People don't get it (and neither do I sometimes)

I was reading some passages in the gospel of Luke earlier, and I came across some statements made by people about Jesus that reminded just how narrow-minded we can be sometimes.

The first statement was made by a Pharisee in Luke 7:39. Jesus was a guest in this man's house and while they were enjoying a meal together, a woman "who was a sinner" came in and began to wash Jesus' feet with her hair, using her tears and fragrant oil to wipe them. This Pharisee was taken back by this and said, "This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching Him - a sinner!"

First of all, Jesus knew exactly what kind of woman this was. He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) so this is exactly the kind of person that Jesus would allow to touch Him. Second, it was rather arrogant of this Pharisee to think that his level of sin put him in a different category than this woman. One sin is enough to estrange us from God for all eternity, yet don't we sometimes still isolate those who are "more sinful" than us for fear that they will tarnish our sanctified shell?

The next statement is found in Luke 8:53. Jesus was on His way to the home of a synagogue leader to heal the man's daughter when they were stopped on the way with the report that the girl had already died. Jesus went on to the man's house anyway and told those who were there weeping and wailing that they should stop crying because the girl wasn't dead but only sleeping. That's when we read this: "They started laughing at Him, because they knew she was dead." Dude, these people were laughing at Jesus, the Savior of the world. What's up with that?

These people were the ones who were laughable. They had been hired to mourn and weep for dead people. Yes, in Jewish culture 2000 years ago people actually made money as professional wailers. They were getting paid to cry and yet they were laughing at Jesus?

It also says that they knew she was dead. How did they know she was dead? Was it because if they got a "call" then there must be a corpse? They laughed at Jesus because they thought they knew more than He did. How many times in my life have I not sought out His guidance and direction because I thought I had things figured out on my own? That is what is truly laughable.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

How wonderful it is of our depraved little minds to think we know more than our creator.

SDG

Mischa said...

hi sterling, so glad to find you and see your cool beautiful family.

Also, wanted to let you know of the 20 yr. reunion coming up for RJR it is Oct. 3/4 in Winston.

Glad to see you on the computer anyway! saw Parrish recently in Raleigh.
Take Care, Mischa Mangum

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