DAILY TEXT, From today Sunday January 1, 2023, Blind guides are what they are (Mat. 15:14).

DAILY TEXT, Sunday January 1,  Blind guides are what they are (Matt. 15:14).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Sunday January 1

Blind guides is what they are (Matt. 15:14).

Without any fear, Jesus denounced what the religious leaders of his time were doing. For example, he called the Pharisees hypocrites because they were more concerned with washing their hands than caring for their parents (Matt. 15:1-11). Although the religious leaders were enraged with him, he did not stop telling the truth. He also denounced the false teachings. And he did not say that God accepts all religious beliefs. Rather, he said that many would go the broad road that leads to destruction, while only a few would go the narrow road that leads to life (Matt. 7:13, 14). He made it clear that some would claim to serve God, but in reality they would not. Therefore, he gave this warning: “Beware of false prophets, who approach you in sheep's clothing but inside are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:15-20). w21. 05 9 paras. 7, 8.

Why does what we teach cause many people to stumble?

Does the same happen today? Yes. Many people stumble because what we teach from the Bible exposes false religious ideas. Religious leaders teach people that God punishes the wicked in hell, and thus they have them under their control. Those of us who serve Jehovah, a God of love, denounce this false teaching. Religions also teach that the soul is immortal. If this were true, the resurrection would not be necessary. But we teach that this is not a biblical belief. On the other hand, unlike many religions that believe in predestination, we teach that we all have freedom of choice and can decide if we will serve God. How do religious leaders react? They often get angry.

Why did the way Jesus died cause many Jews to stumble?

What was another reason the Jews of Jesus' day stumbled? Paul said: "We preach Christ executed on the tree, something that to the Jews is an obstacle" (1 Cor. 1:23; note). Why was it a stumbling block for them? Because they thought that the fact that Jesus died on a tree was more like a criminal and a sinner than the Messiah (Deut. 21:22, 23).

What did those who rejected Jesus refuse to acknowledge?

The Jews who rejected Jesus did not want to acknowledge that he was innocent, that he was the victim of false accusations and that he was treated unfairly. The trial of Jesus was a farce. The Jewish supreme court was hastily assembled and disregarded legal procedures (Luke 22:54; John 18:24). Instead of impartially hearing the charges and evidence, the judges themselves sought “some false testimony against Jesus so that they put him to death.” Since that didn't work, the high priest tried to get Jesus to say something that would make him guilty. This was totally illegal (Matt. 26:59; Mark 14:55-64). And, after Jesus was resurrected, these corrupt judges paid “a good amount of silver coins” to the Roman soldiers guarding his tomb to tell a lie to explain why it was empty (Matt. 28:11- fifteen).

What was prophesied regarding the death of the Messiah?

What does the Bible say? Although many Jews of Jesus' day did not expect the Messiah to die, let's see what was already prophesied: “he poured out his life unto death and was numbered among sinners; he bore the sins of many people, and for sinners he interceded ”(Is. 53:12). So the execution of Jesus as a sinner gave the Jews no reason to stumble.

What accusations made against Jehovah's Witnesses have caused some to stumble?

Does the same happen today? Undoubtedly. Like Jesus, Jehovah's Witnesses have been wrongfully accused and convicted. Let's see some examples. In America, during the 1930s and 1940s, we had to go to court over and over again to defend our right to worship God in freedom. Some judges openly demonstrated that they were biased against us. In Quebec, Canada, Church and State joined forces to oppose our work. Many publishers were imprisoned just for telling others about the Kingdom of God. In Germany, many young faithful were killed by the Nazi regime. And, in recent years, many brothers in Russia have been convicted and imprisoned for speaking about the Bible, something the authorities consider to be extremist activity.

As 1 John 4:1 shows, why should we not be fooled by the lies told about Jehovah's servants?

What will help you not to stumble? Research the facts. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned that some people would lie and say “all kinds of bad things” about his disciples (Matt. 5:11). All those lies come from Satan. He sees to it that our enemies spread slander over those of us who love the truth (Rev. 12:9, 10). He rejects those lies and never allows them to frighten him or weaken his faith (read 1 John 4:1).

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