What Jesus Did! 'Religious Superiority Before Spiritual Encouragement?' — Luke 11:52

Monday, August 7, 2023

[Jesus continued,] "What sorrow awaits you experts in religious law! For you remove the key to knowledge from the people. You don't enter the Kingdom yourselves, and you prevent others from entering."
— Luke 11:52 NLT

Key Thought

Unfortunately, some who are new to Christianity have the genuineness of their faith squelched by a group desire to be religiously superior. Rather than encouraging, helping, and blessing those who are newer in the faith, these folks seeking superiority turn faith into legalism and corrupt the Good News message of Jesus. The way they live their religion drives away people who are seeking God and breaks the Good News message of those who are new to the faith. Let's always make sure that we don't impose demands God doesn't require. Even more, when folks have areas where they need to grow in their obedience to God, let's be there to help, not to criticize.

Today's Prayer

Father, please forgive me for the times I've not stuck close enough to new Christians. Give me eyes to see their struggles and a heart that is willing to help those who are new in the faith. Use me to be a load-lifter and load-bearer for these new disciples, not a load-imposer. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 11:52 NLT — [Jesus continued,] "What sorrow awaits you experts in religious law! For you remove the key to knowledge from the people. You don't enter the Kingdom yourselves, and you prevent others from entering."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, August 7, 2023

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Isaiah 51:3
"Methinks, I see in vision a howling wilderness, a great and terrible desert, like to the Sahara. I perceive nothing in it to relieve the eye, all..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Opening Hearts to Jesus' Mission' (Acts 10:9-13)
"The next day as Cornelius's messengers were nearing [Joppa], Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, and he was hungry. But while...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Our Fortress' (Ps. 46:11)
"The Lord of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Francis Schaeffer:
"You must not lose confidence in God because you lost confidence in your pastor. If our confidence in God had to depend upon our confidence in any human person,...."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

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.

More What Jesus Did!