Prudent1
Well-Known Member
1Pe 2:21 NKJV
FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS (2)
Jesus knew He didn't have to prove Himself. At the cross, skeptics said, "If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross" (Mt 27:40). His reaction? He refused to let their comments intimidate Him or alter His plans. He didn't need their approval; He already had His Father's: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Mt 3:17). Jesus didn't waste time answering His critics. "Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge to the great amazement of the governor" (Mt 27:14 NIV). Jesus responded to hunger, to need, to seekers, but not to people trying to trap Him. You owe nothing to a critic. "Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words" (Pr 23:9). Do you know why there's never been a monument built to a critic? Because critics are spectators, not players! Jesus didn't focus on the past, but the future. His mother was pregnant with Him before she was married. Only a few people knew the truth. Jesus grew up with this, yet He didn't feel the need to explain it. Stop complaining that your family was poor, or talking about your limited education, or repeating stories of those who failed you, or advertising your pain, or meditating on your flaws. All of us are challenged in some way. "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing" (Isa 43:18-19). Satan discusses our yesterdays; apparently that's the only information he has about us. Jesus discusses our tomorrows. So if you want to follow in His footsteps, focus on what's ahead.
FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS (2)
Jesus knew He didn't have to prove Himself. At the cross, skeptics said, "If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross" (Mt 27:40). His reaction? He refused to let their comments intimidate Him or alter His plans. He didn't need their approval; He already had His Father's: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Mt 3:17). Jesus didn't waste time answering His critics. "Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge to the great amazement of the governor" (Mt 27:14 NIV). Jesus responded to hunger, to need, to seekers, but not to people trying to trap Him. You owe nothing to a critic. "Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words" (Pr 23:9). Do you know why there's never been a monument built to a critic? Because critics are spectators, not players! Jesus didn't focus on the past, but the future. His mother was pregnant with Him before she was married. Only a few people knew the truth. Jesus grew up with this, yet He didn't feel the need to explain it. Stop complaining that your family was poor, or talking about your limited education, or repeating stories of those who failed you, or advertising your pain, or meditating on your flaws. All of us are challenged in some way. "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing" (Isa 43:18-19). Satan discusses our yesterdays; apparently that's the only information he has about us. Jesus discusses our tomorrows. So if you want to follow in His footsteps, focus on what's ahead.
