It's been well documented that the political sects of Jesus' time did everything in their might to turn the synagogue visitors against Jesus as the Messiah. They often tried to set Him up with questions of entrapment or simply capture or stone Him for healing those who came to Him. Jesus told them several times who he was but they kept right on asking, claiming they didn't even know where He was from.
Throughout the book of John, these scenarios happened time after time. As you read the book, one may get the feeling of, "How could they not believe He was the Christ. He just...(fill in the blank with a miracle he performed)!" And yet, the political parties continued to plot His death.
But doesn't this scenario fit today's church buildings as well? If Jesus was during our time, what would we say? Be honest! We are so quick to call people of God false, never using discernment, never looking to our friend Holy Spirit for insight. Everyone is simply lumped into 'false' and blinders have been turned on. Silently, these true and holy believers are plotted against and 'crucified' for speaking the Word.
But as I read the encounters with the Pharisees, I too found myself asking 'what would I believe?' Unfortunately, we today, are not versed in the scriptures like they were back then. If you recall, they truly immersed themselves in the doctrine...to the point to where they allowed the Word to place them in bondage as they added to it.
Back then, they knew the prophesies that spoke of the Christ coming. Today, how many of us can reference the prophecy and show the fulfillment of it. How many of us know what I mean by 'the prophecy'.
My point is, they knew what was to come. They extensively studied it. Today, many only know what they are taught on Sunday and Wednesday so much is missed. But if Jesus walked among us today, would we miss him?
We are so caught up in religion and how things 'should be', that we've missed every opportunity to 'see'.
And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. John 9:39-41 KJV
The Light was right before them and they kept missing it. They claimed to see, but saw nothing. Because of this, they will die.
I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. John 8:24 KJV
Today, many antichrists are among us. Many can perform the 'same' miracles of the Christ, but are we so caught up in looking for the antichrist that we miss the true Christ?
With so many religious sects in Christianity, how can we worship in truth and spirit while neither of those requirements are present?
I'm disappointed in believers today. They've completely missed the mark. Many are turning people from the Word with their false doctrine, while others never study for themselves to check the Word against what's being taught. So many are lead astray, seeing, but blind. My heart aches for them.
But I believe that revival will come. The hearts will be turned and true believers will rise and take over. I believe a day will come, and we won't miss Jesus as he passes by. I believe our spiritual eyes will open, and our natural eyes will close. I believe.
So again, ask yourself: would you be a Pharisee or a disciple if Jesus was performing miracles right in front of you? Would your religion and denomination keep you from seeing?
Something to think about.
Always,
Keiyia JOYet George