SUNDAY 20TH MAY, 2018 MORNING PRAYER DEVOTION
SCRIPTURE READING:– MATTHEW 22:23-33
TOPIC:– PHARISEES MUST BE TERMINATED
TEXT:– ACTS 23:8
Pharisees are Jewish group mentioned, either collectively or as individuals. The root meaning of the word “Pharisee” is uncertain. It is probably related to the Hebrew root prs [v;r’P], meaning “separate” or “detach.”
From whom did the Pharisees separate? From those, especially priests or clerics, who interpreted the Law differently than they? From the common people of the land, John 7:49. From Gentiles or Jews who embraced the Hellenistic culture? From certain political groups?
All these groups of people, the Pharisees would have been determined to avoid in their resolution to separate themselves from any type of impurity proscribed by the Levitical law or, more specifically, their strict interpretation of it.
The New Testament depicts the Pharisees as opponents of Jesus or the early Christians:
1. On the other hand, they warn Jesus that His life is in danger from Herod, Luke 13:31.
2. Invite Him for meals, Luke 7:36-50; 14:1.
3. Are attracted to or believe in Jesus, John 3:1; 7:45-53; 9:13-38.
4. And protect early Christians, Acts 5:34; 23:6-9.
5. Paul asserts he was a Pharisee before his conversion, Philippians 3:5.
6. The clearest New Testament statement of Pharisaic distinctive is Acts 23:8.
7. The Pharisees say that there is resurrection, and believes that there are angels, and spirits. This would give the impression that doctrine was the basic concern of the group.
8. However, Mark 7:3-4 says that “The Pharisees do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing holding to the tradition of the elders. When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.
9. Thus, we are also told of the Pharisees’ concern for washing, [ceremonial cleansing], and observance of “the traditions of the elders.”
10. The description of the Oral Law:
a. Position of religious authority in the community.
b. Concern for outward recognition and honor.
c. Enthusiasm for making converts.
d. Emphasis on observing the legalistic minutia of the law.
11. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus condemns them, not for what they did, but for neglecting “the more important matters of the law justice, mercy and faithfulness.”
Prayer Points:–
1. I silence the spirit of Pharisees in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ.
2. Every spirit of and ‘holier than thou” attitude, come out of my life now by fire, in the name of Jesus Christ.
3. O Lord God, give me grace to be holy within and without, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Happy Lord’s Day!
