But the Jews’ reaction, rather than joy, was indignation. They said, “we were never in bondage . . .” Thus the good news becomes an impertinence, and that which is, to one, the words of eternal life, is to another a bitter and unwelcome indictment.

How sad that a condemned and sentenced felon, awaiting execution, would deny a declaration of free pardon rather than to admit guilt. How sad that a vanquished and helpless soldier would reject the proposal of unconditional amnesty, rather than confess defeat. How sad that an invitation to a bountiful banquet would cause one to bristle and be offended at the very suggestion that he cannot provide for himself.