Suffering Servant - Friend Or Pharisee
As I have been seeking to understand deeper who this wonderful Suffering Servant is, I’m beginning to realise that although the suffering in His flesh was for an appointed time, a very dark and dreadful time, He still suffers to this day. He suffers when we malign His name and misrepresent His nature. This is not because He has insecurity issues and needs us to uphold His fame, but because we represent Him to those He died for and suffered to save. Those who were also bought with His Blood and have not come into salvation yet. This is not assuming that we can determine the salvation of those around us, for it is the Father that draws a heart, but we who profess to be saved are ambassadors, are we not? We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20.
For lack of a better metaphor, Jesus spoke of three categories: hot, cold, and lukewarm. In this Aroma Moment, I want to give an overview of each but focus on the one that I believe brings ongoing suffering to this wonderful Kingdom we have been brought into. But first, let's examine the meaning of these three words from Revelation 3:15- 16 from the original text.
Hot is the Greek word zestos, meaning fervour (intense and passionate) of mind and zeal.
Cold is the Greek word psychros, which means sluggish or inert. One destitute of warm Christian faith and desire for holiness.
Lukewarm is the Greek word chliaros, which metaphorically means the condition of a soul wretchedly fluctuating between torpor (numbness, paralysis, inaction, dullness) and fervour of love. It reminds me of James 1:8b, a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Each type is distinct and presents clear symptoms. However, one stands out due to its ominous characteristics: it appears godly but denies its true power, exhibiting a fluctuating faith. This describes individuals who may act religious but reject the transformative power that would make them godly, as referenced in 2 Timothy 3:1-9. Their inconsistent faith allows them to present an appearance of godliness while denying the true power that brings holiness.
I want to examine a passage of scripture that, like you, I have likely heard sermons about, but in seeking it out again, I have learned something incredible. Let's look!
Matthew 11:12 ESV [12] From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.
I want to explore this text in context. It reveals a polarising distinction between those who truly want Jesus and His Kingdom and those who are satisfied with knowing about it.
Matthew 3:1-2, 5-6 ESV [1] In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, [2] “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” [5] Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, [6] and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
His message was straightforward: "Repent!" From this message alone came a vast response. Jerusalem, all Judea and all the region about Jordan came. Nothing fancy, just the truth. Repent!
The phrase "suffers violence" comes from the Greek word "biazō," which means a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with the utmost zeal and effort or to crowd oneself into it. The term "violent" is derived from the Greek word "biastēs," referring to those who are called and strive to obtain its privileges with the greatest eagerness and exertion. This striving is not works-based in the sense of earning it, but instead, the same determined effort mentioned in Hebrews 4:11, where we are instructed to strive to enter God's rest, which means to make haste, endeavour, and give diligence. It is intentional and determined. It is not passive, nor does it tarry with eager expectation of this wonderful mystery of salvation being fulfilled without seeking it with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
It is important to clarify that the context of this passage is not related to spiritual warfare, violently taking down strongholds, or fighting the demonic realm with our own zeal. Instead, it reflects a passionate response to Christ's message and the effort to fully seize and apprehend His salvation until its fullness is established.
This is being hot. It’s not just beginning hot; it’s striving to remain hot through all the following seasons. Through the many fiery trials, the many tests that follow, and the temptations that present themselves. It’s diligently encouraging ourselves in the Lord. Does zeal always look like an outward expression of passion and joy? No, but it's an inward determination to seek Christ no matter what. We can take courage in knowing that there are still those who hear the message of Christ and take hold of it with such zeal that no one can rip it from their grasp. They recognise the deep well within their heart that can only be filled by Christ and they call and don’t stop calling until He fills and keeps filling them.
But John didn’t stop there. Matthew 3:7-10 ESV [7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? [8] Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. [9] And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. [10] Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
“Pharisees” comes from the Hebrew word “prushim” , meaning “separated”. Pharisees were strict regarding both written and oral law. Still, their lives portrayed only an outward appearance of holiness, and John was not fooled, nor did he regard the additional traditions they imposed on the people. This form of outward godliness is still one of the most prolific sufferings our Saviour and Servant endures today and is deadly to those who practice it and teach those around them to walk likewise! To the one who practices such a life, unwilling to acknowledge it as sin and to let go and come back to Christ alone and preach Christ alone, the axe remains at the root.
J. Stowell writes that the Pharisees' leadership produced a heartless, cold, and arrogant brand of righteousness and gives these 10 symptoms of what it looks like.
New laws continually need to be invented for new situations. (Adding to Scripture)
Accountability to God is replaced by accountability to men. (Fear of man)
It reduces a person’s ability to discern personally. (They don’t search out scripture for themselves but believe everything they hear)
It creates a judgmental spirit. (We judge through the veil of self-righteousness, not scripture)
The Pharisees confused personal preferences with divine law. (Seeking to listen to only that which scratches their itching ears)
It produces inconsistencies. (Never come to steady ground, but remain unstable and double-minded)
It created a false standard of righteousness. (It removes the holy standard of God that can only be obtained in Christ Jesus, and creates a lower standard believed to be obtained without Christ)
It became a burden to the Jews. (Always learning, but never understanding, and therefore, never experiencing freedom)
It was strictly external. (Has only an appearance of godliness but denies its power to produce holiness)
Christ rejected it! (*I have added emphasis within the brackets)
Jesus set a pattern before us through His Life to reveal that life in Him can produce Paul's prayer: Ephesians 3:14, 16-21 ESV [14] For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, [16] that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, [19] and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. [20] Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
The ability to live a godly life comes from Christ, the Holy One, in us. Jesus highlighted that the Pharisees focused more on outward appearances than their inner transformation. I want us to grasp this message truly. Jesus did not hesitate to address this form of Christianity. In Matthew 23, He shares more about them to help us understand clearly.
They preach but do not practice
They tie heavy burdens on people but are unwilling to help them carry them
They do all their deeds to be seen by others
They love honour and the best seats
They loved to be called teacher
Hypocrites – He said, “You shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces.”
They make their converts twice the sons of hell as they are
Blind guides
Blind fools
Blind Men
White-washed tombs full of dead man's bones
Have an outward appearance of righteousness to others
Serpents, brood of vipers
Jesus addressed this topic directly, and we should do the same. This form of Christianity is lukewarm, and it is dangerous because it appears genuine and sounds appealing. Those who walk lukewarm can present so knowledgeable, yet inwardly, they are unyielded to Christ.
How do we safeguard ourselves against becoming Pharisees and maligning Christ’s testimony?
Do you receive the Word of the Lord from anyone and believe it, or do you test it? You might be wondering what that means. One of the most common ways I test what someone says is by reading the entire passage of scripture they quoted, and often I also look at the chapters before and after to understand the context in which the scripture was written. This approach helps me determine if how it was preached or taught aligns with scripture. Another important way is to search for a consistent thread throughout the Word. Does it align with the testimony of Christ across the entire Bible? You might find this process overwhelming, requiring time and discipline. However, would you prefer to invest that time in verifying the truth of what has been preached, ensuring you aren’t deceived? Or would you rather face the Day of Judgment and discover that the Jesus you believed you knew is not the Jesus in the Bible? Paul speaks of this:
2 Corinthians 11:2-4 AMP [2] I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy because I have promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. [Hos 2:19, 20] [3] But I am afraid that, even as the serpent beguiled Eve by his cunning, your minds may be corrupted and led away from the simplicity of [your sincere and] pure devotion to Christ. [Gen 3:4] [4] For [you seem willing to allow it] if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted. You tolerate all this beautifully [welcoming the deception].
The Pharisees were knowledgeable and strict, and like the meaning of the very name, they appeared set apart. However, they misunderstood the core message and failed to recognise the True One when He stood before them. They persecuted and ultimately killed Him. Today, in modern Christianity, we often observe an almost opposite approach. There is little regard for righteous living or seeking and knowing Christ beyond the grace and mercy received when one prays the sinner's prayer. Too often, we are led to believe that once that sinner's prayer is prayed, everything is done, and we need do nothing but sit back and wait for our lives to get better, right? However, we must test that belief. What is meant to occur after we give our lives to Jesus? How do we know and test if we are truly in the faith?
I want to take the time to address this question thoroughly, allowing us to explore some scriptures to help us understand how we can genuinely test our faith. We need to recognise whether we are experiencing the pattern of Christ becoming our new life in Him, whether we are stagnant, or whether we have, in any way, become like a Pharisee who is more focussed on our outward appearance of godliness rather than the Life of Christ increasing in us and godliness being the fruit of our life. In the next Aroma Moment, we will delve into this and let the Lord search and reveal any wicked way in us.
Psalms 139:1-4, 23-24 AMP [1] O Lord, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me. [2] You know when I sit down and when I rise up [my entire life, everything I do]; You understand my thought from afar. [Matt 9:4; John 2:24, 25] [3] You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And You are intimately acquainted with all my ways. [4] Even before there is a word on my tongue [still unspoken], Behold, O Lord, You know it all. [Heb 4:13] [23] ¶Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts; [24] And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me And lead me in the everlasting way.
For we do not want to become cold. There is no need to dive deeply into this one. It is one destitute of warm Christian faith and desire for holiness. They are cold and hardened toward all desire and pursuit of godliness. They are faithless. All we can do is pray that the Lord would ignite the flame and draw their hearts to Him. We cannot force anyone to desire Christ, but we are called to examine our hearts.
