What Jesus Did! 'Who Determines Your Worth?' — John 8:48-50

Friday, June 24, 2022

The people retorted [to Jesus], "You Samaritan devil! Didn't we say all along that you were possessed by a demon?"

"No," Jesus said, "I have no demon in me. For I honor my Father — and you dishonor me. And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge."

— John 8:48-50 NLT

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 when he was accused of being possessed by a demon. 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 his primary commitment was to please God, he was very willing to leave the determination of his worth in God's hands. This commitment allowed him to live with the freedom to be all that God had made him to be. What about you? In your own eyes, who determines your worth?

Today's Prayer

Father, forgive me. I sometimes let the evaluation of others mean too much to me and compromise my mission and my integrity in your work. Bless me with strength, dear Lord, as I seek to leave the determination of my worth solely in your hands so that I am not swayed by the criticism of those who would seek to derail my life's mission. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 7:16-18
  • 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
  • Galatians 1:10

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Illustration of John 8:48-50 NLT — "I have no demon in me. For I honor my Father — and you dishonor me. And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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