Jesus contradicts

Wednesday July 14, 2021

Jesus contradicts

Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother : This child is destined to bring the downfall and uplifting of many in Israel and to become a sign that will cause contradiction. Luke 2:34

Consider one who has endured such a contradiction from sinners against himself. Hebrews 12:3

At the birth of the baby Jesus, the angels declare to the shepherds that this event is an extraordinary blessing : God comes among men, in human form to make himself understood by them. Yet instead of being welcomed as the Savior of the world, the man Jesus will be the target of all possible contradictions. No wonder, for he is the light, and men prefer darkness. Moreover, they are in revolt against God and refuse to submit to his authority as Creator.

The opposition against Jesus begins with Herod who wants to put him to death while he is still a very small child. It develops throughout his life to end in the cross. He is pursued by the hatred of Jewish religious leaders who cling to the commandments of men, claiming to defend the law of Moses.

Has he healed a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years ? He is accused of breaking the Sabbath. The Jews, angry with him, persecute him and seek to put him to death (John 5:16,18 ; 7:1,19,23).

To accuse him, they set a trap for him (John 8: 6) : they bring him a woman caught in the act of adultery and ask her what to do. Jesus, the light of the world, unveils the wicked heart of his provocateurs who, unable to resist him, call him a Samaritan and demoniac (chapter 8. 48), then raise stones to stone him (chapter 8. 59).

Does he open the eyes of a blind man from birth ? He is called a sinner because he performs this miracle of deliverance on a Sabbath day. Is he talking about his love as a Shepherd who goes so far as to give his life for his sheep ? He is called mad, demonic (chapter 10. 20).

Does he resuscitate a dead person ? The high priest puts the climax to this hatred by seeking to put him to death (chapter 11.53).

Finally, Jesus lets himself be caught and the contradiction intensifies cowardly against the man of sorrows. He lets himself be nailed to a cross. But God has raised him very high... so that soon every tongue will recognize that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2: 9,11).

Source (Pleasing the Lord)