The Weightier Matters of the Law

The Weightier Matters of the Law

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the other undone.” Matt. 23:23.

This was Jesus’ judgment concerning the religious leaders of those days; He pronounced a “Woe” over them. were hypocrites, and their manner of worship was incompatible with a proper relationship to God. All such things are Satan’s work. He conquers peoples’ hearts for himself, and his intention is to steal and to murder and to destroy. Then people are left with only their manner of worship and with God in opposition to them. What wretchedness that is!

What does Jesus say about the worshipers of our days? Jesus foresaw the future when He testified to the disciples: “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Matt. 7:22-23.

Here we see that history repeats itself. They were worshipers, and apparently very serious worshipers, but Jesus resisted them. He did not know them and asked them to depart from Him. These many worshipers were also deceived by Satan into following their lusts, despite the fact that they spoke prophetically and performed many powerful works in Jesus’ name.

What did Jesus say about them? He said that they practiced lawlessness! They spoke in Jesus’ name and performed many powerful deeds in Jesus’ name, but they did not live their life in Jesus’ name. This last thing should have been done and the other things should not have been left undone. So there was nothing wrong with them speaking and performing powerful works in Jesus’ name, but the bad thing was that they did not live a righteous life. If they had lived their life for Jesus Christ, the other works would have led to a perfect result; but because that was lacking, they had no reward for their work.

How can people who were converted to God end up so badly? They were deceived by Satan into living according to their lusts! The tempter acts according to this law: If I can only keep them from doing righteousness, from being merciful and faithful, they can preach all they want; I have them in my power anyway, even if they perform signs and wonders.

These signs shall follow those who believe, (Mark 16:17-18) that is, those who live the life of Christ. Signs will follow them just as surely as all necessary things will follow those who seek God’s kingdom first. Matt. 6:33.

Being crucified with Christ is the weightier matter of the gospel, and the rest will follow as a natural consequence. On the other hand, if a person seeks to speak prophetically and perform signs and wonders, considering it the most important thing, they will certainly be accepted by many people who will honor and esteem them. But the one who denies himself, takes up his cross and follows Jesus will be well received in God’s kingdom, and everything else will be added to him. This is weighty and is valued by God. Therefore seek it! And if you have a different view of the matter, repent and believe the truth; then the Lord will take the veil from your eyes so you can see the glory of the Lord with unveiled face. 2 Cor. 3:16, 18.