THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 7:18-23
“Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” (Luke 7:23)
In this passage we see what Jesus is about.
His ministry is essentially a mercy ministry, helping the helpless.
So why would anyone take offence at this, who can be against mercy?
But that is the thing, some people are.
Think about people who look down on the homeless, or addicted.
‘Let them work hard, like I do, nobody deserves handouts.’
But this response reveals more about the people thinking this.
They show that they do not know their own need for mercy and help.
The people who stumbled at Jesus were too full of themselves still.
Blessed are those who know they need mercy and help.
The humble will not stumble at Jesus, they will reach out to Him.
They will also eagerly seek to join Jesus in helping others.
Following Jesus means participating in Jesus’ mercy ministry.
If we stumble at this, we show we do not understand the mercy of God.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see that following You is not just about accepting Your mercy, it is about extending Your mercy, to show we have really received it.
Reember the day when John baptized Jesus? John told of Jesus’ ministry – Behold the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world. John wanted to hear first hand what Jesus was doing – Jesus was setting the people free.
Free from the slavery to sin.
God’s power is the only thing to save us from death and destruction.
Our hope is in Jesus Christ and nothing else.
This is the good news of the gospel – He has set me free
to live for Him
and in His power
being lead by His Spirit
walking in His SonShine each day.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
2
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
3
His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
4
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
In Him, my righteousness, alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.