Jesus is Brilliant- Part 1
Apr 13th, 2008 by John
We often do not think of Jesus as brilliant; a man with a very sharp mind. But he was. (I am indebted to Dallas Willard who brought this trait of Jesus to the church’s attention.)
After Jesus condemns the Temple (see “Jesus goes postal” below), the representatives of the Sanhedrin confront Jesus, asking him by what authority he did the radical things he did…like ransacking the Temple precincts. With this question, Israel’s ‘Supreme Court’ hopes to trap Jesus. If Jesus says, “I’m acting on my own,” he is in trouble. If Jesus says, “I’m acting because God gave me authority,” he’s still in trouble. He can’t be acting as a maverick and he cannot say he’s acting as Messiah. How will Jesus answer these powerful ones who are in charge of the Temple and its activities? Jesus’ brilliance comes into play.
Banking his reputation, even his life on just one question, Jesus asks it. “The baptism of John–was it from heaven or from men?” Amazingly intelligent. Jesus in effect says, “I’ll rest my future in your hands by giving you an answer to your question if you will give me an answer to my one question.” One question is all that stood between Jesus and his arrest by the Temple authorities. One question. How confident is he?
The religious Court mulls Jesus’ question over, and realizing that he has them trapped(!), answers, “We don’t know.” What?! The Sanhedrin can’t reach a decision on the legitimacy of John the Baptist?! That’s their job. That’s one of the reasons they exist. John the Baptist was a national phenomenon (see Mark 1:4-5). The Sanhedrin was commissioned to investigate charlatans, fakes, leaders-of-the-people-astray, and they can’t answer Jesus about John the Baptist. Talk about egg on their faces. Who are these dumbos?
So, Jesus doesn’t answer the Sanhedrin’s question on their terms and under their pressure. He does however answer them on his terms and with his story…the parable of the tenants (Mark 12:1-12).
Why did Jesus stare down Israel’s Supreme Court? Why would he risk his future on their answer to his question?
He did it to liberate the Temple, dare I say God, from the confines of Israel’s “me only” religion. Jesus declared that the Temple and all it stood for was over. Finished. A ‘new temple’ was present: Jesus. His temple would, indeed, be a place of prayer/worship for all nations. That includes the impaired, the women, the Gentiles, the tax-collectors, the lepers, the marginalized of every nation in every age. There is no respect of persons with the Living God.
Jesus was kind; he was sacrificial; he was good. Jesus was also very, very smart.
Popularity: 3% [?]
Good thoughts! I too appreciate Dallas Willard’s emphasis on the knowledge and wisdom of Jesus. It is of such practical use also, perhaps especially now with the mini-flood of rants from the anti-theist camp. DW’s question to audiences, “Who was the smartest man that ever lived?” really nails us when our minds go immediately to Einstein or even Solomon. What a comfort to realize that we have a Savior and Lord who KNOWS what is best! I appreciate your good work and writing! Thanks!
Duane,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate your kind words. We do indeed have a wonderful and smart Savior and Friend.
Wonderful post John.
It always amazes me how many times they try to trap Jesus.
It was crazy. Yet it was the Lord’s will.
He was compassionate, kind, forgiving, and most of all loving because God is love.
Thank you for this wonderful post!
I hope you have a blessed week brother!
Preacherman,
Right back atcha! Thanks, again, for stopping by and commenting.
God bless you, too.
Wes,
Think of all the things that could be done if the church would use her intelligence to advocate for and serve the marginalized the way Jesus did. Instead the church uses her intelligence to sit in judgment on other Christ-followers. Sad.
It strikes me. He did it to liberate the Temple. While the religious men claimed temple authority, Jesus claimed God’s authority. He is truly God’s temple. The temple of stones and wood was just a shadow of the reality that is Christ. How sad that we often hold on to shadowy things and ignore divinely revealed realities.
Yes John. Excellent post!
Our minds are numb, those of us who’ve been through Scripture time and time again. We hardly appreciate at all the brilliance in Jesus. And what we in Jesus can learn from that.
To think according to God’s terms and not our own or anyone else’s. And for us today, we need more confidence in the Spirit, so when those times come, like Jesus witnessed over and over, we’ll have just the right words to say. Even if it ends like Stephen.
Thanks, brother. Finally back up as I’m fighting off the beginnings of a cold, yesterday.
Dr. Domenic,
Thank you so much for visiting and commenting. This is a truly provocative thought: “How sad that we often hold on to shadowy things and ignore divinely revealed realities.”
God bless you.
John
Ted,
I am glad you’re feeling better. As we consider Jesus’ humanity we rarely consider his IQ. He was brilliant…and courageous.
John,
I mention you today in my post. Don’t be afraid; it’s good!
for a solid link, here it is: http://communityofjesus.blogspot.com/2008/04/spontaneity-and-order.html
Thanks so much, Ted.
John,
I hope you have a blessed Wed.