Again?!?!
Do you ever feel like you are in a repetitive cycle with some people? Always trying to prove yourself but inevitably coming up short?
I think we can all relate to this but the surprising truth is that even Jesus experienced it. The motives, sincerity, and identity of the Son of God were challenged often AND by those who should have been His greatest supporters.
Let that sink in for a moment………
On the heels of several miracles, Mark 3:21-22 NIV gives the response from His family and religious leaders who were becoming aware of the buzz concerning Jesus.
When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.”
Now as I get to Mark 8:11-13, after He had already been accused because of these previous miracles/authority evidenced, His identity and intentions are being questioned AGAIN.
The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.
Why It Wasn’t Enough
So why would those who should have been championing Christ and His work ask Him for a sign after they had already seen PLENTY of evidence? Evidently, they didn’t like what the proof had already proven.
What more did they hope to gain? Maybe a way to find “proof” for His condemnation?
So what appears as the Pharisees asking for proof to support Christ’s claims, they are in reality looking for proof of His guilt. They were never out for good but for His conviction!
There will always be those who look for our condemnation rather than our commendation. Share on XJesus’ Shrewd Response
Why didn’t Jesus try ONE MORE TIME to get them to recognize the truth of the matter? Wasn’t it worth another go at being understood?
According to Jesus, no.
Well, doesn’t that seem a little abrupt to “give up” that quick? I usually spend more time than that trying to get through to people.
What could be the reasons for His response?
- “Proving” Himself had already been accomplished.
- More proof wouldn’t yield any better results.
- There is a fine line between loving others and trying to satisfy/appease them.
Christ seemed to understand the slippery slope of trying to prove Himself to those who were not interested in the proof of His deity in the first place. He gave unmistakable proof for all who were OPEN to His authority and position. To those who were going to condemn Him no matter what, He left them with their mistaken opinion of Him.
Wow. That’s a hard pill to swallow.
I know I don’t like being misunderstood and I’m a sinner, nothing like the Perfect Savior. I can’t imagine being content with such false allegations when it was the COMPLETE opposite of the real situation. Yet, Christ was at peace with their faulty view of Him.
How could Christ be at peace with being so misunderstood?
Jesus seemed free from the burden of proving Himself to others. Although He came to reveal His identity to the world, using miracles to support His claim, He was not undone by the rejection or accusations of those who opposed Him.
Why?
Maybe because He knew that there will always be those who “oppose”, even when you are the Son of God coming out of pure love to die for the sins of the world. Who could complain about that?!?!
Well, a lot of people actually when you are coming into the presence of a bunch of sinners like mankind.
Christ understood that what mattered most was the Father being pleased with Him. Understanding the plan and purpose of God was the driving force, not the approval from others.
He knew what to do and more importantly maybe, what NOT to do. He did not let someone other than God determine if He was enough or had done enough. God was the only One who could set the standard and judge the achievement.
God was the only One who could set the standard and judge the achievement. Share on X
What does this mean for us?
We can walk in freedom just like Christ did if we learn from His example. Doing “enough” or proving ourselves to others will not always work. What then?
I think 2 perspectives make a difference.
- Just because someone holds up a hoop doesn’t mean we need to jump through it.
- Just because someone chooses to ignore reality doesn’t give them the power to negate it.
Only God is allowed as the determining factor on whether we have proven ourselves. We don’t live up to the standard set by our fellow man but the God who created us and the Savior who died for us. The Father sets the standard and Jesus met it on our behalf once and for all!
May we walk in freedom from the condemnation of man and humbly under the conviction of God. The verdict of being condemned is forever satisfied through the blood of Jesus Christ!
Walk in peace, friends!
Kristi Woods says
Our Father being pleased with us – yes! That’s the only solid ground, isn’t it? I see the need to prove oneself much on social media lately. What a breath of fresh air to turn back toward Jesus. #raralinkup
Gretchen Fleming says
Amen to that. He is so grounding isn’t He?
Rebecca L Jones says
Wow Gretchen, I must be in what I call Jesus mode. I have started to let people go on thinking whatever they like.But I know who heals, we have a miracle this week, when my self and some Pinterest prayer warriors prayed for a NICU baby, Emma Grace. Her tubes came out, she was alert, and may be going home this week. She had had two intestinal surgeries, is 8 days old, and we are continuing to believe she will not need to wear a bag her entire life. Dr. even called it a miracle. Jesus had noting to prove, neither do we for believing HIm.
Gretchen Fleming says
Praise God for the miracle!! That is so awesome Rebecca!!
Lisa notes says
This is important content, Gretchen. We often do spend too much time trying to defend our reputation instead of just walking in love, letting the chips fall where they may. This is hard, but true: “To those who were going to condemn Him no matter what, He left them with their mistaken opinion of Him.” I would love to get better at this. Thanks for the encouragement.
Gretchen Fleming says
I would too Lisa??
Sarah Geringer says
Excellent post, Gretchen. Sharing it on FB and Twitter.
Gretchen Fleming says
Thanks so much friend??
Leslie says
Gretchen, I’m so glad I was your neighbor today at Holly’s. This is excellent and something we all need to remember. Proving ourselves is something we so much want to do because we want to be understood. But the only person we need to be focusing on is God. If we are doing what He has told us and going where He is leading that’s all that matters. There’s not a single place in life that we won’t be misunderstand in some form or fashion. It hurts, but we’ve got to let that go and I really appreciate that this post helps us do that. You took us straight to Jesus and reminded us how He handled this important issue. Thank you so much, Gretchen!
Gretchen Fleming says
Grateful for your encouragement Leslie? Thank you for visiting with me☺️
sue says
You’re so right. It is a burden to try and prove ourselves. I feel it unconsciously – perhaps the stress of speaking in front of people who have paid to hear me. I feel a burden to make it worth their while. You’d think I would know better. I have three weekends ahead where I don’t want that thought in my head. Only this: Lord, help me please you on and off the platform. May i walk and speak in your power, love and joy. PS I always have seen Him answer that prayer and I always have a blast. Yet. And yet. thankful for you and your prayers, gretchen!
Gretchen Fleming says
Absolutely Sue! Many blessings on these next three events. Praying that the Spirit will form the thoughts in your mind and words in your mouth, that you will walk in the fullness and power of His Spirit.
Courtney says
This was much needed! Thank you!
Jessica Lauren says
You have a special ability in your writing to draw the reader right to the heart of a matter and the truth of Scripture. Im also encouraged by what you post through IG.
May you continue to be led by the Spirit!
I can identify with the message here. Sometimes silence proves our trust is in God, rather than retaliating with our points and proof.
Thanks for sharing.
Gretchen Fleming says
Thank you, Jessica, for such a gift of encouragement today! There are some “comments” that truly affirm my calling and yours is one of them. Thank you for being God’s grace to me:) It means so much to know that it is making a difference for someone.
Jean says
Wow! This message really hit home with me. It has been a long, slow process in my life to let go of the ‘fear of man’ but the Lord has been patiently teaching me these truths. Trying to please others and win approval is a struggle for me and I am especially challenged when I feel judged, criticized or misunderstood. Simple faith to ‘trust God’ within those situations is difficult for me. I want so badly to ‘fix it’. Yet, the Lord has been challenging me to use those experiences as an opportunity to search my own heart, truly examine my own behavior & motives and ultimately draw closer to Him and His Word. Through that process I can find wisdom & discernment as well as the grace & truth that I need to handle emotions, feelings and hurts. Thank you so much for sharing a powerful message. He is using you to spread His truth and to open other’s hearts to know Him more fully!
Diana | Diana's Diaries says
“It is okay to be misunderstood” I learned this lesson quite later in life but what a relief it has been. I was taught in my childhood to be obligated to people and also make sure that people say good about me. It was sure a burden.
Thank you Gretchen for the reminder
Beth Steffaniak says
I can see that you’ve reposted this from a while back, Gretchen, but God used it to reconfirm something my husband and I just were confronted with at a counseling session earlier today. We had sought a counselor’s insight on whether to have a very tricky conversation with a relative of ours who continues to bust boundaries and build walls with us. We want to be as gracious and hardworking on this relational problem as we can–hence, going to counseling. But the counselor reminded us that this isn’t about us (at least this time! Lol!). So we must be patient with this person, knowing that right now they are not ready for any sorting through or addressing of a problem. That’s where we were leaning, but it’s good to know she felt that way and now that you’ve confirmed this direction too! God nod, to be sure! Thanks for this encouraging and clear-cut post!
AMELE says
Thanks, Gretchen, and God bless you!