It was the last day of Christ’s teaching in the Temple.
Crowding the Temple courts, the people watched intently the contest between the young Galilean bearing no earthly title or badge of royalty, and the priests, shrouded in rich robes and badges of honor.
Jesus stood calmly before them with the dignity of a king.
Although greatly outnumbered, he stood unflinchingly before those who rejected his teachings and thirsted for his very life. Assailing him with numerous schemes to ensnare and condemn him, it was no contest.
Challenge after challenge he had met, presenting the pure bright truth in contrast to the darkness and errors of the priests and the Pharisees.
Setting before these leaders their real condition, he made plain the retribution that would follow if they persisted in their tenacious practice of their evil deeds covered with a cloak of man-made religion.
Even though the people were charmed with Christ’s teachings, they were greatly perplexed that he did not yield implicit obedience to the religious ruler’s authority. Seeing the contrast between the virtue and knowledge of Christ and the glowering and confusion of the priests, they were amazed that these great leaders refused to believe in the plain and simple teachings of one who had access to infinite wisdom.
In the parables which Christ had spoken, it was his purpose both to warn the rulers and to instruct the people who were willing to be taught. Through their reverence for tradition and their blind faith in a corrupt priesthood, the people were enslaved.
These chains Christ must break.
The character of the priests, rulers, and Pharisees must be more fully exposed.
Although standing before the people as Moses’ representatives, teaching the people the laws of the Kingdom that they must obey, the religious leaders did not practice their own teaching. Not content to leave things simple, they created a multitude of man-made rules, regulations, and traditions, making it all but impossible for anyone to keep it all straight. The rulers were, of course, exempt from their own rules.
To make a show of their piety was their constant aim. In plain words, the savior revealed the selfish ambition that was ever reaching for place and power, displaying a mock humility, while the heart was filled with avarice and envy.
Repeatedly Christ taught that true greatness is measured in moral worth, living a life that would benefit humanity by acts of unselfishness and mercy. Christ himself was a servant to fallen man, and so will those chosen for membership in his Kingdom also conduct themselves. Never mind churches, denominations, and religions…none of these are essential…
In the future, humans will all be servants of YHVH, no more, and no less. We must, indeed, learn to be good servants here on Earth, rather than surrounding ourselves with stuff and ignoring the suffering of others.
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