As I was studying thispassage I couldn’t help but recall a statement one of my Bible college professorsmade over 50 years ago at Lynchburg Baptist College (Now Liberty University).He said, “A man’s morality will dictate his theology.” The Pharisees of Jesusday had a head knowledge of the Old Testament Law better than anyone else. Theycould quote most of it from memory. But the truth is, they were not practicingit and to justify their love for money, and even their immorality, theylistened to the teachers that interpreted the law to fit their lifestyle andungodly living and attitudes.
That is why they hatedJesus! The religious and lost world still does the same thing today. They attackChristianity and especially true believers who follow Jesus with pure heartsand right motives. The lost world that loves their money and immoral livingcome up with their own theology and interpretations of the Scriptures tojustify their guilty consciences. Read the Book of Romans!
In this passage, Jesusconfronts the Pharisees, who were sneering at His teaching about money andstewardship. Their love for wealth blinded them to God’s truth, and they mockedJesus, revealing the condition of their hearts. Jesus’ response cuts to the core.While the Pharisees sought to justify themselves before others, God saw theirtrue motives. What the world values about wealth, status, and outwardappearances, often stands in stark contrast to what God esteems. This is asobering reminder for us. Are we chasing what the world applauds, or are wepursuing what pleases God?
Jesus then shifts tothe Law and the Prophets, which pointed to the coming of God’s kingdom. WithJohn the Baptist, a new era began, the King was here, the kingdom of God wasbeing preached, and people were eagerly pressing into it. This wasn’t just forthe religious elite; it was for everyone, tax collectors, sinners, and ordinarypeople hungry for God’s grace.
The Pharisees, however,stood on the sidelines, clinging to their self-righteousness and missing theinvitation to enter God’s kingdom. Jesus affirms that the Law remainsunshakable, fulfilled in Him, and its moral standards endure for all time. EvenHis mention of divorce underscores God’s unchanging call to holiness,challenging the lax attitudes of the day.
This passage challengesus to examine our hearts. Like the Pharisees, we can be tempted to prioritizewealth, approval, or comfort over God’s kingdom. But Jesus calls us to pressinto His kingdom with urgency and commitment, aligning our lives with His eternaltruth. God sees beyond our outward actions to the motives of our hearts. Are weliving for His glory, or are we seeking to justify ourselves before others?
Our challenge today isto take time to reflect on what you value most. Ask yourself: Is there an areaof my life where I’m chasing the world’s approval instead of God’s? Spend a fewminutes each day in prayer, asking God to reveal any hidden motives ormisplaced priorities. Then, take one practical step to “press into” His kingdom,whether it’s serving someone in need, giving generously, or standing firm in abiblical conviction, even if it’s unpopular. Let’s remember that God knowsour hearts and commit to living for what God esteems, not what the worldexalts.
Prayer: Lord Jesus,thank You for Your truth that challenges and transforms us. Forgive us for thetimes we’ve valued what the world esteems over Your kingdom. Help us to pressinto Your kingdom with wholehearted devotion, living for Your glory alone.Guide us this week to align our hearts with Yours. In Your name, Amen.
