Jesus had a beef with the many of Jewish religious leaders of His time. In some cases these leaders were doing things or teaching things that were unnecessarily burdensome; in other cases they lacked integrity; in other cases they were violently opposed to everything God was doing in Jesus. In talking to his disciples about these leaders, he often used a unique word: “Woe!” “Woe to you when all speak well of you …!” (Luke 6:26) “Woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds; and neglect justice and the love of God…” (Luke 11:42) “Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry….” (Luke 6:25). These “Woes” are teaching words for us today, pointing us to the way that Jesus calls us to love God and love others.
During the season of Lent, we will be taking a step back and trying to hear whatever Jesus might have for us in these “Woes” by imagining them as “Whoas!” We are going to take the time to listen to Jesus, who says in each of these statements, “Whoa! Stop where you are! Remember the things and the people that I value, and come back! Embrace those things that I value!”
Listen as Pastor Clint explores Jesus' words to the Pharisees about their handwashing practice, and how they may need to turn their lives inside out to truly connect with God.
Sermon Resources:
1. “Quit your worship charades. I can’t stand your trivial religious games: Monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings—meetings, meetings, meetings—I can’t stand one more! Meetings for this, meetings for that. I hate them! You’ve worn me out! I’m sick of your religion, religion, religion, while you go right on sinning. When you put on your next prayer-performance, I’ll be looking the other way. No matter how long or loud or often you pray, I’ll not be listening. And do you know why? Because you’ve been tearing people to pieces, and your hands are bloody. Go home and wash up. Clean up your act. Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings so I don’t have to look at them any longer. Say no to wrong. Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless.” -Isaiah 1:11-13, MSG
2. Public Belief, Private Belief, and Core Belief - Michael Novak
3. Outside in vs. inside out questions - email us at clint.springpeople@gmail.com for this graphic!
Join or follow us below:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thespringmid...
Instagram: www.instagram.com/midtown.pres/
Website: www.midtownpres.org/
Community Groups: www.midtownpres.org/community-groups
Sunday Services: www.midtownpres.org/
