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October 13th
The bible reading today is in Matthew 12:22-50.
Jesus is in Jerusalem. The reading today is another window into the conflict between the religious leaders of Israel and Jesus. We are going to look through one window.
Before today we have read that the ark of the covenant was not in the Temple. The Urim and Thummim of the High Priest’s garments were not in the Temple. The Shekinah glory was not in the Temple. The Holy fire from heaven was no longer in the Temple.
Jesus said that He was greater than the Temple. He was saying that the things missing from the Temple were just shadows and types pointing toward the coming Messiah. Jesus was saying that He was the Throne of the Presence/the Ark...that He was the very Presence of Yahweh...that He was the High Priest that would deal with sin and death by bringing mercy and grace. Jesus was saying that the Holy Fire of God’s judgment was upon Him for the salvation of guilty Israel.
He was saying that He was the Messiah. And the religious leaders rejected His message and His works. And were plotting to kill him.
Jesus performed miraculous works on the Sabbath. And He was condemned by the religious leaders. Jesus quoted the prophets and said, “God requires mercy over sacrifice/ritual...” Jesus went on to say that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the sabbath like the Pharisees taught.
Yes, a battle royal was heating up in Jerusalem...not by the pagans, but by the religious Israelites. Not good and not God.
Then Jesus cast out demons and it was spectacular. But instead of giving him any credit, the Pharisees charged that His work was really Satan. Then Jesus proved it wasn't Satan and brought truth to bear...“But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
