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Examples of those Jesus rebuked in the Bible
When delving into the teachings of Jesus in the Bible, it’s crucial to understand the instances where he rebuked individuals for their actions or attitudes. This article will explore the specific people that Jesus rebuked during his ministry on earth.
1. The Pharisees and the Scribes
Jesus often rebuked the Pharisees and the Scribes, who were prominent religious leaders during his time. These individuals were known for their self-righteousness and hypocrisy, which Jesus openly condemned. He rebuked them for their outward displays of piety while harboring wickedness in their hearts. On one occasion Jesus said to them, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” (Matthew 23:13 NKJV; see, Mt 23)
2. His Disciples
Surprisingly, Jesus also rebuked his own disciples on several occasions. Whether it was their lack of faith, misunderstandings about his teachings, or selfish ambitions, Jesus did not hesitate to correct them when necessary. On one occasion, after causing the storm on the sea to cease, he rebuked them, saying, “And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.” (Mt 8:26). This serves as a powerful reminder that even those closest to Jesus were not exempt from his rebukes.
3. Those Trading in the Temple
In a dramatic display of righteous anger, Jesus rebuked the money changers and merchants in the temple. He overturned their tables and drove them out, condemning them for turning a sacred place of worship into a marketplace. He said, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” (Matthew 21:13 NKJV). This bold act of rebuke demonstrated Jesus’ intolerance for exploiting religion for personal gain.
4. Peter
Even the beloved disciple Peter faced a rebuke from Jesus. In one notable instance, Jesus sternly corrected Peter for opposing the idea of his impending suffering and crucifixion, saying, “But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (Matthew 16:23 ESV; also, Mark 8:33). Despite Peter’s good intentions, Jesus rebuked him for being influenced by human concerns rather than divine purposes.
5. John and James
One day Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. Along the way, he wanted to visit a Samaritan village before he would continue his journey. He sent messengers ahead to the Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival, but the villagers refused him entry because he was heading for Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw this, they asked indignantly, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to consume them?” But Jesus turned to the disciples and rebuked them, saying, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” (Luke 9:55). And they went on to another village. (Luke 9:51-56)
6. Demons
Jesus, in his ministry, encountered numerous instances where he rebuked demons. These encounters served as powerful demonstrations of his authority and power over the spiritual realm. With a simple command, he would speak directly to the demonic forces, rebuking them and casting them out. The accounts of these encounters are found throughout the New Testament, illustrating Jesus’ unwavering commitment to freeing people from the grip of evil. Through his rebukes, Jesus showed his compassion for those oppressed by demons and his desire to bring healing and deliverance to all who sought him. On one occasion in a Capernaum synagogue, Jesus rebuked a demon that had possessed a man, saying, “Hold thy peace, and come out of him.” (Mark 1:25 KJV; also, Mt 17:18; Mr 9:25; Luke 4:35; Luke 9:42)
7. The wind and the sea
Jesus and his disciples were crossing Lake Galilee to the other side in the evening. Somewhere midway, a great storm came up and stirred the water such that there were large waves that broke over their boat and they were in danger of sinking. They woke Jesus up and he rebuked the wind and the sea, saying, “Peace, be still.” Immediately, the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (Mr 4:39; Lu 8:24)
8. Fever
After casting a demon out of a man, Jesus left the synagogue and came to the house of Simon Peter. Simon Peter’s mother-in-law was down with a fever. When they asked for Jesus’ help for her, Jesus, standing at her bedside, rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and prepared a meal for them. (Luke 4:39)
Conclusion
The instances of Jesus’ rebukes in the Bible serve as essential lessons for believers today. They emphasize the importance of humility, genuine faith, and aligning our actions with God’s will. By studying these rebukes, we gain valuable insights into the character of Jesus and his expectations for those who follow him.
In summary, Jesus rebuked a diverse range of individuals in the Bible, including religious leaders, disciples, merchants, and even his closest confidant. These rebukes were never intended to harm but rather to guide and correct, reflecting Jesus’ unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness.