“At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to Him, ‘Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.’ He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal” (Luke 13:31-32)

Two sets on words: words from the Pharisees and the words so firm by Jesus. There are words that men speak to us that may seem to be well intended and even truthful, but their words are contradictory to their motives. The Pharisees weren’t giving Jesus a noble advice. Instead, their desire was to see Him leave their towns. ‘‘Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” Jesus, however, knew their hearts. He spoke about them in Matthew 15:8-9 saying: “Frauds! Isaiah’s prophecy of you hit the bull’s-eye: These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn’t in it. They act like they’re worshiping Me, but they don’t mean it. They just use Me as a cover for teaching whatever suits their fancy.”

Jesus stayed on His goal despite their words. He was not moved, instead He affirmed His purpose with utmost certainty: “…and on the third day I will reach my goal.” And He did on the cross! John recounts the wisdom of Jesus towards the Pharisees: “But Jesus didn’t entrust His life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were. He didn’t need any help in seeing right through them.” Father, teach us not distracted, but to discern the thoughts of others and stay focused on Your purpose for us. Amen.

BeEncouraged❤️ Freely Received. Freely Share