909 Days That Changed the World by Robert J Dunne

Author:Robert J Dunne [Dunne, Robert J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780986055270
Publisher: Leonine Publishers LLC
Published: 2014-04-11T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirty-Five: Jesus Confronts the Pharisees in Dalmanutha

Dalmanutha is in the southern part of the Sea of Galilee. It encompasses the area where people traveling from Galilee to Jerusalem cross the Jordan River to continue south on the Decapolis and Perea side of the river. It was here, just over one year ago, where John was arrested by Herod’s guards. Today, after a smooth and relaxing sail down the Sea of Galilee, Jesus and his apostles disembark. It has been a little less than three months since they left Capernaum on this tour which began in Tyre. As noted before, they have been dealing more with Gentiles than with Jews, and they have not been hounded by any of the Jewish leaders. On landing, however, they see a group of Pharisees and Sadducees approaching them. The apostles, remembering Jesus’ last confrontation with the Pharisees back in Capernaum, once again have their fears and concerns intensified as it looks like these leaders have been on the lookout for Jesus. This has the makings of another uncomfortable confrontation; that much is obvious by the gait and countenance of the approaching men….

These Pharisees and Sadducees, however, are making a trip from Jerusalem and just happen to be there as Jesus and his apostles arrive. They have been talking about Jesus from time to time, as many have, and have been wondering where he has been these last few months. There have been some stories of his being in the land north of Galilee but not much talk of miracles. Some of the Pharisees recognize him as he gets out of the boat and point him out to the others. Knowing his popularity with the Galileans has decreased and thinking perhaps his “miracle” powers are fading also, they decide to question him. Dressed impeccably, heads held pompously high, these leaders provide a striking contrast to Jesus and his apostles who, for their part, look common, dressed in working clothes. The leaders go on the attack. With the number of people decreasing who say Jesus is the Promised One, the Pharisees and Sadducees push him on the point and “begin to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven” (Mark 8:11).

Jesus’ heart is heavy, and “he sighs from the depths of his spirit” (Mark 8:12). These men are so intent on trying to take Jesus down. They are so full of their own authority that they are blind to the possibility of their being wrong. Their lack of good will exhausts him, even though he has not had to deal with these kinds of men for a while. He turns away from them and looks around at his apostles. Their faces are deeply marked with concern. He will address these Pharisees and Sadducees and then be gone again with his apostles. Turning back to the leaders, he replies, much as he had to the Pharisees back in Capernaum when they accused him of using the power of Beelzebub, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah” (Matt 16:4).

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