The Pharisees were intent on trapping Jesus. They didn't want to engage with integrity, to have an honest conversation and discover where they might be wrong and what they could learn. They wanted to be proven right, because they knew everything they needed to know. They were experts -- and Jesus didn't have the right credentials, so they wrote him off.
It must have taken them aback when Jesus told them that there was a difference between what was allowed in the Law and what was ideal. Jesus is pushing people past mere compliance with the law -- he wants their hearts and minds captive to the Lord. He wants them to push for the ideal, for the Garden of Eden picture of people living at peace with God and one another. He wants more than merely learning so they can past the test -- he wants their hearts overflowing with love for God and others.
When we read the text, may we look for ways to engage all of our hearts. May we pray for God to transform us, to pull us closer, that we might not merely obey, but fall in love, over and over again.
No comments:
Post a Comment