False Helpers
We're in Luke 11 this week, looking at some of the tough things Jesus said to the Pharisees, and in verse 45 we read this: "One of the experts in the law answered Him, 'Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also.' Jesus replied, 'And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.'"
Ouch! One of the teachers of the law tries to defend his Pharisee friends, and Jesus comes in hot with some stinging words for him too.
Knowledge Without Action
The teachers of the law, or the Scribes as some versions call them, were experts in the Old Testament. They had a great influence in the time of Jesus as interpreters of the Torah, but here Jesus claims that even though they had great knowledge, they didn't use this knowledge for good. In fact, they put heavy burdens on people, and didn't help in carrying them out.
Contrast this to Jesus Himself, who said: "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-29).
That doesn't mean it's easy to follow Jesus. It certainly isn't. But it's not a heavy burden that loads you down and leaves you without help. Following Jesus is not easy, but it's a joy! And if you're in the right church, you'll know what it means to have people alongside you who help you carry your burdens.
From Understanding to Compassion
Sadly, there are many Christians today who are very knowledgeable, but not very compassionate. They may have great insight into the words of Scripture, but they never really lift a finger to help somebody in need.
Jesus says to such people "woe to you". That should cause us some serious self-reflection. Perhaps today we can ask ourselves, "am I a knowledgeable Christian who burdens people and doesn't help them? Does my knowledge of the things of God lead me to a more Christlike, compassionate, caring life, or does it lead me to a more judgmental, proud, selfish life?" I think our honest answers to such questions will reveal to us whether or not we are living as Pharisees and Scribes, or as disciples of Jesus.
By all means, study God's Word. Become an expert even. It will serve you well... if you do it to grow in love and not just knowledge.
And so I pray that God will protect us from being experts with no compassion, or knowledgeable with no desire to serve. Let us be known, not so much for our great knowledge and expertise, but for our great love!
