The religious leaders sent few men to arrest Lord Jesus Christ. They came back without arresting him. Puzzled, they asked why they did not do their duty? They said that no one spoke like this man. (John 7:46) The leaders were upset. “The Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?” (John 7:47-48) The leaders of Judaism could not accept Lord Jesus Christ as Messiah. They provided three reasons for the same. 1) Deceived: Pharisees had a low opinion about common people with regards to spiritual life. They thought that common people are not spiritually oriented like that of full-time religious leaders like themselves. According to them, common people do not have spiritual discernment or training. Hence, those who believe Lord Jesus as Messiah are deceived and doomed. 2) Authorities: 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) Religious Leaders: Even the religious leaders were proud of their spiritual knowledge and skills. They thought they had knowledge and understanding to determine or discern or decide who Messiah is?
Is Lord Jesus Christ ‘approved’ or ‘certified’ Messiah? According to Pharisees, he was not. They did not even accept him as Rabbi.
The truth even today people are deceived because, they look for religious structures, political systems and knowledge streams to provide truth. In Post-Truth society there will be more deceptions, more Messiahs and more Christs who will appear.
Lord Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6) is the ultimate revelation received as Saviour and Messiah by faith.
Have I received Lord Jesus in faith?