Follow The Rules!?
Phariseeism begins with seemingly harmless and very practical rules. What is wrong with washing hands before eating? That seems like a sensible thing to do, especially if you have dirt on your hands. Why shouldn’t we make that a rule? It’s for the public benefit, and it’s just common sense—very practical, and sensible (but Matthew 15:1-2). Isn’t it also a good idea to wash the outside of the cup? Dirty cups are very unattractive, and they make me think that the inside isn’t clean. Surely this is a practical and sensible rule (but Matthew 23:25-26). If there is one thing that gets on my nerves, it’s a cemetery that has a bunch of weeds growing up in it. Why would people let such a place get into such bad shape like that? It’s just practical and sensible to cut the grass (but Matthew 23:27-28). Another thing: don’t do the Lord’s work on your day off. If you have a day off, that should be for you, and your family. Certainly don’t try to visit someone in the hospital, take food to a poor person, or make an orphan’s day better. It’s just practical and sensible to make sure that you take care of your own first (but Luke 10:25-37). What practical, sensible person would tell you to hate your own father and mother (but Luke 14:26)? What practical, sensible person would tell you not to go to your own father’s funeral (but Matthew 8:21-22). What practical, sensible person would destroy 2000 head of livestock (but Mark 5:13)? Jesus was not practical and sensible; He was extreme, radical, revolutionary. I know what you’re going to say, “But Kevin . . . .” My reply: “Yes, but Jesus.”