Why Was Christ a Threat To Religion?

The religious leaders saw Jesus as dangerous. He caused a commotion that threatened to destabilize the delicate religious and political balance of power in Israel. He had a reputation for doing unexplainable things. He taught with an air of authority and shifted attention from external matters of religion to internal attitudes of the heart. He taught that God is not looking for people who are doing well in their religion, but is looking for:

The poor in spirit, who recognize their dependence on God in every area of life.
Those who mourn, grieving the nature and results of sin in themselves or others.
The meek, who are willing to live under the authority of God.
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, accepting the rightness that comes from God.
Those who are merciful, giving undeserved relief to others in the face of misery.
The pure in heart, who are clean on the inside.
The peacemakers, who are working to reconcile people to God and each other (Matthew 5:1-9).

Christ was receptive to broken hearts rather than proud religion.
He was a threat to religious leaders because anyone who accepted Him would never need the religion of the Pharisees. While the Pharisees were good at detailing obedience to the Law, Jesus taught that God would forgive the worst sinner. Years later, an apostle of Christ and former Pharisee named Paul argued that religious laws never had, never would, and never could save anyone from sin. In several New Testament letters, Paul reasoned that the Law was given to show us our need of a Savior who is superior to religion in every possible way; in any direction you look:

Back – He is the Creator and eternal Word who was not only with God from the beginning, but who actually is God (John 1:1-3).
Ahead – He is our coming King and Judge who will one day rule forever and judge every heart (Acts 1:6-11; Romans 14:7-12).
Up – He is our Savior and Lord who alone can reach down and save us while at the same time provide a lordship that is loving and wise (John 3:13-16; Phil. 2:9-11).
Down – He holds us in His hands as our Provider and Sustainer (Colossians 1:16).
Right – As we turn to the “right” to see what is morally correct, He becomes our Teacher and Example (1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6).
Left – As we turn away from what is “right,” to what it’s wrong, He becomes our Intercessor and Advocate (1 John 2:1-2).
Within – He is our Life, our Peace, and our Strength (Galatians 2:20; Col. 1:27).

This is the all-encompassing Person the Pharisees missed. How did they miss Him? How could they wait with all Israel for the coming Messiah, only to want to kill Him when He came? Tomorrow, we’ll take a closer look at what Jesus Himself said.