SCRIPTURE: Luke 23:8-12
“But Jesus gave him no answer.” (Luke 23:9)
Herod wanted to see some magic, but Jesus wouldn’t perform.
So they mocked him, dressed him up like a king, and treated him like a fool.
But Jesus did not join in his game, he did not satisfy his curiosity.
Many people demand that Jesus prove Himself.
And when Jesus doesn’t give them what they ask for, they dismiss Him, belittle Him, reject Him as a fool.
Jesus is neither a court magician nor a court jester – He doesn’t sing and dance to our tune.
What Jesus says, what Jesus does, stands as it’s own witness.
Jesus represents God’s better world of love, justice, honesty, integrity, compassion, generosity, etc.
Jesus not only speaks about it, but He lives it… He is even prepared to die for it.
As followers of Jesus, we should learn from His example.
We do not need to impress people with great shows, wonderful signs, impressive events, relevant messages.
We do not need to dress up the message with flashy, funny or impressive packaging!
We do not need to feed people’s curiosity with side shows to impress them with Jesus.
Live what Jesus lived, love what Jesus loved, lead like Jesus led – and that is enough.
Today, the world is dressing up the church like a fool, and often because the church deserves it.
Instead of playing the world’s games, trying to impress the world with buildings, programs, success, miracles…
Try showing the world God’s better world of love, justice, honesty, integrity, compassion, generosity, etc.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, remind me that Your message does not need gimmicks to make it work. Help me to live the gospel, whether people like it or not.