#1066. Publicly acknowledge Jesus (29/5/24)

This week in our Luke series, we are focussing on Luke 12:4-12, where the theme is on how we are to deal with the pressure to hide or compromise our faith. Today, we see that those who know God’s greatness and love will openly share their faith.

Luke 12:4–12

‘“I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.”’ (Luke 12:8-9)

Luke 12:8–9

‘“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”’ (Matthew 10:32-33)

Matthew 10:32–33

Lesson: We will publicly acknowledge our faith if we are filled with a vision of the greatness and love of God.

You can listen to this devotional at:

https://youtu.be/3tbAeRQ0z4I

As we’ve seen this week, it’s vital that we remember the original context and audience. This, firstly, is said to the religious leaders. They believe that they are right with God. However, Jesus wants them to know that if they fail to receive Him - ‘publicly acknowledge’ Him - they will go to hell in judgement.

This is also stern warning to those at the time who are rejecting Jesus because they fear the religious leaders; Jesus is warning them that if they fear man and so reject Him, they, likewise, will go to hell in judgement.

This is a warning to many in our day. Like the original hearers, if anyone, because of self-righteousness or fear, refuses to follow and acknowledge Christ, they will be judged by God. To refuse the Saviour is to refuse salvation.

Finally, what does this say to us if we are Christians? We are warned that those who deny Christ will be denied by Him before angels and the Father - They will be condemned! We are being warned about avoiding persecution by denying our faith. This teaches us that a true Christian will not be ashamed of their faith in Christ. This is not to say that, like Peter’s denial, we don’t mess up, but this is teaching that true Christians, those born again of the Spirit, will openly confess Christ as a life-style. Christians will be open about what they believe. Faith in Christ and shame about Him cannot coexist! However, all of us can be tempted to hide our light and, of course, there is forgiveness for this.

Jesus builds this strong command and warning upon the promises of God’s love and presence as we’ve seen previously. Those who know that God is both majestic and loving will have the confidence to be open about their faith.

Response

Are we allowing fear or pride to stop us becoming Christians?

Are we allowing fear or pride to stop us from being open about our faith in Christ? Have we allowed the devil’s lies to make us embarrassed about Jesus? Notice how Peter links worship to sharing our faith:

‘But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.’ (1 Peter 3:15)

1 Peter 3:15

We will publicly acknowledge our faith if we are filled with a vision of the greatness and love of God.