Staying Calm

Scripture – John 8:54-59: Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” “You are not yet fifty years old,” the Jews said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!” “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) And so ends another light-hearted conversation with the Jewish leaders. I wish I had to the nerve to talk so bluntly with people sometimes. It takes great discipline to speak the truth clearly, without anger or sarcasm. I picture Jesus here being very calm and straightforward in what He says. Sometimes when people are trying to pick a fight, the best recourse is to not take the bait. They became so angry they started acting without thinking. But by the time they found their stones, Jesus was gone.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will stay calm in my conversations with people. I will speak the truth. I will avoid sarcasm as a way of inflicting intentional hurt.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me your grace and peace this day. Help me hear what people are saying and respond as you would.