Hello
How would folks describe you – do they believe you are a disciple, and are you considered a radical? Hmmm. Here’s today’s Holy Nougat
“Then charged he the disciples that they should tell no man that he was the Christ.”
Matthew 16:20 ASV
He had just spent the previous minutes asking the disciples about public opinion. In fact, His question was one about identity; so WHY would Jesus insist that the disciples be silent about His identity? And perhaps even more curiously, why did they obey?
It becomes a curiosity when we consider human nature. The tendency to do the direct opposite of what we are told is far greater than the inclination to be obedient. And, if one should think of it, there is NO record of the disciples telling others about Jesus! They prohibit others from entering Jesus’ presence, and try to perform some miracles on their own; but the group of disciples actually honored Jesus’ request. This is in direct contrast to those whom Jesus encountered along the way (Mark 7:36). And, when One disciple FINALLY identifies Him to anyone, Jesus gets crucified the FOLLOWING DAY!
When we consider that Jesus came to offer visible revelation of God-ness, hiding from everyone doesn’t add up. Could it be then, that the admonition was about radical obedience and long-term faithfulness rather than Jesus’ identity remaining unknown? And that call to Radical Obedience still stands today.
Radical obedience requires us following Christ, especially when it doesn’t seem to make sense. It requires a readiness to do and be ‘just so’ with little or no notice, warning or explanation. It requires denying OUR own identity as we align ourselves with Christ.
So, who do You say Christ is? And are you prepared to radically obey Him?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
