The Jesus You May Have Missed

I contributed to American Bible Society's The Men's Bible. Here is a taste of what the devotionals are like.

PRAY:

Lord Jesus, so often I think I have you figured out and then you shock and surprise me by what you said and did as recorded in the Gospels. As I read your Word today, continue to shock and surprise me, expand my view of who you are and lead me to worship and follow you with all of my
life. In your great name, I pray. Amen.

READ:

Luke 11:37-54

Key Verses: When Jesus finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and sat down to eat. The Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus had not washed before eating. (Luke 11:37-38)

This incident shows the Jesus you may have missed as you read the Gospels, the one who is not “gentle Jesus, meek and mild.” One of the biggest mistakes men made in Jesus’ day was to think he was a normal man like themselves. Underestimating Jesus, God in human flesh, is the biggest mistake men make today, as well.

In this account,  we see that the Lord we follow is not afraid to boldly go into enemy territory. He is not at all consumed with pleasing people, and not the least interested in man-made religious practices which were calculated to earn one’s way to heaven. Hand-washing was a Pharisee­ instituted practice and not required in the Old Testament. Was Jesus intending to pick a fight as he purposely did not wash? Jesus not only causes indigestion at this meal, he brings the condemnation of God upon these religious hypocrites and does not stop talking until all mouths are closed. The result? People had one of two responses to him: they were either incensed or inspired by him! This is the real Jesus, the Jesus we men need. He tells us the unvarnished truth. Follow him!

REFLECT:

Does this passage challenge your view of Jesus? In what ways? Do you believe Jesus was out of control and mean as he interacted with this Pharisee? Why or why not?

RESPOND:

Remember a time when you were bold in a similar way as Jesus was in this situation. Look for ways this week to respond with equal boldness as God makes that possible.

PRAY:

Lord Jesus, may I be bold in upholding your truth. Will you help me to recognize how much I need you every day, and be a man filled with your grace so that people will turn to you. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

This is taken from The Men’s Bible. Excerpt posted with permission of American Bible Society.