Today Matthew (23:23-26) continues to tell of Jesus berating the Pharisees for their “do as I say” approach to leading the people. I am stuck that Jesus suggests to them two times to open their eyes.

He first says “Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!” He is telling them they are focusing on the wrong things and missing the big picture God is offering. He goes on to say “Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.” He is warning them to recognize that their outward appearance might be what everyone else sees but God knows that their thoughts and actions are “full of plunder and self-indulgence.”

Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians (2 Thes; 2:1-3A, 14-17) is also warning them to keep their eyes open and be on guard to those who seek to mislead them. He tells them to see the big picture and “stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours.”

This speaks to my life by reminding me to stick to the plan. The plan is to focus on God and family. When the world comes knocking with all its temptation, remember to see the big picture and stand firm on what is really important. Standing firm requires that we ask God for guidance and remember we are here to carry out His work.

This morning Matthew (23:13-22) tells about Jesus chastising the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus continues what he said last week about the leaders of the temple being selfish and misleading the people.

He goes a bit farther today to explain that it is not the “things” of the temple that make it important. Rather, it is the why the temple was organized in the first place that makes it important. Why would people organize a temple? It was organized by the people so they would have a dedicated place to come together as a community and worship God.

Remember what Paul told us in yesterday’s reading. In his letter to the Ephesians (5: 25-32) he reminded us that we are the church. So why would it not be the same for those of the temple? They should have been seen by their leaders as the church.

The scribe’s and Pharisee’s actions are in contrast to the first reading (2 Thes; 1:1-5, 11-12) where Paul, as a church leader, complements the Thessalonian on their growth in faith and goodness. He tells them that he is bragging about them to others. About them and their example not their “Things”.

Unfortunately, the scribes and Pharisees had lost sight of the real reasons for the temple. By focusing on the “things” they had lost sight of the original intent. We pray that our church should be a place where people can come and look for help weather they can add to the “things” or not.

Jesus reminds us today to forget about the “things” and stay focused on what is important. God.