Matthew 23:24 “You strain out a gnat, yet gulp down a camel!”

In one of Jesus’ most scorching declamations (found in chapter 23 of Matthew), Jesus uses language that seems exaggerated and excessive.  He tells the pharisees that before they drink, they “strain out a gnat, yet gulp down a camel.”  He goes on to call them hypocrites, whitewashed tombs, dirty cups, brood of vipers and more.  Why such strong language?  Because the pharisees didn’t get it.  They really did think that they were all about the Kingdom.  They really thought that their piety and self-righteousness would usher in the Kingdom of God.  If everyone else could be like them, then God would send the Messiah to save them.  What they didn’t see was that Jesus, the Messiah, was standing right before them.   They got so bogged down in the minute details, that they missed the big picture of God’s story for them.

What’s bogging you down?  What details are you focusing on, yet missing the big picture of what God wants to do through you?  Are you being critical of what you see in others?  Are you quick to judge others while missing out on the sin in your own life?

Let’s all pray that we do not become like the Pharisees that Jesus spoke his harshest words in Scripture against.