There, Again, Is Jesus

"Jesus washed Judas' feet."

OUR EXPERIENCES define our reactions and opinions. Not necessarily correct reactions and opinions. We must recognize this first. I was placed where I continually saw my opinions and criticisms, how I felt about people and events, and because there was no other way forward, was forced to seek God for a character change.

The church spends too much time lost in the sea of their opinions, most usually about each other. One child of God speaking harshly about another, something Jesus will never do. He is a most affectionate and kind man. What is to be our reaction, then, to what we hear and see, especially if our reaction comes from what we dislike and disagree with? Jesus sets our example. He died for all men.

In that light, we can’t justify it, then, our finger pointing, our whispers behind the other person’s back, and definitely not any belligerence to their face. We can’t dress it up as gospel. “We’re right, and they’re wrong.”

“For all Scripture, inspired by God, is beneficial for teaching, redirecting, correcting and training—to promote character transformation— so that God’s ambassadors may be exceptionally competent in application of the Remedy and every other good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Remedy)

Here’s an exercise for you. Listen to that preacher who rubs you wrong and instead of focusing on their faults, focus on yours. Then ask the Holy Spirit to help you change. That is the meaning of “repent.” It’s a complete change in direction. I, personally, am glad for what I no longer do. The work of the Spirit in me has changed my default from griping to praying. I don’t notice other people’s errors and behaviors as much, and when I do, immediately, think of God’s love for them.

“Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6 BSB)

I know what some have faced in the world, in the church building, and have heard from those who ought to know better, gives them reason for how they speak. Someone who has stood up to harsh criticism develops defensive behavior. But there, again, is Jesus who said nothing in His walk to the cross. He gave no defense, even when lied about, and took the buffeting of the soldiers and the people who mocked Him. HE DIDN’T EVEN THINK IT. Even His innermost thoughts were without sin.

And there should be our personal goal, to forever stretch ourselves out toward Him in order to be just like Him. Not only not reactionary but for it to not even be a thought in our head. Instead, our thoughts and feelings should be the love of God, and this is something God will always answer if we will ask. First, we become unsatisfied with anger and strife. We grieve over our need for both. We grieve seeing them in others. Then, instead of taking them to task, either privately or publicly, our blurting out our thoughts and opinions, we put our head in God’s Word and meditate on what it says about loving others. We make His truth what comes first to our tongue and continue in it until what fills our hearts now is compassion, is gentleness and meekness.

No one stood Jesus in the corner or backed Him up against the wall. He knew who He was as God’s Son, as the Christ. He is King of Kings and stands firm as the authority of heaven, but faced with sinners, with the sick and demonically oppressed, facing Judas, His reaction was love and mercy. He saw rebellion; He heard rebellion. He spoke to it the words of the Father, then proceeded to do the work of the Father, which required Him to lay hands on people and set them free. When that proved to be too much of a wrinkle for the religious crowd, they lied and hung Him on the cross. His blood be upon us and our children, they said. And it is, but not in condemnation. The Father didn’t send Him to earth to condemn it but that through Him it might be saved (John 3:17).

With His last breaths, He begged the Father to forgive those who put Him there, then He promised a thief, justifiably convicted, he would see Paradise.

My hunger is to see more forgiveness in the pew, more prayer and compassion in the pulpit, and an outright refusal to look like the devil’s idea of a Christian. Other people are not our example. It is not our responsibility to point them out to others. Jesus washed Judas’ feet. He didn’t refuse because of what He knew about him nor stand him up in front of everyone and force him to open up. He didn’t talk about him behind his back either. He solely took him to His Father and begged, in the garden, to not have to “drink this cup.” (Luke 22:42) He didn’t even want to hurt Judas.

Can we say the same? Or did we let our feelings take over and do what they reacted? Did we rehearse that person’s judgment first and whisper about it? Instead, we ought to see Jesus and no longer desire to be the enemy He defeated. Let’s let go of the desire that weighs us down. Trust me. You won’t miss the old you. And take up His yoke, a much lighter easier life.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

“Don’t do anything for selfish reasons or seek to promote yourself ahead of others, but in humbleness and love be more concerned for the welfare and good of others than for your own.” (Philippians 2:3, Remedy)

Image by Darlac from Pixabay


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Suzanne D. Williams, Author
www.suzannedwilliams.com
www.feelgoodromance.com