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If you ever thought Jesus was only tame and “loving” all you have to do is read Matthew 23 and the “7 woes” to the Pharisees to be convinced otherwise.

It is actually quite a shocking and harsh chapter, and it is easy to see why the Pharisees had a strong dislike for him after the rain of insults Jesus pours out on them. 

Is this Jesus – really? 

The Son of God is calling Pharisees serpents,vipers, and blind guides? What happened to loving your enemies? What about forgiveness and turning the other cheek?

I find this chapter confronting. It conflicts with the Jesus I know, and the seeming version of Christianity I have been called to emulate. 

Frankly, it's confusing. 

Why did Jesus choose to be so harsh to the Pharisees? What was it about them that the God of the universe decided that the best course of action was to insult them to their face, and call them liars, hypocrites and serpents?

What it means for us

And what does it mean for us as followers of Jesus?

Does it give us permission to harshly confront those are “false teachers.” And in what manner should we do this?

I don’t have an answer to all these questions. It is a difficult chapter

But the best that I can gather from it is that the most loving thing (and loving meaning what is best for both the Pharisees and those influenced by them eternal lives) was to speak harsh critical words, calling out their behaviour.

It was not to build a relationship, or perform a miracle, or say its all going to be okay. It was to call them out in front of everybody.

What does it mean practically?

Now, do I recommend that you insult a friend who is going astray in front of everybody? No, generally I do not.

It likely will cause more damage than good.

But, it appears that there are indeed times that the most loving thing you can do for a hard-hearted person leading others astray, is to speak harsh rebuking words.

And when you do that? I don’t know. May God give you wisdom in it.

But that is what I wanted to share with you this week. A different side of Jesus. A Jesus who called out the lies and hypocrisy in an unapologetic manner. 

Jesus is loving, kind, forgiving and generous. But he also knows when to speak up, speak out, and call out the lies. He does not sit idly by while his people are being led astray.

He stepped up. He spoke out.

Even if it meant offending the most important religious leaders of his day.

Is that something we are willing to do as well?

Until next time,

Be Blessed.

Aaron

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