John 15.45-47 is an interesting study in the self-deception of setting up oneself as the standard of evaluation for others. The Pharisees were the recognized “experts” of the law of the Jews. In John’s account, what we find is a mindset that had embraced this “expert” status to the point that self becomes the standard instead of the truth of the law itself.
When the temple guards express how Jesus’ teaching had somehow had a positive effect in their opinion of him (v. 46), the Pharisees dismiss the guards’ viewpoint by pointing out how none of the Pharisees believe in Jesus (v. 48). They point to themselves as the norm for evaluation. Then they put down those who listen to Jesus as ignorant people (v. 49), implying that the “mob” is not as theologically sophisticated as they are. Finally, when Nicodemus, one of their own, tries to hold up their own law as a basis for action (v. 51), they attack his personhood and demean Jesus’ home region instead of answering Nicodemus’ argument (v. 52).
In all their responses, we see an arrogant attitude that sets oneself up as the basis of evaluation for all others. Notice that the primary “correction” that they uphold against others is their own personal beliefs and their actions. What their Scripture actually teaches was not the primary consideration. There was no attempt to refer back to their own law, for they had already made up their mind that Jesus was not worthy of their attention and respect. Even God himself could not break through the mindset that they had erected as a barrier enclosing the truth!
Here is a call to the task of continuing self-evaluation. I must constantly submit myself and my beliefs to the refining work of God’s Word and God’s Spirit. Only God and his Word are unchanging. This is the standard on which I must build my life and my beliefs. Once I confuse my own understanding of the Word with the Word itself, as though they are one and the same, I am in danger of making myself the standard for others, like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day.
This is not to imply that I should not have personal convictions about doctrines and practices. But I must learn to humble myself under the authority of the Word, and to faithfully lead people (including myself) to turn to the Word for instruction and guidance. I am not the standard. My experiences are not the standard. Even my faith tradition or my religious group is not the standard. Only God and his Word is the standard.
—Keith Y. Jainga