Journal 2021.

The Law said to stone anyone with a “ghost” or “familiar spirit.” (Leviticus 20:27)*

The Law said to stone those who commit adultery. (Numbers 15:32-36)

The Law said to keep the Sabbath holy. (Exodus 20:8-11)

Jesus’ teachings were radical and seemed to contradict these laws. He expelled the demon rather than stoning the person. He dismissed the accusers rather than stoning the woman. He healed on the Sabbath and let His disciples pick grain.

The Pharisees were strict observers of the Law, trying to do what was right. After all, God Himself made these laws, and they didn’t want to suffer the consequences of disobedience. No wonder they were incensed with Jesus.

So how do you reconcile the law about stoning a demon-possessed person with Jesus ignoring or disobeying or changing the Law? He compared murder and hate, adultery and lust, the letter of the law vs. the intent of the law.

Even rules of the road have exceptions. The posted speed limit on the highway may be 40-70 mph, but in bad weather, the rules change. The intent is safety.

Just like the Pharisees, we carry on traditions handed down to us, and our children pass them on to theirs. Take Christmas, for example. Exchanging gifts (a fun and good thing) can become mercenary and greedy and all about me—unless my heart is right. God is not pleased or displeased about my choices but about my heart. It is not sinful or wrong to give or receive a gift. I just need to check in with my heart—gratitude or grudging? Stingy or generous? A cover for pain or an overflow of abundance?

The Pharisees kept the letter of the Law without a heart of love and generosity. It became less about honoring God and more about self (e.g. long prayers in public places).

Mercy and grace trump rules I think.

*Note: Other versions say “medium” or “spiritist” or “wizard” or “necromancer.” This seems to imply someone who has deliberately aligned themselves with Satan, rather than someone who was tormented by evil spirits.