There is a lot of talk about people increasingly becoming followers of Lord Jesus Christ. There are many who wish that should be stopped – legitimately or illegitimately. Laws are framed, people are arrested, churches and institutions are attacked. The crux of the matter is: Who is this Lord Jesus Christ? The same dilemma was there when Lord Jesus Christ ministered on this earth. The religious leaders sent a few to arrest Lord Jesus Christ. They came back without arresting him. When asked, they said that no one spoke like this man. (John 7:46) The leaders of Judaism could not accept Lord Jesus Christ as Messiah. They provide three reasons for the same. “The Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?” (John 7:47-48)
1) Deceived: First, the people or commoner or those not spiritually trained are vulnerable to be deceived. In other words, those who believe in Him are deceived. When someone says that poor or common people do not have common sense to determine what is true, it is an insult to the creator. God has created humans, irrespective of their social status or educational level, they are created in the image of God.
2) No government endorsement: Second, none of the authorities have accepted him as Messiah. Without governmental approval or political consent Messiah cannot simply appear on the planet earth. Political arrogance makes them think they have the authority to approve or disapprove the Messiah. Even today, many political rulers think that they can dictate what is spiritual or truth is?
3) No religious endorsement: Third, the religious authorities thought they had knowledge and understanding to determine or discern or decide who the Messiah is? Even today people are deceived because they look for religious structures, political systems and knowledge streams to provide truth.
4) Witnesses: John the Baptist was a witness, so were other disciples and so are believers today: Lord Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. (John 1:7; 14:6)
Am I a witness for Him?