One of the experts in the law answered him, "Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also.”
Sometimes the truth hurts, doesn’t it? Why is that?
Usually because we find ourselves on the wrong side of it!
Here the experts in religion understand what Jesus is saying makes them look bad. They are insulted!
Students of Jesus very often find their lives out of sync with the principles of the Teacher. When this happens, what is the proper response?
Deny? Rationalize? Feel insulted?
Not if we are apprentices of Jesus who honestly desire to know the truth.
True, it is often painful when the Teacher points out a deficiency in our lives. But suffering this realization patiently and humbly is an important first step toward the truth!
We are able to see the difference between where we are and where we need to be. This is the beginning of becoming more like the Teacher.
It is at this point of realization that we find out how much we really love and desire the truth.
Not excuses. Not self pity. Not self-defense. For only a willing embrace of the truth leads to deeper understanding and ensuing change in our lives!
Sometimes the truth hurts. But it is a necessary pain if we are to grow in the likeness of Jesus.
Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to
knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.
As a full time preacher and teacher - this scares me. While you don't want to make water down the truth, how may I be tying up too ehavy of a load?
ReplyDeleteWe like to point fingers at the Pharisees and teachers of the law - but how closely do we look at ourselves in this regard.
And would we be open and honest enough if we did realize what we were doing to stop it, even if someone else might not agree?
Just a reminder: Not many o fyou should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that those who teach will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1)
Maybe we'd do well to pray Psalms 139:23-24 openly and honestly:
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.