Jesus’ Response to Wickedness

I find it incredibly exhausting and disheartening to constantly witness the actions of those who engage in wickedness and perpetrate evil. Numerous scriptures shed light on how Yahweh deals with such individuals.  So often, I feel like flipping tables. 

When I refer to the wicked, I’m addressing those who inflict harm and mistreatment upon the Lord’s people across various spheres and systems. This includes the favoritism, injustices prevalent in the prison system, government, false religious practices, wolves in sheep clothing within Christianity, unethical conduct in the medical field, issues within foster care, lack of resources for the homeless, and the abhorrent crime of human trafficking. Wickedness also permeates the entertainment industry, media and numerous other arenas. 

If this is you, I implore you to repent quickly, don’t delay and get right with your Maker. It is imperative to take heed, for the Lord in His Word declares that He laughs at the wicked, for He sees their day is coming (Psalms 37:13). Their day of reckoning is inevitable. Those who mistreat the marginalized and exhibit favoritism and engage in these wicked deeds will ultimately face the consequences of the evil and wickedness they have sown. God’s Word unequivocally states that He cannot be mocked, and whatever one sows, one shall reap (Galatians 6:7). The seeds of one’s actions will inevitably bear fruit in their own lives. Severe judgment awaits the wicked. They will suffer the wrath of YAH. 

Hebrews 10:27 – but a kind of awful and terrifying expectation of [divine] judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE and BURNING WRATH WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES [those who put themselves in opposition to God] 

The definition of wickedness is the state of being wicked; a mental disregard for justice, righteousness, truth, honor, virtue; evil in thought and life; depravity; sinfulness; criminality. Pride and vanity lead to it. 

I couldn’t help but think of our Master, Saviour and Risen King, Y’shua who encountered various adversaries during His ministry, including the Pharisees and others who opposed His teachings. They sought to continuously discredit him and harm him.  

The conflict between Jesus and his enemies played a significant role in the narrative of the New Testament. Here’s an expanded explanation of Jesus and his adversaries: 

1. Pharisees: The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect during the time of Jesus. They were known for their strict adherence to religious laws and traditions. Jesus often criticized their hypocrisy and legalistic approach to faith. The Pharisees were threatened by Jesus’ popularity and his teachings that challenged their authority and interpretation of the Law. They frequently engaged in debates with Jesus, attempting to trap Him with controversial questions or discredit Him. Jesus exposed their hypocrisy and denounced their self-righteousness, which further strained their relationship. 

2. Sadducees: The Sadducees were another influential Jewish group, particularly associated with the priesthood and the Temple in Jerusalem. They held more conservative religious views and rejected doctrines such as the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees, like the Pharisees, felt threatened by Jesus’ teachings and the growing movement around him. They were concerned about potential political unrest and the impact it could have on their positions of power and influence. The Gospels mention several instances where Jesus clashed with the Sadducees, particularly in matters related to the interpretation of Scripture and religious authority. 

3. Scribes: The scribes were experts in Jewish law and were responsible for interpreting and teaching it to the people. Some scribes were aligned with the Pharisees, while others were associated with the Sadducees. Jesus criticized the scribes for their outward displays of piety while neglecting justice, mercy, and genuine love for God. He accused them of burdening the people with heavy religious regulations without offering true spiritual guidance. 

4. Herodians: The Herodians were a political party or faction that supported the Herodian dynasty, particularly King Herod Antipas, who ruled over Galilee and Perea during Jesus’ time. The Herodians were willing to compromise with the Roman authorities to maintain their power. They saw Jesus as a potential threat to their alliance with Rome, especially since Jesus’ popularity among the people could lead to political instability. The Gospels mention instances where the Pharisees and the Herodians joined forces in their attempts to trap Jesus with politically charged questions. 
 
5. Chief Priests and Elders: The chief priests and elders constituted the religious and administrative elite in Jerusalem. They were responsible for the governance of the Temple and the religious affairs of the Jewish people. Jesus’ actions, such as overturning the tables of the moneychangers in the Temple and his claims of authority, posed a direct challenge to their control and legitimacy. The chief priests and elders played a significant role in orchestrating Jesus’ arrest and subsequent trial, ultimately leading to his crucifixion. 


It is important to note that while Jesus faced opposition from these groups, not all members of these factions were His enemies. There were individuals within these groups who were sympathetic to Jesus or became His followers. However, the Gospel accounts highlight the conflicts and confrontations that occurred between Jesus and those who opposed him, particularly the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, Herodians, and the religious elites of his time. 

Despite their malice and ill will, Jesus responded with love, forgiveness, and unwavering commitment to His mission, ultimately sacrificing Himself on the cross for the redemption of humanity. However, Jesus was far from being a push-over or a wimp; His actions, such as overturning the tables in the Temple, displayed His righteous indignation. 

In describing the religious leaders of His time, particularly the Pharisees and teachers of the law, Jesus used the phrase ‘white-washed tombs.’ In Matthew 23:27, Jesus pointed out their hypocrisy, highlighting their outward display of righteousness while condemning their inward corruption. He likened them to tombs that were beautifully painted on the outside yet filled with dead bones and impurity within. By doing so, Jesus sought to expose their hypocrisy and emphasize the significance of genuine righteousness, which originates from a transformed heart rather than mere external appearances. 

Matthew 22:18 – But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?