Scripture Union Daily Guide 30th June 2021 Wednesday Message
Topic: Beware of Hypocrisy
Opening Prayer: Sanctify my life dear Lord as I study your word in Jesus name.
Scripture: Matthew 16:1-12
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any warning for me to heed? • What is God revealing to me in this passage?
The Jewish leaders knew the Law, the Prophets and the prophesies about the coming Saviour. They saw those predictions revealed clearly in Christ. Pretending to be ignorant, they came to seek a sign from heaven (v.1). They refused to confess Jesus as the Messiah despite all they knew from the Scriptures and which were clearly seen fulfilled in Him. No wonder Jesus warned His disciples in v.11 to beware of their hypocritical teachings. Is it not the same with us today? We too, like the Pharisees, can interpret the weather and the seasons with the aid of scientific instruments but when it comes to understanding the End Time events, we appear helpless. However, the Master said that, “the Kingdom of God does not come with observation” (Luke 17:20-21). It comes through faith alone. What is the sign of Jonah (v.4; see 12:40-41)?
Notice also the Master’s warning in v.6 and the reason the disciples misunderstand Him v.7? What can we learn from this as we engage with the Scriptures individually or as a group (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:13-16)? We see from vs.8-10 that God’s provision or miraculous intervention in our lives is meant to strengthen our faith/confidence in Him and bring glory to His name (cf.1 Samuel 17:34-37a).
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Oh Lord, deliver me from every form of hypocrisy and help me to be truthful in all my dealings with you and with my fellow men. • Pray against the syndrome of sit-tight leadership in some countries.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Hebrews 10:23; Deut. 10-12; Acts 3
Also Read: Our Daily Bread 29 June 2021 Today Devotional – Your Life’s Passion
Scripture Union Daily Guide 30th June 2021. Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God