Why Right Now?

Steven’s Scribbles
“Jesus' Responses”
Matt. 23
    
    Studying Jesus’ personal ministry has been of great benefit to my personal life and evangelism. While talking to brothers and sisters, they often seem flummoxed by how Jesus’ responses varied. The first thing that we must understand is that Jesus, being the Son of Man, “knew what was in man.” He had the ability to know what an individual was thinking and often would respond or teach a parable based on what the person was thinking (Luke 7:39-50). Besides that, Jesus dealt with individuals differently. In John 8:1-11, we see the Son of God deal gently with the woman caught in the very act of adultery. However, when one reads Matt. 23 it is clear that Jesus lambasts the scribes and pharisees. Why is this? I think the answer can be found in the parable of the slaves who were ready for their master in Luke 12:35-40. When explaining, with the continued parable, to Peter, Jesus says “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more” (Luke 12:48). The answer is simply. Jesus expected more from the Pharisees because they had been entrusted with more. They had become the evil shepherds that are described in Ezekiel 34. Those who claimed to have biblical knowledge, Jesus expected more from. This is quite reminiscent of what James said: “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, know that as such we will incur a stricter judgment” (James 3:1). We must be tactful and direct like the Lord was and continue to strive to know how "to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15). I love you all! 


In His service,
Steven Hugley