The Tender Word for Pharisees: Lessons for Christians in 2023+

A Tender Word for Pharisees: Lessons for Christians in 2023 and Beyond

Pharisees! The word itself brings up an image of religious leaders who were legalistic, hypocritical, and judgmental in their approach to faith. They were quick to criticize and condemn those who didn't conform to their standards of righteousness. The Pharisees are often portrayed as the villains of the Bible, but in reality, they were human beings like us, trying to live out their faith in the best way they knew how.

Jesus had some tough words for the Pharisees, but he also had a tender word for them. In this article, we will explore what that tender word was and what lessons we can learn from it as Christians in 2023 and beyond.

The Context of Jesus's Tender Word

In Luke 15, we find a familiar story - the parable of the prodigal son. The story goes like this: a man had two sons, and the younger son asked for his share of the inheritance before his father's death. The father granted his request, and the son went off to a distant country and squandered his wealth on wild living. When a famine hit the land, the son found himself in dire straits and decided to return to his father's house, hoping to become one of his servants.

But when the father saw his son from a distance, he ran to him, embraced him, and welcomed him back with open arms. He threw a party to celebrate his son's return, which upset the elder brother, who had stayed faithful to his father and worked hard for him all these years.

Now, it's important to note that the elder brother in this parable represents the Pharisees. They were the ones who had stayed faithful to God's law and worked hard to keep it. They were the ones who had not strayed from the path of righteousness like the wayward sinners who had gathered around Jesus.

When the elder brother hears the sound of music and dancing from the party, he refuses to go in and join the celebration. The father comes out to plead with him, and this is where we find Jesus's tender word for Pharisees.

Jesus's Tender Word for Pharisees

The father says to his elder son, "My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." (Luke 15:31-32)

Notice the tenderness in the father's voice as he addresses his elder son. He doesn't scold him for not joining the party. He doesn't belittle him for being righteous. Instead, he reminds him of his love for him and his inheritance. He also acknowledges his younger brother's redemption, which is cause for celebration.

Jesus was using this parable to show the Pharisees that God's love and grace are not based on our performance or righteousness. God's love and grace are available to all who repent and turn to him, regardless of their past sins or present status.

The Lessons for Christians in 2023 and Beyond

So, what lessons can we learn from Jesus's tender word for Pharisees? How can we apply them to our lives as Christians in 2023 and beyond?

1. Don't be like the Pharisees

It's easy to fall into the trap of legalism, hypocrisy, and judgmentalism in our approach to faith. We can become so focused on our own righteousness that we forget about God's grace and love for sinners. We can become so critical of others' faults that we forget about our own shortcomings and need for forgiveness.

Jesus's tender word for Pharisees is a reminder that we need to have a humble and compassionate attitude towards others, especially those who are far from God. We need to be quick to forgive, slow to judge, and always ready to extend a hand of welcome and love to those who come to us seeking redemption.

2. Don't neglect your inheritance

The elder son in the parable had forgotten about his inheritance and his father's love for him. He was so focused on his work and his righteousness that he had no joy or peace in his heart. He had become bitter and resentful towards his father and his brother.

As Christians, we have an inheritance that is far greater than any earthly wealth or status. We have been adopted into God's family and have the assurance of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. We must never forget our inheritance or take it for granted. We must always remember that everything we have is a gift from God and that we are called to use our resources and talents to glorify him and serve others.

3. Celebrate redemption

The father in the parable threw a party to celebrate his younger son's return. He didn't dwell on his son's past sins or mistakes. He didn't hold a grudge or demand an apology. He simply rejoiced in his son's redemption and welcomed him back into the family.

As Christians, we must celebrate redemption whenever we see it. We must rejoice when a sinner repents and turns to God. We must welcome them into our churches and our homes with open arms and hearts. We must not be afraid to share our own stories of redemption and how God has transformed our lives.

4. Remember God's love and grace

Finally, we must always remember God's love and grace towards us. We must never forget that we are sinners saved by grace and that our righteousness comes from Christ alone. We must cling to the cross and the hope of eternal life that it brings.

As we live out our faith in 2023 and beyond, let us remember Jesus's tender word for Pharisees and apply it to our lives. Let us be humble, compassionate, and forgiving towards others. Let us never forget our inheritance or take it for granted. Let us celebrate redemption whenever we see it. And let us always remember God's love and grace towards us.

Conclusion

Jesus's tender word for Pharisees is a reminder that God's love and grace are available to all who repent and turn to him, regardless of their past sins or present status. As Christians in 2023 and beyond, we must apply the lessons from this parable to our lives and live out our faith with humility, compassion, and joy. Let us never forget our inheritance or take it for granted. Let us celebrate redemption whenever we see it. And let us always remember God's love and grace towards us.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)