1 One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched.
Similar to Jesus’ experience at the house of this prominent Pharisee, Christians are often observed by non-believers in much the same way – carefully, with a motive towards evil intent as the wording in our verse for today suggests. It is almost as if their desire is to catch us in some wrong doing or hoping that we will fall into error. Our failing somehow makes them feel better – that, like they, we are not perfect. Remember, darkness loves darkness while light exposes the darkness. While our claim is not perfection, we are to be on a pursuit towards holiness or Christlikeness through the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling within us. We are given this command in Scripture:
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Col 4:5-6 (NIV)
It matters greatly how we live – we are to be pointing others to Christ by our words and deeds. So how are we doing in this endeavor? Are those in our spheres drawn to the Lord because they see Him fleshed out in our lives or are they turned away with the thoughts that Christianity is no different than any of the other false claims rampant in our day? Peter tells us:
15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)
When Christ is Lord, of our lives, we are not! This does not lead us to arrogance but to a demonstration of gentleness mixed with respect, keeping a clear conscious and not being fearful of persecution. Good behavior is the best defense against unjust punishment and persecution because it totally goes against human nature and allows the Holy Spirit to shine forth pointing others to our Lord Jesus. It is not natural to be offended and respond in love but this is what our Savior did and this is what we are also called to do. We are told in Scripture regarding Christ’s actions:
7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. Isaiah 53:7 (NIV)
Christ remained silent rather than defend Himself, willingly led to His death knowing that it would benefit those who would believe. The salvation of men’s souls was actually the “joy set before Him” enabling Him to endure the cross. Looking forward to finishing the race well, we too are called to exhibit such loving responses. Remember the fruit of the Spirit:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Gal 5:22-23 (NIV)
This “fruit” is produced by the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life who is in vital union with the Lord Jesus. All of these qualities are to be made manifest in the life of a believer who lives under the control of the Holy Spirit. We are to be dying to self, living for Christ, pursuing holiness and purity, strengthened in the faith as we have been taught and overflowing with thankfulness. This is the life that we are called to as we are being conformed to His likeness with ever increasing glory. We are told by Paul:
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Cor 3:17-18 (NIV)
It is the Holy Spirit who leads Christians from justification to sanctification to glorification. Certainly a believer’s eternal state is one of glory yet even now through the Spirit’s power we may reflect God’s glory pointing others to Him. It is the Holy Spirit’s job to point others to Christ in our jars of clay. Paul tells us:
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 2 Cor 4:7-12 (NIV)
If our death to self brings life to others then this too is our “joy set before us” helping us to endure our crosses as the writer of Hebrews states:
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3 (NIV)