The Curse of Bigotry
D. Davies, M. A. Mark 2:16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said to his disciples… The sins society winks at are worse than those it censures. The most alarming sin is the self-delusion that we have no sin. The pride of the Pharisees had made them so callous that a sharp lancet was needed to get at the wound. I. BIGOTRY BESPATTERS WITH MIRE THE FAIREST DEED. According to its creed, better that a tree of fruitful goodness should not grow than that it should depart by a hairbreadth from the prescribed shape. II. BIGOTRY BLINDFOLDS ITS OWN EYES. It can only see sin when sin wears a particular hue. It can see avarice or theft, but not insincerity or pride. III. BIGOTRY SEEKS ITS BAD ENDS BY CROOKED WAYS. These scribes lacked courage, so instead of attacking Christ openly. they tried to undermine His authority with His disciples. IV. BIGOTRY CHEATS ITSELF OF LARGEST BLESSING. Christ would have illuminated and enriched these proud Pharisees if they had allowed Him to. But they were too proud to admit their hunger, and so they starved. He who thinks himself already perfect is past improvement. Like hide-bound animals he cannot grow. (D. Davies, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? WEB: The scribes and the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, "Why is it that he eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?"