February 1, 2025 Daily Dose of Discernment

“… lust, murder, deceit, envy, slander … All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” (Mark 7:20-23)

The religious leaders of Jesus' time were excessively fussy about ritual and ceremony. They were extremely preoccupied with tithing the smallest seeds, ceremonial washings, and absurd observance of the Sabbath. But while being so, they neglected the weightier matters of the law which are what reflects true godliness.

That's why Jesus confronted them. God says He desires mercy, not sacrifice. While there is nothing wrong with being excellent in practices and procedures, He looks for people after His own heart. That's what we need to be instead of pietistic zealots.