Jesus at the home of a Pharisee
One of our readers commented that she liked this look at Jesus as a radical or a rebel. In saying this she implied that it was a new perspective, or at least one that she hadn’t considered before. I replied that the concept is certainly not new. Jesus has always been a radical and a rebel in the face of the ruling religious authorities (that’s why they killed Him) and the story has always been there in the Gospels for anyone to see. It’s just that when movements become structured and institutionalized they have the tendency of taking on the characteristics of the Pharisees and not of the founder. And with the “Pharisees” in charge, everything gets skewed to their perspective. So you’re not going to see the radical nature of Christ’s teaching advocated from the pulpits of our churches on a regular basis. That might upset too many people, make them feel uncomfortable or force them to change.
A mentor of mine used to teach us that any great movement in history always begins with a Man (it could be a woman, too, but for sake of alliteration…), then it turns into a Movement, then to a Machine, and finally, it becomes a Monument. I think this is the natural course of things in human nature. As movements become institutionalized (the Machine stage), they lose the radical nature of their founder. That’s why we need to continually go back to Jesus – the Jesus of the New Testament – and go back to what He said and did, and if that becomes difficult or hard to take or understand, we mustn’t just pass it off or pass it by. We must find out why. Why don’t we hear this part of Christ’s message, or why don’t we see these things exemplified in His followers and in our own lives? If something Jesus said or did makes us uncomfortable, that’s probably because it should. Preachers should make their congregations uncomfortable on a regular basis. If they’re not, you have to wonder if they are teaching the truth. Preachers should be making themselves uncomfortable for that matter, because the things Jesus said are hard to take, and even harder to do.
If you’re not following the founder you may be following a Pharisee. Leaders who are following the founder leave their own lives open on a regular basis, because the truth cuts them as deeply as it cuts everyone else.
John Fischer The Catch 
The final piece of the alliteration is Mausoleum. As the monument phase passes all you have left are the dead and rotting corpses of those who were once vibrant and alive, but who now are consumed by self-serving desires. They are the Pharisees that Jesus spoke of—the white washed seplicures filled with dead bones. It is like the person who describes a grand and glorious home as a “Taj Mahal” seemingly ignorant of the fact that it was, and is, a tomb. Once you are in the Mausoleum you lose sight of all that could be and focus on a dimly lit memory of the past scrawled upon the marble walls of the tomb.
Another GREAT Catch, Pastor John & I thank you for it and I’m getting soooooooo much out of your book: “12 Steps for the Recovering Pharisee (like me)” @ times I want to throw it across the room, simply because it sooooooo often hits me between the eyes and @ other times I find myself laughing, yet MOSTLY I am getting sooooooo much out of it! I wish I would have read it a few years after I had become a follower of Jesus and NOT allowed myself to get caught up in a lot of the “Churches” dogma and doctrine and just remembered the feeling that i was and am forgiven and how GOOD that is to know and share that w/ others…
PS I also LOVE the fact in the book you back every thing up w/ Scripture(s)
Well said John.
About 5 years ago, the church I have attended since 1999, hired a new teaching pastor who said that he was dedicated to teaching the Bible and the worldview that it advocates. Just like you said, there were a lot of people who didn’t like the message that the Gospel should actually shape our lives. There was a lot of turnover. The country club bunch have gone away and have been replaced by people who want to learn and do what the Gospel means, and not ignore the parts they don’t like. People know that I’ve been walking thru the valley of shadows for the last 3 years and have been supportive in many different ways. They (and all of you) have been a real blessing in my life.
This is good news. Thanks for the encouragement.
I’ve got a conundrum. “Preachers should make their congregations uncomfortable on a regular basis.” Yet, everything that comes out of your fingers- is such a great comfort to me – reasurring – making me think i’m on the right page – when– i know (and there is much evidence to prove…) — i’m such a mess!
If i’ve made you uncomfortable, you’re welcome 🙂
My friend & brother-in-the Lord Frank U, plz don’t feel alone in this regard: “…i know (and there is much evidence to prove…) — i’m such a mess!” As we all are – At least you’re honset enough to admit it and i’ll be happy to keep you in my thoughts & prayers… 🙂
Thank you Mark- much appreciated – i’m generally ok – as a mess can be-
Perhaps I should rephrase that… Preachers should make Pharisees in their congregations uncomfortable and sinners welcome.
see? there you go again 🙂 – I’ve been blessed of late to worship w/ a small OPC congregation that is really on fire for the Lord – ministers to the local community- i.e. – some of the ‘lower’ common denominators such as myself – the pastor quite humble– tho – i think by nature the denomination lends itself to creating some hard line legal parameters- and some members of the session…. – well lets just say – if you’re new to the Lord, grace and mercy abound – anyone who may be seen as a bit more ‘mature’ – … meh -nothing new under the sun
wow. how cool that the latest entry links back here – not sure i quite understand the call for 24.. biblical, yes – but in practice? excited to hear what’s coming – let me know how i can serve? -maybe, ..flip a house for ya? :-D– but seriously – you know, i’m in!
Thank you, Frank. #24 … #25 … whatever works!