The disciples of John the Baptist and the disciples of Jesus had much in common. They followed teachers that brought the unfiltered truth of God’s word and they were rejected by the established religious leaders. They shared a common message based on repentance (turning away from sin) and turning toward God’s ways of living.
The Pharisees, on the other hand had much less in common with John’s disciples. They did not like the message of John. But watch how artfully they try to create division between followers of John and those of Jesus, pretending that they suddenly have much in common with John.
18John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and they came and said to Him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?” 19And Jesus said to them, “While the bridegroom is with them, the attendants of the bridegroom cannot fast, can they? So long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 20“But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.
With great skill they find a way to represent Jesus’ followers as the outsiders even among John’s followers. Many in our society use this approach still today in politics and yes within church organizations as well. If they can identify someone as an “enemy” or “different” than they can try to push them out. With skillful application, they can even try to divide those that really should be standing together…like the disciples of John and Jesus.
Jesus is not to be outsmarted or tricked. He quickly resolves the situation. He at once justifies His disciples’ actions without condemning the actions of John’s disciples. He avoids the division and provides clarity.
Let us prayerfully consider how to keep an eye out for those that would seek to divide God’s people. Let us take care to work toward unifying instead of dividing. Sometimes the division comes from within the man-made church organizations themselves! Seek unity in Jesus with those who truly follow Him, even if you don’t agree on your understanding of all the doctrine.
—-
Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.