Those who have followed the devil’s pattern are in grave danger of sharing in the devil’s punishment.
Jesus carefully defines that the greatest thing that a human can be is a humble servant.
For you and I, there’s no disaster too small, it could still have the power to throw us into doubt and despair. But for Jesus, there’s no disaster too big, that it would undermine the secure hold he has on his people.
Jesus is not just a teacher. He is not just a moral example. Jesus is the God of glory, come down in humble human flesh, to save you.
Self-denial and suffering aren’t the ultimate goal. Following Jesus is the goal.
And we know that Jesus’s mission was triumphant and successful. Because on the third day, Jesus gave us evidence – observable evidence – of his great victory. He rose from the grave – once and forever, never to die again.
At the cross, Jesus was prevented from seeing the Father’s mercy, so that we’d be given the sight to gaze on the Lord’s steadfast love and faithfulness forever.
Even though there’s one Savior, and one Spirit, there isn’t just one predictable method that Jesus uses when he applies his healing power.
Even the dogs find crumbs under the table. Can’t I have some, too?
Living by false standards of cleanness won’t make us clean.