He didn’t have to, but He did.
Jesus’ disciples followed Him so they could learn from Him. He also had the religious of the day following Him around but not for the same purpose. They desired to accuse and question Him.
“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk.” Matthew 22:15
“But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together.” Matthew 22:34
He didn’t have to take their accusations and questions. He knew their heart like He knows ours today. Conjecture here… but could it be because He wanted to keep giving them opportunities to repent? Maybe it was for others to hear so they would believe and repent. The truth is He is the Son of God and didn’t have to go through questioning and accusations, but He did. And no matter the exact reason what we do know for sure, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Jesus endured much, He did much, and He is still doing much today. Even the worst of offenders or those who choose to harden their hearts towards Him; He still desires they would repent.
The character and love of God is on full display as He did many things, He didn’t have to in pursuit of them. In pursuit of you and in pursuit of others. Recognizing all He did should change all we do!
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.