There are two lessons to be shared from the above Gospel. The first is that Jesus faced adversity. Of course, we know that, as we see what transpired on Good Friday. But, often the image we have of Jesus is of one filled with joy, peace, and goodwill for all. You don’t get crucified when you get along with everyone! Just saying.
The image of Jesus that I believe is most compelling, and true to form, is one who sets his face toward Jerusalem, knowing Good Friday will come. Nothing, absolutely nothing, will stand in the way. Jesus comes to the earth not to win a popularity contest. He comes to win the world. Jesus comes to SAVE the world.
So, I believe that sometimes we need to get beyond the warm, fuzzy image of Jesus, and understand the adversity that he faced.
The second lesson I believe we can learn from this text is what I believe we shouldn’t conclude from this text. My concern is that we look at this text and conclude that there is one group of people responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion and death — those nasty Pharisees (because they’re not fair, you see!).
While it is very true that Jesus had run-ins with the Pharisees, to put the full blame on the Pharisees is to remove the guilt and shame of sin from us. Jesus didn’t simply die for the sins of the Pharisees. The sin of all the world is put to death on Jesus’ shoulders.
One of the things I missed the most the past three months was Holy Week; it was taken from us. Now mind you, we had
53 When he went outside, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be very hostile toward him and to cross-examine him about many things, 54 lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say.
Who was the guilty – Who brought this upon Thee?
Alas, my treason, Jesus, hath undone Thee.
‘Twas I, Lord, Jesus, I it was denied Thee!
Jesus taught that instead of looking for specks in our neighbor’s eye, we should look in the mirror and take care of the log jam that clouds our sight.
Okay, enough of making you feel miserable. Not my intent!
Know this: while we (and that WE is bigger than you could ever imagine) were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Thanks be to God!
Let us pray: