When [the two blind men who had been healed] left, a demon-possessed man who couldn't speak was brought to Jesus. So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. "Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!" they exclaimed.
But the Pharisees said, "He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons."
—Matthew 9:32-34 NLT
This passage reminds me of how horrifyingly easy it is to lose sight of truth in the search to preserve my religion. Here was Jesus Christ, Son of God, Immanuel, but the most religiously-committed people of the day rejected him and accused him of being from Satan. But the people — the everyday folks who did not have all the ecclesiastical training and religious indoctrination — recognized him as something special (Matthew 9:26, 31). Neither the religious leaders nor the people were right, but the people were less wrong. I must always remain humble and focused on Jesus if I am to know what God's truth really is. Jesus is, after all, the key that opens up the meaning of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 1:1-8; Hebrews 1:1-3).
Holy and compassionate God, forgive me when I've been too narrow and correct me when I've been too loose with your will. I want to help all different kinds of people know that the Kingdom is open to them, but I don't want to lower your standards and cheapen your grace. Help me find in Jesus the balance needed to share your truth with courtesy, integrity, and respect. In Jesus, your ultimate Word, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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But the Pharisees said, "He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons."
—Matthew 9:32-34 NLT
Key Thought
This passage reminds me of how horrifyingly easy it is to lose sight of truth in the search to preserve my religion. Here was Jesus Christ, Son of God, Immanuel, but the most religiously-committed people of the day rejected him and accused him of being from Satan. But the people — the everyday folks who did not have all the ecclesiastical training and religious indoctrination — recognized him as something special (Matthew 9:26, 31). Neither the religious leaders nor the people were right, but the people were less wrong. I must always remain humble and focused on Jesus if I am to know what God's truth really is. Jesus is, after all, the key that opens up the meaning of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 1:1-8; Hebrews 1:1-3).
Today's Prayer
Holy and compassionate God, forgive me when I've been too narrow and correct me when I've been too loose with your will. I want to help all different kinds of people know that the Kingdom is open to them, but I don't want to lower your standards and cheapen your grace. Help me find in Jesus the balance needed to share your truth with courtesy, integrity, and respect. In Jesus, your ultimate Word, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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