The Scribes and Pharisees Again - Matthew 15:1

Matthew the apostle wrote how Jesus and His disciples, “came into the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased. And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole”, and in chapter fifteen and verse one of his book, Matthew shares how “the came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees” again where we read:

Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,

The verse reads, “Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, ...”. Matthew began with the words, “then came” which means “at that time approached and came near” “to Jesus” or “to Jesus whose name means Jehovah is Salvation and is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “scribes” which means “religious teachers who are so instructed that from his learning and ability to teach advantage may redound to the kingdom of heaven” “and Pharisees” or “men who belonged to a sect that seems to have started after the Jewish exile. In addition to Old Testament books the Pharisees recognized in oral tradition a standard of belief and life. They sought for distinction and praise by outward observance of external rites and by outward forms of piety, and such as ceremonial washings, fasting, prayers, and alms giving; and, comparatively negligent of genuine piety and they prided themselves on their fancied good works”. Matthew shared how once again the “Scribes and Pharisees” approached Jesus.

The verse goes on to say, “... which were of Jerusalem, saying,” Matthew added the words, “which were of Jerusalem” which means “who lived in the city of Jerusalem which means set you double peace” and was “”, “saying” which means “uttering, declaring and proclaiming”. Matthew shared how the “Scribes and Pharisees” located in Jerusalem came to Jesus making a proclamation.

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we see how relentless “Scribes and Pharisees” were at pursuing Jesus. Though Jesus served, healed and cared for people, these religious leaders were attempting to find fault with Him. God desires people to have a loving relationship with Him through His Son Jesus, and He knows there will be some who will continually attempt to find fault with His ways. Let everyone reading these words examine themselves to be certain they are trusting in Jesus rather than challenging Him like these “Scribes and Pharisees”.

Next time Matthew share how the Scribes and Pharisees asked Jesus, “Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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