“We’re absolutely clear about this...”

One of the features of the recent election in the UK has been the repeated phrases. “Strong and stable government” is one of them. But the one which intrigues me is, “We’re absolutely clear about this...” Often (if not always) immediate questioning of the person who said this disclosed anything but the certainty so expressed.

Take a look at the recorded incident in bold above. It’s only a few days (in AD 30) before Jesus will be crucified by the Roman authorities (and their soldiers) following his adjudication, by the chief priests and elders of the people, as deserving death. Please note that, in the eye-witness record in bold above, Jesus’ words are about (A) the scribes and (B) the Pharisees. Who are they? 

The original Greek word translated (A) “scribes” is grammateis – a plural word for experts in the law which was also used of government officials. The literal meaning is “writers”. The original Greek word translated “Pharisees” is Pharisaioi – a plural noun for members of a religious and political party which was prominent in Jerusalem at that time. These were educated law-abiding leaders - political and religious. .

 

Note also that they “sit on Moses’ seat”. Moses was the law-giver – the LORD God gave the law (including the 10 Commandments) to Israel through Moses around 1300 BC. And (A) and (B) were the acknowledged successors of Moses, inheritors of systemic authority.

These words of Jesus about them - in bold above, with only a few days before his cross, are actually a warning to them as well as about them. It was a warning to them because “they were absolutely clear about this....” 

The warning was backed by evidence – evidence which the crowds and Jesus’ followers could readily see. These authorities were:  (2) placing burdens on others without lifting a finger to help; (3) publicly demonstrating their good works so as to impress; (4) wearing clothes appropriate to their respectable image; (5) loving being at the top tables; (6) loving the best seats in church; (7) loving meeting important people in the street; (8) loving been called by others my honourable teacher, my adviser, my guide.

Concerning these, Jesus said, “Do and keep whatever they may tell you but do not do the works that they do.” What was wrong with their works? Note that Jesus didn’t suggest that they be disobeyed. They should be obeyed – but (1) “they say but don’t do.” What were they actually doing? See (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (7) above.

The recommendations for the disciples of Jesus took the form of, “You may not be….” like them. (a) “You may not be called my honourable teacher, because…” (b) “You may not call any your father on earth, because…”  (c) “Neither may you be called directors, because....” 

Why on earth not? Jesus gave the reasons why not: (a) “…because one is your teacher and you’re all brothers and sisters”; (b) “…because one is your Father, who is in heaven”; (c) “…because one is your director, the Anointed One of God.” What then? “The greater of you will be your servant.”

 

Then he made a promise: “He who will exalt himself will be humbled, and he who will humble himself will be exalted.” Within hours Jesus was dying on a Roman cross. He is now LORD of all. 

There’s something magnificently simple for us about all this. “Recognize the LORD above as your teacher, your Father and your director and you’ll become and be a very different person.”