The tone of Jesus' words in today's reading is very different than in the previous 22 chapters. I was hoping that one thing might resonate within my heart to discuss, but what struck me was his tone. Jesus uses the harshest language we ever see recorded in this chapter. He issues the sternest of all warnings, "Woe to you" which might as well have been "You're hopeless." He doesn't just do it once, either, or twice. He throws it out seven times. That little vein on the side of his forehead was probably pumping. This is not the meek Jesus, whose picture hung on my grandmother's wall. This is not the new age Jesus that is just simply a model for love and compassion and wants to help you discover the god within. He's pissed. He's got something to say to some people and it seems to have been brewing for a long time. 33 years or thousands of years?
In this chapter, the things of importance exude out of Jesus as he administers his exhortations. I see seven things that matter to Jesus. What do you see?
1. Humanity - ALL people are loved by God and need Jesus as their Savior (13)
2. Freedom - Legalism has no place in the way of Jesus (15)
3. Honesty - A promise is a promise (16)
4. Fairness/Compassion/Commitment - keep sight on the important things and quit nitpicking (23)
5. Temperance - Greed and gluttony are a distraction on our journey with Jesus (25)
6. Inside over Outside - It's the heart of a person that matters (27)
7. Live in the Now, not the Yesterday - Quit comparing yourself to the past. We all have our issues and our opportunities (28)
Jesus is addressing the Pharisees - the religious leaders of the day. It's easy for me to sit here and say, "Yeah! Give it to 'em good Jesus!" When I do, however, it only takes a second to realize that his words are as real to me today as they were to them. There isn't much difference between them and me. Pastors, priests and ministers all face the same issues that bogged down the Pharisees. I think the biggest difference between me and the Pharisees is that I realize I need Jesus. I know that I cannot make it on my own. I know that apart from His grace and mercy, I will show none to others.
Jesus' offer to life and love is for all of us. We must all embrace the way of Jesus, not just make it look like we do. What hit you today? Was it something specific or general like me? Are you still with us? The weekend is coming and the story's really gettin' good.
I'm gonna go back to what I said a few chapters ago. This is not really a Jesus that I know. Although it is a Jesus I'm getting excited to know. I do think I have encountered Him in my life and just not realized it. He seems a lot more authoritative to me in this chapter than impatient or pissed off. I think in this chapter He is starting to really make it clear that His way is the only way. And that I'm a fool if I think I can do it (life, whatever) without him.
ReplyDeleteI guess when you ARE the Truth, you can be pretty authoritative, eh? I think that Jesus' defense of the defenseless and his aggressive approach with the religious leaders was enduring to a lot of people. They had felt the oppression of the Pharisees and Saduccees to the point of almost giving up on the whole thing, but the comes Jesus who offers another way and then stands up for them. I can see why people liked him and wanted to be around him. I hope that the people around me can see some of that too.
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