Pictures of Jesus – What Would He See?

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Good morning.

Had Jesus to come today for the first time, what would He see in our hearts? As you read this study consider your own geographical area, circle of influence, circumstances etc. and try doing some self-examination.

The Pharisees and teachers of the law were the ‘church leaders’ of the time when Jesus came to earth. When Jesus came to earth the people of Israel were basically living the Old Testament. “Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: ‘The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach,’” (Matthew 23:1-3). Jesus started to change things when He came and His disciples continued with it. Up to before His coming it was still Old Testament, so what these religious leaders did was the order of the day – people accepted them for what they were and looked up to them because that’s how it has been for centuries. The problem was that people saw their outside and what they portrayed, but Jesus saw right through them by means of a word of knowledge from the Holy Spirit. You may read about it in Matthew 23: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+23&version=NIV1984.

The Lord is coming for a pure bride when He comes again, which is why we received the Bible and the Holy Spirit, because they encourage change and purification in us. “Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord,” (Hebrews 12:14 Amplified) Jesus told the Pharisees in Matthew 23:25: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.”

What will Jesus see in us if He would come to earth today and walk among us? The Lord is looking for undivided and dedicated hearts, pure motives, God-centred attitudes and -lifestyles. Why are you a pastor? Look for a moment deeply into your heart to what Jesus would see there. Why are you an elder or deacon, in charge of the ministry within the church where you serve? Is it maybe to be seen, to establish a position of status for yourself in society? What is really in your heart?

You dream of a large church... why? Do you want to be known as the pastor, elder, or whatever position you have of this large church that you managed to build up, or are it about souls? Why do we like titles? Where in the Bible did Jesus tell us to have titles like pastor, reverend, bishop and father? In fact He forbids it in Matthew 23:8-11: “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Christ.” According to this passage we are all on the same level. Why then do we want to be exalted above others? Jesus did say in verses 11 and 12: “The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

If Jesus should come today, what would He say to you? Would you have to listen to His speech as in Matthew 23? Maybe we are not that bad, but do have a little self-righteousness in our hearts, a little pride, wrong motives or -attitudes. Why not consecrate ourselves and allow the Lord to purify our hearts? Just be warned, it may be humiliating and painful.

Lord, please show me where I’m like the Pharisees and help me change.

Thank you Lord that your Word went out from your mouth, via your servant’s pen, and it will not return to you empty, but will accomplish what you desire and achieve the purpose for which you sent it.

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