Daily Devotional for Thursday, April 2

The Condemnation

“And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God,”  Luke 16:14, 15.  

Jesus had just finished teaching about faithfulness and stewardship, and now the Pharisees—described as covetous—responded with mockery. Their hearts were attached to wealth, prestige and outward appearances. They prided themselves on their religious status while inwardly clinging to greed and self-righteousness. Jesus confronted their hypocrisy with bold clarity: what is honored by men is often condemned by God. 

This passage exposes the danger of living for the approval of others rather than the approval of God. The Pharisees sought to justify themselves before men, crafting a public image of holiness while neglecting inward purity. But Jesus reminded them—and us—that God sees beyond the surface. He knows our hearts. He is not impressed by our titles, wealth or social standing. What matters to Him is truth, humility and righteousness from within. 

Jesus continued in verses 16–18 by pointing to the unchanging standard of God’s Law and its fulfillment in the kingdom. He highlighted the seriousness of obedience and integrity, even referencing the sacredness of marriage to emphasize how lightly God’s commands were being treated by many. The condemnation is not merely of a group of religious leaders, but of a heart condition that persists in every generation: the temptation to appear righteous while living in contradiction to God’s truth.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY 

God does not judge by appearance—He sees the heart. True righteousness is not performed for an audience but lived out in quiet obedience. Seek His approval above all.

Steven Ridings