Article March 27, 1937 Issue

Forsaking the Inadequate for the Adequate

EZRA W. PALMER

Christ Jesus preached, taught, and healed in the synagogues of Galilee. In the synagogue he met many earnest seekers who, like Simeon, were "waiting for the consolation of Israel." Many fed upon his teachings, believed on him, accepted his healings and glorified God. Galilee was not so much under the influence of the ecclesiastical hierarchy as was Judea; hence Jesus could teach and heal there with greater freedom. But the synagogues, even of Galilee, were largely controlled by tradition and rigid adherence to the letter of the law of Moses. When the pure gospel of Christ Jesus was presented to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth, opposition soon arose—"they ... were filled with wrath" (Luke 4:28). On another occasion, as we read in Mark's Gospel, "they were offended." At Nazareth, where he had been brought up, violence was attempted against him.

The great Teacher found that as an institution the synagogue was inadequate to support and advance the kingdom of God, which he preached and proved. In the early days of his ministry it served a useful purpose; but that was merely temporary. Galilee was small, provincial. The synagogue was no sufficient agency to support his teachings, which were universal in scope and intended for all peoples and nations.

Naturally, Jesus visited the temple at Jerusalem, which drew worshipers from far and wide to attend its great annual feasts. Surely this house, held in reverence by the whole Jewish people, would welcome with open arms the great demonstrator of God's love for man, Christ Jesus, who came as the promised Messiah to fulfill the law of Moses! As a lad of twelve he went with his parents to one of the great feasts held there and remained behind, and after three days was found by his parents "sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions."

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Forsaking the Inadequate for the Adequate

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