The Transparency of Jesus
One of the most challenging characteristics
of Jesus was His transparency. He had no hidden agenda. He did not play games.
He moved in light rather than darkness. He was so unlike what we are accustomed
to finding in our pretentious, manipulative, dishonest age. As we examine His
openness and honesty let us do so with a mind and heart prepared for imitation.
The influence of our disingenuous culture may have affected us more than we
realize.
BASIC HONESTY
1. He
practiced what He preached (Matt. 5:33-37; Mk. 12:14; Jn. 18:19-21).
2. He
could be trusted (Jn. 14:2).
3. He
was full of both grace and truth (Jn. 1:14).
4. He
stood for the freedom that can only come through truth (Jn. 8:31-32).
5. He
is, therefore, the way, the truth, and the life (Jn. 14:6).
A JOURNEY THROUGH
JOHN’S GOSPEL
1. Nicodemus
(Jn. 3:1-5).
2. A
sinful woman (Jn. 4:16-24).
3. Tradition
bound Jews (Jn. 5:16-18).
4. Self-seeking
disciples, and the twelve (Jn. 6:60-68).
5. Those
seeking to arrest Him (Jn. 7:45-46).
6. Those
trusting in their heritage (Jn. 8:39-44).
7. Self-righteous
Jews (Jn. 9:40-41).
8. Those
who could not accept His identity as God (Jn. 10:27-33).
9. Everyone
(Jn. 18:19-21).
A WORD TO JESUS’
FOLLOWERS
1. We
are to walk in light and expose darkness (Jn. 3:19-22; Eph. 5:8-13).
2. Our
salvation depends on our walk in light (I Jn. 1:7).
3. The
honest heart is the one that is fruitful for God (Lk. 8:15).
4. We
are to be bearers of light to the dark world (Matt. 5:14-16).
Jesus was a man who let everyone know where
He stood. Honesty and truthfulness were hallmarks of His life. What you saw was
what you got when it came to the Christ. Let us abandon anything that employs
the ways of darkness and be zealous for the open lifestyle of our Lord. Truth
is not served by anything but transparency. Only error thrives in darkness; it
is truth that flourishes in the light.
Edwin
1/14/01
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