Hillsong South Africa's Podcast

Jesus challenges the Pharisees' rigid traditions, teaching that His message brings a new way of thinking that cannot be contained within old religious structures (Luke 5:33-39). He demonstrates this by healing a paralyzed man, welcoming sinners like Levi, and restoring a man’s withered hand, revealing that forgiveness heals, includes, and empowers (Luke 5-6). The Pharisees, blinded by pride and legalism, resist this change, but Jesus shows that true faith requires humility, repentance, and surrender. Just as some Pharisees, like Nicodemus and Paul, ultimately embraced Christ, we too must confront our own self-righteousness and allow Jesus to transform us.