[Jesus continued,] “As a result [of honoring their ancestors who killed the prophets], this generation will be held responsible for the murder of all God’s prophets from the creation of the world — from the murder of Abel to the murder of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, it will certainly be charged against this generation.”
Key Thought
Wow! Jesus’ judgment on these hypocritical religious leaders is severe. Why is his pronouncement so harsh? How can he say such things? I believe there are four reasons why Jesus’ words are so strong:
He, the Messiah, the Son of God (who is greater than the prophets and great souls of the past), came to the people, and the religious leaders will murder him to protect their legalistic religion.
Jesus wanted them to realize how utterly flawed their approach to religion had become.
Jesus wanted them and us to see how horrible protecting religious preconceptions can be. Rather than preconceptions, religious concepts must be shaped by the truth.
Jesus confronted them with idolizing the past without recognizing their connection to the sins of the past.
His words were sharp and harsh. However, they were true and needed, then, as well as now!
Today’s Prayer
Father, I am convicted of how easily I can trade my vibrant faith in you for a flawed and self-protecting “religiousness.” Please call me away from any false motives, pretenses, and convictions so that I can serve you with an undivided heart. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
John 8:40-47John 1:10-13Matthew 27:24-25Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.