In John 8:12-59 we find an interesting narrative that places Jesus at odds with the Jewish religious leaders of the day. I have written a post in the past that took a look at the unique sayings of Jesus as he responded to his critics. In this post I want to look at the posture of the leaders who were challenging him. For within the attitudes and actions of these religious leaders we may see our own hearts. Be warned, the consequences of merely religious leadership are not pretty.
In verse 12 Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The Pharisees are offended. Jesus is connecting himself to the Old Testament presence of God as the Israelites were led through the wilderness from Egypt to the Promised Land. These religious leaders immediately question the identity and purpose of Jesus. They don’t do so out of curiosity or genuine inquiry, but out of a desire to accuse him. The Pharisees attempt to trip Jesus up over issues of the Mosaic Law–issues concerning proper testimony and suicide. But Jesus assures them that his identity and purpose are wrapped in the divine intentions of the Heavenly Father. These are authority challenges. The Pharisees derived their authority from the Law and in being the keepers of the Law. This is spirituality by rule keeping. This takes us to the 1st posture.
A leadership that is bound by legalism will yield an oppressive, religious leadership.
In verse 31 Jesus states, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” In verses 32-47 the religious leaders seek to anchor their favored identity in their heritage. The Pharisees dispute Jesus’ ability to free them since they have never been enslaved to anyone. Of course, this is not true historically. The Jews were enslaved by the Egyptians, the Assyrians, the Babylonians–and others. Jesus is speaking of slavery to sin. His death, burial and resurrection will redeem all who trust in him towards their spiritual freedom. But these religious leaders continue to anchor their identity in their national heritage by fully claiming Abraham as their spiritual father. They question the will and purpose of Jesus. He again links his will with the will of the Father. This is spirituality by nationality. This leads us to the 2nd posture.
A leadership that is solely based on organizational or theological identity will yield an oppressive, religious leadership.
Finally, in verses 48-59 the Pharisees accuse Jesus of being a half breed and demon possessed. This would have been incredibly offensive to any Israelite, much less the Son of God. These religious leaders were attempting to discredit Jesus, trying to tarnish his glory. But once again, Jesus told them the only glory he sought was that of the Father. Jesus makes two more bold claims. In verse 52 Jesus says, “If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.” And in verse 58, in response to the Pharisees charge that Jesus could not possibly have existed before Abraham, Jesus declares, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” This was a direct claim to deity. Jesus was claiming to be God incarnate. The Jews picked up stones to destroy Jesus for the crime of blasphemy. This is spirituality for its own sake. This leads us to the 3rd and final posture.
A leadership that seeks to manifest its own impressiveness will result in oppressive, religious leadership.
Authoritarian leadership must be matched by empowerment.
Entrenched, organizational leadership must be matched by surrender of that which seems sacred, but is merely secular.
Glory seeking leadership must be matched by gratitude.
Ultimately, religion is man centered.
Therefore, religious leadership will only point to a man-centered reality void of grace.
A Christ-centered posture will yield a gracious, peaceful, redemptive reality that shines a bright light on the One who makes it all possible.
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