The ministry of Yeshua was exercised in the face of constant opposition. As we learnt in Part 1, this was first manifested in the reasoning of the scribes, when he pronounced the sins of the paralytic “forgiven” (a word of absolution). Each incident conveys messages of truth concerning Yeshua himself, and his dealings with men. He knew these men. His spoken words cut through their hearts like a hot blade through butter. And even his moments of silence were more eloquent than any spoken language.
The opposition is at once clearly revealed in four words of criticism which were uttered (in Mark 2-3).
Let us watch Yeshua and observe his attitude toward the first opposition. The opposition brought against Yeshua was that of moral carelessness, in that he sat to eat with tax-collectors and sinners.
Mark 2:16-17: “When the Torah-teachers and the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax-collectors, they said to his disciples: ‘Why does he eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ But, hearing the question, Yeshua answered them: ‘The ones who need a doctor aren’t the healthy but the sick. I didn’t come to call the righteous but sinners!’”
With regard to this first charge, Yeshua was conscious of the spiritual and moral disease of the men among whom he sat. He knew these men, their nefarious tricks, and their gross life. These were debased men. Yeshua admitted their moral maladies, and then quietly, and without any argument, assumed for himself the authority and the ability of the physician.
He cared so much that he was there to cure these men of their spiritual sicknesses. He revealed the fact that the reason he condescended to the level of these men, assuming no attitude of superiority, patronage, or of contempt, was that he was against the very things to which the Pharisees objected, but that he was there as the Pharisees never could be, with the healing power of the physician.
He declared that there had been committed to him the cure of souls and that in order to cure them it was necessary to come into contact with them… just like a physician must make contact with the sick in order to cure them. What better way is there for those that are stricken with physical or spiritual ailments to receive healing than through direct contact?
Are these criticisms ever made of us, that were made of Yeshua? In our efforts to reach those suffering from spiritual ailments, are we ever charged with moral carelessness because we are consorting with sinners? Remember this opposition of moral carelessness experienced by Yeshua and his response.
A real fellowship with Yeshua must bring us into a partnership with him in expression and experience.
There is no profounder proof of grace of character than that of being able to suffer wrongfully and yet to manifest a gracious spirit.
This should be the continuance of our meditation as we pattern our service after the perfect servant of God.
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