Not Those Nasty Pharisees

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 

Luke 11:53-12:3 
 

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.

 

12 Meanwhile, when the crowd gathered by the thousands, so that they trampled on one another, he began to speak first to his disciples, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, that is, their hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed from the housetops.
 
enough brokenness to focus on at that time. Even so, the journey to the cross and the reminder of my own brokenness — I invite you to consider your own brokenness as well — were lost.
 
The hymn “Ah, Holy Jesus,” which we often sing on Good Friday, reminds us and reminds me that putting the blame of Jesus’ suffering and dying on the cross on someone else is sin at its very core.
 
 

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!

I crucified 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:

Almighty and Ever-living God, Forgive us, forgive ME for being quick to judge others, and slow to admit my own sinfulness and guilt. Thank you for your Son, who comes to save us all. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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