July 25 - Jesus' Reputation

John 12:12-19

The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.” (John 12:18, 19 ESV)

For about three years Jesus had travelled the countryside. He was preaching, performing miracles, and turning the people toward the truth of the Kingdom of God. The sick, demoniacs, outcasts, crippled, and even the dead—all kinds of people were dramatically impacted forever by the ministry of Jesus. As he made his way to Jerusalem, the final destination of his public ministry, his reputation preceded him.

The religious elite didn't know what to do with him. He operated from an authority they refused to acknowledge, and failed to comprehend. He performed miracles that both baffled and humbled them. Their pride, their wallets, and their power were in trouble.

The reputation of Jesus still precedes him. To the hurting, the outcast, and the needy Jesus is still the answer. Those who hear and comprehend the full measure of his work are irrevocably changed by it. There is no going back. Jesus' impact on lives initiates a passionate focus for the Kingdom of God that religion cannot contain, mankind cannot fathom, and the forces of hell cannot deter.

It is the reputation of God who became a man by virgin birth. A lowly carpenter who became an authoritative teacher and preacher. A perfectly holy life lived in selflessness. A man who was crucified for the sins of others. A death that was temporary. A resurrection that was real. A reign that is eternal. Jesus' reputation is reputable, it is rare, it is reality. And it will change your life if you let it.

June 22 - Who Says?

Read: Luke 9:18-22

Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered, "The Christ of God." (Luke 9:20 ESV)

What do others say about you? Is it good? Is it bad? Do you even want to know?

There are certainly times when it is better just not to know what it is that people are saying about you. Reputation can be a toxic trap for good or for bad. Even Jesus used his reputation as a teaching point for his disciples when he asked them the questions, "Who do the crowds say that I am" and "Who do you say that I Am?"

The disciples answered his similar questions with very different answers. The people viewed Jesus as a prophet of old returned to them somehow. The disciples themselves, and especially Peter, saw Jesus as the Christ of God, the Messiah that would save humanity from their sins.

Reputation can be ugly. Especially if you start trying to draw conclusions or make decisions based on the wrong people's opinions. The reputation of Jesus has suffered in America over the last several decades, mostly because of the neglect of the Church. We have been distracted by other things, like our own reputation, and not always put our best foot forward. When the Church's reputation hurts, so does Christ's. We are, after all, his representation here.

What can you and I do to guard the reputation of Christ from slander and misrepresentation? At times we may not be able to do anything. But we each have our part to play in representing the King.