THE JEWS.
Many religious minded people of today ask the question: Why did so many of God's people, among the Jews, ignore and fail to recognize the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, when He came to the earth in body? Perhaps, if we understood the great confusion that existed among the Jews at that time we would have more light on the subject.
Flavius Josephus gives and account of the vexing confusion in his writings. The state of the Jews was in an uproar at the time of the birth of Jesus Christ. They were divided into many sects and factions. The more learned Jews, who laid claim to an exact knowledge of the law of divine things, were divided into various sects and parties; among which three left the rest far behind in number and authority; namely: the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the Essens. Knowledge of the Essens we owe to Josephus and Philo.
The Pharisees believed that they would be saved, and enjoy eternal happiness by keeping and obeying the law which came by Moses. They believed in the resurrection of the dead and the future punishment of the wicked. Jesus Christ did not rebuke them for believing in the resurrection of the dead, or that the wicked would be punished hereafter. Christ openly rebuked them for their self righteousness, deceit, and hypocrisy.
The Sadducees gave themselves up to every lust and pleasure, as they did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, nor future happiness or punishment after death.
The Essens are not mentioned by Jesus Christ, or by any of the Apostles, and what they believed, history does not fully make known. Christ Jesus did not sanction and approve either sect's way and manner of worship to God.
The Jewish nation was under the dominion of the Roman empire, under which taxes were very heavy and burdensome. Most of the Jews were expecting a king to be born, who would deliver their nation from their oppressors, and establish a worldly kingdom and dominion, after the order of David's dominion, which was a natural kingdom on the earth. The leaders of the Jews did not believe that One who was so humble, meek, and lowly could be of any help to them, but would be in the way of progress. They were actually ashamed of Him. There were a few who believed He was the anointed of God, whom He sent into the world to make an atonement for sin, and deliver His people from the wrath to come. They were waiting for the establishing of a spiritual kingdom on the earth, by this promised Messiah. When Jesus Christ began to set up His kingdom, which was without carnal weapons, or warriors to use them, the great and noble Jews by their natural standing were not interested. When Jesus Christ began to perform the great miracles and reveal that He was the promised Messiah, many of the poor believed on Him, and heard Him gladly.
As the fame of Jesus Christ grew, and many began to follow His teachings, the Scribes and Priests became envious. They could not deny the miracles or withstand His wisdom, but they resorted to the vilest of slander in order to destroy His influence and refute what He taught. They could not bear the truth. When Jesus Christ openly reproved them for their self-righeousness, deceit, and hypocrisy, they set out to destroy Him. He often reproved them for their sins. Not one of the Levitical Priesthoood did He use in setting up the Church. None of the Scribes were consulted as to the meaning of the Scriptures. These Jews thought they were too important to be ignored.
Many of God's people believed on Christ, but were afraid to let it be known, scared that they would be turned out of the synagogue. Jesus Christ gave them ample warning and said to His people, "Take heed lest any man deceive you." The clearer and plainer Jesus Christ taught, the harder the leaders of the Jews tried to tear down His reputation and slander His character. Many of God's children were blinded by their false charges and fale teachings and and failed to discern the time and season. By reading the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah's writings, they would have had the information before them, but they were like many of today; Depending on someone else to do their reading and thinking for them. Do not think this generation is any different from them, because many are making the same mistake, and are losing out as far as having the knowledge of the truth.
God's people, those who failed to recognize Jesus Christ when He was on earth in body, did not fail to share in His death and the benefits thereof. Jesus Christ said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." The Father always hears the Son. These people lost out as to the church, and the gospel rest which is found only in the path of obedience. Many of God's children are losing out as to the church, and the gospel rest by failing to heed the truth even today. May we be more thoughtful and consider the teachings of Christ and the apostles, and give heed to them.
In love and hope,
C. M. MILLS.
The Primitive Baptist, Vol., No., August 21, 1952, pp. 245-246.
