SUGAR & SPICE

 
           As we read the gospels we are keenly aware that Jesus' teachings were not widely accepted by many Jews and religious leaders of that day. In several instances they found his teaching to be offensive and resisted it for two main reasons. One being the expectation that the messiah would  come with great pomp and military might to establish an earthly Jewish kingdom which would conquer the Roman empire. And the other was the obvious contrast of Jesus' teachings of love, forgiveness, mercy, compassion and faith with their rigid, ritualistic practice of religious laws. In a nutshell, they realized that Jesus' teachings focused on individual responsibility for initiating and maintaining a spiritual  relationship with God. But the scribes, Pharisees and religious people closed their minds to this perspective. Their concept of God was one of a distant divine being  who  looked     down  on  mankind   and intervened in human lives mainly for either  judgment or punishment. Like millions today, they refused to accept the  reality of having a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. They too rejected the message that reconciliation with God comes from believing by faith that Jesus is the Son of God.  This is the reason Jesus had to first address the religious laws and traditions in order to introduce His teachings. Here are some of them:

1. Adultery: Matthew 5:27-28
Old Law: "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.

Jesus’ Teaching: But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart"

2.  Anger and Murder: Matthew 5:21-23
Old Law: You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.

Jesus’ Teaching: 'But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.

3. Divorce : Mark 10: 2-9
Old Law: Furthermore it has been said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.'     

Jesus’ Teaching: But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality  causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.

4.  Love: Matthew. 5:44-45
Old Law: "Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord."      

Jesus’ Teaching: But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne;  nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

5. Revenge:Matthew . 5:38-42     
Old Law: You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'     

Jesus’ Teaching: But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

6.  Sabbath: Luke 6:2-5     
Old Law: And some of the Pharisees said to them, "Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?"     

Jesus’ Teaching: But Jesus answering them said, "Have you not even read this, what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he went into the house of God, took and ate the showbread, and also gave some to those with him, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat?" And He said to them, "The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath."

7.  Washing of Hands: Matthew 15:1-9     
Old Law: "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"     

Jesus’ Teaching: He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'"For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men*--the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do." He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.