The Pharisees were blindfolded with traditions and could not adequately interpret the scripture. Many Pharisees missed the salvation opportunity, mainly because they believed that Jesus came from a small town! Despite many signs and wonders that Christ performed, the Pharisees insisted that Galilee was too small to produce their messiah. It is reported,
“…therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, “Truly this is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?” So there was a division among the people because of Him. Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him” (John 7:40-43).
Lesson:
All people should be careful not to allow religious dogma (doctrine) to hinder them from going to heaven. Also, we Christians must abstain from traditions that can negatively influence our faith. Christianity is different from tradition and rituals; it is an inspirational movement that came from God. Therefore, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our activities. No Christian will reach the presence of God without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The scripture attested to this fact when it stated, “But the hour is coming, and now is when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24).
Prayer:
Dear God, please give me the grace to be a Christian who is not trapped in human traditions. Enable me to give your Spirit a chance to lead and operate in a fashion that will glorify your name. Empower me to serve you with all my heart without seeking man’s recognition or approval. Let my services be genuine before you so that I can be duly rewarded on earth and in heaven. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.
