Tough Love
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mt%2023&version=RSV
Reading about the woes JESUS proclaims in Matthew 23 can make HIM seem harsh. Basically it can sound like HE only loves the down-and-outers and it's too late for the scribes and Pharisees. But while yes, it can be read that way, and yes, JESUS has every right to judge and condemn sinners, HIS heart was breaking for them. Here it is, days before HE's crucified, and these are the words HE chooses to basically be the last the scribes and Pharisees hear from HIM. HE's not just proclaiming woes, HE's instructing them: "16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If any one swears by the temple, it is nothing; but if any one swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ 17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? 18 And you say, ‘If any one swears by the altar, it is nothing; but if any one swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’ 19 You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred?" [italics mine] Yes, HE's calling them dimwits who are on the road to hell, but HE's showing them the mistakes they're making and telling them what the true way is. No, HE's not pulling any punches, but that's because they're thick-headed and this is their last chance to hear what HE has to say. Either HE breaks them or satan does; they have a choice and HE wants them to make the right one. And so far they haven't listened to HIM. HE wants them gathered unto HIM (vs.37), but they refuse.
It's interesting, too, how JESUS words it in verse 37: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem..." The "O" obviously shows intense feeling, an ache. But there's also the fact that HE said, "Jerusalem" twice. Only two other times in HIS earthly ministry does JESUS use a name twice; in Luke 10 when speaking to Martha about the 'one needful thing', and in Luke 22 when speaking to Peter about his return after his denial of HIM. These are two of HIS closest friends. These are two situations in which it is vital that they listen to HIM. They are also moments of absolute tenderness. In saying "Jerusalem" twice, CHRIST is showing that it's vital that these people listen, vital that they know that HIS great desire is for them to repent and for HIM to be able to hold them in HIS arms. HE's showing them how much he cares for them.
The woes JESUS proclaims to the scribes and Pharisees are not a condemnation. They are a final call to repentance, a final call to those HE loves.
Reading about the woes JESUS proclaims in Matthew 23 can make HIM seem harsh. Basically it can sound like HE only loves the down-and-outers and it's too late for the scribes and Pharisees. But while yes, it can be read that way, and yes, JESUS has every right to judge and condemn sinners, HIS heart was breaking for them. Here it is, days before HE's crucified, and these are the words HE chooses to basically be the last the scribes and Pharisees hear from HIM. HE's not just proclaiming woes, HE's instructing them: "16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If any one swears by the temple, it is nothing; but if any one swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ 17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? 18 And you say, ‘If any one swears by the altar, it is nothing; but if any one swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’ 19 You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred?" [italics mine] Yes, HE's calling them dimwits who are on the road to hell, but HE's showing them the mistakes they're making and telling them what the true way is. No, HE's not pulling any punches, but that's because they're thick-headed and this is their last chance to hear what HE has to say. Either HE breaks them or satan does; they have a choice and HE wants them to make the right one. And so far they haven't listened to HIM. HE wants them gathered unto HIM (vs.37), but they refuse.
It's interesting, too, how JESUS words it in verse 37: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem..." The "O" obviously shows intense feeling, an ache. But there's also the fact that HE said, "Jerusalem" twice. Only two other times in HIS earthly ministry does JESUS use a name twice; in Luke 10 when speaking to Martha about the 'one needful thing', and in Luke 22 when speaking to Peter about his return after his denial of HIM. These are two of HIS closest friends. These are two situations in which it is vital that they listen to HIM. They are also moments of absolute tenderness. In saying "Jerusalem" twice, CHRIST is showing that it's vital that these people listen, vital that they know that HIS great desire is for them to repent and for HIM to be able to hold them in HIS arms. HE's showing them how much he cares for them.
The woes JESUS proclaims to the scribes and Pharisees are not a condemnation. They are a final call to repentance, a final call to those HE loves.
posted by melilotnfosco | 2:43 PM
3 Comments:
:)
You could write devotionals. :) Or maybe you've already mentioned that, I think you have.
i haven't, but it is a thought
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