Sunday, April 25, 2021

Jesus University

 




For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10: 10 NKJV 


I never imagined that there was so much I needed to learn and know about following Jesus.  Yet, I was reminded once again this week of the academic requirements of knowing who Jesus is.  Or, more importantly, someone's version of who the Christ is.  If one looks at my opening scripture reference they will see a common verse from Paul's letter to the Romans concerning believing in Christ Jesus.  That is how we have come to accept this passage.  But wait, do Paul's words really speak to this truth?  Or, do we need to dig deeper into the context in order to come to the truth about Jesus that someone else feels is out there?  Welcome to Jesus university.  Where there is plenty of studying and lectures, but no degree is ever earned.  Where those with a knowledge of the ancient language and texts speak to those who simply desire to follow Christ about how they should go about doing so.  We see this all too often in the academia of seminary.  Or, as I have come to refer to it, Pharisee school.  Now, don't get me wrong, I believe that a good copy of a concordance is a good item to have for every believer.  For when the ancient texts we know today as the scriptures were written all those years ago, it is often helpful to know what the writers intent was.  Helpful, but not required.  I believe that it is indeed helpful to know just how Jesus felt about the religious academics of His day.  Those who studied the script and applied their knowledge to the lives of others.  These...were the Jewish Pharisees.  It it helpful to point out that in the first few books of the new testament we are introduced to the rocky relationship which Jesus had with the religious leaders of His day.  Was this how Jesus felt about them personally?  I doubt it, for they were Gods children as well despite being blinded by their knowledge of the Jewish texts.  The Pharisees accused Jesus and His followers of everything from working on the sabbath (actually...healing) to breaking with Jewish traditions {Matthew 15:2}.  In fact, Jesus' own disciples warned Him of the Pharisees displeasure {Matthew 15:12}.  Jesus' response?  "They are blind leaders of the blind" {Matthew 15:14}.  Sounds a lot like many Pharisee school graduates today.  


"The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.  Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.  For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.  But all their works they do to be seen by men.  They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.  They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.'  But you, do not be called 'Rabbi"; for one is your teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.  Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.  And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.  But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.  And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.  

Matthew 23: 2 - 12 NKJV 


Back in my church days, it always amused me when I would began a conversation with one of the church pastors by referring to him by his first name only.  Indeed, many of these Pharisee school grads loved having that word "pastor" added to their name.  I get it.  I mean, a Pharisee school degree can't be cheap, so you might as well enjoy the title you've earned, right?  Wrong.  For this was one of the issues which Jesus had with the Pharisees of His day.  To walk around the city and have everyone acknowledge you as "Rabbi."  Not only that, but the perks?  The best seat at feasts, the best seats in the house of worship.  Walk into any church service this Sunday morning and you will know exactly where to find the pastors...front and center in the front pews.  The best seats.  Now, I cannot say in all honesty that all pastors put themselves on display like this.  For I know a few former pastors who shy away from the limelight of the positions they once held.  For me, I'm more comfortable with someone who is approachable and can tell me all about Jesus without bringing out their Pharisee school degree and knowledge.  I have a concordance, I can find out what a word means as well as you can, dude.  I've been blessed in my life to have a dear friend who has seen the pastoral life from the inside and at times was very uncomfortable with what he saw.  I respect him for that.  Yet, on any given Sunday followers of Jesus around the world are expected to give reverence to a man...a position.  Not this guy.  I give reverence where it's due, to Christ Jesus.


Then His disciples came and said to Him, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?"  But He answered and said, "Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.  "Let them alone, They are blind leaders of the blind.  And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch."

Matthew 15: 12 - 14 NKJV 


~Scott~ 

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