John 8:48-59

While revered and respected in history, Winston Churchill had his share of opposition as indicated by his personal and political enemies. However, he was the master of a witty rejoinder to his critics.

George Bernard Shaw once invited Churchill to the opening night of one of his plays. Shaw sent him two tickets with the note, “One for yourself and one for a friend–if you have one.”

Churchill replied that he couldn’t attend that night. But asked if he could have tickets for the second-night performance, then added, “if there is one.”

On another occasion Lady Astor supposedly said, “Winston, if you were my husband I should flavor your coffee with poison.” To which Churchill replied, “Madam, if I were your husband, I should drink it.”

Personal insults are often hurled at others, especially in areas of politics and religion when one can’t answer the argument. It’s known in debate as an “Ad Hominem” attack. Instead of confronting the issue and honestly addressing the argument, the individual’s character, personality, background, or maybe even looks are insulted.

Our text today, is an example of the Pharisees using an Ad Hominem approach when they refused to accept Jesus’ teaching. Their hatred for him was growing, because Jesus challenged their traditions, condemned their hypocrisy, and taught Scripture in a way that was religiously perplexing and personally painful.

So, the Jews said, “You are a Samaritan and demon-possessed” (Jn. 8:48).

To be labeled as a Samaritan in Jesus’ day was an insult. It was a racial slur. It was offensive. It would be equal to a white person calling a black person the “N-word.” Then to add insult to injury, they added, “You’re demon-possessed.”

Too often religious folks resort to the same, sad tactics today when confronted with teaching they don’t like. People often hurl insulting labels when face to face with a uncomfortable Truth.

• “You’re liberal.”
• “You’re an anti.”
• “You’re an extremist.”
• “You’re a homophobe.”
• “Your church doesn’t love people.”
• “You’re against women’s rights.”
• “You’re transphobic.”
• “You’re an ignorant, uneducated, bigot.”

Well, you get the point. The list is endless. “Samaritan name-calling” doesn’t answer the argument or address the issue. It doesn’t build a bridge to understanding. It doesn’t change anyone’s mind. Or add enlightenment.

Our country today is very polarized. We see it politically, culturally, socially, and religiously. However, childish name calling will not bring us closer to together. It will not foster community. It will not produce peace, nor increase discernment.

“Samaritan insults” will fracture families, divide churches, rupture relationships, and alienate entire groups of people. Nor do the rude retorts come close to dealing with serious issues or complex problems.

Also, there is a second lesson to be learned from Jesus’ encounter. He did not dignify the insult with a response. He did not return evil for evil. He did not lower Himself to their level. Following Jesus’ example when we’re ridiculed or reviled, will go a long way toward defusing anger and “doing things that makes for peace and mutual upbuilding” (Rom. 14:19).

Furthermore, calling Jesus ugly names did not change who He was. He claimed to be the great “I AM.” To be equal with God. To have preexisted prior to Abraham. He offered evidence both Scripture and His own ministry and work that attested to His Deity.

As a result the Jews became so incensed that they tried to stone Him to death. Likewise, all the anger and antagonism toward Jesus and His followers will not change who He was and is. John’s gospel offers overwhelming evidence that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (Jn. 20:31).

As a sidebar, while skeptics admit to the historicity of Jesus, they often counter, He was not the Son of God. Rather, he was just a great teacher, a moral reformer, and a good man. Yet, how could one be a “good man” and make the claims of Deity that Jesus did? As C. S. Lewis opined in Mere Christianity, that option is absurd and illogical. Jesus is either a lunatic, liar, or He is Lord.

Finally, this advice from the 17th-century  French poet and playwright known as Moliere, would serve us all well. “A wise man is superior to any insults which can be put upon him, and the best reply to unseemly behavior is patience and moderation.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman