Although the religious hierarchy of Israel rejected Christ, many of the common people did not. They were convinced by his words and works that he was the Messiah.
The reaction of common people
Temple guards, sent to arrest Jesus by the high priests, returned empty-handed. They were awed by his words: “Never man spake like this man” (John 7:46). Jesus was the personification of grace and truth and this shone through with overpowering brilliance even to those whose duty it was to silence him. Further, “And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?” (v.31).
The leaders looked for sin in him
In spite of this evidence, the leaders of Jewry were determined to find some sin in him so they might arrest him. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, challenged them: “Which of you convicts me of sin?” (John 8:46 RSV).
Every time they thought he had broken their laws, Jesus showed them he was in total harmony with the principles and laws of God. Thus he places on them the responsibility for discerning what they were witnessing: “He who is of God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not of God” (John 9:47).
They did not know their scriptures
In John 5:36-40 (KJV), Jesus summarized their weakness: “I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me…And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.”
Jesus was exposing their defective knowledge of the Old Testament. This insulted their self perception as foremost students of the law. Their presumptuous claims as custodians of divine wisdom were thus proven fallacious. They may argue out fine points of the law but they were blind to the great works of God in the Messiah.
You will die in your sins
The religious hierarchy was even opposing the divine authority speaking through Moses, whom they claimed to follow at all costs.
Jesus said, “Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father; there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom you trust” (John 5:45). God had said to Moses, “I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him” (Deut. 18:15-18). Very early all had recognized Jesus was different from any since Moses: “They were astonished at his doctrine; for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes” (Mk. 1:22-23). The words of God were in him and they refused to hear.
Perhaps the greatest challenge to their sensibilities was this warning from the Lord, “You will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he” (John 8:24 RSV). It is significant that the words of Jesus have power to save but also power to condemn any who do not trust their validity.
The good Samaritan
Having been deeply wounded by Jesus’ condemning words, the Jews retaliated with, “Are we not right in saying you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” (John 8:48 RSV). (Note how they have picked up that Jesus represented himself as the Samaritan in the parable of the good Samaritan.) As the Jews despised the Samaritans, they were attempting to insult Christ and they were trying to isolate him from his Abrahamic roots, thus voiding his claims to being Messiah.
The charge of being demon-possessed had arisen because of Jesus’ healings of those afflicted with mental diseases (Matt. 12:24). Thus in drawing into the conversation the miracles of Christ and the parable of the good Samaritan, the leaders stood self-condemned. They had exposed their prejudices and hardness of heart. And in the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus had verified their condition. We recall that both Levite and priest passed by the wounded traveler, declining to help. But the Samaritan bound his wounds and went the extra mile, paying for additional care.
By calling to mind this parable and the healing of demoniacs, the leaders unintentionally complimented Jesus as the good Samaritan who was willing to heal all manner of afflictions.
A stunning message
The parable of the good Samaritan carries a powerful message that we must not miss. It demonstrates the possibility that human traditions can stifle compassion. Religious hierarchies can set themselves over the principles of divine truth. This parable discloses the power of divine charity and compassion even when one thinks taking the time will interfere with doing the Lord’s work. When it falls within our power to do so, we should demonstrate such concern for our neighbors.
The lesson
We may also become victims of self-delusion, as were the leaders of Jewry and thereby fail to exercise humility and compassion for others.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One