At first it seems hard to explain the hostility that Jesus aroused. He was “meek and humble of heart,” after all. An observation from the Book of Wisdom might help provide an explanation: The wicked said among themselves, “Let us beset the just one, because he sets himself against our doings.” How easy it is to find a reason to “beset,” to criticize, or look down on someone whose life challenges us. When I see someone living a simple lifestyle I tend to belittle them as “old hippies.” When I meet someone committed to gospel pacifism I dismiss them as unrealistic. Maybe I don’t “beset” them but I do tend to distance myself from the challenge their responses to the Gospel raise in me.
