The Pharisees exercised an externalized faith. They were concrete in their understanding of scripture and liturgy. They were interested in a good external production of worship and prayer and sacrifice. Jesus exercised an internal faith - He is our example. The OT was God's re-introduction to humanity - most people in the OT responded poorly to God's presence. Jesus in the NT was God's correct response to The Father's presence. When the Pharisees encountered Jesus - they tried to trap Him into black and white, concrete answers - Jesus had an internalized faith so on the surface He avoided direct answers - instead, He made people think. A dry, concrete verse was not enough - Jesus required people to think; develop perspective taking skills, empathy, love and forgiveness. Some times providing a list of verses from different books in the Bible isn't enough - we need to think about what God is telling us and provide a well-thought out response, guided by the Holy Spirit.
This approach in anchored in scripture, but may not include a list of scripture. Just because there are not as many verses included in a response doesn't mean that a person is launching into a counseling session rather than engaging in a theological discussion.
This approach in anchored in scripture, but may not include a list of scripture. Just because there are not as many verses included in a response doesn't mean that a person is launching into a counseling session rather than engaging in a theological discussion.
