#1 - They Didn’t Expect God
"Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (Mark 2:7, NIV)
In our search for why, exactly, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day rejected him, the first reason we’ll discuss is, they didn’t expect God.
The religious leaders of Jesus's day had studied Scripture their entire lives and they waited eagerly for the Messiah. Yet when He stood before them, they rejected Him. Not because they weren't looking. But because they weren't expecting Him.
Second Temple Judaism held firmly to one truth: God is one. "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4). And this was right. But their understanding of this truth had hardened into a framework that couldn't contain what God was about to reveal.
They expected a Messiah like David. A human king anointed by God. Someone God would use, empower, work through. A specially chosen man, yes. But still just a man.
Then Jesus arrived and shattered their thinking.
He forgave sins. But only God can forgive sin. Their conclusion? Jesus was blaspheming. The truth they missed? The Messiah was God, standing right there in flesh and blood.
When He declared, "I and the Father are one," they grabbed stones. When He claimed, "Before Abraham was, I am" they tried to kill Him. And at His trial, when He affirmed He was the Messiah and would sit at God's right hand, the high priest tore his robes and screamed "Blasphemy!"
What happened at Christmas simply didn't fit their framework. God becoming man was unthinkable.
Here's the tragic irony: they were defending God's uniqueness while rejecting God Himself.
The thing is, the Old Testament whispered hints of plurality within the one God. The Angel of the LORD who was both distinct from God and was God. The Spirit hovering over creation. Wisdom personified in Proverbs. These weren't contradictions to monotheism. They were breadcrumbs leading to the full feast of truth that would come in Jesus.
But the religious leaders had become so rigid in their understanding that they couldn't see it. When God revealed himself in Jesus they called it heresy.
Jesus told them, "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life… and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me" (John 5:39-40).
This should humble us deeply.
How often do we box God into our theological systems? How many times have we missed what He's doing because it doesn't match our expectations?
They chose their framework over the Father's revelation. Their system over the Savior. Their tradition over Truth Himself.
Don't make their mistake. Hold your theology with humility. Let Scripture shape your understanding rather than forcing Scripture into your predetermined boxes. The Word of God is active and alive.
In the end, it’s amazing that their rejection and murder of Jesus was actually the path to our salvation. God is always in control
Remember: God's ways will almost always challenge this world’s structure and inclinations.
May the Spirit who inspired Scripture illumine your heart to receive all that God has revealed.
Father, You are infinite, and my understanding is small and limited. Forgive me for boxing You into my theological systems and missing Your work. Thank You for revealing Yourself fully in Jesus, God in the flesh. Open my eyes to see You clearly. In Jesus’ name we pray