For John came fasting, and people said: ‘He is possessed by a demon!’ Then, the Son of Man came, he ate and drank; and
people said: ‘Look at this man! A glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet, wisdom is vindicated by her works.
Reflection:
It is vexing to have playmates who do
not follow instructions or rules. The game could not
prosper and time is spent on arguments rather than the
joy of playing. Translating that to spiritual language,
Jesus is exasperated at His contemporaries. They have
a lot of complaints and want everything opposite to
what Jesus brings to them. When John came with all his
asceticism, they branded him as possessed. And when Jesus
comes with His celebrative brand of spirituality, they
accuse Him of gluttony, drunkenness, and a certain
fondness for the despicable characters of society. This
leaves Jesus stumped for He does not know what the
people wants. It is hard to minister to those who wants
the exact opposite of what is in the present. You can never win
them because they choose not to cooperate. And therefore,
to work for public acceptance and according to their opinion
is easier and might make you prosper. But it is a fleeting
achievement. Consistency of purpose in good times and in
bad is better because it will last longer.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2021