Tag Archives: zealots

Trying to Understand a World Turned Upside Down

Depending upon one’s worldview, the beliefs you develop will reflect how you see the world.  Thus, one religion might view a suicide bombing as a righteous act.  Meanwhile, someone who saves a whale is deemed a hero.  On the other hand, a similar attempt to save an unborn child’s life might result in persecution, earning a reputation as a bigot.  Either the world has been turned upside down or worldviews have poisoned the minds of this generation.

Humans tend to form their opinions based upon personal experiences.  The more someone encounters attitudes, behaviors and ethics, ideals slowly take hold, shaping the individual as they absorb the world around them.  Therefore, the adults, fatherly figures and leaders one comes into contact with on a daily basis will influence who children become.  Whether its the music they hear, shows they watch or conservations they observe, all play a factor.  If a mind is a beautiful thing to waste, warped worldviews is a major reason why the world appears to be turned upside down.

Jesus faced a similar crowd early in the first century.  When Pharisees placed so many regulations on the Sabbath, their hearts turned cold toward healings Jesus performed on the Lord’s day.  Instead of rejoicing, the zealots forgot what being a follower of God was all about.  This convoluted belief blinded many of these religious leaders from seeing Jesus for who he was, the son of God.  However, if someone like Nicodemus can be transformed from a Pharisee in John 3 into one of 2 people not afraid to bury Jesus in John 19:38-42, then our minds can also change today.  Help play a role in changing the world right side up, one mind at a time.

by Jay Mankus

The Real Smooth Operator

During the summer of 1984, the English group Sade released the song Smooth Operator, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart for 2 weeks.  The distinct voice of Sade Adu has etched a place in history for this song, a classic which highlights the unique sounds of the 1980’s.  While modern commercial studs, movie stars and players try to claim this crown, there is only one Smooth Operator, Jesus of Nazareth.

According to Mark 12:13-15, the religious police came after Jesus, pulling out all their stunts to find a way to arrest him.  In Act I, found in Mark 12:15-17, Jesus faces off with the Pharisees and Herodians, thirsty for blood ever since Mark 3:6.  These two religious groups attempt to force Jesus into a corner where he either breaks Roman law, not paying taxes to Caesar or refuses to respect the proper temple tax.  Celebrating too earlier, Jesus asks for a coin, answers both questions, leaving a jaw dropping response in Mark 12:17.

Act II begins in Mark 12:18-27 with a group known as the Sadducees, who do not believe in the resurrection of the dead.  Thus, one of their zealots poses a hypothetical question, hoping to stump and or trick Jesus into giving an unbiblical reply.  Likely yawning, thinking, “is that the best you’ve got,” Jesus quickly disposes these morons.  Toying with their minds, Jesus clarifies their flawed logic by explaining there is no marriage in heaven and Oh by the way, Moses served the God of the living, not the dead.

On fire now, burning through his competition, Act III rolls out one final expert to duel Jesus, a teacher of the law, Mark 12:28-39.  Playing pin the tail on the donkey, this teacher thinks he can get Jesus to de-emphasize one of the 10 commandments, Exodus 20:1-17.  Instead, Jesus divides the commandments God gave to Moses in 2 classifications: 1-4 focus on loving God, 6-10 require loving your neighbor as yourself.  By loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and following the golden rule, individuals can insure that they will keep all 10 commandments.  Astonished by his wisdom, this teacher of the law is nearly converted by Jesus in Mark 12:34.  After this, no one else dared to ask Jesus another question, proving once and for all, He is the real smooth operator!

by Jay Mankus