Cups and Tombs

In Matthew 23:25-39, Jesus uses symbols from the surrounding culture to reproach the Pharisees. These sharp words will be his last to the Pharisees and constitute his final visit to the temple before he is crucified. Jesus minces no words to warn of the dangers of self justification and external religion. He warns them to turn their attention from external purity to internal purity and from external life to internal life. But even these difficult words come from his deep love and are meant to draw them to repentance. Finally, Jesus declares His great love for Jerusalem and yearns for their freedom and protection. But they would not listen. This moving passage calls across the centuries declaring Jesus's love and desire to be our refuge. Is Jesus a threat to you or a refuge?