Who criticized Jesus?

Examples of those who criticized Jesus Christ

Throughout history, Jesus has been a figure of great controversy and debate. While he is revered by millions as the Son of God and the savior of humanity, there were also those who criticized Him during His time on Earth, as recorded in the Bible.

1. The religious leaders

One group that criticized Jesus was the religious leaders of His day, such as the Pharisees, the scribes, and the Sadducees. These individuals, who held positions of authority within the Jewish community, often clashed with Jesus over matters of religious doctrine and interpretation. They saw Him as a threat to their power and influence and therefore sought to discredit Him. Examples of their criticisms are (NKJV):

¹ At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. ² And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!” (Mt 12:1-2; Mr 2:23-24; Lu 6:1-2)

Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” (Mt 12:24; Mt 9:34)

¹ Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, ² “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” (Mt 15:1-2; Mr 7:1-5)

And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” (Mr 2:16; Mt 9:11; Lu 5:30; Lu 15:2)

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Luke 5:21)

Therefore some of the Pharisees said, “This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. (Joh 9:16)

2. Members of the general public

Another group that criticized Jesus was some members of the general public. Some people found His teachings challenging or difficult to understand, while others simply did not believe in His claims to be the Messiah. These individuals may have voiced their skepticism or even openly opposed Jesus during His ministry. Examples of their criticisms are:

And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?” (John 11:37 NKJV)

The people said, “Now we know you are possessed by a demon. Even Abraham and the prophets died, but you say, ‘Anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!’ (John 8:52 NLT)

⁴⁸ Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” ⁴⁹ Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. (John 8:48-49 NKJV)

3. The disciples of John the Baptist

Another group who criticized Jesus were the disciples of John the Baptist who realized that Jesus’ disciples were not like them nor like the disciples of the Pharisees; for they, the disciples of John, and those of the Pharisees fasted and prayed often, but Jesus’ disciples did not. Realizing this, they went to Jesus to ask a question about it. Their question was much of a criticism as it was a question. It is written;

Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?” (Mt 9:14; Also, Mr 2:18; Lu 5:33)

4. Some of Jesus’ disciples

Not everything Jesus said went down well with His disciples. One day, Jesus was teaching in a synagogue in Capernaum and many of His disciples came to listen to Him. He said He is the living bread that came down from heaven and if anyone ate His body and drank His blood, he would have life for His body is bread and His blood is wine indeed (John 6:22-71). Many of His disciples were thrown into confusion, strongly disapproved of what He said, and criticized Him. It is written,

When many of His disciples heard this, they said, “This is a difficult and harsh and offensive statement. Who can [be expected to] listen to it?” (John 6:60 Amplified Version)

Conclusion

It is important to note that not everyone criticized Jesus. Many people were drawn to His message of love, forgiveness, and salvation. His followers believed in Him wholeheartedly and saw Him as a source of hope and inspiration.

In conclusion, while Jesus had many devoted followers, he also faced criticism from religious leaders and others during His time on Earth. This criticism reflects the diverse range of opinions surrounding His teachings and claims.