Holy Tuesday

Holy Tuesday is commonly held as the last day Jesus taught in the temple. Jesus had just redirected (drove them out & condemned)  the businessmen operating in the courtyard and is now back teaching in that same space while constantly being challenged by the religious leaders trying to undermine His authority.

While Jesus is trying to teach lessons (authoritatively proclaiming the Kingdom, exposing hypocrisy, and pronouncing judgment) about the Kingdom of Heaven, the Pharisees and Sadducees focus on making Jesus stumble and the letter of the law (distorting & weaponizing the law), all while not being able to answer His questions to them. He knows what they are doing but takes the time to respond and engage before continuing His teaching.

To this example, we should remember that as Jesus taught us in Matthew 22:37-40, "... ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

I know too many brothers and sisters turned away from the Kingdom of God by the corruption of the spirit of hollow religion. While 2 Thessalonians 2:15 encourages us to hold to tradition (as apostolic tradition), man-made rules and embellishments steer the herd away from the loving arms of Christ, who willingly gave Himself to save sinners.

I encourage everyone in bearing witness to hold fast to Matthew 22:39 and allow it to become a part of your everyday life.

I love you, mean it.