Don’t you just love it when someone gives you the “heads-up?” It helps you know what’s coming – and what to do next. Yes, we really like a “heads-up.” So, it’s even more valuable when the heads-up comes from Jesus. He’s always giving helpful information, insights, a peek into the future, and – yes – thankfully – warnings. Let’s explore how these timely messages are a life-saver. And while we’re at it – let’s figure out what a “woe” is!

So, What Is A Woe?

Let’s start with – what is a woe?

In order to benefit from the “heads-up” Jesus gives, we need to know what a woe is. Afterall, it’s a word Jesus uses.

Concerning “woe.” I’m sure you’re figuring out (I hope) that we’re not talking about getting a horse to stop. “Woah.” Rather, we’re talking about a word that alerts you to avoid something. Look out!

So, what is a woe? Some dictionaries give these definitions:

• Profound grief or distress
• Affliction or cause of distress

 

Woe In Scripture

So, what do you think of when you hear the word “woe?” Maybe Shakespeare? Some other playwright? Well, you wouldn’t be wrong. However, the word “woe” is more commonly used in Scripture than anywhere else. It expresses deep emotion and trouble.

Did you know all these Scripture authors talk about woe?

1. Moses
2. Job
3. David
4. Solomon
5. Isaiah
6. Hosea
7. Jeremiah
8. Ezekiel
9. Amos
10. Micah
11. Nahum
12. Habakkuk
13. Zephaniah
14. Zachariah
15. Jesus
16. Paul
17. Jude
18. John

 

That’s a lot of guys talking about woe!

In today’s content, we explore that Jesus’ helpful heads-up comes in the form of “woes.” Incidentally, every one of Jesus’ timely warnings enables you to live an Alive and Active Life. So, that’s good. Each provides necessary information, qualities, boundaries, and – thankfully – warnings to live a healthy life.

The “Mother-load“

Well, with the definitions we mentioned of woe, you have to admit something. One woe would be bad enough. Overwhelmingly, seven woes would be the “mother-load!” Even so, Jesus knows He must address certain things head-on. So, He brings the “mother-load” – all seven woes – into the open. However, I believe He does this with a broken heart.

Interestingly, this confrontation happens on the steps of the temple. For many months, Jesus pivots and maneuvers with the Pharisees – ever-so-creatively – when they continually pick and poke at Him. And, all the while, Jesus never compromises God’s character, message, and gracious love.

So, you can know when Jesus delivers seven woes all at once, we can be sure it’s absolutely necessary to address the deceived, twisted, distorted “state of heart” the Pharisees have. Yet, despite how warped they had become – He loves them so much. These are Israel’s leaders.

Heads Up From Jesus – With Compassion

Interestingly, Jesus delivers these “woes” with great compassion – and as I already suggested – likely with a broken heart. Essentially, He’s giving a heads-up about the state of the human heart. Plus, He directly zeroes-in on the leaders of that time.

Consider with me.

Here are leaders of God’s people. Yet, they are more wicked in the privacy of their hearts than the people they’re supposed to lead and help. In fact, their role is intended to be – “servant of the people.” Essentially, their leadership is to be identified and modeled after Jesus’ servant leadership.

Actually, this confrontation on the temple steps, strategically, is a battle tactic, not really with the Pharisees, per se. Rather, Jesus “goes a round” with God’s adversary. Although, it includes anyone who prefers the enemy’s approach to living and leading.

Jesus speaks clearly about the wrong approach that sometimes filters into God’s people, and sadly, too often – their leaders! Matter of fact, in some cases, these unhealthy patterns and problems prosper in religious circles.

Incidentally, Israel’s leaders aren’t operating in God’s reality in this story. Remarkably, they side with the “father of lies.” Unthinkable! Instead of being compassionate shepherds and guides to God’s people, they are hard on people. Matter of fact, instead of providing the genuine heads-up everyone needs, they strut around with their made-up rules. Then, they add frivolous burdens onto peoples’ lives. Additionally, these guys pounce on those who need help.

Seriously, they should be godly role models to follow. Sadly, they’re an example of what not to do. And, they certainly don’t offer hope.

Jesus’ Heads-Up

Now, it’s time to consider Jesus’ warnings. Those “woes.” So, let’s look at the seven warnings Jesus gives in Mt. 23:13-36. It’s pretty sobering. Consequently, as we look at these woes, we should humbly look into our own hearts. This “mother-load” of woes is a serious message of what to avoid.

1. Woe to you when you shut your heart to what you need to grow. And then influence others to do the same. So, be open and receptive.
2. Woe to you when you work to make others believe your ideas rather than what God thinks is important. So, be faithful and truthful.
3. Woe to you when you value God’s gifts over the Giver. Truly, Jesus is the Giver – AND the greatest Gift of all gifts. So, value Jesus above everything else.
4. Woe to you when you do things for show rather than doing from the heart. Cherish justice, mercy, faithfulness. So, be humble and repentant every day.
5. Woe to you when you have selfish motives (greed, self-indulgence) but aren’t honest, kind, and loving. So, be authentic. Be kind in your dealings with others.
6. Woe to you when you try to look alive, but inside you are dead. Instead, trust and obey Jesus from your heart. Then you are truly alive.
7. Woe to you when you work against God’s chosen helpers in your life. Instead, be open to His representatives. Welcome them as His investment in your life.

 

Heads-Up To Avoid Woes

Those are the woes. But to avoid those woes, it’s critical to ask God for help. We’re going to look at eight things you can ask God to help you with. Then, we’re going to explore how you can partner with Him in each request. Here we go.

Ask God to:

1. Tear down unhealthy strongholds entrenched in your life. Learn to identify and fight the right enemy.
2. Examine your heart with a surgical eye. Be painfully honestly about your motives and agenda. Be clear-eyed about what needs to change.
3. Save you from evil influence and patterns. Humbly stay in Christ and follow His model.
4. Bring you into deeper fellowship with Jesus. This only happens as you let go of absolutely everything and prefer Jesus as your “Number One.” This choice affects your priorities, affections, and pursuits.
5. Transform your spirit and character to match Christ’s.
   • First, identify anything not pleasing to God.
   • Then, confess those things as sin, and give them up.
   • Next, practice the character of Jesus in every daily detail.
   • Finally, ask God to change you to be like Jesus. Ask Him for power to make godly decisions.
6. Open your eyes, ears, heart, and mind to His way of thinking. This means giving up your own way of thinking.
7. Heal a seared conscience. A conscience heals by a miracle – so ask God for this miracle. Additionally, a conscience only stays healthy by practicing God’s principles each day.
8. Help you better manage your heart and relationships –
   • First, identify where there’s a barrier with God or someone else.
   • Then, if you’ve been wronged, forgive (and perhaps confront) the offending party.
   • Consider what boundaries to put into place to prevent future trespass against you or someone you are responsible for.
   • Also, if you’ve wronged someone, admit it, and ask for their forgiveness.
   • Finally – ask God to heal your heart and the other person’s heart. And move forward. Don’t spin your wheels in the past.

 

Why Take Advantage of Jesus’ Heads-Up?

People sometimes struggle with feeling forced to obey certain mandates. Instead, they want to “be free” to choose their response. Well, this kind of freedom can be good or bad. It all depends on where you heart is. Eager surrender to God and His ways shows your heart is where it should be.

Why is there such defensiveness and resistance to God’s thoughtful “heads-up” about living healthy?

It seems to me people don’t fully trust God’s intentions toward them. Somehow, He’s going to cheat them out of something. He doesn’t really care about them. Or, they simply don’t believe Him.

Well, those perspectives are extremely limiting and debilitating. So, now we need to talk about perspective.

Consider Perspective

Have you ever gotten the wrong idea about a person? Then, later you realize how inaccurate you are. Your perspective shifts. That person is admirable, kind, compassionate. They may understand the world better than others. This perspective shift takes place in you.

Well, the same can be true concerning ideas about God. So many conclusions about Him are simply inaccurate. He’s different than most people assume. Plus, He’s admirable, kind, compassionate – even glorious – with a great heart. And, He understands the state of the world.

Perspective matters. And . . . maybe you should listen to His “heads-up.” His woes.

Application Thoughts And Questions

1. Which of the woes applies to you? Review the list of woes.
2. Are you being clear-eyed about things you need to change?
3. Is Jesus your “Number One?”
4. Do you need a better perspective about others or God?

 

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