12 Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began TO SPEAK FIRST to his disciples, saying: ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, WHICH IS HYPOCRISY. Luke 12:1
Jesus was surrounded by large crowds, thousands of people and they weren’t always orderly, trampling on each other. Yet He still spoke to them the message of the Kingdom. Jesus never intended to build on the religious traditions of His day, He brought something from Heaven to earth that was completely new. Could we be living in such a time today when many existing religious structures and secular edifices are about to be overturned?
The crowds were a constant in His life, so much need and so many spiritually hungry people, who were drawn to the Truth. Even in the midst of clamouring crowds Jesus spoke first to His disciples. Those who walked with Him and shared His life were His priority. He made a distinction between casual onlookers who were present for a short time and those who walked with Him day by day. He spoke to the disciples (those under discipline) first and shared deeper truths with them.
On this occasion He warned His disciples to be on guard against those who pretended to be religious but were really hypocrites. (False Faces, from Greek theatre).
15 ‘Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognise them.
22 Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” 23 Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Matthew 7
Jesus identified these people as ‘Ferocious wolves’, people who appeared righteous on the outside but inwardly they would cause much pain and distress to His flock. It’s noteworthy that some of them would prophesy, drive out demons and perform miracles, all power gifts, however their true nature was vicious.
29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. Acts 20
Both Jesus and Paul in the midst of powerful manifestations of the power of God warned their followers to be on guard against deception within the body. We should still be thankful for all the good things God does for His people, but realise that our enemies are ever seeking to infiltrate our presence.
May the Lord bless and keep us today, Immanuel, God is with us.
Today is the second solar eclipse across America, a significant sign in the heavens. May God bless and protect the peoples of this earth today. Amen