Matthew 23:16–22 (ESV)
Seven Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees (3rd Woe)
16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ 17 You
blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? 18 And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound
by his oath.’ 19 You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21 And
whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it. 22 And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.
I was at a local grocery story last night and I listened to one of the workers keep saying “Jesus Christ” over and over again. I don’t think he realizes that he was taking the Lord’s name in vain.
Well, tonight’s reading somewhat similar. It’s not Jesus name, but it is belittling the things used in the worship of God. Jesus is calling those who put more value on gifts place on the altar than the altar itself.
This is a lack of reverence towards God. Jesus calls them blind guides. 19 You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? We are warned from making frivolous vows in
the name of the Lord.
I pray: O Lord, help me to not take your name in vain or to make frivolous vows. Help me to respect your name and who you are.
You are the Christ, who died on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins. I repent and want to do better. Amen.