TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. Matthew 7:15
Read: Matthew 7:15
Listen: Matthew 7
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus wraps up the Sermon on the Mount, knowing his listeners have to head back to their regular lives. As they do, they need to discern the messages from all the different sects of Judaism. These include the Pharisees who pressure people to live perfect lives, Herodians who believe they should appease the Romans, Essenes who want nothing to do with anyone else so sought solitude, Zealots who want to start a revolt from Rome, and the Sadducees who have religious power and authority but don’t want to give it up.
Each of these groups claims to be the true followers of God and uses the Bible to back their claim. But Jesus warns that not everyone who claims to be speaking for God truly is. Sometimes they are really wolves in sheep’s clothing. They might look and sound like sheep, but inwardly they are ferocious with a message nothing like Jesus’s message.
We live in an information world where we are bombarded by voices that claim to represent God. Although this can provide many benefits, we need to heed the warning of Jesus here. We need to ask ourselves, “Do the voices I allow in my life reflect the heart of Jesus’s teachings?” Jesus said anyone who has seen him has seen the Father (John 14:9). Jesus clearly spoke God’s desire and design for who we are created to be. His voice should ring loudest in our ears.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Begin evaluating which voices you listen to the most. This might include co-workers, network news hosts—and even Christian books or music. Ask yourself, “Are these people marked by the things Jesus talks about in his teaching?” End your Chair Time Today by finding one way you can elevate the voice of Jesus in your life.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is 2 Corinthians 8.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
