Why They Hated Jesus

I read Luke's gospel today through the "lens" of an article by David Wilkerson called "Why The World Hates Christians". This article was in the forefront of my mind today as I struggled to understand why all of the characters in today's story hated Jesus so much. So many of the points in the article apply not just to us today, but to all the people complicit in the killing of Jesus. I'll apologize in advance, as I know this will be too wordy.....

Wilkerson states that our mission as Christians, and I will add that Jesus' mission on earth, can be described as taking back from the ungodly what is most precious to them: their self-righteousness. The most priceless thing to an unbeliever -- the thing they will spent their whole life creating -- is a good opinion of themselves. Unbelievers build "idols" to their good works, and convince themselves that they are really good at heart and kind to others. They are sure that they're good enough for heaven, and clearly too good for hell.

In order to hold such a high opinion of themselves, unbelievers learn to quiet convicting thoughts, shut down the voice of their conscience and thereby create a false sense of peace. So, Wilkerson would say that just as an unbeliever has finished his monument to his own goodness, a Christian comes along (or as in our gospel, Jesus himself) and speaks truths that disturb even a seared conscience: " Unless you're born again, you can't enter the kingdom of heaven....Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.... For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.... Seek first his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."

Wilkerson said that when we have the courage to speak these words to unbelievers, just as Jesus did in His earthly ministry, many people will not see this as Good News. To Herod and Pilate, and to my friends and yours, the truth of these words can take away a peaceful night's sleep.

Jesus told them, as he tells us, that our good works are as filthy rags. Our integrity, without repentance and trust in Christ, is an abomination to God. And the Jews of Jesus' day, along with Herod and Pilate, were just like unbelievers today in thinking they were in need of nothing. Certainly not a Savior.

So Jesus preached Good News, and he instructs us to do the same. But the Words that speak life and hope to some, are torment to others. Did Pilate and Herod, the ones who had the authority to stop the madness that was about to occur, simply want to quiet the awakening of their conscience by silencing the One whose words brought not peace or hope, but conviction of sin? We'll never know.

The world hated Jesus, this much we know. And if we are His followers, we ought not be surprised if people hate us, too.

Lord, help me to be bold like Jesus. May I not fear the hatred of the world, but simply be motivated to share Your love with people who are convinced they are in need of nothing. Thank you that we are saved not because of our good works or intentions, but because of the blood of Jesus. Amen.