Last week we were reading about the two sons; one did his father’s work, the other did not (Mt 21:28-31). The church rulers were incensed at Jesus’ story because he made it clear that the repented tax collectors (people they despised) and the repented prostitutes (people they abhorred) would enter the kingdom of God but they would not (Mt 21:45-46).
How could Jesus say such things against them? They were the ones who performed the animal sacrifices which God himself had required. They were the ones appointed to represent God to the people and the people to God. They believed, if anyone was holy, it was them.
They had forgotten what Samuel said to Saul, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22).
God does not look at our service. He looks at our heart (1 Samuel 16:7)
