WHOSE APPROVAL DO YOU SEEK?
Jesus contrasted his motives with that of the Jewish leaders who questioned his authority. He boldly told them that their approval meant nothing to him (v.41). For he only sought the approval of his Father in whose name he had come. However, he accused them of only caring for the approval of men. It was this desire to please men rather than God that kept them from believing in Jesus.
Our human desire for the approval of others motivates many a sin. The worst of which is the sin of unbelief. For this is the chief sin that condemns us. We seek our own fame rather than the Lord’s and we become as Esau, who sold his birthright for a plate of pottage. For human fame is fleeting. Yet, when we seek to make the Lord Jesus famous, we humble ourselves and the Father raises us up.
Whose approval do you seek? Whose applause? Don’t your care about the honor that comes from the One who alone is God?
PRAYER: Our Father, forgive us when we seek the approval and fleeting fame of men. Today, we would humble ourselves as your servants, so that we seek your approval. Test and try our hearts, so that we are only motivated by your applause. We fear you above the fear of men. For you alone are God. In Jesus’ name, amen.