Nov/Dec 2004
ONE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS
Obstacles in Your Path?
The Bible tells us that Jesus was made like his fellow humans in every way (Hebrews 2:17). In Mark 3:20-21, we find that like many of us, Jesus’ family was ready to have him committed. With great sorrow, no doubt, but nevertheless, they came down to “take charge” of him, believing him to be out of his mind.
Blindness of Envy
Among the reasons Jesus was considered out of his mind, Mark informs us in verses 22-27, was that Jesus was running afoul of the authorities. He was banishing demons from people, and the authorities found Jesus’ growing popularity most irritating.
It is a little reminiscent of Saul’s jealousy
over David’s military success recorded in
1 Samuel 18. You might think a king would be grateful for the victories
of a top general. But not so— Saul saw David as a threat. He feared
people might get the idea that David would make a better king.
The same dynamics seem to be at work between Jesus and the authorities. Jesus was getting too popular. His power over evil spirits was plain, which made it obvious to everyone that he had the blessing and power of God. So the authorities saw Jesus as a threat. He was better liked than they were and clearly more powerful.
So what to do? Discredit him, of course. But how? Well, let’s see—suppose we tell the people that he has power over the demons because he is demon-possessed himself. Yes! That’s the ticket! The man is demon-possessed, and not just by any demon, but this Jesus whom you are cheering is possessed by Beelzebub himself!
Truth Aside
Truth was not the governing factor. God’s will, not a consideration. The joy of those freed from wicked oppression didn’t matter. There was only one goal— discredit anyone who makes us feel insecure. Say whatever has to be said.
The accusation, of course, was absurd, and Jesus exposed it as such. “If Satan opposes himself and is divided,” Jesus said, “he cannot stand; his end has come.”
But Jesus’ remark was deeper than merely exposing the silliness of the authorities’ accusation. The truth was, Satan’s end had come, but not because Beelzebub was kicking out demons through Jesus.
The end of Satan’s kingdom had begun because the Son of God had walked onto the stage of history. Jesus continued, “In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house.” Jesus was freeing people from demons because Satan had no power to stop him.
And the authorities knew that. They were not blind. They saw the works of deliverance. But it is possible, even for us, to become so selfishly oriented that we place the preservation of our personal goals above even the hand of God.
Redemption
Jesus told the disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).
Jesus was not a person to the authorities. He was an obstacle, a faceless object to be cleared out of their path. He didn’t matter.
Have you ever been treated that way? Take heart: Jesus traveled that path before you. He knows what you’re experiencing.
Have you ever treated someone else that way? Take heart: Jesus has forgiven you. And if you will receive it, he gives you a heart that can see people as people, not as obstacles in your path. Let’s agree to take a look at the relationships in our lives. If there is someone we’ve been disparaging, maybe it’s time to take our concerns to Christ the Redeemer instead of the grapevine.
—J. Michael Feazell