Read Matthew 12:14-21
Quit Acting Like A 3 Year-Old.
Vs 14: After Jesus had shown compassion for the hungry on the Sabbath and after healing someone on the Sabbath, the Pharisees counseled together on how they might destroy Jesus. Seriously? When I first read this I saw the Pharisees, not as religious leaders but as politicians. Why?
1. Because I can’t imagine a bunch of Bible scholars getting together, who love the Lord, and planning on how they could destroy someone.
2. But I could easily see it amongst power hungry politicians.
I can’t comprehend it because Jesus showed love and compassion for others. That was his crime: love and compassion for the needy and hurting. This is what fired up the religious leaders. Instead of applauding Jesus with a standing ovation, they plot to destroy him.
Sadly, it’s not just our politicians who do this, it’s also the heart of all selfish people. I’m guilty also! If I feel threatened by someone because they are seen as a “Better Speaker,” I may not try to destroy them, but I will have ill feelings of them and secretly think negative thoughts towards them rather than applaud their success for the Lord.
What is it within us, within me, that wants to be applauded versus wanting to applaud others? Let us quit acting like a 3-year-old or power hungry politicians, and thank God for the work of others while applauding them, versus trying to be applauded by others. Perhaps we are more like Pharisees than we think we are.
How did Jesus respond to the Pharisees?
1. He withdrew from them.
2. He continued to do the work of his father by healing all who followed him.
3. He warned them not to tell anyone of his miracles.
As a result, he fulfilled the prophecy spoken in Isaiah 42:1-3 that spoke of:
1. A Servant of God,
2. Chosen by God,
3. Favored and loved by God,
4. Had the Spirit of God,
5. Who proclaimed the message of God, even to non-Jews,
6. Who was gentle like God instead of acting like a 3-year-old (that’s a paraphrase), and
7. Would give hope to All Nations.
PRAYER: Lord, may I be your chosen servant, filled with your Holy Spirit, proclaiming your message of Hope to those around me. Help me to be gentle in Spirit. When persecuted or threatened may I not quit but continue to proclaim the message of Hope found in Jesus.
Help me not act like a 3-year-old.
In Jesus name, amen!
