31/12/2023 - I DO NOT HAVE A DEMON

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Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. John 8.49

Some religious people never left Jesus alone. When the Master healed someone, they would retort with offensive remarks about the Savior. Their intention was to discredit Jesus among the people. But this attempt failed because every day people came from far and wide carrying their sick, and the Savior healed them. As a result, many sought to touch Him, because virtue came out of Jesus (Luke 6.19). He is the same today (Hebrews 13:8)!

The Pharisees left no stone unturned. Feeling ashamed that they hadn’t understood the Word that revealed why they were out of step with Jesus, they tried to slander Him. They said that the Messiah had a demon and, through the prince of evil spirits, would cast them out. Then, in a clear way, Christ replied: “I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father. It was God who had given Him the power to free those imprisoned by the forces of darkness. This same command was also given to us (Matthew 10:8)

Religious people can be good people, but when they see that someone is not in their group, they attack them. This attack happens mainly when Heaven honors the ministry of a person who lives according to divine order. Christians should be calm and polite, but always speak the truth. By doing so, they will not allow a bad impression to form about them among the people. He who speaks the truth manifests righteousness (Proverbs 12:17), and righteousness defends us.

Sometimes, even though they saw that Jesus’ works were authentic, the Pharisees and other religious people accused Him of being possessed by the master of Hell. This can happen to anyone who does God’s will. But the Lord will defend His servants, making sure that no one believes the envious and lying prophets, who are empty of power and honor. The good person always examines and comes to a good conclusion. God is faithful!

For Jesus, all the persecution He faced was because He honored the Father. Some people were filled with hatred at seeing Him do what they could never do because they didn’t serve God. The main reason for doing the work is to obey Jesus’ command. True servants will never rebel against the supreme orders of the Commander. He rules over everyone with a love so special that it becomes unparalleled.

Honoring God must guide our choices. If we live like religious people, without realizing that we need to glorify the Lord in everything, we will take the wrong actions. Keeping God’s precepts proves that we love Him. To do this, we need to carry out His commands with all our heart and strength, without complaint. After all, the Lord’s decisions are always good. He is perfect!

The Jews’ refusal to accept Jesus was serious. They dishonored the One who had made the Covenant with Abraham. Thus, they lost the right to see fulfilled in their lives the promises made to their patriarch and therefore to them too. Whoever does not honor the Son will lose the right to enjoy the blessings of the Covenant!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares