Today’s reading is Matthew 23.
In Deuteronomy 27:9-13, Moses charged Israel to perform a unique ceremony once they entered the Promised Land. Once they had crossed over the Jordan, the people were two divide into two groups standing on opposing mountain sides. On Gerizim, half the people were to pronounce potential blessings. On Ebal, half the people were to pronounce potential curses. God let Israel know He was setting before them life and death, the blessing and the curse. The choice was up to them. The nation performed this ritual under Joshua in Joshua 8:33.
In Matthew 5, Jesus went up on the mountain and proclaimed potential blessings for those who would submit to His kingdom authority. Now, in Matthew 23, He teaches on the temple mount. This time He proclaims potential curses or woes. As we read Matthew, it is like Jesus standing on two opposing mountainsides while we stand in the intervening valley hearing Him teach.
The blessings and curses are not an exact correspondence. However, it doesn’t take much to see their contrast. The poor in spirit and the persecuted are blessed because theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3, 10). The scribes and Pharisees are cursed because they don’t enter the kingdom and don’t allow others in either (Matthew 23:13). Peacemakers are blessed because they are sons of God (Matthew 5:9). Those who follow the teaching of the scribes and Pharisees become children of hell (Matthew 23:15). Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed with it (Matthew 5:6). The scribes and Pharisees only look righteous (Matthew 23:27-28).
In reading Matthew, God has set before us the blessing and the curse, life and death. Which will we choose? Let us remember the door into the blessing is poverty of spirit, another way of saying “humility.” The door into cursing is pride. But beware, the door to blessing is narrow and the way is difficult; few enter by it. Will you?
Tomorrow’s reading is Matthew 23.
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Discuss the Following Questions with Your Family
- What are your initial reactions to the chapter and the written devo above?
- What is, to you, the greatest blessing in Christ?
- What is, to you, the most frightening or painful curse outside of Christ?
- What advice would you give to help us choose life and the blessing?
- What do you think we should pray for and about in light of this chapter and today’s post?
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