Not Religion: Jesus

 When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” Matthew 26:1-2 NLT

People love to be connected to powerful individuals. When someone is important, people love to say that they know them and are know by them. There are benefits when you are connected to someone important. Just a little while ago, the disciples watched with pride as the crowd greeted Jesus with adoration and worship. Today He was speaking to them about what would happen next. He was preparing His disciples for His death. Life as they knew it was about to change.

There were many religious individuals who had a problem with Jesus. You would think someone whose life had a positive impact in the community would bring joy to the hearts of the religious leaders. These religious leaders were about power and control; Jesus was concerned about the hearts and lives of the people He met. So to maintain their power, they believed that it was necessary for this Jesus to die. There was just one problem; the people loved Him. How to you destroy a man of compassion who was responsive to the needs of the people? Verses 3-4 says this, ”At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him.”

The leaders were determined to regain the control they lost by any means necessary. They made a decision to take Jesus’ life to regain control of the people. Like these leaders, religion will kill you. Religion demands righteousness by works. No man can keep these laws but if you submit yourself to these rules, then religion controls you. The religious leaders thought they were victorious when Jesus died; they didn’t understand that His death sets you free.

Thought for Today: Friend, religion binds you but Jesus sets you free.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.