Topical Encyclopedia The topic of strife between the Jewish leaders and Jesus is a significant theme in the New Testament, reflecting the tension and conflict that arose during Jesus' earthly ministry. This strife is rooted in various theological, social, and political factors that culminated in the crucifixion of Jesus.Theological Disputes The primary source of strife between Jesus and the Jewish leaders was theological. Jesus' teachings often challenged the established religious norms and interpretations of the Law. In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus asserts, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." This claim of fulfilling the Law was perceived as radical and threatening to the authority of the Pharisees and Sadducees, who were the custodians of Jewish religious tradition. Jesus' declaration of His divine authority further intensified the strife. In John 10:30, He states, "I and the Father are one," a claim that led to accusations of blasphemy. The Jewish leaders understood this as a direct challenge to the monotheistic foundation of Judaism, as seen in John 10:33: "We are not stoning You for any good work," said the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because You, who are a man, declare Yourself to be God." Social and Cultural Tensions Jesus' association with tax collectors, sinners, and those marginalized by society also contributed to the strife. The Jewish leaders criticized Him for breaking social norms and traditions. In Luke 15:1-2, it is recorded, "Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus. So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.'" Moreover, Jesus' actions in the Temple, such as the cleansing of the Temple courts (Matthew 21:12-13), were seen as a direct affront to the religious and economic practices endorsed by the Jewish authorities. This act symbolized a challenge to the corruption and exploitation that had become entrenched in the religious system. Political Implications The strife also had political dimensions. The Jewish leaders feared that Jesus' growing popularity could incite unrest and provoke Roman intervention. In John 11:48, the chief priests and Pharisees express their concern: "If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." This fear of Roman reprisal and the potential loss of their own power and influence motivated the Jewish leaders to conspire against Jesus. In John 11:53, it is noted, "So from that day on they plotted to kill Him." The Role of Prophecy The strife between Jesus and the Jewish leaders was also seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Isaiah 53:3 describes the suffering servant as "despised and rejected by men," a portrayal that Christians believe is embodied in Jesus' rejection by the Jewish authorities. Conclusion The strife concerning Jesus and the Jewish leaders is a complex interplay of theological, social, and political factors. It highlights the challenges Jesus posed to the established religious order and the resulting conflict that ultimately led to His crucifixion. This strife is a pivotal aspect of the Gospel narratives, underscoring the fulfillment of prophecy and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index John 10:19There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. Nave's Topical Index Library From the Birth to the Ascension of Jesus. Concerning Peaceableness His Life Diverse Things are Spoken Concerning the Same Christ, on Account ... The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion Jesus at the Well of Sychar Second Part The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ... The Apocalypse of the Holy Mother of God Concerning the ... The Early Ministry in Judea Resources What does it mean that the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the works of the flesh? | GotQuestions.org What is the biblical significance of Beer Lahai Roi? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |
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