Topical Bible: Reproof: Christ Sent to Give

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Topical Encyclopedia

Reproof, in the biblical context, refers to the act of expressing disapproval or correction, often with the intention of guiding someone back to the right path. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is depicted as a divine figure sent by God to offer reproof, among other roles, to humanity. This aspect of His mission is integral to His teachings and interactions with both individuals and groups.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of reproof is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, where it is often associated with the path to wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 6:23 states, "For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life." This sets the stage for the New Testament understanding of reproof as a necessary component of spiritual growth and alignment with God's will.

Christ's Role in Reproof

Jesus Christ, as the incarnate Word of God, embodies the ultimate standard of truth and righteousness. His earthly ministry was marked by numerous instances where He provided reproof to those around Him, always with the aim of leading them to repentance and a deeper relationship with God.

1. Reproof of the Pharisees and Religious Leaders: One of the most notable aspects of Christ's reproof was directed towards the religious leaders of His time. In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a series of "woes" to the scribes and Pharisees, criticizing their hypocrisy and legalism. Matthew 23:27 states, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity." Here, Christ's reproof serves to expose the superficiality of their piety and calls them to genuine repentance.

2. Reproof of His Disciples: Jesus also reproved His disciples when necessary, always with the intention of teaching and preparing them for their future roles. In Mark 8:33 , after Peter rebukes Jesus for speaking about His impending death, Jesus turns and looks at His disciples and rebukes Peter, saying, "Get behind Me, Satan! For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." This reproof highlights the importance of aligning one's understanding with God's purposes rather than human expectations.

3. Reproof of Sinful Behavior: Jesus' interactions with individuals often included reproof of sinful behavior, coupled with an offer of forgiveness and a call to transformation. In John 8:11 , after the accusers of the woman caught in adultery leave, Jesus tells her, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more." This gentle reproof underscores the balance of grace and truth in Christ's ministry.

Purpose and Impact of Christ's Reproof

The reproofs given by Christ were not merely criticisms but were intended to bring about a change of heart and behavior. They were acts of love, aimed at restoring individuals to a right relationship with God. Hebrews 12:6 reminds believers, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." Christ's reproofs are thus seen as expressions of divine love and concern for the spiritual well-being of humanity.

In summary, Christ's mission included the vital role of offering reproof to guide, correct, and ultimately redeem. His reproofs were characterized by a perfect balance of truth and grace, serving as a model for believers in their own lives and interactions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 2:4
And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 11:3
And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

John the Beloved
... Samaritan captains and their companies sent out to ... They acknowledged their error
and accepted the reproof. The lessons of Christ, setting forth meekness and ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 53 john the beloved.htm

The Wicked Husbandmen.
... take our privileges in judgment away, and give them to ... of the two he might make the
reproof complete ... embassy to the vine-dressers, points to Christ sent by the ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xi the wicked husbandmen.htm

That the Ruler Should not Set his Heart on Pleasing Men, and yet ...
... since a servant whom the bridegroom has sent with gifts ... 11); hence David humbly listened
to the reproof of his ... should not be the servant of Christ (Galatians 1 ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter viii that the ruler.htm

The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ...
... a direct answer, but one which implied a reproof of that ... were appointed to be "witnesses"
of Christ to the ... associate with them as formerly, he sent his message ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture i the resurrection of.htm

The Sluggard's Reproof
... The Sluggard's Reproof. ... He was sent to this world that he might be diligent in his ...
set before us, and we shall endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the sluggards reproof.htm

John v. 31, 32
... "For whom He hath sent, Him ye ... by Jordan also and in the mount, but Christ bringeth
not ... of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xl john v 31.htm

2 Cor. xii. 16-18
... For he did not say, I sent Titus,' but, I exhorted ... And therefore it is that Christ
also calls the Jews ... But not even so could they cover the reproof, nay, they ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxviii 2 cor xii.htm

The First Evangelists
... Often the heart will harden under reproof; but it will ... The mission of Christ's servants
is a high honor, and ... that receiveth Me receiveth Him that sent Me." No ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 37 the first evangelists.htm

John vi. 28-30
... of the bread, and were filled"; He touched them by the reproof, He showed ... What then
saith Christ? ... of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent." On this ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xlv john vi 28-30.htm

Matt. xi. 1
... But Christ knowing the purpose of John, did not say, I am He ... God, the mind with which
John had sent them, He ... Wherefore also He covertly added His reproof of them ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxvi matt xi 1.htm