Society has always demanded Jesus to work outside of its boundaries. It is as true now as it has ever been. Heathen and hypocritical legal and social organizations continually push for His ouster. Politicians, to scratch the itching ears of their liberal donors and special interests, condemn speaking in His name and promoting His cause. No public mention or demonstration may be made because as it pertains to society’s agenda, Jesus can no more enter. Such, though, is not a new problem. Just after His baptism, Jesus healed many diseased and cast out many with evil spirits in and around Capernaum. Afterward, the scriptures state that with all things considered “Jesus could no more openly enter into the city” (Mark 1:45). How could the officials of that great city, like so many today, possibly ban the entrance of such a great man who was doing so many great things? But you see, it was not that Jesus was unable to enter Capernaum because He was banned, but because His popularity was so great that He literally could not enter the city because of the throng of people who would adoringly flock to Him. Then, He could not enter because of society’s love; but today, He is not allowed to enter because of society’s spite. Unlike in Capernaum, society today has kicked Jesus out, not allowing Him any more to enter.
How far has a world fallen when its very Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Friend can no longer be openly promoted for who He is and what He represents? How contemptible is a society that can not only refuse Him and discourage His teachings, but even condemn Him and legislate in opposition to His soul redeeming work? But such refusals are not without their consequences. Throughout the history of the world, every time man has forgotten God either by chance or choice, he has seen the fruit of his works. What consequences are suffered by those among whom Jesus can no more enter?
Man rebuts God’s plea. The ceaseless plea of the centuries has been Jesus’ request, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28). Every decision God has made and every action in which He has engaged since the beginning of time has been to provide man with the opportunity to do just as He asks. With Jesus is rest, ease, and life. And knowing the only alternative available, it is even easier to recognize the abundance of glory that resides in that plea. But when man opposes Jesus he also opposes the glories of His great plea. Implied in his utter rejection is the thought that God is a liar for His plea can be no great than any other. Paul shared the plea of Jesus with governor Felix, but into his life Felix would not allow Jesus to enter (Acts 24:25). He did not believe Christianity’s plea was greater than his own personal agenda at that time, thus in action he rebutted God’s great plea. Such is a consequence every time with those among whom Jesus can no more enter.
Man rebukes God’s offer. The specific offers God has extended to man are manifold, but universally the greatest is redemption through His infinite love. “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him” (Romans 5:6-9). Can a greater offer be conceived in the mind of man? Still, though, as society continues to exile Jesus from its existence, it inherently speaks out against and condemns that very offer. It is equal to, as it were, spitting upon the blood soaked cross of Jesus Christ. Such a rebuke is pictured in Hebrews as the offenders “crucifying to themselves the Son of God afresh” (Hebrews 6:6). Can such blasphemy be imagined? But it is committed every time a person or people say to Jesus He can no more enter.
Man rebuffs God’s blessings. Hope, assurance, confidence, and prayer are only a small sampling of the abundance of blessings God offers to His obedient children. Additionally are these blessings extended to all mankind with only the stipulation of humble submission. But did you know that as man increasingly shuns and spurs the very mention of Jesus that he is abruptly refusing the glories found in Christ. Instead of blessing His name, they actually curse “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Surely if we were to randomly ask if the blessings of God were desired in one’s life their verbal answer would be yes, but by their fruits we shall know them (Matthew 7:20). And knowingly or not those who tell Jesus He can no more enter are refusing the blessings found therein.
When disaster strikes, as it often does, the first question man will ask is “Where is God?” With mocking tones do they question His love, mercy, and very existence. God, though, is present in the life of every one who allows, but cannot be among those who will let Him no more enter.