More alike than we realize

Day 15

OT Reading: Genesis 36-37

NT Reading: Matthew 12:1-21

Did you ever realize that out of all the words of Jesus we have recorded, His most harsh, stern rebukes and corrections were to the most religious people of His day? It's true. Time and time again we will see Jesus in conflict with the religious leaders (Pharisees, Sadducees, "teachers of the law", etc.). And while there Jesus makes no hesitation in using harsh terms for them like "hypocrites", "vipers" and "white-washed tombs" (see Matthew 23 if you'd like a lengthy example).

On the other hand, when Jesus is around prostitutes, dishonest tax-collectors, thieves and drunkards we have some of his most compassionate and kind words recorded. Simple statements like, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and leave your life of sin." In fact, Jesus hung out with these sinful people so often that others began to accuse him of being a drunkard himself (look back at Matthew 11:19 from yesterday if you don't recall).

But to me the unique thing is that while Jesus' approach was drastically different with these two groups, his message was the same. "Repent." To the religious, he called them to repent of their religion. To the sinners, he called them to repent of their sin. He called all people to repent of how they had been living and begin putting their faith and trust in Him.

To be honest, it would be easy to begin church-bashing or faith-bashing, or to stand up on a soapbox and berate the those who haven't followed Jesus example of showing love and compassion to sinners. But if I did that, Jesus' message to me would still be the same. "Repent...and follow me."