Finger of God

Why did Jesus' meet such opposition? His acts of mercy led the crowd to think he might be the 'son of David', or Messiah. But his relatives thought he was mad. They saw his unusual conduct but did not see what others saw - evidence that God was with him. The Pharisees acted out of malice, ascribing his miracles to Satan. Jesus showed how absurd they were, exposed their sin, and warned of the consequences. Lack of love leads to double standards, then to denial, then to hostility. People who dishonestly deny God's work never want to repent, so they will never be forgiven. Jesus also gives a message of hope. Satan has weapons with which to guard his victims - prejudice, distractions, guilt, and sinful enmity. But Jesus has disarmed him by the cross, removing guilt and giving the Spirit of Truth and Holiness.