In the time period in which Jesus lived, the religious leaders were confused, incorrect men. They were staunch believers in tradition, keeping the Law, and making themselves out to look like great believers of God.
The religious leaders, or "pharisees," shared some of the same flaws found in the church today. They were all about teaching, but they were also sometimes too concerned with the outward appearance. The pharisees would pray in public places, over-dramatizing something that is meant to be a personal conversation with God. They would point out people's sins and rebuke them openly, giving off a "higher that thou" aura.
The church today is often about their beautiful multi-million dollar facility, the thousands of people that attend their services, and having a community-friendly outreach.
Jesus went to the pharisees and put them in their place. he called them out on their hypocrisy.
Jesus also ministered. he didn't have a several thousand square foot building, a will polished worship team, or a great group of elders. he had twelve very human disciples who had problems of their own.
Jesus was friends with prostitutes. He spent time talking to the homeless beggers. He dined with lying, thieving tax collectors. he went out and touched the untouchable, loved the unlovable, befriended, the friendless, and gave hope to the hopeless.
Jesus was weird. Jesus was a bit of a traditional anarchist. Jesus was a revolutionary.
Jesus was a Bohemian.
2 comments:
one of the things that really bugs me about churches these days is how fake some of the leaders seem to be. like their prayers seem so thought-out and perfect, and when they preach and their voices shake, it's all about getting at your emotions. and it bothers me.
good post!
This is great. I totally agree with you. I found your blog by searching people who had "Starving Jesus" as one of their favorite books. Glad I found your blog. I can't wait to see more!
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