The Scholars
We had come to a great city and gathered near a temple. The scholars came to Jesus armed with knowledge and cleverness. Some came to test him on points of religion, while others sought to foil him and win standing among their own. A few hoped for light.
They began to speak but in their eagerness questions came in a torrent and gave no pause for answer.
Jesus spoke not.
At length they gathered their senses and were silent. Then Jesus said,
Though your minds are full yet your questions show your emptiness.
A scholar asked,
“We seek the truth. What else would you have us do?”
Do you seek the truth or praise for what your questions may find?
The gaze of some turned inward on hearing this while others did not wish to look.
Jesus continued,
You are like the pilgrim who travelled to a holy place and there he found a signpost that pointed the way ahead. His discovery filled him and he built a home by it.
People who passed by his home he would tell of what he found; but those entranced by his words did not follow the signpost.
Do you know of God’s Kingdom? If you do not know of it then linger not by signposts.
One of the more earnest scholars said,
“I have sought the Kingdom of Heaven and travelled to many signposts. What else may I do for the Kingdom is still hidden from my gaze?”
As you travel, do you place trust in your Father to guide you or do you walk alone deciding what is of God and deciding what is not?
Some of the quieter men nodded and considered the words just spoken. One of these said,
“Though I sense the will of God at times yet I hearken to my own voice. In doing this I fear I am not worthy to hear His voice or earn His blessing.”
You see poorly your Father's capacity to love you.
“But I am unworthy. I fear that what I am is not enough, that where I stand is cast in shadow.”
Your Father's command is clear but do you fear to give love in whatever place you stand?
Again, silence filled us. Some saw the poverty they had chosen. Yet not all did see a path to take.
A young and earnest man from the temple said,
“I would do the Father's will but my head fills with words that weigh 'this' against 'that'. What can I do?”
Does God weigh thoughts or give love?
Unheeding, he continued,
“I should be punished. My vanity blots any light from touching me.”
Is this all you find to give?
God’s Kingdom is full of love. If you would enter this place then become one who sends love. To what place can love not go?
Again, some sensed the truth but importance still filled some and their course was set. One of these spoke,
“Your words are clever but how do we know your message is true and of God?”
You taste the fruit of the tree but if your mouth is not clean will you know the fruit is good? Cleanse yourself to know the truth. Humble yourself to give love.
Yet still there was one so hardened that his companions felt shame as he spoke,
“You have no knowledge of God. You wear a mask that hides a liar.”
Though you speak with certainty yet certainty comes from truth; truth comes not from certainty. The knowledge I give is found in the hearts of all who love.
Who does lie and wear a mask? Do you know the mask you wear and do you know what it hides?
Fury rose in the man and truth was left unmet. The man rebuked Jesus and ended by saying,
“I will destroy you.”
Is it God’s will that you should destroy those you judge are false? Who gives you authority?
The destruction you would send arises in your own heart; where shall your attack strike first and where shall it fall hardest?
The man stood, turned his back on Jesus, and walked away. For a time none spoke, concerned as they were for the lost man.
Another asked,
“Is there nothing for those so lost? Are they not still within the compass of God's love?”
God's love is ever present. Yet for those who hide from God they shall be left in hiding. What contentment can they find? In time, the need for peace will call and all pretence will end.
“But they may die before they come to sense!”
Would God abandon those that still have lessons to complete?
“Surely we must do what we can to change the hearts of those who are lost!”
Would you rob them of their choice? Do you think such to be love?
Can we not give wisdom that will bring them to God?
God gives that which is needed. As you place your faith in this so shall you see evidence of your Father’s heartfelt love.
“Yet I feel a weight of sorrow at their loss and would be an instrument of their salvation.”
Must they change so your heart is soothed and your sorrow lifted? Where is salvation in this?
The ways of God are countless yet what in you can fathom the wisdom of the Father? Do you serve God’s will or yours?
Be at peace in your own heart, and trust that God's love will find and awaken the lost ones. Would you seek anything less?
After some time another of the scholars said,
“I begin to see how poor is my faith in the Father. What may I do?”
Faith is found by loving God and built by loving others. Put not your will before God or your faith will be shattered and your heart will be broken.
Know you the worth of a deed or its place in God's design? Your duty is to love God and all that God has created. This is all there is to do. Seek no cause to deny love; love others as God must love you.
“Why ‘must’ God love us?”
It is God’s nature and choice; there is naught else God would do.
“How can we become strong in love?”
If I show you how to fish will you not need to practice for mastery to be won?
Do you practice loving God and loving all that you meet?
Again, we were shown where we stood and where there was life. A scholar, wise and prudent, asked,
“How shall we know who it is that comes to speak to us?”
The Father and I are one. What God asks of you always is what I ask of you now.
Love God and love your neighbour; and count all as your neighbour.
Know that God sees you in truth and gives love to what He sees. He blesses all in this world.
He looked at those who were present and asked,
What do you give to this world?