Children with a mind of their own (2) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He has a demon. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.
Matthew 11: 18.19.

Children with a mind of their own (2)
The Lord Jesus continued speaking and turned the subject from the defiant, self-willed children to His listeners themselves. They, too, had their own opinions and ideas about the Messiah and His predecessor.

The one who prepared the way for Jesus Christ was John the Baptist. He "was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey." John preached: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand", and many were baptised, "confessing their sins". The people had not expected a man like that: an ascetic and a hermit, who preached repentance. John was a mystery to them, being too earnest and strange. They rejected him: "He has a demon", they said. They didn't want him!

Then Jesus, the Lord, came and . Jesus devoted Himself to the lowly, the sick and the poor. Nor was He ashamed to eat with tax collectors and sinners. He showed grace and love, for He had come "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). Did that correspond to their ideas? No! They wanted to be honoured and recognised by Jesus, and not hear that they had to change. So they rejected His goodness and love - and crucified Him. They wouldn't have Him: His parable had become too personal and earnest.

(to be concluded tomorrow)

Today‘s reading: 2 Kings 24: 1 - 20 · Psalms 110: 1 - 7