# *The Greater Issue

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Posted by practicus [practicus] on November 25, 1999 at 15:04:55 {yaNwUlwC5c80f.7JIpMkXLrxSb9K/Q}:

In Reply to: The Greater Issue posted by AP on November 25, 1999 at 07:56:54:

There is always room for improvement, but concede that it is difficult for imperfect men to follow the perfect example of Christ. Nevertheless, he *is* our exemplar.

I think it would be helpful to consider exactly why Jesus was different from the Pharisees. For the most part, it was not a matter of core doctrine, since the Pharisees were zealous for the Law and living the holy life. And it is in large measure Pharisee doctrine (as distinguished from Sadducee or Essene doctrine) that informs both rabbinic Judaism and early Christianity, except for disagreement on just who the Messiah is. But the major difference was one of spirit and attitude.

Jesus was as staunch for Jehovah's Law as the Pharisees were, but Jesus tempered justice with compassion to a greater degree than the Pharisees did. Jesus, who as heavenly Wisdom took delight in "the sons of men," continued that sympathetic concern while he was on earth. He was not a strict constructionist with respect to man's obligations to God. Jesus, as God's representative on earth, focused on God's love for man. In his own love for us, Jesus paid the supreme price. Not as a matter of law, but of love.

Balance. Much talked about, but supremely difficult to achieve. However, that does not mean the effort should not be made.

Follow Ups:

- **The Greater Issue real1 15:22:04 11/25/99 (3)
  - ***The Greater Issue practicus 05:57:26 11/26/99 (2)
    - ****The Greater Issue metatron 09:06:09 11/26/99 (1)
      - *****The Greater Issue practicus 06:51:07 11/27/99 (0)

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