The Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that
he drives out demons” (Matthew 9:34).
Two groups of people in this vignette respond to Jesus in
completely different ways. When Jesus drives a demon out of a man who is mute
and the man begins to speak, the crowds proclaim: Nothing like this has
ever been seen in Israel (v.
33). The Pharisees are less enthusiastic: It is by the prince of demons
that he drives out demons.
Have you ever been frustrated by a back seat driver? The Pharisees remind me of a first
century example of the armchair quarterback. When it came to handing out criticism, they went by the adage: ‘Tis
more blessed to give than to receive.
In the next paragraph, Jesus is traveling through Galilee,
preaching in the synagogues and healing the sick. He connects with the people,
and notes that they are like sheep without a shepherd (v. 36). I cannot help but wonder if he
was thinking of the Pharisees at this moment; especially when he continues: The
harvest is plentiful but the workers are few (v. 37).
Again, two groups of people: the ones doing the work, and
the ones sitting on the sidelines second-guessing the quarterback. Their
contribution? Well, if I was in the game… Maybe that’s the problem.
Why aren’t they in the game?
Are you playing the game or sitting on the sidelines
critiquing those who are?
TODAY’S MEDITATION
If you’re not already, ask
God how could you get in the game? If you are in the game, pray about how you
could recruit more players.
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