Jesus, A Powerful Man Worth Trusting

Matthew 3:

Humility-  Jesus allows and asks John the Baptist to Baptize him. How intimidating, and John knows it. He is invited to baptized the God-Man, Jesus. Baptism is an act that signifies one's choice of repentance, belief and submission to God. Jesus had nothing to repent of! Yet Jesus does this to “fulfill all righteousness.” John has been “calling out in the wilderness,” preparing the way. He has spoken of Jesus as “the one whose sandals I am not fit to carry … one more powerful than I” (Matt 3:11). Jesus has a power that exceeds any power of man, inf act any power of man is rooted in the power of Jesus, yet time and time again Jesus chooses not to lord his power and strength over others for self serving or self promoting purposes. Jesus does not usurp his power to prove himself. He does not need his power to be displayed in order to somehow feel good about himself or secure. Instead of displaying his power like some sort of peacock, He positions himself under the leadership and guidance of others, and at times those closest to him question if he is the Messiah at all. His brothers tell him to step it up and his closest friends expect him to start a revolution, but instead Jesus takes all of our preconceived ideas about power and strength and turns them on their head!

Jesus never uses his authority (which he has all authority and all power) in an abusive manner. He does not shame others with his all powerful words. He does not force others to follow him, but he invites them/us. Jesus does not manipulate or control. He does not prey upon the weak and vulnerable, but instead he boasts about them and makes a place for them. He even positions himself in a place to receive from them, deeming a dignity upon them (Jn 4)!

Jesus’ use of power is not sporadic and emotionally compulsive or impulsive. He does not “stone wall,” rage, stuff, or pop with his power. His power is singularly focused and untainted from sin. His withdrawing of his power and display of power is with intentionality and strategy. He aligns his power to the Father’s will and plan, and never veers from this. His power serves the purposes of the Father. We see this throughout Jesus’ life. Jesus’ primary purpose was to live a pure and holy earthly life (which gives us an example to follow) to come to the cross, displaying the extravagant love of the Father, and providing the means by which we might be ransomed from our slavery and united to God forever. Jesus' power brought hope to the world! When Jesus used his power to heal, multiply fish, penetrate a woman’s defenses, raise a man from the dead, etc. Jesus was using his power to boast of God, meet a heart need, and invite others (and us through the reading of the Bible) to faith and relationship with Him.

Afraid to get close to a man with great power? Afraid of power? You know what it is like for power to be corrupt and abusive? Perhaps, connecting to Jesus, a man, God-man, feels vulnerable, even scary. Perhaps allowing Jesus to “touch” your heart does not sound wonderful at all! Don’t worry you are not alone, and Jesus is patient with you, however don’t allow the hurts of your past to steal from the love that he has for you (they have stolen enough already, haven’t they?). One small step … look, share with one trusted Christ follower: your fears, hesitations, doubts, uncertainties, and allow them to share just a taste of who Jesus is with you. You will be amazed, there is no man like Him!

Never "Too Much"

Are you feeling like you are "too much" or you have gone too far in your sin to be redeemed, changed, healed, made whole, and used to bring life and good? Listen, you aren't the only one!

Rahab was truly an unlikely candidate to be bragged about. She was a prostitute. She was a prostitute whose unexplainable faith and actions were displayed through her risk to hide the spies, and go against the grain of normal human instinct of self-protection and hiding; and to go against the grain of her culture, to lash out when threatened. What gave her the strength and insight? Did she gain this somehow through her loss, desperation, and life of prostitution? I can only surmise, that a God so extravagant with grace, extended to her small seeds of grace, awakening her of hope and inviting her into opportunity for life. And she seized them!

How did she become a prostitute? Was she barren? Orphaned? We don’t know her history, but what we do know is that despite of where she was, what sin she was caught up in, she risked. She probably had no idea how her actions (rooted in a faith that she did not fully realize ... if any of us ever really do?) would change her life and change the direction of her legacy!!! (Becoming Boaz’s grandma, and King David’s great-grandma!, who made the way for Jesus, the Savior!) Night after night of feeling shame, emptiness, discarded, and used up, do you think she had hope and dreams for herself? God did!

This woman would be considered a stain to one’s lineage by some, but God names her in Jesus’ lineage (Matthew 1), which is completely counter-culture at that time! She is valued. Her place in the story is emphasized, not dismissed! No matter where you have been, and no matter where you are, you are not too much for Jesus. You, your place, your role, all that you are, He values. Are you willing to risk and awaken to His grace and love for you? (How? Go against the grain ... what you normally might do, rely on yourself, try something new!) I wonder what dreams and plans He has for you? Your intended legacy and impact might surprise you!