Jesus had constant hostility from some groups, but others were hanging on his every word.
Luke 21:37 – 38
37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.
Jesus said that he did not come to create peace but division (Luke 12:51 et al). Wherever he taught there were people who responded with hostility but usually some who responded with acceptance and joy. The same thing still happens when the good news concerning him is preached. Division and even conflict ensue as people either believe in Jesus or become hostile to him. These two verses demonstrate this inevitable problem with contrasting reactions to Jesus.
Firstly, we read that Jesus taught in the temple by day but went out to the Mount of Olives to spend the night. The reason he went away at night was to escape the hostile forces in the city who intended to murder him. Eventually, through the betrayal by Judas they were able to find Jesus at night, arrest him and then proceed to kill him. We need to ask why it was that people showed such murderous hostility to him. The answer lies in their thoughts regarding their relationship with the Lord their God. Although the hostile ones were a mixture of different groups and individuals, they all had one thing in common. They imagined that they had no problem with God. For some like the Pharisees they thought their works gained them favour with God, so all was well. For others, like the Sadducees, it was more a question of God being a minor part of life and in that small area where he did figure, they had it all under control. For yet others, the issue was even more basic, life was good as God provided it, so there was no need of any change. For all of these, Jesus was profoundly disturbing. He presented himself as the one way of knowing peace with God. Jesus called for a radical change from their complacency and self-righteousness to faith in him and his saving work. Jesus threatened all that provided them with a false sense of security and importance.
Secondly, there were “all the people” who gathered to Jesus to hear him. These were regular folk who were burdened by guilt because of their sin and fear because they knew their relationship with God was not right. Jesus was not a threat to them but provided them with hope. He also showed love which they knew they needed, a love that would have its full expression at the cross.
For us, we can gather to hear Jesus speak to us when we read the Bible. It is something we will want to do when we recognise how much we need Jesus’ death to bring us forgiveness and his righteousness and resurrection to bring us acceptance and new life with our God. It is interesting to consider that the only thing that will get between us and Jesus would be the complacent and self-righteous attitude like those who opposed him.
Head: Understand how much you need Jesus
Heart: Humble yourself before the Lord to receive his blessing
Hands: Take the time and effort to listen to Jesus.
Prayer: Loving Father, thank you for sending Jesus to save sinners like us. We confess that we all too easily fall into self-righteousness and complacency. Please always remind us that such attitudes are hostility to you and Jesus. Help us to remember just how much we need Jesus to bring forgiveness and acceptance with you our God. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen
A song to listen to: Lord My Rock and My Redeemer
David Johnston
Living Church – Creek Road
