Luke chapter 16 verses 15-16 (NIV)
The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.”
I have seen variations of what is said to be an old proverb – “If you throw a rock into a pack of wolves, the one that’s hit will howl.”
Most of the Pharisees knew when Jesus told a parable that described their behaviour, and they showed their displeasure by mocking and trying to catch Him out. They certainly knew how to howl. There was no sign however, that they were convicted by what He said, although I’m sure individuals were.
Why was it so difficult for them to accept what Jesus said?
They were more interested in keeping up appearances. They made all sorts of rules and regulations to justify their behaviour. Ones which God never set down. Jesus reminded them, just as God had reminded Samuel, that it’s not the outward appearance that God is interested in but the condition of our hearts.
In this current age when outward appearance can be seen as so important to many, much of which is driven by the rise of the “influencer” role, its a reminder to us to ensure that our focus is on the things of God, even if other people don’t like it.
Dear Lord,
May I never value the things that the world does over the things of God. Keep my feet on the narrow path. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.