PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 4:38-41
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“He would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.” (Luke 4:41)
At first glance, this seems odd to me, why would Jesus silence this news?
But on further reflection I can see why Jesus would silence them.
These are demons; their testimony is like having an extremist group vote for you.
Their backing would make Jesus’s mission even harder.
These demons were not shouting ‘You are the Son of God’ to help him.
They were riling up the people, arousing a mob which could lead to an uprising.
This was strategic on their part, and wise on Jesus’s part to silence them.
Jesus himself hardly ever claims to be the Son of God, using ‘Son of Man’ instead.
He does not deny his messianic purpose, but he prefers to demonstrate it.
We mistakenly think that the press, or public acclaim, or social position make us great.
Too often churches and church leaders try to be on the stage for all the world to see.
Jesus knows the higher the pedestal the harder the fall, and the distance from those in need.
Love and serve your neighbour, but don’t intentionally advertise it.
The enemy loves to prop us up so that he can push us down!
PRAYER
Lord, keep me on the ground and on my knees with you, serving and sharing your love with whoever is near. I will leave it to you to spread the word!
Lord give us wisdom to have humility and discernment like Jesus showed us. Help us know when not to speak before the right time and thank you for guiding us if we choose to listen.
Jesus had credibility – his reputation was solid – so people came. But Jesus did not want popularity – enough that it would interfere with his mission to the take our sins to the cross. Satan wanted to stop him- but Jesus spoke with authority and squashed their tactics. Popularity has ruined many good leaders even in the church. How do we help our key leaders humble? How do I stay humble and check any pride? I must stay credible – on the mission as one who follows Jesus – the message is often not popular – when we ‘re-tune’ the message to stay popular – we lose credibility. Lord, help me to stay on target and help me to understand that it’s not about popularity. Sometimes it can be lonely!
Take it to the Lord in prayer. The disciples appealed to Jesus. Many others appealed to Jesus and He healed them. Healed in order to serve. That is also my task – serving Him. And when I serve, others need to see His love shining through me.
Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.
2
Love Him, love Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Love Him, love Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.
3
Thank Him, thank Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Thank Him, thank Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.
Serve Him, Serve Him, all ye . . . .