When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill him. But they were afraid of him because the people were so amazed at his teaching. Mark 11:15-16, 18 (NLT)
The religious leaders were focused on keeping rules. They even made rules about keeping the rules. They took God’s 10 Commandments (and other commandments from God) and made them such a burden to the people. They compelled people to carry the burden of man-made rules over the freedom that God offered. The important point is that there’s a difference between having a religion (keeping a bunch of rules) and a relationship with God. In this relationship, you are choosing to accept Jesus into your life and make Him Lord over your life.
The religious leaders knew the scriptures, but somehow missed that the scriptures pointed to Jesus. What about you?
Ask Yourself: Is Jesus the center of your faith or are you focused on things that won’t point you to Jesus?