The gospel confronts the selfishness of all three versions of Mr. Self. The freeness of the gospel to unworthy sinners offends the modern Pharisee’s legalistic, self-righteous superiority (Matt. 9:11–13). The extravagant claims of the gospel in the death and resurrection of Christ offend the modern Sadducee’s unwavering fidelity to only what constitutes intelligent human wisdom (1 Cor. 1:18–31). And the holistic, life-changing gospel offends the modern Herodian’s double-minded balancing act (Matt. 10:34–39; 16:24–28; James 4:4).
