He also saw that the
tone of society was arrogant and that of moral restraint there was
none at all or it was exceedingly weak. The situation was such that
many men despaired of anything better and were secluding themselves
from intercourse with their fellow men. John the Baptist felt that he
could not stem the tide of evil in society and retired to the desert
to deliver his message. Those who contend for the regeneration of a
corrupt society, and who are decidedly in the minority, always are
prone to step outside and seek to do their work there, and sometimes
it may be the best to do so.
Jesus however entered into the midst of society. He went to feasts
(Luke 5:29,30; 7:36; 19:5). He was present at a wedding (John 2:
1-11). He said that the kingdom of God was like unto ten virgins who
prepared to attend a wedding (Matthew 25:1-13). So constantly did He
enter into social intercourse with men that the Pharisees and the
scribes criticised Him severely for it (Luke 15:2) but Jesus justified
His course in being "social to save" by the three parables; the lost
sheep, the lost coin and the lost boy (Luke 15:1-24). He gave a great
feast at which about five thousand men were present besides women and
children (Matthew 14:15-21). He told what garments a guest should wear
at a wedding, what seat he should take and who should be invited
(Matthew 22:11-14; Luke 14:7-24).
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