Topical Encyclopedia The scribes, a group of Jewish scholars and legal experts, played a significant role in the religious and social life of Israel during the time of Jesus. They were responsible for copying, interpreting, and teaching the Law of Moses. Despite their esteemed position, the scribes are frequently depicted in the New Testament as adversaries of Jesus Christ, often displaying animosity and hatred towards Him.Opposition to Jesus' Authority The scribes' hatred towards Christ is evident in their constant questioning and challenging of His authority. In Mark 2:6-7 , we read, "But some of the scribes were sitting there and thinking in their hearts, 'Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?'" This passage highlights their skepticism and unwillingness to accept Jesus' divine authority, viewing His actions as blasphemous. Confrontations and Accusations The scribes frequently confronted Jesus, attempting to trap Him with questions and accusations. In Mark 12:28-34, a scribe questions Jesus about the greatest commandment, not necessarily out of genuine curiosity, but as part of a broader pattern of testing Him. Although this particular scribe responds positively to Jesus' answer, the overall narrative of the Gospels portrays the scribes as generally hostile. Collaboration with the Pharisees The scribes often collaborated with the Pharisees, another group known for their opposition to Jesus. In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a series of woes against the scribes and Pharisees, condemning their hypocrisy and legalism. Matthew 23:13 states, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter." This passage underscores the scribes' role in obstructing the message of the kingdom of God. Plotting Against Jesus The scribes' hatred culminated in their involvement in the plot to kill Jesus. In Mark 14:1 , it is recorded, "Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him." Their participation in this conspiracy reveals the depth of their animosity and their desire to eliminate what they perceived as a threat to their authority and religious traditions. Misunderstanding of the Messiah The scribes' hatred towards Christ can be attributed, in part, to their misunderstanding of the nature of the Messiah. They expected a political and military leader who would liberate Israel from Roman rule. Jesus, however, came as a spiritual Savior, challenging their expectations and exposing their spiritual blindness. In John 5:39-40 , Jesus addresses this misunderstanding: "You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life." Summary The scribes' hatred towards Christ is a recurring theme in the New Testament, characterized by their opposition to His authority, confrontations, collaboration with the Pharisees, and participation in the plot to kill Him. Their animosity stemmed from a combination of skepticism, hypocrisy, and a fundamental misunderstanding of the Messiah's mission. Through their interactions with Jesus, the scribes serve as a cautionary example of the dangers of legalism and spiritual blindness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 11:18And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 11:53,54 Library The Mistakes of Christ's Foes and Friends Proof that Christ Frequently Exercised his Ministry in Judea and ... Of the Superstitions of the Jews, and their Hatred against Jesus. The Ministry of Love, the Blasphemy of Hatred, and the Mistakes of ... The Life of Christ. In Joseph's Tomb The Captive Christ and the Circle Round Him Christ and Pilate: the True King and his Counterfeit The Historical and Spiritual Causes of the Death of Christ Knox -- the First Temptation of Christ Resources What does the Bible say about self-hatred? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about hate? | GotQuestions.org What is Christianophobia? | GotQuestions.org Hatred: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hatred to Christ is on Account of his Testimony Against the World Hatred to Christ is Without Cause Hatred to Christ: Chief Priests Hatred to Christ: Involves: Hatred to his Father Hatred to Christ: Involves: Hatred to his People Hatred to Christ: No Escape for Those Who Persevere In Hatred to Christ: Punishment of Hatred: Against Iniquity, Justified Hatred: Inconsistent With: Liars Prone To Hatred: Inconsistent With: The Knowledge of God Hatred: Inconsistent With: The Love of God Hatred: Often Cloaked by Deceit Hatred: Saints should Give No Cause For Hatred: Saints should not Marvel At Hatred: Saints should not Rejoice in the Calamities of Those Who Exhibit Hatred: Saints should Return Good For Hatred: Scriptures Relating To Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards Each Other Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards God Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards Saints Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Backsliding Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Evil Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: False Ways Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Hatred and Opposition to God Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Lying Related Terms |
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