How Jesus Practiced Law

[brook Keymaster]

HOW JESUS PRACTICED LAW

 Pharisees v. Jesus circa 31 A.D.

Matthew 15:1-11

Case No. Mt.15:1-11

Introduction: Jesus practiced law because practicing law is the common law right of man. But, the Pharisees and Scribes [lawyers] hated him for it because he did not have a license from the Sanhedrin to practice law.

The Complaint:  Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, “Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.”

The Answer to the Complaint and Counterclaim: But he answered and said unto them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?”

• Citation of the law in support of his Counterclaim: For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

• Presentation of facts in support of Counterclaim: But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free.

• Summary: Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

• Conclusion: Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments [laws and statutes] of men.

• Answer to the Complaint: it is not what goes into a man’s mouth . . .

LEGAL LESSONS TO LEARN:

The lawyers charged Jesus’ disciples with violating public policy–a felony worthy of death or imprisonment or flogging. But, notice this was a political charge. The disciples had injured no one nor had they injured any property. This was political entrapment –a scheme of the Jewish state.

Jesus did not go on the defensive; He went on the offensive. When in doubt — attack, attack, attack. You are God’s attack lamb; that is, point out the deficiencies of the lawyer bringing a complaint against you.

Jesus knew the rules and he studied the behavior of these lawyers and charged them with breaking the laws—the supreme laws of the land—God’s law. The problem is that most of us don’t understand how judges and lawyers break their own laws. WE MUST UNDERSTAND WHAT LAWS THE JUDGES AND LAWYERS ARE BREAKING!

Follow this Pattern:

1. State your counterclaim exposing the error of your opponent
2. Cite the authority for your counterclaim
3. Cite the facts supporting your counterclaim
4. Summarize and Conclude.

In Summary, when you are confronted by a police officer, judge, D.A. or adversary,  consider using Jesus’ tactics. Don’t go on the defensive, go on the offensive. State your counterclaim because counterclaims have to be heard first in law. Avoid ranting, emotional reactions, overstate rhetoric. Stick to the basics. Stick to the basic. State your charge, Cite the law, Supply the facts, and summarize your case.

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