45 One of the experts in the law answered him, "Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also."
Ever heard of the expression “If the shoe fits, wear it”? Surely Jesus must have been tempted to say this! Aren’t we always the first ones to be shocked when conviction comes our way? The “experts” of the law found themselves a bit aghast at Jesus’ piercing words. We must always remember the deceitfulness of our own hearts. Scripture tells us: 9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? 10 "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve." Jer 17:9-10 (NIV)
Beware of no man more than of yourself; we carry our worst enemies within us. Charles Spurgeon
God is the only One who can correctly discern our hearts; unfortunately, we are so often deluded. Quite frankly, we can make excuses for anything – and believe them ourselves! Like the teachers of the law in our verse for today, we are insulted and feel highly affronted when our weaknesses are brought to light. This is not the correct response for a child of the King (to say the least!). Scripture tells us to guard our hearts:
23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Prov 4:23 (NIV)
“Put everything you have into the care of your heart, for it determines what your life amounts to.” Dallas Willard Have you ever noticed when someone has been convicted in their spirit and not willing to change they become very defensive? They may say that they are sorry; they may even admit that what they have done is wrong, yet there always seems to have a “BUT” added to their apology. Beware of the “BUT’S” in your repentance. Godly repentance is accompanied with sorrow – a grief over missing the mark; a sadness over displeasing our Savior. A owning of our own sin. Like Peter who wept bitterly after denying his Lord, demonstrating to us the proper posture of true repentance. Adding “BUT’S” is merely making excuses trying to soften the sharp shards of our behavior and not genuine repentance. I wonder if God ever feels pillaged by our apathy regarding our cavalier attitudes towards our sins.10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11 See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 2 Cor 7:10-11 (NIV)
We should be striving as the Corinthians for a clear conscience before God. When the Spirit convicts we are to quickly repent – like Joseph who turned and fled from even the temptation to sin. We are to be broken over the depravity that is found within us. Paul tells us in Acts: 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. Acts 24:16 (NIV)
He also goes on to say in I Corinthians:3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. 1 Cor 4:3-5 (NIV)
The Lord is the judge of our hearts and the motives behind our actions. Man is quite easy to fool yet God is never fooled. God speaks to us through His Word, giving us wisdom through the Holy Spirit to discern it and His gentle whisper in our hearts is constant: "There is hardly ever a complete silence in our soul. God is whispering to us well nigh incessantly.” Frederick William Faber The writer of Hebrews states:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Heb 4:12-13 (NIV)