Happy Monday! Sorry for the delay. While reading this morning’s verses, I began to think about the difficulties of enduring criticism, being mocked even though doing good and the battle within to keep doing good. Do you every struggle with this? Well today we will pick up our reading in Matthew chapter 27. Enjoy your day.

^“39 The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. ⁴⁰ “Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!”

⁴¹ The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. ⁴² “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him! ⁴³ He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” ⁴⁴ Even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way.” – Matthew 27:39-44 NLT

The mockery and insults did not end nor did Jesus’ ability to manage his character and trust God’s plan. Jesus knew what the task was and he continued to stand firm for us, trusting the Father’s will.

Sadly, the people couldn’t see the bigger picture, they only saw what was in front of them and gave way to their emotions. They threw Jesus’ own words back at him. Had he come down from the cross we would be lost for all eternity. Also, Jesus’ mission wasn’t to please them, which in part was the reason why he was nailed to the cross. However, Jesus patiently endured those insults because He came to save them and us.

Sisters and brothers, we will be insulted by non-believers and sadly by those who confess to be believers, but don’t lose heart they only see part of the picture. As a believers Jesus’ death on the cross and him being raised from the dead (beating both sin and death), should encourage us to continue on our mission in Christ Jesus no matter the insults or mockery we receive. We must continue to bring others into the knowledge of knowing Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The One who died for us.

Sisters and brothers, let me challenge you this week on three things:

• Bridle your tongue from insults and mockery of your fellow sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus. Check our own character.
• Reflect on the love of Jesus Christ and what he has done for you even at times when you didn’t deserve it.
• Ask the Lord to come into your heart and reveal the areas in your heart that He desires to work on and let the Holy Spirit begin to work in you.

Father God, thank you for your son Jesus Christ and all that he has done for us. Lord Jesus, thank you for sacrificing your life for ours. Forgive us of ours sins, help us to turn away from our sins and lead us into an abundant life in you. Lord, pour out your Holy Spirit into our hearts today and this week as we go to work, school, appointments, etc. Help us to feel your presence. Lord, give us favor with our coworkers, bosses, medical providers, teachers, neighbors and family in faith. Lord you know each of our needs and how to minister to our hearts, Lord do your work in us so that others will see you in us. In Jesus name, amen.

Keep seeking! Keep trusting! Keep praying!

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