Called By the Master

July 30, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 10:1-10

The Bible is amazingly relevant for today. Throughout every era in human history God has been calling people. It started in the Garden of Eden when He didn’t find Adam and Eve; because of their sin they had hidden from their Maker and friend, but God in His great love continued to call. It would take an entire book to review all those recorded in scripture who were called by God, but a few are outstanding. Note as we remember Samuel’s experience, that God even called children (1 Samuel 3).

Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him to commission them for a life-long task. First, He gave them authority over evil spirits and disease (Matthew 10:1). Among the many who followed Jesus these, particularly chosen for specifics tasks, were named (:2-4). Jesus outlines specific conditions for working for Him. These twelve were to go to Israel, particularly those in Israel who were lost (:6). Who were they? Certainly they were not to go to the Gentile community with the gospel message (:5). Why was that?

Jesus, knowing all things from the beginning to the end (He is the Alpha and Omega Revelation 1:8) already had His missionary to the Gentiles picked out. In fact Saul was probably born around that time. It would take eleven dedicated men to witness to the stubborn people of God, but by one very powerful preacher, through the thick and thin of persecution, the Word of God was seeded throughout the Gentile communities of the then-known world.

Being called by the Master would mean persecution. Jesus warned His disciples they would not be appreciated (Matthew 10:22). In fact, they would need to be “shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:14-16). The disciples of every generation, (even in the twenty-first century) learned what those words could mean. But they also knew the joy of the Lord is their strength. The reward of ministry to others brings an incredible sense of purpose and peace.

Many are called (Matthew 22:14). However, Jesus knew responses would differ. There are those who make a profession of faith based on an emotional response. Others make a commitment, by following the Lord in Baptism. Some people make Jesus Lord and Master of their lives, not just Saviour. One pastor used to say “If He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all” (Dr. John Moore). How true is that? Ryrie comments: ”There is a general call of God to sinners inviting them to receive His salvation….there is also a specific election that brings some to Him…..man is held responsible for rejecting Christ whether it is because of indifference, rebellion or self-righteousness” (Page 1500).

The Master calls all to “Come unto Me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)….emotional rest in the midst of relational storms, spiritual rest when persecuted, physical rest when tired, sick or hungry.

Reflection:

Note God has called sinners, children, disciples, and perhaps even you and me today. How do you feel about that?

Have you been called? To what purpose?

Does it include suffering? (Read Philippians 1:29)

by Marilyn Daniels

Devotional

With God

February 5, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

John 1:1-2

Usually one waits for certain seasons to count blessings, but as we approached the quarter mark of 2015 I was amazed to find how God was at work in ways to broaden my understanding and to grow my faith. Having God in my life from a very young age, it is thrilling to know He cares enough to continue touching my heart and mind with deeper insights into His Holy Word, even into old age.

It was at this time I was listening to a preacher from England expositing on Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God…” His work as a Math professor at Oxford University gave him great opportunities to defend his faith among the intelligentsia of our day. First of all, he wanted us to be clear as to which faith we are defending, since faith is part of everyday life in many different ways…we have faith in people who are close to us, we have faith in the bank where we keep our money and the list goes on.

In North America many people like to refer to themselves as “spiritual” beings, which in truth we are, but their perception is different from what the Bible describes. Listen to the Apostle Paul. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). The key then to being spiritual, is having faith “in Christ”.

Our scientist from England argued for the fact that we must have faith in a GOD who never came to be. Man came to be; the universe came to be, but God has always been God and for many scientists the eternality of Yahweh is hard to grasp. Science according to Stephen Hawking, defines the brain as the product of a mindless, unguided process. Evolution supports that hypothesis. If that is so, then how can we trust atheistic findings of that brain, when it comes to belief in God?

Behind the logic of his message was the reality that scripture uses metaphors. Jesus said “I am the door” (John 10:9). Taken literally we would be hard pressed to explain that, but we all know what He meant. Through Him we can enter into the very presence of God Almighty, our heavenly Father! Therefore, why do so many Christians flounder when it comes to taking certain things literally, caught up in arguing for something we need not prove?

John captured a reality that cannot be overlooked. The “Word” – Jesus Christ was with God in the beginning, because He is God – eternal, all knowing, Almighty (John 1:1). Therefore, we have every reason, as believers, to rejoice in our faith, a solid rock in the storms of 2015, or 2050 uncertainties! In fact, Christ has been our foundation throughout centuries of human history and will continue to be on into the future, whatever year we celebrate.

This same God in the person of the Holy Spirit indwells each believer, guiding, rebuking, enlightening, growing each of us in our faith, so that we can say we are with God, day by day. Also, we can trust Him to move in the hearts of people around us, as with His love overflowing in our hearts we live “in Christ” (John 17:21).

Reflection:

What is Jesus’ prayer for you and for me? Put it into your own words.

How would you describe your “spirituality” to someone else?

Do you know you are “In Christ”?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Guilty?

September 3, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com

Galatians 5

Guilt is a remarkable emotion. It might be real, or it may be false. Where do guilt feelings come from? Deep within the spirit of man there is a conscience. It is impacted by our societal values, and our perspective of God, as well as our personal experiences.

How does God deal with guilt, in the lives of His children? From the beginning He was gentle. Spotting a quivering couple hiding themselves in the garden, God knew they were guilty of disobedience. However, He didn’t just kick them out of their home, but first he gave them clothing, providing for their immediate needs. He warned them of the dire consequences of their choices, and then sent them from the place where all was familiar. That was the kindest act of all, because He removed them from the temptation to eat of the tree of life, which would have bound them in their state of guilt, forever.

Strangely we often bind ourselves in a state of guilt. It’s easier to endure a familiar pain than to deal with it and move forward into the unknown. However, that is where our faith strengthens us, to face a future filled with the promises of God. That faith is secured by the fact that we have been forgiven. The slate is wiped clean and God gives us a fresh start.

The woman caught in adultery was brought to Jesus to test Him. But what of her own testing? Did Jesus want her to remain in interminable guilt? No! He set her free. “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). Because – it is only in freedom that we can be productive. Satan enjoys binding our hearts with cords of guilt.

Paul assures the Church at Galatia:

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery”

(Galatians 5:1).

In that same chapter he urged them to believe they were called to be free (:13). This is God’s purpose for humankind. The only thing that counted was faith expressed through love (:6). They were not to feel guilty because they were or were not circumcised according to Jewish law. He points out that God desires restoration rather than revenge (6:1).

If the Galatian church was guilty of trying to earn their salvation, Paul wanted them to be free to live by the Spirit (5:22-23), to be spontaneous in their love and witness (5:16). This message applies to you and to me today. Whether our guilt is real or imagined, we need to deal with it, to rid ourselves of its encumbrance in order to glorify God for what He is doing in our lives.

Reflection:

How has Satan successfully robbed you of peace? Compare the intentions of Satan with the desires of our God.

Are you guilty of rejecting the freedom and subsequent peace that God is offering to His children through Jesus Christ our Lord?

What might you advise someone else to do to remedy such a situation in their lives?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

Devotional

The Bride of Christ

February 19, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

2 Corinthians 11:2

The first Bible Study I did with a group of ladies was “The Bride of Christ.” How thrilling it was to study the thread of this topic throughout the New Testament. Referencing related verses in the gospels, epistles and Revelation as well as linking them with Old Testament prophecies, can be a very rewarding exercise. It may be hard to encapsulate a whole series in a few words, but let’s try.

John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the bridegroom (John 3:29) while referring to himself as the friend of the bridegroom. Jesus frequently referred to Himself as the bridegroom (Mark 2:19 etc.). That title implies there is a bride. Who then is that bride?

Several analogies give reference to the bride. She is pictured in Revelation in all her glory, as the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2). In Ephesians Paul correlates the union of husband and wife as one, with Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:22-31). Paul also uses this analogy in writing to the Corinthian Church when he writes “for I have espoused you [the Corinthian Church] to one husband that I may present you a chaste virgin to Christ“ (2 Corinthians 11:2).

The purpose of the mystical and ethical union of Christ with believers is to produce spiritual fruit according to Romans 7:4. The fruit is born of grace [a new concept] resulting from Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. The Bride obviously is implicated in the production of new believers. Another opportunity the bride has to minister that grace to others is seen in Revelation (22:17) when the Spirit and the bride issue an invitation to come, to take the water of life freely.

In the Old Testament, the theme of bridal love is represented by Hosea’s unusual marriage to a prostitute. This gives hope to those who might feel unworthy of the love of God, typified by Hosea seeking a bride from among those who are down and out. Cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, the Bride of Christ will be presented spotless before God’s throne (Jude 24, Ephesians 5:27). We all need to be reminded that since our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), we are all in need of God’s amazing grace, the blood of Christ which cleanses us from all sin! (1 John 1:7).

So, we see Christ’s bride is one chosen by God to represent Him, clothed in the purity of Christ’s righteousness. The universal church is given the power of the Holy Spirit to invite others to join, while waiting for the return of the Bridegroom. The Bride, comprised of every tribe and nation, is unified through the death and resurrection of our Lord, for the purpose of producing children of grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Reflection:

Does this particular Bride come to an arranged marriage? How does that look?

How is the Bride of Christ clothed?

What are the expectations placed on this marriage?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Come and See

April 3, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

John 1:35-39

Jesus continually astonished people by knowing their thoughts. Simon who didn’t give Him water to wash His feet when Jesus was a dinner guest in His house, was critical about the woman Jesus allowed to wash His feet with her tears. “Didn’t He know she was “a sinner?”….?” Jesus answered his unspoken question by publicly declaring what the woman had done was an act of worship (Luke 7:39-47).

In another instance Nathanael belittled the idea that the Messiah could come out of Nazareth, the town which Jesus called home. Jesus recognized Nathanael, when Philip introduced them, as “a true Israelite in whom there is nothing false” and went on to prove how He knew that by telling Nathanael He had seen Him worshiping under a fig tree. Awestruck Nathanael then declared Jesus to be “the Son of God, you are the King of Israel” (John 1:49).

In our reading today two of John’s disciples heard John declare “Look! The Lamb of God” (1:36). If nothing else this would have aroused their curiosity. When Jesus noticed them standing there with their mouths open, He asked what they wanted. Unsure of what to say, they blurted out “where do You stay?” Jesus invitation resounds down through the ages “Come and see”.

John’s gospel is very intimate. He shows us how much Jesus wanted to be known personally. In an act of +Jewish hospitality, He invited these two unnamed men home for coffee. How thrilling it must have been to be noticed by this great man and then to be invited to spend more time with Him!

Have you been noticed by the King of kings? Did you respond when He invited you to “Taste and see that the Lord is good”? David, in the Old Testament, knew God personally. He knew, from experience, that the man or woman who took refuge in the Lord would find blessing (Psalm 34:8).

I just love watching Poirot on TV. What does that have to do with our study? David Suchet, who plays Poirot, is a converted Jew. I watched him interviewed by the Rev David Hoyle in Westminster Abbey in the Jerusalem room – lots of history there. They were reviewing the impact of the Gospel of John on their lives – fascinating how our God works!

David Hoyle pointed out the importance of seeing Jesus and how, near the beginning of John’s Gospel, Jesus invited the men following Him to “Come and see”. Then the book ends with Thomas crying out “Unless I see….I will not believe”. For sure seeing grows us in our faith, but for most of us “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).

Reflection:

What is it that stirs your heart in those intimate moments with Jesus, which excite your devotion? Thinking back on your spiritual journey, did it start when you actually saw the Lord high and lifted up – King of kings crucified so that you would not pay the penalty for your sins? Would you wash His feet with your tears? Do you cry out “My Lord and my God!”?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Privileged Life

October 17, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by Ekaterina Astakhova on Pexels.com

Philippians 4:4, 10-13

How many of us have compared ourselves to the rich and famous from time to time, and wondered what it would be like to have no material needs? Let me share the story of a young woman I once knew. Her job took her to many countries around the world; money was not an issue in her home. Which one of us wouldn’t like to be rich enough to travel? We might forget to count the cost – consider how difficult it was for her to leave her children behind for days at time. Her health suffered from lack of proper rest and eating. She was always running, always fatigued, always feeling guilty because she couldn’t give the quality time she wanted to either her job or children, and suddenly she found herself considering suicide. Things are not always as good as they look.

Poverty comes in different packages. Some folks are rich in spirit. I remember being hosted in very humble homes in Kenya, homes where the joy of the Lord reigned over a simple cup of Kenyan tea. Yet how impoverished are the rich, who like Zacchaeus had spent his lifetime robbing folks in order to gain wealth.

What is it then, that gives us a sense of privilege? God created human beings with everything necessary for a good and happy life. Adam and Eve didn’t need clothes in order to be fashionably trendy. Their diet was very simply vegetarian. They were surrounded by beauty, and they walked with God. If it wasn’t posh, it was a privileged life.

Perhaps we need to examine our expectations. What is legitimate and what is unfortunate? The thing is – God has placed each one of us in circumstances from which we can and will, learn and grow. What we learn is up to us. Will we become bitter or better? Will we spend time regretting the past, blaming and shaming others, or will we take the gifts God has given to us and make them into something that blesses His heart?

Each one of us has been given gifts of personality and temperament. We choose what characteristics we allow to shape us, by using the strength of will God has also given to us. The whole issue is one of choice. There are heroic testimonies of folks who have overcome terrible odds – super heroes in the Para-Olympics, for example. Why are they different from another human being who moans and groan their way through daily life?

Made in the image of God, we have the privilege of choosing what we will be remembered for. Have we been generous and kind, or do self-centered habits alienate us from others? I learned from the poorest of the poor that sharing what one has, makes one feel rich.

Reflection:

Jesus challenges us today to love others as we love ourselves, because He loved us enough to die for us! This is the privileged life! God knew from the beginning that the plan of salvation included not just His chosen people, the Jews, but also included the Gentiles. He prophesied to Abraham thousands of years before Christ came to earth, that his seed would bless the nations. I am a Gentile, as probably most are, who read this. Consider the privilege we have of being grafted into the Branch, the Lord Jesus Christ! (Jeremiah 23:5) I want the whole world to know that joy and peace come from our relationship to God through the Lord Jesus, don’t you? It is my privilege to share Jesus with others, as He shared his life with me. What is your privilege?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Tough Love

October 10, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

1 John 3:1-6

Let us establish one fact to begin with. The Apostle John reassures us: “God is love….we love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:16, 19). God is the source of all true love. He goes on to say “If anyone says ‘I love God’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar” (:20). The rationale is that it is impossible to love someone you can’t see if one hasn’t been able to love the persons we do see – our brothers and sisters, and our neighbour.

The Holy Spirit living in each believer’s heart, grows fruit in us. Most of us are familiar with the verse that begins “The fruit of the Spirit is love……” (Galatians 5:22). Why does God mention love first? Is it because without love, all the other segments of fruit growing in our lives, would shrivel, distort? Love is foundational because “God is love”. Isn’t this why Jesus called each believer to “love God and love your neighbour”, naming these as the two greatest commandments? (Matthew 22:37-39).

Jesus left His disciples with a “new” commandment: “Love one another” (John 13:34). Why was this so different? The last 6 of the Ten Commandments required behaviour that was loving towards all others. ”Honour your father and mother, do not murder, do not commit adultery, don’t steal, do not bear false witness against your neighbour, do not covet your neighbour’s possessions” Exodus 20:12-17). Love requires self-restraint, which takes us back to the verses in Galatians. The only way we will know God is working in our lives is to see the changes that are being made by the Holy Spirit, one of which is ”self control” (Galatians 5:23) Wow!

When love is growing in our hearts we will be careful not to hurt someone else. Our bodies and even our tongues will be restrained. The tongue can wound another’s heart. James describes it like this: “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person” (James 3:6). However, James has also written words of great hope “If you really keep the royal law, found in scripture: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ you are doing right” (James 2:8).

Some years ago a child-rearing philosophy became popular. Use “tough love” the experts said. It wasn’t noted then but it stands to reason that the discipline required to correct another, begins with me. Therefore I must examine my own heart and life to see if I require more of someone else than I do of myself. This is why Jesus came…to show us the Father’s love! It is sacrificial. But – it is also demanding. Jesus’ death wasn’t easy – it cost Him everything! It was absolutely necessary for anyone to have a relationship with His Father. How far are we, His disciples, willing to go to put that into practise?

There is a danger that we offer a gospel of quick fix, with a love that is really meaningless. When we glimpse the agony of our Saviour on the cross our hearts are overwhelmed by His love. Then came the glory of His resurrection! Unthinkable! It is the fruit of His passionate love! The greatest of all possible hope!! Because He toughed it out to prove His love is genuine, we are offered the gift of faith.

Reflection:

Is it possible for us to receive this kind of love from the Lord Jesus Himself? Would we be strong enough to withdraw from a relationship that is inappropriate, not from lack of love, but because our love has become pure?

The Holy Spirit is pleading with each soul who hears the gospel. His love offers us the opportunity to share with others what it means to be free from the guilt with which so many live. We cannot possibly earn our salvation. We can’t even clean up our act in order to be acceptable to God. The miracle of His love is that He reaches down to lift us out of the pit and set our feet upon a rock (Psalm 40:2). This is tough love. All glory to God!

Read 1 John 3:1-6.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Encouraging Who?

June 13, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

Hebrews 3:12-14

We know that encouragement is a Biblical principle. Remarkable isn’t it, to consider that God not only lays down principles by which to live, but also provides all that we need in order to abide by them. Encouragement is listed among the gifts given to believers by the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:8). Perhaps knowing we need the Holy Spirit in order to exercise this gift, will prompt us to lean more on God, in order to meet the needs of others.

Encouragement is regarded throughout both Testaments as necessary to spiritual development. “We sent Timothy who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:2). In the Old Testament we read – “Stop doing wrong; learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17) How often it is easy to overlook those who are quiet and shy. Paul recommends, among other things, that we not forget to strengthen the timid (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Encouragement, like many other Christian virtues needs renewing day by day “Encourage one another daily….so that none of you may be hardened by sins deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13). It is needed by leaders. In training Joshua to take his place, the Lord instructed Moses “Encourage him, because he will lead Israel” (Deuteronomy 1:38). It is needed by brothers in the Lord, and was even needed by Jesus Himself (Matthew 26:38). “He [an elder] must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:9).

One requires great patience to encourage others. It can be emotionally draining (2 Timothy 4:2). Serving others requires that gift of the Spirit. “Patience” (Galatians 5:22, 2 Timothy 4:2). Also, those who form the support network for aging relatives or grieving friends know how much energy it takes to be a reliable presence in the face of such great need.

Josiah, King of Israel encouraged the priests in their temple duties. How important it is when we see encouragement coming from the top down! Paul found that in exercising praise he encouraged himself. Today he might have written a book on self-help! Barnabas fulfilled the meaning of his name, “Son of Encouragement”, by his ministry to others (Acts 4:36). Endurance and encouragement from the scriptures brought about a spirit of unity in the early Church.

If the truth were known there probably isn’t anyone living who has never needed an encouraging word, a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on. We who have been recipients of such a ministry, understand the magnitude of the miniscule….it is little things that mean so much in times of crisis. Jesus said “Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me (Matthew 25:40). Therefore all of us can do something to encourage others, if we would only be sensitive to their moments of need.

Reflection:

Remember a time when God used someone to encourage you. How did that feel?

Would you like to have the reputation of making others feel the same?

What is it that prevents you and me from seizing the opportunities that God places before us?

Would you be willing commit to a ministry of encouragement?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Uncategorized

Victimized

May 10, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

The little child who was worshiped by Kings from the east, became a man. In the intervening years it had not been easy to be parents of the Christ-child. They had to endure public opinion about Mary’s unexpected pregnancy. Then at the tender age of two Jesus was seen to be a threat; sought by Herod the King after the Magi came looking for a new baby king. Led by God, they fled to Egypt to keep this precious child safe. We might recall the tragedy that befell innocent babies in Ramah (Matthew 2:1-2, 16), as this wicked king sought to extinguish the Son of God.

Herod died, so the family returned home. For nearly thirty years Jesus lived quietly at home in Nazareth. What were His thoughts as He learned His earthly father’s trade? What sort of life did He have with the question of His paternity hanging over His head? We sense that within the home things were not always easy. What was it like for His siblings to live with the eldest child, who had a history of being worshiped as King?

One commentator labels Matthew Chapter 10 as “The Program of the King; the Program announced”. Chapter 13 becomes “The Program Altered”, then “The Program Attacked”. Here we see the community in which Jesus grew up, explodes! Jesus had been going “through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness” (Matthew 13:35). Coming back to His hometown, He began teaching in the synagogue where amazement quickly turned into indignation. “Where did this man get the wisdom and these miraculous powers?” and “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” Suspicion grew! “Isn’t His mother’s name Mary?” and they went on to list His brothers by name, attempting to destroy His reputation, as a child sent by God (Matthew 13:53-57).

His ministry became perhaps the greatest example of human fickleness, because so many people followed Him for all the wrong reasons. Human nature is hard to change. Crowds followed Him for what they could get – healing and hope. They longed to be free from Roman oppression; surely this miracle-worker would engineer the ultimate miracle for their oppressed nation. Consider the burden this expectation put on Jesus, who described “My Kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).

Most of us experience problems with sibling rivalry or criticism, jealousies or competition during our life time. As we have seen, Jesus was not immune to these human inconsistencies. However, the real test came at the end of His ministry when the “religious right” decided the time had come to get rid of this maverick teacher. They became passionate to extinguish what they saw as blasphemy, making Himself equal with God (John 3:34-35). After all, how many times had Jesus called God His Father? And now He was forgiving sins? (Mark 2:5-7).

Jesus became the ultimate victim of a religion whose leadership had lost the concept of a personal relationship with God. Their abuses were heaped onto the people they were given the privilege of leading spiritually, in the form of rules and regulations which were almost impossible to keep. What was one more injury to add to the list, and so we find their consciences seared. Crucifying the Christ was nothing to so many who needed to know the God they said they worshiped, is a God faithful to His promises.

Reflection:

In the end an abuser reaps what he sows. Sadly in the eternal scheme of things, those who victimize the Christ, are eternal losers.

by Marilyn Daniels (marilyndaniels.net)

Uncategorized

Vilify, Validate, Victimize, Victorious!

April 25, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

What do all those words have in common? These words describe the life of our Lord Jesus Christ!

As we go into the Easter season, it is customary to reflect on our Lord Jesus Christ. Just how well do we know Him? It is sometimes hard for us to wrap our minds around the fact that Jesus is fully human and fully God at the same time. When He began His earthly ministry, it is curious to read that the Spirit led Him into the desert to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1). Why was that an important part of His human experience? For one thing it helps Him to identify with us in our moments of temptation. In fact He taught us to pray “Lead us not into temptation” because He knew the powerful impact, the desperate energy it takes, to resist the devil.

Vilify: “To speak about in an abusively disparaging manner”.

Jesus’ life began under the shadow of illegitimacy. God chose a virgin to bear His Holy Son so there would be no question about His Divinity. Some folks, refusing to believe God’s miracle, vilify Mary to this day. To be sure there was no stain on Jesus’ name, a prophecy was given hundreds of years before His birth: “The Lord Himself will give you a sign. The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call His name “Immanuel” [meaning God with us] (Isaiah 7:14). And so the “Virgin Birth” became a cardinal doctrine of the Christian faith!

Before His ministry began, the Holy Spirit took Jesus into the desert for the specific purpose of facing temptation.

After 40 days and nights of fasting, most of us would be pretty weak. When we are tired or hungry, when our felt needs are not met, we become impatient, grumpy, and even fearful and angry. It is interesting to note that right at that time Satan tried to take advantage of Jesus’ weakened physical state. He taunted Him:
“If you are the Son of God….” (Matthew 4:3). Because we know Jesus is God, we sometimes pass over the impact this would have had on a physically weak person. Bread? What would He have given for a piece of bread? We know, from His later miracles, that He could produce bread miraculously, but He would not do it to satisfy the cravings of His own mortal body. Certainly He would not give the devil the satisfaction of weakening His resolve – to use this time of fasting to draw strength from His heavenly Father, for all that lay ahead. He knew the battle that His humanity would face, and this was just the beginning! Twice in the desert the devil questioned His authenticity, demanding He prove His unique Sonship. Failing that, Satan used many folks throughout Jesus’ ministry to ridicule Him as the Son of God. We find the Pharisees, folks trained in the scriptures and prophecy, who ought to have recognized who Jesus was, questioning Jesus’ identity, and then of course crucifying Him on the grounds of blasphemy, for making Himself equal with God (John 5:18).

What a rollercoaster of emotion existed in Jesus’ life. Crowds of folks celebrated the man they thought was their deliverer from Roman persecution! His miracles produced entertainment for the multitudes. However, when He was taken prisoner, the chant changed to “Crucify Him”! What made the difference? Ignorance mingled with unrealistic expectations, led them astray. Let us not forget the intensity of Jesus’ feelings when He was vilified. How did Jesus respond?

Consider: how painful was this to the heart of the gentle Saviour who so loved the world that He came to sacrifice Himself for each person’s sin? It was apparently enough to make Him weep over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37). We humans all need to feel appreciated. Knowing what we now understand from scripture about God’s purposes, how easy is it for you and for me to yield to the Father’s will? Would we deny Jesus what is due the supreme effort He made to subjugate His humanity to the will of His Father?

Reflection:

The important thing is that Jesus didn’t ever feel He had to prove to anyone who He is. We might take a page from His story to consider that as God’s children, neither do we need to prove who we are. If we are living as God wants us to live, what is that to anyone else? Jesus questioned James’ and John’s desire. A verse worth meditating on reflects Jesus’ attitude towards you and me. Nothing else matters. We may be vilified, but Jesus says: “You must follow Me” (John 21:22).

by Marilyn Daniels (marilyndaniels.net)