A Heart That Honors the Father
My dear son,
Do not spend all your energy trying to make your name look good to everyone. Even under insult, Jesus valued honoring his Father above seeking his own glory. He could entrust the work of judgment to me.
I do not want your joy in keeping my word to depend only on praise from people. The life I give is a deeper and more lasting gift than a reputation that rises for a brief moment.
If you have received welcome praise, let us be glad together. If a misunderstanding needs explaining, speak truthfully. But you do not have to spend the entire night trying to change every reaction. Entrust your life to the Father who knows it.
With all my love,
Your Father
John 8:49–51
WEB49Jesus answered, “I don’t have a demon, but I honor my Father and you dishonor me.
50But I don’t seek my own glory. There is one who seeks and judges.
51Most certainly, I tell you, if a person keeps my word, he will never see death.”
A short reflection
Jesus tells those insulting him that he honors his Father and does not seek his own glory, and promises eternal life to those who keep his word.
World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter