Unbearable Demands!

Matthew 23: 1-12 v “They (Pharisees) crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.”

Jesus was talking to a crowd and His disciples. He told them to obey the teachers and the Pharisees interpretations of the law, but not to follow their example.  For they don’t practice what they teach. They (Pharisees) crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.” Everything they do is for show. You are equal as brothers and sisters. You have only one Father, The God in heaven is your Father. And don’t let anyone call you teacher, you have only one teacher, the Messiah. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

I have a couple of friends who are overwhelmed by their service in the church they belong to. I am sure they would relate to being crushed by the demands of keeping a church building running, organized, and providing services on a regular basis. Others in the church do not seem to ease the burden. Let’s look at the teaching of Jesus who we know is the Messiah. You are all equal. You have one Father, God. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled. Those who humble themselves will be exalted. For me that means keep going with the good things that are happening as God the Father is with you. Reach out and share the burden of leadership and the “jobs” that need to be done at work, at home and amongst the group you worship with. Work towards trying to be more like Jesus, being aware that you will always fall short but that He is there to do His job.

Prayer: Heavenly Father who sent us Jesus to show us the way we thank you. Give us a heart to help those around us in need, especially those in your service who feel crushed by unbearable demands.  Amen.