The Pharisees and Sadducees surrounded Jesus Christ-like bees seeking every opportunity to bite their host. The religious enemies set traps and tested Jesus on many grounds with the hope that he might stumble in his speech so that they can arrest and kill him. Meanwhile, Jesus was sensitive to recognize the presence of his enemies, and he put them in the right place! When the Pharisees asked a tricky question about the resurrection, Jesus referred them to scripture that everyone in the society respected – and the foes became silent (Luke 20:27-39).
However, Jesus warned his disciples to be watchful of hypocrites who would be envious of their success and seek their downfall. Jesus said,
“Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation” (Luke 20:46-47).
Lesson:
We Christians are God’s children and we are lights that are surrounded by people who celebrate the works of darkness; therefore we must be careful! Our works and godly lifestyles often irritate worldly people, and they would tend to react to whatever we do. We should be sensitive not to allow evildoers to drag us into their evil practices. We should not seek world acceptance and sin against God. We Christians must maintain our godly standards and remain heavenly bound. God will definitely empower us to overcome our adversaries, and he will reward us for every job well done.
Prayer:
Dear God, please help me to be wise and be sensitive so that I will not become a victim of wicked people. Help me to abstain from people who may influence me to sin against you. Empower me to remain steadfast in the faith, and let me keep my godly testimony unto the end so that I can be blessed immensely in heaven. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.
