We Are Not Greater Than Jesus
"Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master.
Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names! " Matthew 10:24-25 (NLT)
Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names! " Matthew 10:24-25 (NLT)
One of the dearest things to us humans is whether or not we are accorded proper respect. Respect is important to us because it shows that people do have some level of regard for us. As parents, we expect our children to respect us; as spouses, we expect our mates to respect us; as bosses, we expect our employees to respect us; as older children, we expect our younger siblings to respect us; as spiritual leaders, we expect our congregants to respect us.
The truth is: We can get quite stirred up when we feel disrespected by others. Sometimes, we can go to unthinkable lengths to show our displeasure when we feel disrespected. But, as Christians, it is important to put things into proper perspective when it comes to the issue of the respect we receive from people.
If there was any one individual who deserved the utmost respect at all times, it had to be Jesus the sinless Son of the Most High God and God in person. Jesus was absolutely perfect and without sin. He did not sin in word, thought or deed. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, defended the defenseless, preached the Gospel and showed us the way to God. But, in spite of His flawless life, Jesus encountered a lot of disrespect from people, especially the religious leaders. Jesus was frowned upon and dishonored in His hometown. They took offense at Him and questioned His authenticity as a true prophet of God. The disrespect prompted Jesus to say: "A prophet is not without honor except in His own town and in His own home." (Matthew 13:57).
As you faithfully serve your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, there will be times when you will encounter disrespect even when you are doing the right thing. You may encounter disrespect on the job, in the home, in some social circles, in your family and even at Church. You might even be called names simply because you have purposed to stand up for what is right!
But don't be discouraged. Remember the words of Jesus: "Students are not greater than their teacher . . . And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!"
So, next time you feel disrespected, put it all in perspective. You are not greater than Jesus. If Jesus was disrespected and maligned for His righteous walk, we must expect no less than that.
We are not greater than Jesus!
The truth is: We can get quite stirred up when we feel disrespected by others. Sometimes, we can go to unthinkable lengths to show our displeasure when we feel disrespected. But, as Christians, it is important to put things into proper perspective when it comes to the issue of the respect we receive from people.
If there was any one individual who deserved the utmost respect at all times, it had to be Jesus the sinless Son of the Most High God and God in person. Jesus was absolutely perfect and without sin. He did not sin in word, thought or deed. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, defended the defenseless, preached the Gospel and showed us the way to God. But, in spite of His flawless life, Jesus encountered a lot of disrespect from people, especially the religious leaders. Jesus was frowned upon and dishonored in His hometown. They took offense at Him and questioned His authenticity as a true prophet of God. The disrespect prompted Jesus to say: "A prophet is not without honor except in His own town and in His own home." (Matthew 13:57).
As you faithfully serve your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, there will be times when you will encounter disrespect even when you are doing the right thing. You may encounter disrespect on the job, in the home, in some social circles, in your family and even at Church. You might even be called names simply because you have purposed to stand up for what is right!
But don't be discouraged. Remember the words of Jesus: "Students are not greater than their teacher . . . And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!"
So, next time you feel disrespected, put it all in perspective. You are not greater than Jesus. If Jesus was disrespected and maligned for His righteous walk, we must expect no less than that.
We are not greater than Jesus!
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the example of your life. I thank you for the understanding that because you are the perfect example of humility and godliness, following your footsteps is the only way to navigate my way through a world in which I am bound to encounter some disrespect and even dishonor for walking righteously with you. Amen.