Encouragement for Today

April 15, 2025 The Way of Righteousness ALICE MATAGORA Lee en español

“For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.” Matthew 21:32 (NIV)

Editor’s Note: Today’s devotion is part of our Holy Week series! Journey with us as we experience the power of Jesus’ love, remember His sacrifice, and walk in the victory of His resurrection. We pray this series prepares your heart for the joy of Easter. Subscribe now.

Sometimes I wonder … Would I recognize the way of righteousness, Jesus Himself, if He walked among us today? Or would I lean on my own understanding and miss Him as the religious elite, the Pharisees, did long ago?

“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John [the Baptist] came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him’” (Matthew 21:31c-32, NIV).

Surely Jesus had to be kidding, right? Tax collectors and prostitutes entering the Kingdom of God ahead of the Pharisees?

The lowliest outcasts of society could never rival those who prided themselves in their rigid following of pious tradition and God’s laws. Everyone knew it. The outcasts knew it. But perhaps that was the difference — in their lowly state, they knew they needed a Savior. And they were the first to recognize Him when Jesus came along.

I hate to admit it, but I can easily become like the Pharisees. I can look down with judgment even on other Christians and think my sin isn’t as bad (or as obvious). I can puff myself up with the knowledge of God and miss the very movements of His Kingdom all around me. I can fool myself into thinking I have it all together and miss “the way of righteousness” (Matthew 21:32) — the gospel that says I am saved by grace through faith, not because of any righteousness I can muster up on my own (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Praise be to God that even when we think we have it all figured out on our own, God gently (though sometimes jarringly!) reminds us of our need for Him. He speaks through His Word, through His Spirit, through our circumstances, through the gracious and truthful words of friends in Christ. God loves us too much to allow us to continue on our paths of self-righteousness or to let us miss out on His Kingdom.

As we walk through the events of Holy Week and approach Easter Sunday, may we be reminded of our lowly state and need for a Savior. May our hearts be postured to celebrate the good news that Jesus Christ defeated death when He went to the cross and rose from the grave — all so we may experience new life in Him.

God, we confess the ways we can be like the Pharisees and believe we have it all figured out on our own. Keep our eyes open to the way of righteousness found in Christ alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Nothing hurts like a broken heart. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, rejected or betrayed, you know that pain all too well. But here’s the part that might surprise you: God has felt that hurt too. In the book of Hosea, we see a God who’s brokenhearted over His people turning away — but He doesn’t stop there. He keeps pursuing them. He keeps chasing after their hearts. That’s the message of our upcoming study: Unconditional: A Study of God’s Never-Ending Love for Us Through the Book of Hosea. If you’re ready to experience a love that never quits, order your study guide today and join us! This isn’t just another study — it’s a chance to feel God’s unwavering pursuit of you in the most personal way. Don’t miss it!

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (NIV).

To read more about what happened on this day of Holy Week, read Matthew 21:23-46.

As you approach Easter Sunday, what is the current state of your heart? Are you priding yourself on your good works? Are you aware of your brokenness, yet you feel too far gone to accept the gift of God’s grace? Are you grateful to receive the gift of righteousness found in Christ alone?

What is one thing you can do today to prepare your heart to celebrate the risen King?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

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