JESUS SPEAKING
‘Now around the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this man know letters, having never studied?” Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not my own, but His who sent me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on my own authority. He that speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but he who seeks the glory of the One who sent him is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” (John 7: 14-18.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
The educated men who had heard Jesus speak were astonished at His perfect knowledge of scripture. Unlike them, He had never attended a notable Hebrew school; nor had He sat at the feet of some prominent rabbi. Instead, His knowledge and wisdom had come from God. The Jewish Scholars demanded praise and admiration for their many years of extensive learning; whereas Jesus sought only to honor and glorify God. Chasing after our own glory is a vain and empty endeavor; but seeking to glorify God and His only Son is to live correctly.
One man who thoroughly understood this principle of righteous humility was John the Baptist. When Jesus began baptizing people in the Jordan river, John’s followers became concerned, saying “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him.” John replied, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven […] He must increase, and I must decrease.” John’s heart was devoid of selfish pride; permitting him to humble himself and glorify the only Son of God.
Today, although Jesus Christ reigns in heaven, His deeds continue upon this Earth. He performs His miracles through His disciples. Some however, who selfishly desire glory, will take credit for God’s works. And yet a trustworthy servant renders to God the praise and honor He deserves. To glorify God we must humble ourselves. He must increase and we must decrease. As followers, we must often forgo admiration so that God may receive what is rightfully His? We must speak the words of Jesus Christ; give in the name of Christ; and love in the name of our wonderful Lord and Savior. We must die so that He can live. Only in death can we experience immeasurable joy and everlasting peace.
“Lord Heavenly Father, may You increase as we decrease. May we let go of our selfish desire to be praised; that You would receive the credit for the good works that You are accomplishing in us, and through us. May we continue to be vessels of Your love and messengers of Your mercy. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit Lord; that we might always be pleasing to You. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 