Was Jesus a rebel?

We must be careful not to equate the institutional scheming against Jesus, to mean that He was a rebel. From the moment Jesus drew His first breathe in a human body, He was God-on-earth. He took on flesh and the form of a servant, but not without authority. His presence did bring rebellion, but it was the rebellious hearts of men against God. Consider what He said about the Old Covenant requirements given to Moses:

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” – Matthew 5:17-18 NKJV

God didn’t suddenly change to make allowance for sin. He came to make a way for us to know Him, and defeat sin. His requirements remain the same, because He remains the same; Holy. Therefore, rebellion is not in His nature, and has no place in the heart of a follower either. A commitment to scriptural principles can bring conflict with the culture or others in the Church (even tension), but the heart of a disciple is more interested in being oriented toward Christ’s teaching, than against all that isn’t. What direction will your heart be oriented today?