Nothing gets me in the Christmas Spirit more than remembering how Jesus unapologetically humiliated and infuriated the Pharisees and Scribes. It is the heart warming gift that just keeps on giving! In this third of four sermons on Jesus’ contentious encounter with the Pharisees & Scribes in Mt. 15:1-20 we see Jesus turn the Pharisee’s concern about uncleanness back on them. They are concerned that Jesus example might lead to the crowds being ceremonially unclean because they ate with unclean hands. How does Jesus respond? He called the crowds over, and, In essence, say ‘don’t worry about ceremonially washing your hands, but if you want to be clean stay away from the Pharisees & Scribes!’ It is not JUST that Jesus is calling the crowds to teach them truths & turn their hearts TOWARD Him, He is also warning the crowds against the Pharisees & Scribes falsehoods to turn their hearts AWAY from them. Ultimately them being offended led to the cross, and the cross led to the Salvation of all who believe.
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