Shamed by Grace

32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."
34 But the Pharisees said, "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons."
Matthew 9:32-34

The Pharisees were shamed by grace, so to speak, in that Jesus was gaining the confidence and respect of their followers, not by being “religious” or by carrying out empty “religious” practices or traditions, but rather by letting His power and love flow through to the world. Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, brought sight to the blind, brought healing to the brokenhearted and eventually took evil and sin and separation from God head on by giving his very life in order that you and I could be free and could live forever in Him. Jesus’ ministry was a fly in the ointment to the power hungry, prideful Pharisees who knew a lot about God but never really knew him in a personal way. Heed Jesus’ example today and don’t ever forget that this Christianity thing is not about being religious or about obeying a list of do’s and don’ts in order to try to earn your way into Heaven. No, Christianity is about experiencing God in such an intimate way that His love will flow out of you onto others in order that they too could know Him and experience His love. Let your light shine today as you love others radically by reflecting the awesome love of our Savior who has redeemed you and set you free forever in Him!