Accused

Christ Accused By The Pharisees

Long before this scene, Pharisees were looking for any excuse to, literally, nail Jesus to the cross.

And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. (Mark 3:2 KJV)

In the above scene, plenty accused Him:

And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. (Matthew 27:12 KJV)
And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. (Mark 15:3 KJV)
And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. (Luke 23:10 KJV)

They didn’t like what He said.  They didn’t like what He did.  They didn’t like that people followed Him.  They didn’t like his doctrine, how He looked at scripture and how He explained scripture to his followers.

There’s quite a bit of accusation tossed toward Christians today – as it has been for millennia.  Sometimes it’s one Christian denomination accusing another. I think it would be a good idea to keep Gamaliel’s logic in mind:

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. (Acts 5:38-39 KJV)

It would do each of us well to refer to the Bible when doctrinal questions arise.  Yes, I know there are differing interpretations of specific doctrinal issues, which means we need to be certain how and why we believe what we do.  Yes, we accept in faith, and that faith tells us:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV)

Know the scriptures! Christ used them in answering His temptations. Remember, there is something out there seeking Christians, with a specific purpose:

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8 KJV)

The Bible tells how we should endeavor:

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:1-6 KJV)

That is not advocating acceptance of error – which will be found in congregations – but discussing error in love. Thus unashamedly, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)