Repentance And Forgiveness.
In the Gospels, Jesus likens the men of this generation to disappointed children: We played the flute for you and you did not dance, we mourned to you and you did not weep. But there is no we in Scripture. It is always the scroll containing the words expressing the will of God that is the reference; and it is that to which we the hearers must submit. The ones who rejected John, who fasted and drank no wine, are the same ones who reject Jesus on the accusation that he drinks wine and is a friend of tax collectors and sinners (read: the outsider). Jesus’ association with sinners reinforces the basic scriptural teaching that all are in need of repentance. If the religious leaders reject the teaching of Jesus because they think they are righteous, then they will not receive forgiveness, while the ones whom they regard as de facto sinners will. While both are in need of forgiveness, it is only the ones who acknowledge their status that are going to benefit. Join me in a discussion of Luke 7:31-35.
“St. John the Baptist Bearing Witness” by Duccio.
“Up From Below” and “Voodoo Who” performed by the Flesh.
“Up From Below” and “Voodoo Who” performed by the Flesh.
