For which is greater, the gold or the sanctuary that has made the gold sacred? For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred?

For which is greater, the gold or the sanctuary that has made the gold sacred? For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? (Matthew 23"17-19)

Jesus is attacking the heart of the problem with the religion of His day. The Pharisee had pretty much bent tradition and law to suit them and not God. Swearing by things other than God had become acceptable, and one of things they swore by was the sanctuary and the altar in the sanctuary; but they were leaving out God. This question: For which is greater, the gold or the sanctuary that has made the gold sacred? For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? is a call back to God and away from tradition and acceptance without question of the sacred in their lives.

You and I are continually asked by God to return back to Him; for in God is where the real power lies.

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