Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
The Pharisees and Sadducees fascinate me. I understand them from the standpoint of following rules. You give me rules to follow, and I can follow them to a T. Church on Sunday? Check. Tithing? Check. What gets me is the fact that these rule-followers miss the mark so badly. How did groups known for following rules and expectations end up murdering the Messiah? How did things go so terribly wrong?
Matthew 3:8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
What they seem to lose sight of, what John is telling them here, is that the kingdom of God is not about appearances; it’s not about checking boxes of righteousness. It’s about the state of the heart in relationship to Christ. That is much more involved and much more personal than simply checking boxes.
Matthew 3:9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
Lord, Thank You for the caution of the Pharisees and Sadducees. While I want to do the right thing, follow the rules, obey the law, I do not want to end up with the hardened, bitter heart of these groups. Help me to worry less about checking boxes and more about living a life in harmony with Your teachings. Draw me closer. Amen.
Matthew 3:10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
Have a blessed day.