the    sides

Matthew 10-11

So much stuff. I got tripped up in 11:1-19. When the outsides don’t match the mind’s eye.

Jesus wasn’t exactly what the Pharisees thought the Messiah should be. Apparently, he wasn’t exactly what John the Baptist thought either. Or the other disciples. Or most of Israel at this point.

And Jesus calls them on it. John came as a “spiritual stud” with fasting, shot him down. Jesus came as a “glutton”, shot him down. The religious played certain tunes that have certain dance steps and certain rituals. Just like children who all know the same game and a new kid shows up and doesn’t play by the ‘right rules.’

Jesus forces us to change, not Him. What is the result of the standoff? Depends. Could be blessings and rewards. Could be woes. Repentance again seems to be a key piece of the discipleship puzzle.

Jesus refuses to use or be associated with the stiffnecked, know-it-alls.