Jesus said, “All
authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt. 28:18). He sends us out in all authority so that
people will learn of Him and conform to Him (Matt. 28:19, 20). As we go it is important to remember that
our authority is given by the Passover Lamb.
When some Samaritans didn’t want Jesus coming through their village,
James and John asked if they should call down fire on them. Jesus rebuked them and said, “You do not
know what kind of spirit you are of” (Luke 9:54-56). Jesus wasn’t interested in forcing anyone to accept Him. Scripture says His face was set like flint
toward Jerusalem, where He was to be crucified (Luke 9:51).
We disciples face
opposition as we go out into the world.
There is many a “village” that doesn’t want us around. We know Jesus. We know His value. We
know that every person has a deep need for the Lord. When others don’t recognize or receive Him, it is easy to feel
anxious for them or even offended. But when
we are tempted to confront, to threaten hellfire, to argue and to push until
they accept Jesus, we need to remember our Master headed to the cross to die
for them. Laying down our lives for
others should be more important than trying to convince people of our viewpoint
(1 John 3:16). If we allow the Spirit
of Passover to move us, He will command devotion and obedience because His
self-giving nature is truly worthy of these things.
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