Starting with Jesus

How easy it can be to start with what we believe (or want to believe) and then find evidence that supports that belief. Not to want to be challenged. To start with the conclusion and then assemble facts that prove that conclusion (while ignoring anything that doesn’t seem to fit).

Jesus said that His Jewish critics had this tendency. They picked the Scriptures they liked and formed their own conclusions. They felt that they knew the answers to every question. But Jesus said they were wrong. In fact, their interpretations had blinded them from being able to see the truth. They had made “the word of God of no effect through your tradition” (Mark 7:13).

Jesus encourages all of us to remember our limits. To submit every plan and thought to God. Every assumption and tradition. Jesus even applied this to His own life, saying, “the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing” (John 5:19) The key was starting with the Father. Submitting everything to Him.

For us, ultimately, this meant coming to Jesus. Focusing on Him. As He said, “He who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life” (John 5:24).

The disciples continually had to learn this principle. We see, for example, how God had to give Peter a disturbing vision in order to help free him from his preconceived conclusions, so he could understand the revelation God wanted him to have (Acts 10).

In your life, focus on Jesus. Submit every thought to Him. Spend time in prayer. Seek to be in tune with the Spirit. Believe His Word.