This is just an incredible response after Jesus had just recently cast out “legions” of demons, raised the dead, healed two blind men and now this demon-possessed man. The religious leaders did not deny that Jesus did the miracles; they just had another explanation. They twisted the facts in an attempt to keep the people from following Jesus as the Messiah. They were religious politicians without integrity. They did not care about the truth because they were jealous of Jesus (Matt. 27:18; Mark 15:10). Envy may be one of the most common problems in the church today.

When the people started responding and as Jesus’ popularity increased, the religious leaders “went to war” against Jesus. They slandered His character repeatedly. A dear friend commented once that every time he asked a certain layman in the church to preach, he found jealously in his heart toward that individual. He said that he would worry about what others thought of the man’s speaking ability and compare the layman’s ability to his own. It was always a humbling experience for the pastor. My friend responded with integrity and honored the Lord by realizing that God has uniquely gifted all of us for the benefit of Christians.

But the Jewish religious leaders did not respond that way. Because of their envy they forcefully confronted Jesus on numerous occasions and if necessary would lie about Him. Their goal was to ruin Jesus’ reputation and cast doubt on His credibility. Ultimately, they had Him murdered.

Besides, envy is a sin and it displeases God. If the Pharisees had been spiritually mature, they would have supported Jesus and given Him honor. But they did not do that, and the result is recorded in the passages of the Bible and in the documents of ancient writers. They killed Him! Unfortunately, today some followers of Jesus Christ are being slandered and “killed” in a figurative sense. But God has called us to be men and women of peace. The true test of a man or woman of God is their willingness to allow another believer whom God is clearly blessing to take their ministry.

Ron Dunn tells a story about a woman who had been teaching an adult Sunday School class for many years. In his illustration he states that the leaders of the church had decided that it is time for another person to begin teaching the class. But when the woman was told that she would no longer be teaching, she was extremely disappointed. Her inner attitude was wrong. Then Ron made the point that her response revealed whom she was really serving - herself. She was more concerned about herself than the need to disciple and train another Bible teacher. In the same way, God has called us to train or disciple other men and women to carry on the ministry. Envy should never be a problem in the Christian life. Our goal should be to make disciples for the glory of the Lord.