Why Does Faith Feel Like a Burden? | Jesus on Religion and Grace

Does following God feel like a list of rules you can never live up to? Are you tired of trying to earn His approval? In Matthew 23, Jesus confronts religious hypocrisy and leaders who place heavy burdens on people. Randy explores the difference between trying to earn God’s love and receiving His grace, the pull of people’s approval, and why justice, mercy, and faithfulness matter more than looking spiritual. Jesus invites us to find rest in Him and live a faith that changes us from the inside out. Scripture: Matthew 23; Matthew 11:28–30 Speaker: Randy Kroening Series: Conversations with Jesus Clearwater Church Chapters 0:00 Conversations with Jesus 0:28 Welcome and Matthew 23 2:15 Religious leaders and heavy burdens 3:42 Martin Luther and discovering grace 7:24 Jesus offers rest 9:26 Living for people’s approval 11:45 Humility, titles, and servant leadership 14:00 Straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel 15:48 Jesus’ seven woes 17:20 Justice, mercy, and faithfulness 18:32 Clean on the outside, unchanged inside 20:57 The central warning in the seven woes 23:01 Jesus’ longing for Jerusalem 25:30 Serving without seeking recognition 28:14 Quietly blessing others 30:33 Response and closing prayer