Scripture reading: Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth
that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even
Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit
that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.—The Apostle John
Homily by Mark Mountjoy
THE HUMILITY OF GOD, THROUGH HIS SON JESUS, reaches out to the hearts of mankind, beckoning us to turn from a life of sin and rebellion to the path of faith and righteousness. In His infinite wisdom and compassion, Jesus submitted Himself to the human experience, enduring the tests, trials, and temptations that are inherent to the human condition. Despite being misunderstood and faced with adversity, Jesus steadfastly applied Himself to prayer, fasting, and guided living, refusing to be sidetracked by the allure of wealth and power, pleasures and distractions. When confronted by the rich and powerful, He spoke truth to them, unwavering in His commitment to righteousness. He refused to pass the buck or take the easy way out, instead choosing to stand firm in His convictions.
Jesus’ compassion for the poor and sick was evident in the way He poured into their needs unselfishly, never seeking to exploit their vulnerability for His own gain, as false prophets and teachers often do. He resisted the temptations of the flesh, refusing to succumb to sexual desires or abuse the trust of His women followers. Instead, He treated all with dignity and respect, honoring the sanctity of each individual.
In His interactions with children, Jesus blessed them and held them up as examples of the pure faith that is essential for entering the kingdom of heaven. He recognized the inherent innocence and trust that children possess, and He encouraged His followers to cultivate those same qualities in their own lives.
When speaking of the future, Jesus did so with unwavering truthfulness, and time bore out the accuracy of His words. Even as He approached the agony of the cross, betrayed by those closest to Him, Jesus grappled with the reality of the pain and suffering He would endure. In His humanity, He asked His Father if it was possible to avoid this cup of suffering, demonstrating His authentic struggle and the depth of His sacrifice. As He hung upon the cross, mocked and ridiculed by His enemies, Jesus did not respond with anger or bitterness. Instead, He embodied forgiveness and love, knowing that His mission was to reconcile humanity to the Father. With the assurance of His divine origin and the promise of His return to the right hand of the Majesty on High, Jesus endured the cross, despising its shame, for the joy that was set before Him.
When we meditate on the personality of Jesus Christ, we allow the humility of God to penetrate our hearts and minds, inviting us to reconsider our own behaviors and priorities in this life. As we reflect on the tender feelings of God’s Son, we are drawn into a deeper relationship with Him, one characterized by mutual compassion and friendship. This bond of love, anchored in the sacrifice and righteousness of Christ, has the power to transform our lives.
As we embrace the humility and obedience that Jesus modeled, we find ourselves increasingly aligned with the heart of God. We begin to see the world through the lens of His compassion, seeking to serve others and to live a life that honors Him. In this way, the humility of God, revealed through the life and love of Jesus, becomes the very means by which we overcome the world. As we place our faith in Him, believing that He is indeed the Son of God, we are empowered to walk in victory, no longer enslaved by sin but free to live a life of righteousness and purpose.
May we never cease to reflect and marvel at the depths of God’s love, demonstrated through the humility and sacrifice of His Son. And may we, in turn, humble ourselves before Him, allowing His love to transform us and guide us in all that we do, until the day when we see Him face to face and join in the eternal chorus of praise to the One who overcame the world on our behalf.
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