A Prophet Without Honor

Did you know that Jesus is the most controversial man who has ever lived?
This was a fact that had recently come to my attention, and it honestly makes a lot of sense no matter how you look at it. Even as a little girl, it seemed impossible for one man to work countless miracles; healing the sick, turning water to wine – I honestly thought He was a wizard the first time I heard those stories (Harry Potter books were also flying off the shelves during this time!).

He was a man who could quite literally do anything, but despite this asked for nothing in return. It confused many, especially the religious leaders.
“A prophet without honor” is what they thought of Him; someone who was lesser than, or equivalent to beggars on the street. He was born a carpenter, to a man and woman who held nothing to their name. Who on earth gave him such wisdom? How could he perform all of these remarkable miracles?

They were blinded by status and reputation, ignorant to the very teachings they had spent decades memorizing and following religiously. It’s quite sad really. Jesus was only a man at the end of the day – a man of God at that. He was humble and patient, giving without reason and loving no matter the cause.

Did I know this when I was 4? No. Did I understand his actions a bit more as I got older. Absolutely. Unfortunately it’s never that simple for everyone. Every now and then I find myself in the Pharisee’s position. It’s easier than we realize to feel “superior” or even perhaps a bit “jealous” of others when our faith is tested.

For example, I remember praying over my father who was quite sick one day, and in an hour he came to me saying he felt much better, and my first thought was “Wow! I healed him!” I felt better than ever! I worked a miracle after all! Well, that same night I was also convicted before going to bed, it wasn’t me who healed him, but God. This is such a small story (and a little silly really), yet it is one of many possible examples as to how we can easily perceive God’s miracles as something we deserve, something we’ve earned maybe because we see ourselves to be “better” than the rest.

Jesus was mature enough to understand that everything He did was because of God, and it never mattered how others perceived Him, but instead how they could learn from Him. We don’t need fancy titles or positive recognition from those financially and/or politically superior to us – as nice as it would be – the only opinion and judgement who should always remain important to us is God’s. As long as we continue to serve under His word, there is nothing more honorable than to carry His name knowing that we're living for Him just as Jesus did, flaws and all!

Let us Pray:
Dear heavenly father, I come before You with the request that You continue to work through me spiritually so I may be the man/woman of God You have created me to be. Your name alone can heal the sick and wounded, and I pray that You use me as a vessel to work any miracles that may occur before us, no matter how impossible.
I pray for forgiveness for all the times I may have taken Your kindness for granted, and that I remain humble as Jesus had for those who continue to learn more about You and Your word. It won’t always be easy, but because of You it is possible.  And it’s in Jesus name we pray, Amen.