LENT 2016 – GOING TO JERUSALEM

Friday, February 26
 

Jesus denounces Scribes and Pharisees: Matthew 23: 1 – 36

My guess is that Jesus had had enough of their traps, questions, arguments and whatever else the “devout” religious leaders were dishing out. A man, even Jesus, can take just so much. There comes a tipping point, and patience wears thin when one has been pounding one’s head against a brick wall, and the message isn’t getting through. 

But calling the Pharisees, in Jesus’ words, “hypocrites”, and maybe, worse, “snakes” and “vipers”, that’s pretty strong language. Imagine! Jesus, of all people, saying such nasty things about others! What happened to love your enemies? What happened to turn your other cheek? What happened to not calling someone a fool?

But I can tell you, this is one “sermon” that I do not want to get swept up in. What if Jesus is talking to me, about me? Or you?

Do we practice what we preach?  Do we say one thing but do something contrary?

Do we lay a lot of heavy religious jargon and baggage on others to obey, acting all superior and self-righteous?

Do we act very pompous, pious and holy but ignore the real needs of those around us?

Do we use all sorts of religious words om a Sunday and make a show of our religion but our daily character makes a mockery out of the words during the week?

Do we use our religion to have status and power and influence, especially in the church, demanding that because of our financial giving or our volunteerism, this should grant us the right to hold high positions or our opinions should matter more than others?  

Do we demand respect in the world simply because we call ourselves Christians, without having to earn that respect by living out of the Love which Jesus has given us?

Where is the humble Christian or church? The serving Christian or church?

Are we so intent on saving souls that we have forgotten that Jesus also wants us to save the whole person?

Have we become so judgmental that we think we know who gets allowed in God’s Kingdom and who doesn’t deserve to get through the door?

Do we worship the church and its building and its structures more than we worship God?

Have we become so paralyzed about financial viability whether in our personal finances or the church’s budget that we are neglecting the real issues of viability -  justice and mercy and faith. We strain out the gnat but swallow the camel.

Do we make sure that our Christian lives look as good on the inside as they do from the outside?

Do we boast an undying, endless devotion to Jesus but treat him with contempt, disdain, and disregard?

How are you doing? I, myself, am squirming rather uncomfortably right now. If we aren’t red-faced, then we probably fit right into the message of this chapter, more than we care to admit.

But let’s not leave this chapter in a sea of self-pity, guilt and shame. It may seem overwhelming evidence against us, but don’t give up. Self- awareness is the first-step in redeeming our discipleship. Through Jesus we have been given the Holy Spirit to teach us, guide us, and liberate us from our present sins of omission or commission. We have been shown the Way to live more creatively, honestly, generously, justly, intentionally and fruitfully. We are not alone in seeking this Way – Jesus’ Spirit shows us how to try to live up to his standards and what those standards are.  Justice, mercy and faith. And, of course,  Love.

Give us another chance, Jesus!