Pharisees and Disciples
Anyway, I love how Jesus does this over and over again because it forces you to see two pictures and choose which one am I and which one.
Season 5, Episode 12 · Pharisees and Disciples
Play the original Excel Still More episode here without leaving the article.
The story behind the idea
In today's episode, we're keeping the Pharisees around and we're letting them be the lead name in the title again, except this time we want to compare who they are with who Jesus' disciples were. All of these people had the option to follow Jesus and be saved by him. The Pharisees chose not to be, and there were reasons for that, reasons they felt very noble and appropriate.
What stands out
Anyway, I love how Jesus does this over and over again because it forces you to see two pictures and choose which one am I and which one do I need to be. It's not always the Pharisees, sometimes he changes the language. You remember the parable of the good Samaritan, the Levite and the priest passed the Jew by on the other side of the road.
Why it matters
Simon the Pharisee believes himself to be noble and established and worthy. He doesn't see the need to serve Jesus and honor Jesus from a lowly place.
A faithful way forward
I'm not saying there isn't truth to that, but it's not exactly the point here, is it? The point here are that the law dogs, the sectarians, have built more restrictions where there should be freedom. Bonus side note, I think that's the idea of Galatians one, where we talk about that distorted gospel and we often point out into the world where there may very well be a distorted gospel.
Put it into practice
Jesus would later say you've missed out on the weightier matters. Jesus would also say the greatest two laws are to love God and love your neighbor. Look, I'm all for conservative thinking, searching the pattern of God, seeking to do what pleases him. Keep in mind that you cannot prove all of your convictions and arguments.
Take the idea with you.
- 01What idea from this study most needs my attention right now?
- 02Where does this challenge the way I am currently thinking or living?
- 03What is one faithful step I can take this week?
Prefer listening?
The original episode player is available near the top of this article, so you can listen without leaving the page.