaced with the word 'woe.' Becaue of the following behaviors, Jesus is saying judgment is forthcoming Mercy will no longer be extended.

• The Pharisees tithed but neglected justice and the love of God. They were satisfied with the form of their religion without the substance. This woe addresses their hypocrisy.
• The Pharisees loved the best seats in the synagogue and greetings in the marketplace. Their life revolved around human praise and position, being noticed and honored.
• The Pharisees were like unmarked graves that people unknowingly trampled. In the Jewish economy walking on an unmarked grave made a person unclean. It was a serious issue. This woe addresses their influence on others. They made those who came in contact with them unclean.
• The lawyers loaded up the people with burdens without them even touching the same burdens. They make no effort to help the people after they have added so many human traditions to their religious ceremonies.
• The lawyers build the tombs for the prophets that their fathers had killed. They have become witnesses to the evil of the fathers and have continued to kill the prophets in their day. Their lives demonstrated what how one generation influences the next.
• The lawyers took away the key to knowledge even though they wanted none of the knowledge. Even more than that they refused to allow others to have this knowledge.
• Finally, the beware. Beware the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is an insidious evil because it gives the impression of holiness when it is nothing by self-righteousness. This attitude then become oppressive to others and judgmental of all. As they exalt themselves, they destroy others. For these people, the Pharisees and the lawyers, God says woe. What is coming down on them is commensurate with the damage they have done. Don't be deceived. God is not mocked. What they sowed, they will reap.

As I read this, I think of it as a warning to me. What is my attitude toward others? Am I self-righteous? Do I condemn and try and weigh others down with useless rules?

Father,

Examine my heart. Free it from the constraints of hypocrisy and judgmentalism, from seeking the praise of others, and from caring more about myself than others.

In Jesus name,

Amen