The writer of Proverbs says, “Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble.” (Proverbs 3:34). Have you ever known someone who struggled to live within the parameters of reality? I am not talking about someone who is a daydreamer (we all daydream from time to time). Nor am I referring to someone who has attention deficit disorder. I am thinking of someone who is willfully, not medically, disconnected from reality. They have made a choice. The only truth they are concerned with is “their truth,” to the great detriment of others, and they are actively indifferent to those they hurt in their pride and selfishness. Because they must be right at any cost, they consider any problem with their truth to be someone else’s problem and will also seek to lay fault and blame upon the other person or group. Well, this sure sounds like the religious leaders of Israel in Jesus’ day. They are so sure of themselves that they will and often do challenge the authority of the Word of God, coming straight from the lips of Jesus. In our western churches, many today are doing the same thing by ignoring the precepts of the Bible, instruction of faithful and humble church leaders, and loving family members and close friends when it does not fit into their twisted scheme of reality.
Well, in response to the questioning of His own authority, Jesus tells a parable to the high priest, scribes, and those with Him, about vine-dressers who respond with violence to various messengers sent by the owner of the vineyard, even killing his son for their personal gain. (Luke 20:9-19) The parable foreshadows, even clearly and prophetically tells of Jesus’ rejection by the Jews and His crucifixion. Jesus tells them that there will be consequences for their actions, and they willingly choose to ignore the warning pressing on through their pride and hatred of Jesus.
I wonder if this is why the NT (New Testament) so clearly teaches us to walk in humility. James says, “But He gives more grace. Therefore, He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble,’” and as Peter also says, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:6–7) Remember there is a high cost to our pride. Are we willing or able to pay the check when it comes due?