Loving Jesus As He Is
Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church
November 23rd Sermon, Day 3
There's a profound difference between loving Jesus and loving our idea of Jesus. Peter fell into this trap, and if we're honest, so do we. We can be passionate about our faith, active in church, and still find ourselves loving a version of Jesus that we've created rather than the Jesus who actually is. We want the Jesus who blesses our plans but not the one who might disrupt them. We want the Jesus who opens doors but not the one who sometimes closes them for our good. We want the Savior but not the sacrifice that comes with following Him.
Peter loved the idea of a Messiah who would make his life easier, more comfortable, more successful by worldly standards. But Jesus came to make our lives meaningful, not necessarily easier. He came to transform us, not just to give us what we want. The question that pierces through all our religious activity is this: Do we love Jesus as He actually is, or do we love our customized version of Him?
The real Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily. He calls us to love our enemies, to serve others, to find our life by losing it. This isn't always comfortable, but it's always good. When we learn to love Jesus as He truly is - in all His challenging, transforming, sometimes uncomfortable glory - we discover a relationship that's far richer than anything our imagination could create.
Bible Verse
"When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is?'" - Matthew 16:13
Reflection Question
How might your personal preferences or desires be shaping your understanding of who Jesus is rather than letting Scripture define Him?
Quote Peter loved his idea of Jesus more than he loved Jesus himself. Peter loved the Messiah he expected, not the Messiah Jesus actually was.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I want to love You as You truly are, not as I want You to be. Help me to embrace all of who You are - Your love and Your lordship, Your grace and Your truth. Transform my heart to desire what You desire. Amen.
