Valuing What Matters

Watching the life of the Lord in the scriptures, he always had a way of bringing out what mattered the most in every situation. Many times what mattered most was counter to the popular view of the day, or the group in which Jesus was walking. This never stopped the Lord from valuing what mattered and teaching us to do the same.

Consider the following stories of Jesus Christ valuing what matters the most.

1. John 8:1-9 is the story of the woman about to be stoned. Christ knew what needed to be written in the sandy ground to bring appropriate conviction to her accusers who were legalistically trying to trap Jesus. He also understood how to bring the love of God into the woman’s life by stating that neither did he condemn her, and asked her to go and sin no more. What a great reflection of God’s compassion on the downtrodden of society, and the hope that he gave. Christ clearly showed that he had come into the world, not to condemn, but to give life everlasting to people according to the plan of God the Father.

The result … a message that mattered. Jesus had come to seek and to save the lost, not to condemn people, but to give them an avenue to God through his life and sacrifice for their sins on the cross. That was what mattered.

2. (NIV) Luke 19:1-10
Jesus recognized Zacchaeus sitting in a tree observing him. He was a smaller man and was publically despised by people because of his position as a tax collector who was wealthy. Jesus knew he was watching him, and was contemplating the life of Christ, and the changes it would bring about for him. Jesus invited himself to eat with him at his house, which was counter to the popular belief that he should be seen with the likes of this man.

The result… Zacchaeus repented of what he had cheated anyone of and repaid them four times what he had taken, and then gave half of his possessions to the poor. The tax collector was transformed. All the previous feelings of rejection, hurt, and guilt were released by the Lord and the faith that Zacchaeus had in the Lord. Again, Jesus knew what mattered.

What really mattered was the repentance and restoration of hope with his creation. He was not concerned with public opinion. He was not seeking popularity among the elite, nor was he looking to make a name for himself. He didn’t need to, because he was God, and had all authority. Jesus knew what mattered. You.

All of us can place ourselves from time to time in similar positions of public ridicule, feelings of inadequacy, or condemnation by our past. Christ came for what matters, and that is you and your freedom to relate to God on a personal basis through Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17 So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away look, what is new has come!

5:18 And all these things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

5:19 In other words, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting people’s trespasses against them, and he has given us the message of reconciliation.

Have a great week, and know that you matter to God !!

Jeff Dyk