ECWA Devotion for Sunday 8 February 2026

SUNDAY, 8 FEBRUARY

TEXT: MATTHEW 23:13–14

TOPIC: DON’T PLACE BARRIERS IN PEOPLE’S LIVES

 

MATTHEW 23:13–14 NIV&KJV

 

13: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.

 

14: KJV: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

 

DON’T PLACE BARRIERS IN PEOPLE’S LIVES

 

This passage shows Jesus issuing a sobering warning to the religious leaders of His day.

 

These verses highlight the danger of spiritual hypocrisy—professing godliness while hindering others from truly encountering God.

 

The scribes and Pharisees were entrusted with guiding the people in righteousness, yet their legalism and self-interest obstructed access to God’s grace.

 

As believers, we are called to reflect Christ’s love and truth, not just in words, but through authentic living.

 

This passage challenges us to examine our hearts: Are we drawing others to Christ, or are we placing barriers in their way?

 

May we remain humble, transparent, and focused on pointing others to the open invitation of God’s kingdom.

 

Let our lives be testimonies of grace, not judgment—bridges to Christ, not walls that divide.

 

QUESTION: Are you drawing others to Christ, or placing barriers in their way?

 

PRAYER: Lord, help me live with sincerity and grace, always pointing others to You. Amen.

EVANGELICAL CHURCH WINNING ALL (ECWA) FOOD FOR THE DAY 2026.