Days of Conflict
63
Jesus was misunderstood by His brothers because He was not like
them. His standard was not their standard. In looking to men they
had turned away from God, and they had not His power in their lives.
The forms of religion which they observed could not transform the
character. They paid “tithe of mint and anise and cummin,” but omitted
“the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith.”
Matthew
23:23
. The example of Jesus was to them a continual irritation. He
hated but one thing in the world, and that was sin. He could not witness
a wrong act without pain which it was impossible to disguise. Between
the formalists, whose sanctity of appearance concealed the love of sin,
and a character in which zeal for God’s glory was always paramount,
the contrast was unmistakable. Because the life of Jesus condemned
evil, He was opposed, both at home and abroad. His unselfishness
and integrity were commented on with a sneer. His forbearance and
kindness were termed cowardice.
Of the bitterness that falls to the lot of humanity, there was no part
which Christ did not taste. There were those who tried to cast contempt
upon Him because of His birth, and even in His childhood He had to
meet their scornful looks and evil whisperings. If He had responded by
an impatient word or look, if He had conceded to His brothers by even
one wrong act, He would have failed of being a perfect example. Thus
He would have failed of carrying out the plan for our redemption. Had
He even admitted that there could be an excuse for sin, Satan would
have triumphed, and the world would have been lost. This is why the
tempter worked to make His life as trying as possible, that He might
be led to sin.
But to every temptation He had one answer, “It is written.” He
rarely rebuked any wrongdoing of His brothers, but He had a word
[89]
from God to speak to them. Often He was accused of cowardice for
refusing to unite with them in some forbidden act; but His answer was,
It is written, “The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from
evil is understanding.”
Job 28:28
.
There were some who sought His society, feeling at peace in His
presence; but many avoided Him, because they were rebuked by His
stainless life. Young companions urged Him to do as they did. He
was bright and cheerful; they enjoyed His presence, and welcomed
His ready suggestions; but they were impatient at His scruples, and
pronounced Him narrow and strait-laced. Jesus answered, It is written,