Page 77 - The Story of Jesus2_Neat

and ceremonies of their religion to earn for

them salvation. Because of their zeal for these

ceremonies they thought themselves

righteous, and worthy of a place in God's

kingdom.

But their hopes were fixed on worldly

greatness. They longed for riches and power,

and these they expected as the reward for

their pretended piety.

They looked for the Messiah to set up His

kingdom on this earth, and to rule as a

mighty prince among men. Every worldly

blessing they hoped to receive at His coming.

Jesus knew that their hopes were to be

disappointed. He had come to teach them of

something far better than they had sought.

He had come to restore the true worship of

God. He was to bring in a pure heart religion,

that would manifest itself in a pure life and a

holy character.