Read today’s texts first: John 7,8
Feelings of superiority, pride, judgmentalism and
self-sufficiency come from the Father of Lies.
self-sufficiency come from the Father of Lies.
There are so many surprises in the story of Jesus. His less than grand entrance, which we will be celebrating in a few days, was one of the first, but they kept coming. Most surprising to me were his fans and foes. We often talk about His motley crew of disciples and friends. Certainly it was a shock to see the King of Kings hanging with blue-collar ruffians, crooked tax collectors, prostitutes and unclean lepers. But I find it more surprising to see who opposed Jesus.
You would expect that the keepers of the Mosaic law would be eagerly awaiting the coming Messiah. They knew the prophecies of Psalms 22 and Isaiah 53. They should have anticipated the suffering Saviour. Yet, not only did they miss him (with only a few exceptions, like Nicodemus), but they were responsible for orchestrating His death.
They illustrate the difference between the deadly and demonic source of religion and a real relationship with the Giver of Life. While they thought they were upholding God’s laws, they were interpreting these laws with demonic intent (8:43-47). The incredible story of the woman caught in adultery, wedged in the middle of ongoing conflict between Jesus and the religious rulers, beautifully illustrates the difference of intent. Jesus represents selfless love, mercy, forgiveness and restoration. Religionists represent self-righteous judgment, debasement and punishment.
If these attitudes showed up in God’s holy temple, could they make their way into our churches today? The answer is very clearly, yes. I’ve discovered these tainted traits in my own heart at times. Feelings of superiority, pride, judgmentalism and self-sufficiency come from the Father of Lies (8:44) and lead us away from the true Father of Light and Life.
“Lord, help me to recognize deceptive and destructive attitudes in my own heart before they are expressed. Instead, may I surprise others with Your unexpected grace and mercy!”
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