THE RELIGION OF JESUS

 

      The religion of Jesus differed drastically from that of Pharisees, particularly in regard to the attitude toward forms and ceremonies. To the mind of the Pharisees, ritual constituted the very essence of religion. Ritual thus became an end in itself and led to strict legalism. To Jesus it was the principle or motive behind these ceremonies that was all-important.

       

      The Jewish law had required but one fast a year, and that was on the Day of Atonement But the rabbis had multiplied this observance to twice a week—on Mondays and Thurs­days. The trouble with the Pharisees was that they were proud about their strict observance of the ritual, and in far too many cases, their fasting was purely for self-display. It was to call the attention of others to their own holiness. Jesus taught that religious ceremony is proper, when expressive of true feeling, and when fitting to the time and place. But when required or performed for selfish motives, ceremony may become perfunctory, meaningless, and eventually a farce. Our Lord thus strikes at the very heart of all ceremonialism in religion.

 

      In regard to the Sabbath, the Pharisees had imposed so many regulations on its observance that the day had become a burden to the people. Even works of necessity and mercy were ruled unlawful. Everyone thus became a slave to legalism. Jesus insisted that religion does not consist in rules and regulations. He came not to patch up an old system but to offer something new. He demonstrated that persons are far more important than systems and rituals. True religion, He taught, springs from the heart.

 

      The Christian life is not to be confused with any ritual. It cannot be bound up by any set of rules and requirements. Its very essence is a new life. It controls us, not by rules but by motives. Its symbol is not a fast, but a feast.

 

Thought for the day: Christ came not to impose law, but to impart life!

                                                                                       J.T. Seamands

 

     “Grace is God initiating His love.  It is the spiritual force that invades our lives.  Indeed, it is God Himself offering us His spiritual favor. He meets us where we are, while we were yet sinners.  Salvation is beneficent on His part, unmerited on ours.  It is totally God’s work, and in love, He bestows it on us.”             

                                                                                          Russell Hitt