Signficance

“No one who wants to be a public figure acts in secret”. These were the challenging words that Jesus disciples posed to him as he declined the invitation to publicly display his supernatural abilities. Surely Jesus wanted people to know he was the messiah that would come to redeem Israel from the torment of the Roman tyranny. Wasn’t Jesus here to stay? Wouldn’t he be crowned the king of the Jews? When would he release thunderbolts from heaven to silence the Roman enemy? All these questions and probably more would have been foremost in the minds of the Jews.

Jesus in his typical counter-culture way declined to satisfy their wish. He would stay in obscurity for a prolonged period of time, neglecting the opportunity of broadcasting his message. For Jesus, his message would be best received, not by spectacular, crowd-grabbing miracles, but by an unorthodox humility, requiring insignificance and death to self.

We are told in Philippians that Jesus found his significance in obedience to the father. This obedience ultimately resulted in his subjugation of his flesh leading to his incarnation, and crucifixion. Can you imagine? Jesus who is God, existing in a blissful euphoria in eternity chose to become one with fallen humanity. Why would he do this? Could it be that he was exemplifying the secret to humanity’s plague

Think about it. What caused sin, the fall of man, and the plethora of problems we face in our world today. It all resulted from pride. Humanity via Adam and Eve longed to elevate itself beyond God’s prescribed order. This pride so rooted in our makeup is typified by our desire to constantly elevate ourselves. Thus Jesus response to his disciples was strategic and intentional. In essence by avoiding man’s approval, he was asking them the question of the ages, “what determines your significance?”

What determines your significance? Is it you? Is it what others say about you? Could it be accolades, achievements and rewards of this life? What makes you feel good about yourself? Is it rooted in pride?
By acting in secret, Jesus teaches us not to desire to be famous, popular, rich or important. After all, he didn’t. We are meant to find our significance in Him. See Jesus found his significance in his identity. He knew who he was. Do you know who your are? He was the son of God. One with the father. Already elevated, already famous, popular and rich in the eyes of God. In 50, 80, 100, years, when we are all translated to the next life, what would really matter is what should drive us today. Strive to know God’s opinion of you. Anchor your significance in God, and crucify your fleshly demands. This won’t be a momentous victory, but God will keep you consistent as you stay committed to his purposes. Escape the short-lived significance of this world, withdraw from the crowds, and pursue your relationship with God, who thinks the world of you.