so, while Jesus was talking and eating with levi and the other ‘sinners’ in his home, the pharisees pull aside a few of the disciples to ask them questions about their rabbi. they were undoubtedly curious about His choice of eating arrangements for the evening. they were probably also frustrated because of His complete disregard of their system for social interaction, or the lack thereof. also…He was making them look bad in a way they couldn’t cope with on any level.

i imagine that some of the disciples went right into the house with Jesus and levi, because they didn’t hold much regard for the pharisee’s rule either. they had never been in the ‘in crowd’ religiously speaking. the zebedee boys may have enjoyed it because it was something previously forbidden, and so it was kind of like rebelling. but a few of the other disciples must have been uncomfortable, and so they stood just inside the house where you could be near the door in case anything ‘bad’ happened.

so, the pharisees begin to question these few that are near the door about their rabbi’s behavior. they may have been looking for an opportunity just like this, so they could feel morally superior, according to their own standards, and look down their noses at Jesus. they were always on the hunt for an opportunity like this, to ask questions that made them seem better then others. their perception of their moral superiority, and their appearance of holiness to others was a driving factor about why they were who they were.

Jesus’ description of ‘white washed tombs’ was spot on. they were all about the look of spirituality with none of the heart. they couldn’t bear to see someone doing something against their own man-made rules, but they also couldn’t interact wit the people who needed the most help. it would have hurt their image to speak with them, or to make a house call. so they really made for lousy shepherds and blind guides. they were of absolutely no help to anyone.

their lives were inaccurate representations of God’s desire for us, and so they drove more people away from Him than they could drive to Him. they were counter-productive to their own cause. and so they were truly sad to see. like a made for tv movie of your favorite novel. they were ‘loosely based’ on something much better, but the production quality was low and there had been too many re-writes to the script. they were more flawed than the guys who were just out being regular ‘sinners.’ they had a whole series of mental blocks built up against God that had to be torn down, burned and disposed of before they could come to a point of repentance like levi reached by being told ‘follow me.’

they spoke to the disciples, because they knew that speaking to Jesus would have led to some sort of conviction in their own lives, and they couldn’t have that. it was easier avoiding confrontation, and staying on the fringes.

Father God, please forgive me when i stand behind my own ‘moral superiority’ or hide from confrontation. let me be willing at all times, and in all places to speak with and spend time with your children, no matter where they may be found. i don’t want to wear a mask of smug spirituality. i don’t want a calloused heart. forgive me, and mold me into who You want me to be each day.

Father, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Spirit, have mercy.

amen.