When Jesus walked the earth, He wasn’t merely another teacher. He wasn’t just a miracle worker or a prophet. He made claims about Himself that were unmistakably divine. He didn’t just point people to God—He pointed to Himself as the way, the truth, and the life.
But how did people hear Him? Some clearly understood. The religious leaders sought to kill Him because they knew exactly what He was claiming. Others followed Him, struggling to grasp His words, wrestling with their expectations of the Messiah. And many rejected Him, unable to reconcile their hopes with the man standing before them.
It wasn’t just His miracles that made Jesus a polarizing figure. It was what He said about Himself—claims that belonged to God alone. When He stood before the crowds and declared that He would be the one to judge all people in the end, it was nothing short of astonishing.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’
And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21-23 ESV).
Judgment belonged to God alone. This was foundational to the Jewish faith. The Scriptures were clear—God was the one who would judge the nations, who would separate the righteous from the wicked. Yet here was Jesus, standing before them, saying that He would be the one to determine their eternal fate. And if that weren’t enough, He said it again later, in an even more striking way.
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.
Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’” (Matthew 25:31-34 ESV).
This wasn’t a parable where a king symbolized God. This was Jesus directly saying that He would return in glory with the angels, sit on a throne, and judge the world. This wasn’t just bold—it was divine.
And it wasn’t the only time He made such a claim. One day, a paralyzed man was lowered through a roof, and instead of simply healing him, Jesus did something shocking.
“And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’
Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts,
‘Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’
And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, ‘Why do you question these things in your hearts?
Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Rise, take up your bed and walk”?
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic—‘I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.’” (Mark 2:5-11 ESV).
The scribes were right—only God could forgive sins. A prophet might declare forgiveness, but Jesus was doing something else. He wasn’t just announcing that the man was forgiven—He was acting as the one who had the authority to grant it. And to prove it? He healed the man instantly.
Again and again, Jesus made claims that no mere prophet would dare make. He didn’t just speak on behalf of God—He spoke as God. He didn’t just teach about righteousness—He declared that He would judge the righteous and the wicked. And perhaps most significantly, He did something no righteous Jew would ever do: He accepted worship.
“And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’” (Matthew 14:33 ESV).
“But Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” (John 20:28 ESV).
At every turn, people bowed before Him, called Him Lord, worshiped Him, and He never rebuked them. The angels had rebuked worship before. Even the great prophets had refused it. Yet Jesus accepted it without hesitation.
And then there was the moment when His words left no doubt. He stood before the religious leaders and said something so radical, so blasphemous in their eyes, that they immediately picked up stones to kill Him.
“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.’” (John 8:58 ESV).
They knew exactly what He was saying. He wasn’t just claiming preexistence—He was using God’s own name. In Exodus, when Moses asked God for His name, He was told, “I am who I am.” Jesus was taking that name and applying it to Himself.
For those who had ears to hear, the implications were clear. But for many, it was a step too far.
And yet, the claims didn’t stop there. The Old Testament was clear that only God controlled the seas, that only God commanded the storms.
“And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’
And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’” (Mark 4:39-41 ESV).
Who, indeed?
And if all of this weren’t enough, Jesus made one final claim—one that would be proven beyond all doubt.
“For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” (John 10:17-18 ESV).
Who has the power to lay down their life and take it up again? Only God.
For some, these claims were too much. They expected a political Messiah, a conquering king. They couldn’t reconcile a divine Messiah with a human one. They were offended by His challenge to religious authority. They were unwilling to accept a crucified King.
But for those who believed, it changed everything.
Because if Jesus is who He says He is, that means our response to Him is the most important decision we will ever make. He is not just a teacher, not just a prophet. He is the Son of God, the final Judge, the one who forgives sins, the Lord of creation, the great I Am.
And still, He asks the same question today.
“But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15 ESV).
“Faith as a mustard seed” is often seen as a small amount of belief. In the first-century context, “pistis” (faith) was deeply connected to the patron-client relationship, where loyalty and action were key.
When Jesus speaks of faith as small as a mustard seed, He’s not just talking about belief, but about the kind of active loyalty and commitment we show to Him. Even our smallest acts of faithfulness—whether it’s offering a cup of cold water, giving two mites like the widow, a simple prayer, or a word of encouragement—can have a tremendous impact in God’s kingdom.
It’s a reminder that God values our simple, genuine acts of service and trust. Let’s embrace the power of small acts of faith, knowing they can bring about great change.
Peter gives us this simple yet challenging command: “Honor everyone.” In context, he tells us to be subject to every human institution, whether emperors or governors.
“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,
or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.” (1 Peter 2:13-14 ESV).
These words echo the teachings of Jesus, who called us to love even those who persecute us. Yet, how often does our human nature resist this? When faced with rulers or authorities who act unjustly, our instinct may be to rebel. But the message of the New Testament is not one of rebellion—it is one of unity, humility, and submission under God’s greater authority.
It’s not easy to live this way. It requires a humility that goes against the pride and arrogance of our carnal selves. The natural man wants to lash out against those we dislike or those we deem unworthy of respect. Yet, we are called to something higher. While there are times when we must obey God rather than men, we are still commanded to honor earthly authorities—not because they are perfect, but because our King commands it. And He alone is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Peter continues:
“Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:17 ESV).
Honor everyone. Not some. Not only those we deem worthy. Everyone.
This is no small task. Sometimes, we withhold honor based on our own judgment of someone’s character. But history reminds us that the leaders whom Peter’s audience was told to honor were far from honorable. And yet, the Spirit called for honor—not for their sake, but for the sake of our own transformation.
When we honor others, even those who may not deserve it, we are being shaped into the image of Christ. It’s not about whether they are honorable. It’s about whether we are willing to follow the Spirit’s lead, letting go of the carnal and embracing the spiritual.
So, how well are we doing with this command? Are we honoring everyone, as Peter instructs?
It’s a question worth reflecting on—not just in our actions, but in our hearts.
In Luke chapter 1, the angel Gabriel delivers extraordinary news. To Zechariah, he announces:
“Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” (Luke 1:13 ESV).
Zechariah responds:
“How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” (Luke 1:18 ESV).
Because of his doubt, the angel tells him:
“And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” (Luke 1:20 ESV).
To Mary, Gabriel shares:
“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.” (Luke 1:31 ESV).
Mary responds with:
“How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34 ESV).
Her response reflects her genuine curiosity without doubting God’s power.
This reminds us to reflect on the motives behind our questions. Are they rooted in disbelief, or do they come from acknowledging our limitations while still trusting in God? Let’s embrace our uncertainties with faith, knowing He can do all things.
I am in the book of 1 Samuel in my daily Bible reading. As Samuel is introduced as a young prophet called by God while he was still a boy, his first message and prophecy was a difficult one. God declared to Eli:
“And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them.
Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.” (1 Samuel 3:13-14 ESV).
What a sobering message for the judge and priest of Israel! Eli’s sons, who served as priests, were wicked men who abused their positions. Despite complaints from across Israel about their behavior, Eli allowed them to continue in their sins.
While Eli may have been a poor and permissive father, he loved God and respected His sovereignty. How did he respond to young Samuel’s prophetic word of judgment?
“So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, ‘It is the LORD. Let him do what seems good to him.” (1 Samuel 3:18 ESV).
Even in his failings, Eli acknowledged God’s sovereignty—even when it brought judgment upon his own family.
This deep reverence for God should form the bedrock of our faith. Our lives should primarily reflect God’s glory. How that happens is secondary. While we often pray for blessings, when God acts—or chooses not to act—we must echo Eli’s words: “Let Him do what seems good to Him.”
This surrender mirrors what Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before His crucifixion: “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
Can we say the same in our own lives? When faced with uncertainty, disappointment, or even loss, do we trust that God’s plan is good, even when we don’t understand it? Let us learn from Eli’s acceptance and Jesus’ ultimate example of surrender. May we live with hearts that say, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” trusting that God’s sovereignty is always for His glory and our good.
Any good deed we can do to glorify Jesus is a wonderful act of faith (pistis) we can offer to King Jesus.
But the most sweet act of pistis we can offer is the one we earnestly pray for to aid others and we count as a blessing to ourselves.
The couple who pray for children and get to raise them to know King Jesus.
The worker who prays for financial blessings to help meet the needs of a struggling friend.
The skilled home cook who prays for food to prepare and serve to those who hunger.
All of these acts of faith are sweet and serve to glorify King Jesus. But when our prayers for things we can use for others are answered and we see the answer as blessings to us, it is all the more sweet.
What a great God we serve who can bless so many people by a single act of kindness to us.
As a Christian, we do not have to fear death. While our body may die, our consciousness is never broken.
We just change our state from the earthly, material existence to the heavenly, spiritual existence.
This is why, when speaking to Martha,
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26 ESV).
We have already begun our eternal life in the kingdom of Jesus. We are just awaiting our transformation, and we will personally witness that transformation as it happens.
In Jesus’ parables of the talents and the minas, we often focus on the clear message about productivity and faithfulness:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21 ESV).
These stories teach us that those who are diligent with what they have been given will receive even more.
But let’s delve deeper. Imagine the servant who doubled his talents or minas and then received even more from the one who did nothing. Suddenly, he has a new set of resources and responsibilities. It’s no longer just about continuing what he did before, but recognizing and utilizing these new gifts.
Consider someone with a talent for writing, who uses their words to encourage and uplift. Over time, they might find themselves blessed with financial resources they never expected. It’s a call to recognize this new blessing and ask, “How can I use this to serve others?”
Or think of someone who starts with a gift for listening, offering support and counsel. As they grow, they might find themselves in positions where they can mentor others, extending their impact beyond what they initially imagined.
Similarly, imagine someone with a gift for cooking, who starts by preparing meals for friends and family. As they continue to serve faithfully, they might find themselves with opportunities to host larger gatherings, using their talent to build community and provide hospitality on a greater scale.
As we grow and mature in our walk with Him, let’s be mindful to continuously evaluate the resources and blessings He provides, always ready to use them for His glory.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV).
The Israelites had something we often dream of: a visible, tangible manifestation of God’s presence. Day and night, the pillar of cloud and fire led them through the wilderness, a constant reminder of God’s guidance, protection, and faithfulness.
“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.
The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.” (Exodus 13:21-22 ESV).
This pillar wasn’t just a symbol; it was God Himself dwelling with His people. It shielded them from their enemies (Exodus 14:19-20), provided direction, and reassured them of His unchanging presence. But even with such an awe-inspiring sign, the Israelites sinned—repeatedly.
They doubted God’s provision when they grumbled about food and water. They crafted a golden calf at Mount Sinai, worshiping it as if it had rescued them from Egypt. They rebelled at the edge of the Promised Land, refusing to trust God’s promise to give them victory over the inhabitants. They even fell into gross sin by committing sexual immorality with the Moabite women and worshiping the Baal of Peor, provoking the Lord to anger.
“While Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab.
These invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods.
So Israel yoked himself to Baal of Peor. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel.” (Numbers 25:1-3 ESV).
All this, while the pillar of cloud and fire stood before them.
“And the LORD said to Moses, “How long will this people despise me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them?” (Numbers 14:11 ESV).
It’s easy for us to look back and shake our heads at their failures. How could they sin with God’s presence so clearly visible? Yet, aren’t we guilty of the same? We may not have a pillar of cloud and fire, but we have the presence of God through His Spirit and the unshakable promise of His grace. And still, we sin.
It’s not enough to simply know God is with us. We need a sense of awe and reverence for His presence. The Israelites grew so accustomed to the pillar that they forgot what it represented. Have we grown so comfortable with God’s grace that we sin without shame or godly sorrow?
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:18 ESV).
Paul reminds us that grace is never a license to sin:
“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?
By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:1-2 ESV).
The Israelites’ story warns us not to take God’s presence lightly. His grace is constant, His forgiveness unending, but that should stir within us a deep appreciation and a desire to honor Him—not an excuse to sin. When we do stumble, let us not grow numb to it. Instead, let us respond with godly sorrow, seeking to return to Him with contrite hearts.
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17 ESV).
Let us daily remember that God’s presence isn’t just a comforting fact; it’s a holy reality. May we live with a sense of awe, appreciation, and reverence, striving to walk in obedience, knowing that we are never truly alone. His pillar of cloud and fire may not guide us today, but His Spirit leads us, His Word illuminates our path, and His grace sustains us every step of the way. Let’s not take it for granted.
What can we do today to cultivate awe and gratitude for the presence of God in our lives?