Leadership: Strange Choices

Coming to His hometown, He taught the people in their synagogue, and they were astonished. “Where did this Man get such wisdom and miraculous powers?” they asked.

Matthew 13:54 (BSB)

“We have never heard anyone speak like this!”

John 7:46 (NLT)

From that time on, Jesus began to explain to his disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

Mathew 16:21-22 (NIV)

Scripture reveals the choices of Jesus, but consider some CHOICES HE REFUSED.

  • He could have mysteriously “appeared” (as more than a few Jews seemed to expect): teaching and preaching with mighty wonders– even to the point of death on the Cross. But His gracious journey away from Home would be three years, instead of 33.

  • He could have picked more notable parents and could have been a more notable priest: denouncing mock-holy hypocrisy, working righteousness, and helping the poor– with the same hard and surprising ending (and gained an even greater following).

  • He could have lived the entirely same life, but chosen a (slightly) different death. Animal sacrifices were humane. They weren't whipped, mocked, scourged, or nailed to a Cross. Would the Lord accept His Son's atonement for our sins with a quick, less brutal end?

  • He could have delivered the oppressed Jews from Satan AND Rome (as they expected). The Israelites believed Christ would come, free them, and establish a reign of peace. (Was His actual path in the Scriptures? Yes, but most didn’t connect all the signs.)

Note: The Son of God made none of these choices.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Your choice to become Christian performers (especially in mainstream media) is not just STRANGE, but UNPRECEDENTED! Don’t expect “church people” to understand. Therefore…

When you feel sad or mad, take it to God. At the same time, cling closely to your peers, buckle up your courage, and move forward.

## Leadership: Strange Choices (Part 7)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban