Have you ever heard of a ‘religious wedgie’?
This modern term (possibly coined by this same teacher?) is used by a local (well respected) university professor during his sermon at our humble church last week- is where I first heard the term.
This is actually new information and should give us plenty to think on. The ‘scene of the crime’ takes place thousands of years ago when this high and mighty religious group, know as the pharisees, were trying to trap Jesus with their clever religious logic. You know the type..they proudly question people of God with seemingly difficult logical arguments to somehow trap them with their own words, ie., what if God mad a rock so heavy that he could not lift it? , and other mindless reason, etc.
The pharisees were experts in the law of God. They understood each and every rule required to fulfill the law and they were quick to let everyone else know this fact. When Jesus comes on the scene these pharisees seem to have their religious underwear tied in a knot., ie., a “religious wedgie”. You see the pharisees were (in their minds) the keepers of the law; therefore, they do not need Jesus to teach them anything about the law since they are the local (hypocrites) experts.
It seems as if they expected that when Jesus answers the question with which of these rules (law) is most important then they could use His answer against Him. So the pharisees set the trap for Jesus with their best question to date: “teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?
Jesus replies: “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all of your soul and with all of your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Laws and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
The illustration depicts the leader of the pharisees as he hears the answer. So the point of the story is don’t be pharisee but love God and love others, in other words, don’t get a “religious wedgie.”
David Zamudio
The professors name is withheld in anticipation of reprisals.: )