| December 10
Opposition to Jesus
The Pharisees are often the target of Jesus'
teachings. They are hypocrites who obey
the letter of the law while ignoring the spirit
of it. They are self righteous and
ultimately believe that their salvation is based
on their good deeds as well as their ability to
follow the law.
Jesus came to earth because no one is righteous
and able to follow the law, not even the
Pharisees. When Jesus shone a light upon
their sins and hypocrisy they are unhappy and
plot how to rid themselves of Jesus.
It is easy to believe that the Pharisees are
simply misguided and ignorant and certainly
there were varying degrees of this among them.
Satan has definitely blinded those who plot to
kill Jesus into believing that He is their enemy
rather than their long awaited Messiah.
Satan works the same way in the lives of many
today. Salvation is found in Jesus alone
but Satan has convinced many that they don't
need Jesus. People rely on their own self
righteous and good deeds for salvation.
Others don't acknowledge their sin at all.
Jesus shines a light on the darkest sins and
many don't like it. When our sins are
exposed many respond as the Pharisees do and
rebel against Jesus. |
