Key Thought

So often we succumb to peer pressure because we let the people around us determine our worth in our own eyes. To be labeled as demonized is about as bad a criticism as one could receive if he or she is seeking to live for God. Jesus, however, wasn't fazed. He knew who determined his worth. He would not be baited into useless arguments by people who could only criticize and call him names. He lived for his Father's glory, not his own. He lived to honor God and not himself. Since he was only trying to please God, he was very willing to leave the determination of his worth in God's hands. This allowed him to live with the freedom to be all that God had made him to be. What about you? Who determines your worth?

Today's Prayer

Today's Verses in Context

The Jews answered, "We say you are a Samaritan. We say a demon is making you crazy! Are we not right when we say these things?" Jesus answered, "I have no demon in me. I give honor to my Father. But you give no honor to me. I am not trying to get honor for myself. There is One who wants this honor for me. He is the judge. I tell you the truth. If a person continues to obey my teaching, then that person will never die." The Jews said to Jesus, "Now we know that you have a demon in you! Even Abraham and the prophets died. But you say, 'The person that obeys my teaching will never die.' Do you think you are greater than our father Abraham? Abraham died. And the prophets died too. Who do you think you are?" Jesus answered, "If I give honor to myself, then that honor is worth nothing. The One that gives me honor is my Father. And you say that he is your God. But you don't really know him. I know him. If I said I did not know him, then I would be a liar like you are liars. But I do know him. And I obey what he says. Your father Abraham was very happy that he would see the day when I came. He saw that day and was happy." The Jews said to Jesus, "What? You have never seen Abraham ! You are not even 50 years old!" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth. Before Abraham was born, I AM. " When Jesus said this, the people picked up rocks to throw at him. But Jesus hid, and then he left the temple area.

— John 8:48-59 (ERV)

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