Scribes and Pharisees

Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. Matt. 22:29”

John, I find this to be an interesting verse because of who Jesus was speaking to. He was responding to the scribes and pharisees. These are men who would have been meticulously studying the scriptures since their youth. They would have been known by their peers to be men of renown, great intellects and masters in the law. They are the ancient equivalent of having a doctor of divinity and being professors, M.D.s, lawyers and judges, and yet they were in error because despite their study they did not really know the Scriptures or the power of God. They were in fact trying to use their knowledge to confound Jesus (the creator of the universe) and publically discredit Him. This error is something to be careful of today as pride often blinds a person to it. Even the most brilliant and best can have it all wrong if their eyes aren’t focused on Jesus Christ. You may see this problem in some churches today. Some have no trouble understanding and being witness to the power of God, but they do not know the Scriptures and so they can easily be deceived concerning God’s word and led astray. Others know the Scriptures backwards and forwards, yet they deny His power to be evident today and so all of their learning is powerless (blind and useless). You must remember that the gospel is both the wisdom and the power of God for those who believe. However, to the “wise” who are perishing it is seen as foolishness and weakness.

Verses to ponder on pride and humility:

In his pride the wicked does not seek Him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God. Psalms 10:4

But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. 2 Chron. 26:16

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 14:11