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Straining Out Gnats and Swallowing Camels

Matthew 23:23-24

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“Woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You give a tenth of mint, dill, and cumin, yet you neglect what is more important in the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness! You should have done these things without neglecting the others. Blind guides! You strain out a gnat yet swallow a camel!

Matthew 23:23-24 NET

The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were committed to the strict observance of the Torah. We see one example of that in this passage. In the Torah, they were instructed to tithe from the produce of their fields, orchards, and vineyards. But they had taken that to an extreme, tithing even the herbs from their gardens.

Jesus did not condemn them for that and even encouraged it. But he did condemn them for what they had failed to do. Jesus’ words here are reminiscent of Micah 6:6-8. What does God want from us? Will sacrifice and offering please him? No! God desires us to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God” (Mic. 6:8b).

Jesus concluded by painting a ridiculous picture to illustrate what the Pharisees and experts in the law were doing. Gnats and camels were both unclean—they were not to be eaten. These men who were so picky about observing the Torah would strain out gnats from their wine before drinking it so as not to break the Torah. Yet, they were metaphorically swallowing a camel by neglecting the more important matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

How often today are we, like the Pharisees, hung up on our interpretations of the Scripture (straining out gnats) while failing to love the Lord our God and our brothers and sisters in the Lord (swallowing a camel)? The study of God’s inspired and authoritative word is important and should not be neglected. But more important than perfect doctrine is honoring God with our lives.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:12-14 NIV

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Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

2 thoughts on “Straining Out Gnats and Swallowing Camels – Matthew 23:23-24”

  1. I love it
    This title : A Clay Jar
    Colossians 3:12 just nails it !

    Where has the focus gone with Christians ?
    Did everyone just toss love ❤️ out ?
    As a fellow busted broken flimsy crown beloved servant who falls in deeper love with our Jesus daily ? I just am baffled today !!!

    No judgement ? Just bewildered ?
    Everyone is on a tirade and in a political frenzy! That’s just one area.

    I have morning devotions and meet my Jesus so sweet and full of gracious love and peace beyond understanding — oh but to venture out into public — it’s a minefield and war zone I’ve never seen in my short 67 years.

    I love reading anything by
    Sarah Young : JESUS CALLING
    along with scripture.
    Yes, I have a reformed bent — no doubt it’s a sovereign Lord who fashioned me that way in my soul.

    Yet, many other various tensions in other ways probably outside that ( even at times rigid ) circle.

    Anyway rambling but how awesome
    “ The Armchair Theologian “

    Let’s rejoice our names are written in the Book of Life — Hallelujah Ed !!!

    Reply

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