The Confidence of Christ
““Your approval means nothing to me,”
John 5:41 NLT
When Jesus made a defense of Himself before the religious leaders who wanted to kill Him, He argued forcefully that He was the Son of God, the Sent One, the Messiah.
Jesus’ confidence in who He was gave Him a freedom to not need the approval of others. “Your approval means nothing to Me!”
Am I living with that level of confidence, that level of freedom?
Where did Jesus’ confidence, Jesus’ freedom, come from?
1. Jesus found His approval in the Father’s affection, the Father’s love.
“For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing. In fact, the Father will show him how to do even greater works than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished.”
John 5:20 NLT
2. Jesus found His approval in the Father’s assignment… the Father trusted Him.
“So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.“
John 5:19 NLT
3. Jesus found His approval in the Father’s authority… the Father empowered Him.
“The Father has life in himself, and he has granted that same life-giving power to his Son. And he has given him authority to judge everyone because he is the Son of Man.“
John 5:26-27 NLT
4. Jesus found His approval in His accomplice, John the Baptist, who announced and affirmed His identity.
“In fact, you sent investigators to listen to John the Baptist, and his testimony about me was true.”
John 5:33 NLT
5. Jesus found His approval in His accomplishments, which affirmed His calling.
“But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me.”
John 5:36 NLT
6. Jesus found His approval in the authority of Scripture, the truth it spoke of Him.
““You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!”
John 5:39 NLT
Where or when do I find myself seeking or settling for the approval of man?
The more clearly I hear the Father’s voice, the less I will need the approval of others. I will hear the Father say…
I love you!
I have called you!
I will use you!
The Father will affirm this truth in my life through others and through His Word.
I am loved!
I am called!
I am gifted!
The Father is at work around me, and He is inviting me to join Him in His work.
NOTE: Today’s blogpost is based upon Sonlife’s study, Knowing Him / A 50 Day Study in the Life of Christ / Day 18