Surrender to an Audience of One

Posted by chrisreutlinger on Jul 9, 2009 in Daily Bread | 3 comments

Unfortunately, I usually find myself relating to the “teachers of the law”. In verse 2, we find the teachers of the law expressing their insecurity. They ask Jesus who gave Him the authority to teach the gospel. In essence, “who gave you the authority to do our job? Who gave you the authority to garner the people’s attention like we’re supposed to? We understand you’re new here Mr. Nazarene, but we’re the ‘teachers’ of the law in these parts.” Wow, how many times have I felt insecure because someone else was doing my job better than me or was getting all the attention? Did I stop and try to learn from them? Not exactly. I usually try to undermine their credibility or increase my own. In my own efforts, I’ve had more “success” criticizing others rather than elevating myself.

Jesus response is great. Actually, He doesn’t respond but follows up with a question. Jesus’ question pinpoints the insecurity in their hearts. ”We don’t want to look silly in front of all these people. They’ll never listen to us then. Further, we don’t want to anger the people. We need someone to listen to us. What will I (oops, I meant ‘we’) do if nobody pays attention to us any longer?”

The truth is that Jesus knows my heart better than I do. Sure, I can try to “fake” Him out, but I’ll never be successful. Thankfully, Jesus loves me enough to draw me to Himself. To surrender enough of my pride, to walk alongside Him and say, “Ok, here’s the ugly crap that’s inside me. I don’t like it and I know you don’t like it, but You accept it and You accept me.”

Jesus, thanks for being willing to teach me when I may not be so willing to listen. Thanks that I only have to surrender to You and You’ll faithfully do the rest. Thanks that You‘ve showed me I’m sufficient and I don’t need the attention of others. I always have your attention and that’s enough. Thanks for exposing my insecurities and conquering them.