Theme: Only inward changes of heart by the Holy Spirit produce outward actions that please God. In vv. 37-41, Jesus teaches truth to the Pharisees. He instructs them to do righteous deeds for the right reasons-it must be from the heart because of a cleansed heart. In application, we need to seek heart change. In vv. 41-44, Jesus then applies the truth. In the first "Woe" Jesus gives, we learn that we need to regard God's weighty teachings. His second "Woe" teaches us we need to mortify pride, and His third "Woe" warns us to beware of poisoning others through hypocrisy and legalism. Jesus aims for the heart in His teaching. Believers' hearts have been changed by the Spirit of God. We need to pay attention to our hearts, applying the Word of God to our hearts, praying for God to search our hearts, and confessing our sin. If you are not a follower of Christ, trust Christ today! Don't seek outward change, but inward. Christ will make you truly clean within, which brings outward life change pleasing to God. |