When Jesus came to Earth, the Jews rejected Him because they expected a Messiah who would overthrow the Roman Empire and fix all their problems. They didn’t expect a gentle and meek Savior who would eat with sinners, teach love and forgiveness, and die on a cross.
The Messiah didn’t solve all their earthly problems. In fact, His followers were persecuted like He was. So why did He come?
The Messiah came to open the way to the Father, to provide forgiveness for sins, and give us eternal life. He came to bring the gift of salvation to all who would put their faith in Him. That was His mission.
“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matt.20:28
Do we do the same thing today as the Jews did 2000 years ago? Do we think that Jesus is a means to earthly treasures? Do we think it’s all about this present life instead of what awaits us in eternity?
“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” Hebrews 13:14 NIV
Do we think Jesus came to give us financial prosperity? The Bible says that those who think that godliness is a means to financial gain have a corrupt mind and have been robbed of the truth.
“These are the things you are to teach and insist on. If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” 1 Timothy 6:2-7 NIV (emphasis mine) Read full chapter
Jesus came to free all people from the chains of spiritual darkness: the oppression of sin.
I am saddened when I think about those who follow Jesus because of what they think He will do for them during this time on earth. I know a man who “got saved” because he was convinced that if he had enough faith he could save his marriage. He became a regular church attender and prayed for his miracle. When his prayer was not answered the way he expected he stopped attending church and gave up on faith.
We must not become so consumed with what we think we need, following Him because of what He might do for us, that we forget to follow Him just because of who He is.
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” John 18:37
With Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? Read my page Who Is Jesus?
realchristianwomen.blog
Real Christian Women 
Jesus is not a magic vending machine that satisfies our every whim.
BUT
When our hearts and lives are aligned with His, our desires and His become one in the same. That’s when our work becomes abundantly fruitful!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Amen! Well said. Blessings, Barbara!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We must not become so consumed with what we think we need, following Him because of what He might do for us, that we forget to follow Him just because of who He is – beautifully said Cindy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Manu. I didn’t write those words myself, but I thought they were worth repeating. Blessings, my friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen, Cindy. A glorious truth and so important in these days of prosperity preaching. Indeed, nothing has changed since the time of the apostles, as fallen human nature and our common enemy both remain the same. Praise the Lord that His kingdom prevails over the kingdom of this world and for the time being He governs all things according to the counsel of His will and uses it all for our good and His glory!
John 18:36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for your encouraging words. I was once heavily involved in the Word of Faith movement and NAR. When I realized how deceived I had been, it was very difficult to recover true faith. It is not only false teaching. It is dangerous. It took 17 years for me to heal. That’s why I often write about discernment and false teaching. You would be surprised how many people don’t want to hear it. That’s why I appreciate your encouragement so much. Blessings, Craig!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Who are we to question the ways of God? As He tells us in His Word, our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked; we think only of what would be best for ourselves (and we are SO WRONG!).
Isaiah 46.9-11 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: 11 Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.
(Craig, when I read that verse earlier this week, I thought of our conversation from ‘Lessons Learned.’)
Our best path is to be diligent in reading God’s Word so we may learn from Him what is the truth, then believe it and act on it.
You are so right, Cindy: “We must not become so consumed with what we think we need,”
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is of utmost importance in these times: “Our best path is to be diligent in reading God’s Word so we may learn from Him what is the truth, then believe it and act on it.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
Amen, Cindy. I wish more people understood these things. It’s one of the reasons I wrote “BARRIERS (So, if prayers are so powerful, why don’t mine get answered?)” – to help people adjust their view of God to see Him as He really is, instead of their tiny version of Him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a dangerous road, and quite broad! Thanks for adding your thoughts, Annie. Blessings, my friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Blessings back, sis. 🙂❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the link. Blessings, Eileen!
LikeLike
Thought provoking
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Bible has a lot to say about false teachers. That’s definitely thought provoking! Blessings!
LikeLiked by 1 person