Jesus was in Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of the harvest. By this time, he had already won the hearts and minds of some influential Pharisees. Other leaders of the Pharisees wanted to discredit this fake from the North so that he would not mislead the people. They devised a plan to stop Jesus and destroy his claim to be the prophesized Messiah.
The Pharisees approached Jesus from behind with arms crossed and judgment burning behind their eyes as he talked with his disciples in a loud and busy market.
When the disciples’ eyes shifted to the people standing behind him, Jesus turned to face them. Their leader said, “Who do you think you are, claiming to be the Messiah? Don’t you know that the Messiah must be a son of David?”
Jesus could sense that his followers wanted to come to his defense. He looked back at them and smiled to let them know they could stand down.
Jesus turned back toward the Pharisees, “I’m honored to be in the presence of such esteemed masters of the holy scriptures.” The religious leaders raised a collective eyebrow. “I hope you can explain how the Messiah must be David’s son, according to your words.”
“Not according to our words,” scoffed the leader. “If you knew anything, you would have said ‘according to the holy scriptures.'”
Jesus said, “Would you please explain how David, being inspired by the Spirit, refers to the Messiah as his Lord? The scriptures clearly say, ‘The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’ If David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he also be his son? Do you sincerely believe that a father would refer to his son as ‘Lord?'”
The Pharisees didn’t know how to respond. They taught that David had written this psalm as a prophecy about the Messiah. His question put them in a situation where they would have to say that the psalm was not written by David or that the Messiah did not have to be a descendant of David. The Pharisees scrambled within their minds to get out of the hole they had dug for themselves. To break the awkward silence, one of them said, “Perhaps this psalm may not have come from David’s hand but another?”
“Oh, you certainly are ‘masters’ of the scriptures!” Jesus said loudly enough for the gathered crowd to hear. “If you don’t like what our sacred texts say, you beat them until they do whatever suits your purpose!” Humiliated, the Pharisees scurried away as the people burst into taunts and laughter.
Confused and concerned, Judas from Kiryath approached Jesus. “Rabbi, why didn’t you just say that you are descended from David and born in Bethlehem according to the scriptures?” Putting his hand on Judas’s shoulder, Jesus said, “My friend, they read the scriptures, but they won’t eat them. Do you understand?” Judas struggled within himself to understand but could not.
Secrets of the Story
This story is a retelling of Matthew 22: 41-46. The psalm in question is Psalm 110. In the NIV Bible, this psalm is prefaced with the words “Of David. A psalm.” The original version of this story can be found in a message from Judas of Kerioth received by H. in Ecuador.
This story conveys a message to everyone tempted to use spiritual writings for selfish purposes. Sacred texts are not meant to be used as weapons. The purpose of scripture is not to control other people but to help us perceive truth and love.
As Jesus told Judas, we are meant to incorporate the truth we perceive into who we are and what we do. Sacred writings inspire us to be who we are meant to be and do good. Just as wholesome food and drink are medicine for the body, our spiritual texts are intended to be healing food and drink for the soul. If anything we read or hear does not help us experience and live the Unconditional Love of God, spit it out! Let’s seek more nourishing fare! While holy words may be helpful, nothing compares to receiving God’s Divine Essence of Love into our souls.
The highest purpose of sacred texts and spiritual traditions is to transform us, our relationships, communities, and the world. It’s better to let go of anything that doesn’t help us grow in love, including unloving words and interpretations believed to come from God and God’s messengers.
A mind disconnected from love will use anything to reinforce its warped perspective. There are still lost souls using sacred texts as weapons to justify the expression of their judgments, fears, and evil desires. The love-filled soul refuses to act upon unloving words that have been placed upon the lips of God. Let’s use the blessings we receive to increase the Love of God within our hearts and between us as precious children of our Heavenly Head of the Household.
How wise, Bill! Thank you so much!