Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Hello, dear ones.

There is an accumulation of about 4” of snow out there. It’s still cold, but the little bit of precipitation falling at present seems more rain-like. The little boys are out playing in the snow. Dandy is right there with them, waiting for them to throw a ball…or even a snow ball. Thano has been called to work…so it’s just grandma and grandpa doing the parenting again.

TLast evening the boys had fun with me towing them on a little plastic toboggan behind the 4-wheeler. After sending this, I suppose I’ll go do it again. Wanna come by and take a turn?

Have another blessed day.

Love, Dad/Ray.

In one sense there is really nothing very new (or old) about this account—large crowds still seek to arrest and execute Jesus—armed with all kinds of ideological weaponry—ordered to attack and conquer by the chief priests of religion and godlessness. Attitudes of pride and rebellious independence cannot peacefully coexist with Jesus—not if He is to be believed.

Hang on that title, “chief priests.” I’m reminded of a development described early in this chapter. “Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiphas, and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him” (26:3-4). There is mention of both “chief priests” and “high priest.” Let’s now be reminded of Who Jesus really is—He is our “great high priest” (Hebrews 4:14). Fifteen times in Hebrews, Jesus is presented as such—the “high priest” of our right standing with God. Do you see the strange priestly paradox going on here? Is it not a wild picture to view the little local temporary “high priest” plotting to kill the Sovereign Eternal High Priest?—the High Priest of man’s only hope? What a story!

Perhaps it would be good to review the basic role and function of a Biblical priest. In simple terms, he is to represent God to man by means of instruction and demonstration, and he is to represent man to God by means of supplication and intercession. I wonder how many modern priests really understand their basic responsibility and intended role and function. Be reminded, husbands and fathers—you have been delegated by God’s design to serve as a kind of priest in your own family.

Here’s another thought that bears an implicit warning: Judas would undoubtedly have claimed to be a Christian—a follower of Jesus. As I think about it, a valid fact seems to take shape: Wrong-thinking, non-passionate Christians render more serious damage to the image and representation of Christ than do all the efforts of antagonistic unbelievers.