What Kind of Christ?

Read Jeremiah 13

Read John 7

It is easy for us Bible-believers to look back at some of the first century Jews (especially the religious leaders - the scribes and pharisees) and point out that they were looking for the wrong kind of Christ. Yes, Jesus is the long-prophesied, long-anticipated Messiah, but many couldn't see it. In fact, they outright rejected him and wanted to kill him, as we hear about in John 7 today.

It is easy for us to see it and point it out. However, it is much harder for us to admit that sometimes we get far too comfortable with some misconceptions about Christ.

Now, let's not go too far with this. I am not saying that the Christian Church is wrong about Christ, or that there is some sort of conspiracy, or that we are putting our faith in the wrong person. -- Nothing like that! What I merely want to point out is that because of our sinful nature it is very difficult for us to accept all of what Christ teaches. Just like the religious leaders in the temple had a great problem with what Jesus was saying (though they were prevented at the time from doing anything about it), we too sometimes have a problem with Christ -- because of our sin.

Examples? We may not like what Jesus says about how we handle our money, or acceptable or unacceptable sexuality, or how we treat a brother or sister in Christ, or how we address and handle conflict, or where we place our priorities, etc.

What is it that Jesus says (or what is said elsewhere in the Bible) that gives you problems? I don't mean that you don't believe it, but I mean that it is insanely difficult to live by it. Take some time to think about that today.

Then, confessing your struggles and your sins, remember that this Jesus is a more incredible Christ than we could ever have imagined. Because being so much more than a political power or a self-help guru, this is a Christ who died for us. While we were sinners, still lost and condemned, still enemies of God and deserving of the doom that awaited, Christ died for us. He died for those Pharisees who hated him and wanted to kill him. He died for his disciples. He died for people near and far in time and space. He died for me. He died for you.

So, even though in sin you constantly struggle with the commands of Christ, you can still rejoice abundantly in God's undeserved grace!

Pray:

Pray from your heart today concerning the thoughts, struggles, and joys that come to mind because of our meditation today. Ask Christ to forgive and continually strengthen you as you live for him!

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!