DAILY HOMILIES #chief priests

The chief priests asked Jesus who authorised him to cleanse the temple. They did not know they were talking to God. Does anyone need permission to clean their house? Jesus had performed several signs and wonders that only God could do, yet none of them convinced them that He was God; their hearts were hardened. If you are waiting for anyone to give you approval before doing what is right (what God has put into your heart to do), you will wait forever.

Like Herod, who killed all the male children born at the time for fear of a rival king, the Chief priests and Pharisees were shaken with fear. Speaking prophetically as High Priest, Caiaphas noted: “It is expedient for one man to die than for a whole nation to perish.” Little did Caiaphas know that he had just summarised the mission of Jesus Christ on earth – “The Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28).

As far back as the book of Numbers, Balaam had already prophesied about Jesus Christ. “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not nigh: a star shall come forth out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.” (Numbers 24:17)

Like Herod, who killed all the male children born at the time for fear of a rival king, the chief priests and Pharisees couldn’t stomach the idea of Jesus replacing them. Are there people I wish dead because they are far better than me (in school, business, career, church work, etc.)? Do I feel threatened by others’ progress?

Never forget that God sees everything. Nothing is hidden from him, not even the secret thoughts and intentions of our hearts. It is better to be good than to pretend to be good. People may be clapping for you thinking you are good but when the time comes, your evil deeds will be exposed.