Faith & Reason Nexus

In the Bible, we see that Jesus Christ caused division among people during His time on Earth. He was not only a source of comfort and salvation but also a point of contention. Many were divided over who He was, His mission, His authority, and His teachings. As believers, we must recognize that being in harmony with Christ is crucial for our salvation.

People Were at Variance Over His:

1. Character
   • John 7:12: “And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.”
     • The character of Jesus was a point of debate. Some recognized His goodness, while others falsely accused Him of deceiving people.
   • John 8:46: “Which of you convicteth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?”
     • Jesus challenges His critics, showing that His character was blameless and true.
   • 1 Peter 2:22-23: “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”
     • Jesus’ sinless character set Him apart from others, and He responded to persecution with humility.
2. Mission
   • John 1:11-12: “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
     • The mission of Jesus—to save the lost—was rejected by many, yet those who accepted Him were given the opportunity to become children of God.
   • Luke 12:13-15: “And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?”
     • Jesus made it clear that His mission was not about earthly matters like inheritance but about the Kingdom of God.
   • Luke 19:10: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
     • The central mission of Jesus was to bring salvation to the lost, a purpose that divided those who accepted it and those who rejected it.
   • Acts 1:6-7: “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.”
     • Even after His resurrection, some were confused about His mission, expecting a political kingdom rather than the spiritual reign He offered.
3. Authority
   • Matthew 21:23-27: “And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?”
     • The authority of Jesus was questioned by the religious leaders. They could not understand or accept the divine authority with which He spoke.
   • Matthew 7:28: “And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”
     • Jesus’ teaching had divine authority that left people amazed, setting Him apart from other teachers of the time.
   • John 7:45-46: “Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.”
     • Even those sent to arrest Jesus were struck by His authority, recognizing that no one spoke with the same power and truth.
4. Doctrine
   • Matthew 15:11-13: “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”
     • Jesus’ teachings often challenged traditional Jewish beliefs and practices, causing division among those who held to old customs.
   • John 6:66-69: “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.”
     • Many rejected Jesus’ doctrine, but the twelve apostles remained, recognizing that His words were the path to eternal life.
5. Fulfillment of Prophecy
   • John 7:20-43: “The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee? Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.”
     • Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, but many could not recognize Him as the Messiah, causing confusion and division among the people.
   • Luke 4:28-32: “And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill…”
     • Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy was met with rejection and anger by those who were not prepared to accept Him as the Messiah.
   • Matthew 16:13-16: “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?”
     • Jesus’ identity was a matter of debate, with some believing Him to be the Christ, while others had different opinions.
6. Value
   • Matthew 19:20-22: “The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.”
     • Jesus taught that the value of following Him was greater than material wealth, but many were unwilling to make that sacrifice.
   • Matthew 8:28-34: “And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils…”
     • Jesus’ power to heal and deliver was recognized by some but rejected by others, who preferred the status quo over the radical changes He brought.
   • John 11:21-22: “Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.”
     • Martha’s statement reflects the value she placed on Jesus’ power, yet others doubted or did not recognize the fullness of His authority.

Conclusion

Jesus Christ is the ultimate divider in human history. His character, mission, authority, doctrine, fulfillment of prophecy, and value have caused division among people throughout the ages. We must be careful not to be at variance with Christ. His teachings are clear, and they demand a response. To reject Him is to reject salvation, while to accept Him is to embrace eternal life and the fullness of His purpose for us. Let us not be divided, but align ourselves with Christ, the true foundation of faith.