Compassionate and Longsuffering

 N.T.#264  "Compassionate and Longsuffering"

March 15, 2024 

Matthew 23-Part 6

LET IT GLOW 

In verse 34, Jesus is wrapping up His rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees after the 8 woes to those hypocrites. Verse 34 is reference to the disciples, prophets, evangelists, and pastors who followed them. He gave gifts to men and the gifted men to the church-apostles and Paul. (Eph. 4:11)

Verse 35 is a little puzzling, yet it refers to Zechariah the prophet was martyred between the temple and the altar in a way similar to how the previous Zechariah was killed. 

That generation experienced the utter destruction of Jerusalem and the burning of the temple in A.D. 70. It came as judgment which Jesus was speaking about, and the removal of the blessing of God from the temple. (verses 37-38) (MacArthur)

LET IT GROW

We read of the compassion of Jesus in verse 37. He delights in good, not evil, and was not delighted in the destruction of the Temple. Ezekiel 18L30-32 challenged the house of Israel to repent and turn from all their transgressions, so they would not be a stumbling block that caused their punishment. They needed a new heart and a new spirit. the Lord takes no pleasure in anyone's death, so should they die? Repent and live. 

If we renounce our life's direction of sin and rebellion and turn to God, He will give us a new direction, a new love, and a new power to change. Determine to trust in God's power by faith to change you heart and mind. Then determine to live each day with Him in control. (Eph. 4:22-24) (Life Application Study Bible)

Dear one, have you had a change of heart, mind, and will? Jesus can give it to you when you come to Him by faith, repenting of your sins.

LET IT GO

What a loving and compassionate Savior You are, Sweet Jesus!

How longsuffering You are, waiting on us to repent and turn to You.

Help us be loving, compassionate, and longsuffering, too.