Monday, December 29 | The Burden of Rule-Keeping
Day 1: The Burden of Rule-Keeping
Reading: Matthew 12:1-8
Devotional: The Pharisees had turned God's gift of rest into an oppressive burden. They measured holiness by their ability to keep countless rules, missing the heart of God entirely. We often do the same—creating spiritual checklists that leave us exhausted or prideful. God never intended religion to crush us under impossible standards or inflate us with self-righteousness. Jesus declares He is greater than the temple, greater than our religious performance. He doesn't want your exhausted striving; He wants your trust. Today, identify one area where you're trying to earn God's favor through performance. Confess your inability to be good enough and rest in Christ's finished work on your behalf.
Reading: Matthew 12:1-8
Devotional: The Pharisees had turned God's gift of rest into an oppressive burden. They measured holiness by their ability to keep countless rules, missing the heart of God entirely. We often do the same—creating spiritual checklists that leave us exhausted or prideful. God never intended religion to crush us under impossible standards or inflate us with self-righteousness. Jesus declares He is greater than the temple, greater than our religious performance. He doesn't want your exhausted striving; He wants your trust. Today, identify one area where you're trying to earn God's favor through performance. Confess your inability to be good enough and rest in Christ's finished work on your behalf.