“Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone’” (1 Peter 2:7). The precious Son of God loved man so much he came to die on the cross in order to win our redemption. He showed compassion to the crippled (John 9:6-7), care toward the unsociable (Luke 15:1-2) and love toward the lost (John 4:35). Even though Christ lived life without sin and taught God’s Word as it should be taught, He still had enemies. The Jewish leaders did not hate Jesus because He hurt them or because He was out to get them; they hated Jesus because He did not fit their preconceived vision of the Messiah. The Jews longed for political freedom from Rome, but Jesus instead gave freedom from sin. The Jews longed for the wealth and prestige of Solomon’s day, but Jesus instead offered heavenly wealth and hope. The Jews focused on their interpretation of the Law and traditions of the elders, but Jesus only taught a simple religion of truth and spirit. Because Jesus did not fit their ideal image of the Savior, the Jews persecuted, ridiculed and ultimately crucified the Son of God on the cross.
It is sad today to see how Christ is still so misunderstood. The televangelist preaches of a Christ who will take away our problems and make us rich if we will just send the check in the mail. Instead, the true Christ offers a life of suffering here on earth to prepare our home in heaven (1 Timothy 6:7-11). The denominationalist preaches of a Christ who believes in unity in diversity (never hurt anyone’s feelings). The true Christ offers a sword that will sometimes divide (Matthew 10:34). The worldly Christian believes that we can have the same possessions, hobbies and entertainment as those who do not put Christ first. The true Christ teaches that salt that loses its saltiness will be thrown out and trampled (Matthew 5:13).
Are you like the Jews in the New Testament? Do you try to force Christ to fit into the mold that you think He should fit? Do you try to force Him into following your beliefs? If we are to truly be faithful, we must conform ourselves to His pattern and not vice versa (Romans 12:1-2). Decide today to obey the pure, pristine Gospel of Christ!
