(no subject)
Matthew 8:18-22
I'm not sure why Jesus instructed his disciples to move to the other side of the lake but I am going to assume that it had to do a little bit with getting away from the crowds just for a little bit. Even Jesus had to get away.
The next part tells of disciples who were not part of the core twelve who had decided in some form or fashion that were going to do follow Jesus. Jesus responded by giving each person the facts for their specific situation. One needed to understand that Jesus did not have a secure place to stay or even a specific place at all. The other needed to follow Him without turning back.
Jesus did not rebuke them. He did not scold them. He was not angry with them for their statements. He did want to let them know what the truth about the situations was. How they responded, we don't know but whatever their response was, it was up to them. Jesus was not responsible for how they responded. In love, He gave them the truth.
That same thing must go for me. I must respond to people with the truth about situations. No sugar-coating but when I do say what I say, it is in love. That means not getting exasperated because a kid wants to request something of me. It entails being kind in my responses. It requires understanding. Jesus did not throw words out on a whim. He answered carefully according to their needs. He was quick to listen and slow to speak. I have become quick to speak and slow to listen. It is time I reverse that.
These people wanted to follow Jesus on a whim. Probably the whim of seeing him do miracles. Jesus wanted them to know the cost--so He told them. But it was in love. How they responded was up to them. In the same way, when I need to tell someone something, it must be in love but also truthful. That means patient, understanding and kind.
As I got about my day for the rest of the day, I need to practice listening quickly and being slow to speak and I must practice answering in kindness, understanding and patience which will, by faith, show the love of God to people because this is how God works.
I'm not sure why Jesus instructed his disciples to move to the other side of the lake but I am going to assume that it had to do a little bit with getting away from the crowds just for a little bit. Even Jesus had to get away.
The next part tells of disciples who were not part of the core twelve who had decided in some form or fashion that were going to do follow Jesus. Jesus responded by giving each person the facts for their specific situation. One needed to understand that Jesus did not have a secure place to stay or even a specific place at all. The other needed to follow Him without turning back.
Jesus did not rebuke them. He did not scold them. He was not angry with them for their statements. He did want to let them know what the truth about the situations was. How they responded, we don't know but whatever their response was, it was up to them. Jesus was not responsible for how they responded. In love, He gave them the truth.
That same thing must go for me. I must respond to people with the truth about situations. No sugar-coating but when I do say what I say, it is in love. That means not getting exasperated because a kid wants to request something of me. It entails being kind in my responses. It requires understanding. Jesus did not throw words out on a whim. He answered carefully according to their needs. He was quick to listen and slow to speak. I have become quick to speak and slow to listen. It is time I reverse that.
These people wanted to follow Jesus on a whim. Probably the whim of seeing him do miracles. Jesus wanted them to know the cost--so He told them. But it was in love. How they responded was up to them. In the same way, when I need to tell someone something, it must be in love but also truthful. That means patient, understanding and kind.
As I got about my day for the rest of the day, I need to practice listening quickly and being slow to speak and I must practice answering in kindness, understanding and patience which will, by faith, show the love of God to people because this is how God works.