for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say. Luke 11:54 NABRE
Jesus has been speaking to the religious leadership about how they are using their positions of power and easy living for themselves and they have done nothing for the people. Their soul responsibly is to lead people to God, but in fact their preference is to preserve and even expand their power. After Jesus leaves them the Pharisees and scribes act with hostility toward Jesus and plan to interrogate Him about many things, it is their hope to catch Him saying something that will allow them to bring Him down and have Him undermined in front of the people. Jesus hopes His comments to the Pharisees and scribes would bring about a conversion and they would begin to lead people properly. But they prefer to get rid of the voice that is critical. Jesus however continues to teach His followers and anyone who will listen to the true nature of discipleship.
It seems human nature to think most of what we do is good and correct. No one likes to believe they are working toward failure. Jesus indicates these religious leaders will not enter the kingdom of God. When we don’t look toward criticism as opportunity we lose any chance of improving. It is not to say everything we hear critical about ourselves would be helpful, but understanding other’s impression about us is a chance to improve, becoming better at whatever it is we are trying to do with our life. These days we seem to take criticism and eliminate it by ending our relationship with the critical person. Jesus always answers those most critical and never condemns anyone completely, He always leaves the door open to change.
How do you handle criticism? Are you looking to improve or are you satisfied with the way things are for you?
These days we seem to take criticism and eliminate it by ending our relationship with the critical person. Jesus always answers those most critical and never condemns anyone completely, He always leaves the door open to change. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #critical #change #Luke #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways