Jesus shows us the real character of the Creator of the universe. The Pharisees hated Jesus always bent the rules in the name of God. Harvesting crops on the Sabbath, healing the sick on the Sabbath, etc. They disliked it some much that they plotted to kill him. Think about that disconnect. They accuse him of breaking Sabbath laws, yet the religious elite was willing to murder Jesus for breaking the rules. God loves all of creation, and God’s love always dominates in the kingdom. God does what God does, and God will always do what God does.
If God cared only about religious activities, then the Pharisees would have been heroes of the faith. ~ Francis Chan
Legalism has no place in the kingdom. The double commandment is straight forward, love God and neighbor. If you live a life of love and service, you complete the will of God; nothing more is required. If you love even your enemies, you would never plot to kill them for not following spiritual disciplines. As kingdom people, we have to spiritually mature to a dimension of loving everyone, even our enemies.
Jesus expressed intense anger toward those who were immoral, such as the self-righteous Pharisees, but he never suggested that they were demonized. Toward the demonized, however, he never expressed anger; instead, he exhibited only compassion. As Langton notes, “Pity rather than anger characterizes the attitude of Jesus toward the possessed…He treats them as if they were the victims of an involuntary possession.” Indeed, he treats them as though they are casualties of war. For, in his view, this is precisely what they are. ~ Gregory A. Boyd
Scripture Readings
Reflection Questions
- What did you take from today’s reflection and scripture readings today?
- What kinds of legalism have you been handcuffed by?
- How can legalism kill a movement?
- Why did the Pharisees hate Jesus so much?
- Why does love fulfill all of the law?
- In what ways can the kingdom learn from the Pharisees?
Prayer
God, thank you for showing us Your true self through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior. Please remove any Pharissical tendencies I may possess and help me thrive in carrying out and service in all of my affairs. In Your Spirit, and Name. Amen
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