DAILY TEXT, Today Sunday, November 5, 2023, This people approaches me only in words and honors me with lip service, but their heart is very far from me (Is. 29:13).

DAILY TEXT, From Sunday, November 5, 2023, This people approaches me only in word and honors me with lip service, but their heart is very far from me (Is. 29:13).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2023

Sunday, November 5

These people come to me only with words and honor me with lip service, but their hearts are far from me (Is. 29:13).

The followers of John the Baptist were surprised because Jesus' disciples did not fast. Jesus explained to them that they had no reason to fast while he was still alive (Matt. 9:14-17). Even so, the Pharisees and other enemies of Jesus condemned him because he did not follow their customs and traditions. They were furious when they saw him healing the sick on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6; John 9:16). Those self-righteous people on the one hand were proud that they kept the law of the Sabbath and on the other hand they had no problems doing business in the temple. They were outraged when Jesus condemned them for it (Matt. 21:12, 13, 15). And, when Jesus preached in the synagogue of Nazareth, those who heard him were filled with rage because he used some examples from Israel's history to denounce his selfishness and lack of faith (Luke 4:16, 25- 30). Many stumbled because Jesus did not do what they expected him to do (Matt. 11:16-19). w21.05 5, 6 paras. 13, 14.

What bothers many people about Jehovah's Witnesses?

Is the same thing happening today? Yes. Many people are upset because Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate traditions that go against what the Bible says, such as birthdays and Christmas. Others are angry because we do not participate in patriotic celebrations or follow funeral customs that go against the Word of God. These people may be sincere and believe that God accepts what they are doing. But if you choose to follow the traditions of this world rather than the clear teachings of the Bible, Jehovah will not give you his approval.​—Mark 7:7-9.

What should we do and what should we avoid? (Psalm 119:97, 113, 163-165).

What will help you not stumble? Cultivate a deep love for God's laws and principles (read Psalm 119:97, 113, 163-165). If he loves Jehovah, he will reject any tradition that displeases him. He will not allow anything to be above his love for Jehovah.

What did many people expect from the Messiah?

In Jesus' time, some wanted a change of government as soon as possible. They hoped that the Messiah would free them from the rule of the Roman Empire. But when they tried to make Jesus king, he refused (John 6:14, 15). Others, including priests, feared that Jesus would push for political change and the Romans would become angry and take away the power they had been given by religious leaders. Many Jews stumbled over all these political issues.

What prophecies about the Messiah did many Jews leave aside?

What does the Bible say? It is true that it was prophesied that the Messiah would fight in a war and win, but it was also prophesied that he first had to die for our sins (Is. 53:9, 12). So why did many have wrong expectations? Because they focused on the prophecies that spoke of immediate solutions to their problems and left aside all the others (John 6:26, 27).

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