Judging Pharisees and Lawyers
Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him (John the Baptist).
We can even learn lessons from the religious leaders who sought to thwart Jesus, if we pay attention. Self-awareness plays a key role in these lessons. One might ask his or her self, Are any of these traits found in them, existing in me? It is easier to see faults in others than it is to look at our own. Perhaps, instead of being quick with a pointy finger, we might quickly do a self-examination with Holy Spirit’s help. It’s easy to be judgmental of others while overlooking our own hypocrisy in so doing.
Romans 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
Other people’s attitudes and actions often serve a mirror, which reflect back shortcomings we despise in ourselves. Obviously, this is one reason we can be quick to point the finger. Those who are the most critical of others, generally have a lot of criticism reserved for themselves. The irony is it’s easy to be critical of critical people. Maybe, we can tap into compassion instead, because they are dealing with some inner conflicts of various shapes and sizes.
A Lesson From Pharisees and Lawyers
Notice our opening passage says, “they rejected the counsel of God against themselves.” It is clear these particular religious leaders did not recognize or acknowledge John as a prophet. They rejected the message of repentance, which was underscored by the fact they were not baptized by him. His baptism was the baptism of repentance. Self-righteous people seldom see the need for it, because in their view they are righteous. Unfortunately for them, it is not the righteousness received by faith in Jesus.
By rejecting God’s counsel, which came through John, they fought against themselves. Moreover, they rejected God’s will for themselves. This passage can also be rendered as, “But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John.”
The bottom line is when a person rejects the Word of God, he rejects His counsel, will and purposes for his life. In so doing, he is not actually fighting against God; he fighting against himself. Think about it: who is going to win a fight against God? That is spiritual suicide.
