02.04.2016 New Testament: Matt 23.16–22

To read the Bible in a year, read Matthew 23.1–22 on February 4, In the year of our Lord 2016

By Don Ruhl

Jesus called the scribes and Pharisees blind guides because they thought the gold was greater than the temple,

“Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold? And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it.’ Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it. He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it” (Matthew 23.16–22). 

They thought the gold was greater than the temple, and that the gift was greater than the altar. The temple sanctified the gold, and the altar sanctified the gift. Therefore, the temple and the altar were greater. If they swore by the temple, they swore by everything in it, including by the One who lived in it, the Lord Himself.

We have to think of the things we say, because our words imply things. Ideas have consequences. So use caution in your words.