The Value of Vertical Comparisons
Preparing to teach our Bible class in the book of Mark, I found
this paragraph in the Hendricksen/Kistemaker commentary on Mark:
In their heart of hearts Christ’s enemies must have realized that Jesus was
infinitely better than they were. His humility (Luke 22:27) contrasted sharply
with their pomposity (Matt. 23:5–7); his sincerity (John 8:46), with their
hypocrisy (Mark 7:6); his sympathy (Mark 6:34), with their cruelty (Matt.
23:14). To a considerable extent their “religion” was activity in the interest
of self (Matt. 6:2, 5, 16); his ministry was a sacrifice in the interest of
others (Mark 10:45) and to the glory of the Father (John 17:1, 4). Did some of
these enemies sense that he knew their real character, that he “had their
number?” {Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953-2001). Vol. 10: Exposition
of the Gospel According to Mark. New Testament Commentary (271). Grand Rapids:
Baker Book House.}
This caught my attention as we navigated Mark 7, where the scribes and Pharisees
condemned Jesus because His disciples did not follow their rituals (different
from God’s rules). In this connection I said to the class – Comparisons that are
horizontal have no real spiritual value . . . only comparisons that are vertical
have value.
The fact that others are not doing what we do is not grounds for condemnation,
and if such condemnation is issued – it reveals arrogance. It is a horizontal
comparison.
What is needed is vertical comparisons, meaning – we compare ourselves and
others with the highest standard, which is God’s Word (and the embodiment of His
Word in the life of Christ). What I need to know is, how do I compare to God’s
standard. What my friends and neighbors need to know is, how they compare to
God’s standard. Only vertical comparisons have value.
Back to the above quote – in comparison to Christ, His enemies actual condition
was dramatically manifest. He was good, they were not. He spoke the truth, they
did not. He was sinless, they were sinful. He obeyed God and respected His Word,
the enemies of Christ did not.
Let us be His friends, as determined by the vertical comparison.
By Warren E. Berkley
The Final Page
From Expository Files 20.1 January 2013
