January 13 Readings: Genesis 28:1–29:30, Matthew 9:27–38, Psalm 9, Proverbs 1:31–33

Links to Today's Readings: Genesis 28:1–29:30, Matthew 9:27–38, Psalm 9, Proverbs 1:31–33

Jesus was doing some amazing things as recorded in Matthew 9. He touched the eyes of two blind men and suddenly they were able to see. And what could be worse than to be possessed by a demon? Such a man was brought to Jesus, unable to speak. Jesus drove the demon out of him, and suddenly this man was able to speak for the first time.

The crowds that were gathered around Jesus were amazed. They knew something was different about Jesus. He had authority and power that the religious leaders of Israel simply did not have. "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel," they said. Israel was filled with buzz about Jesus and what he was doing.

But not everyone was a fan. The religious leaders, whose spiritual impotence was being exposed by Jesus' power and authority, did not like him even a little. And they said some terrible things about him.

"He drives out demons by the ruler of demons." (Mt 9:34)

That's pretty harsh. Jesus was accused of working his works by the power of Satan. That kind of criticism would devastate most people. I can remember being rendered almost immobile by criticisms much milder than this. How did Jesus respond to such criticism? He simply ignored it and kept doing what God had called him to do.

Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. (Mt 9:35)

Jesus did not let petty and false criticism derail him from following the Father's will. 

How do you respond when someone criticizes you? Do you get defensive, strike back? Do you crumble and fall apart? Do you get angry, or discouraged? Do you give up?  

If I let criticism get to me, it is usually an indication that I am more focused on myself than I am to the will and purposes of God. Those who serve God can assume that they will be criticized by others. But if we are serving God's glory and seeking his kingdom, then we will do as Jesus did. We will ignore the hurtful words of others and continue to do the work of God. 

No one who serves Jesus will live beyond criticism. Some of it is valid, and we should receive it and grow from it. But every servant of Jesus will receive unfair criticism meant to tear down and discourage. We must keep serving Jesus and living for his pleasure, regardless of what others say about us. 

Lord, help me to be humble and open when people rebuke me. Help me to be strong and unaffected by false criticism designed to hurt and discourage me. And Lord, most of all, help me to know the difference.