Jesus’s Perspective on Popularity

As I woke up this morning, I began to pray that my channel would thrive. From a humble place. I do not desire fame or popularity. But to preach God’s Word in Spirit and in truth. And the importance of intimacy with Him.

I opened the book of John, and the Spirit began speaking to me. It is written in the 7th chapter that Jesus stopped walking among the Jews because they sought to kill Him. But listen to what His brothers said to Him.

“So His brothers said to Him, ‘Leave here and go to Judea, so that Your disciples [there] may also see the works that You do. No one does anything in secret when he wants to be known publicly. If You [must] do these things, show Yourself openly to the world and make Yourself known!'” (John 7: 3-4, AMP).

When Your Support System is Lacking in The Flesh

You see, even His brothers did not believe in Him. And I have received an epiphany in this before. They felt that He needed to justify Himself and seek the approval of men.

The Spirit reminded me of why I will never be popular, even if I become known. My goal will always be to hear Him say, “Well done my good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter into my rest!”.

Hear His answer to His brothers. “So Jesus said to them, ‘My time has not yet come; but anytime is right for you. The world cannot hate you [since you are part of it], but it does hate Me because I denounce it and testify that its deeds are evil'” (John 7: 6-7, AMP).

The Foolishness of Worldly Wisdom

Keep this in mind. “For the wisdom of the world is foolishness (absurdity, stupidity) before God; for it is written [in Scripture], ‘[He is] THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE and CLEVER IN THEIR CRAFTINESS;’ and again, ‘THE LORD KNOWS THE THOUGHTS of the [humanly] wise, THAT THEY ARE USELESS'” (1 Corinthians 3: 19-20, AMP).

Let me deviate for a moment. I have noticed that there are people so full of pride and entitlement. That believe that God’s word can be wrested. That He can be used as a weapon to destroy their enemies.

They believe that they are privileged. That if God is true, just who they are and the group in which they belong, makes them eligible for salvation.

Humility is Powerful

“Holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them” (2 Timothy 3: 5, AMP).Yet I digress. As you read further in chapter 7 of the book of John you will find disunity. Some felt Jesus was a good man. While others found Him deceptive.

Listen to this and I will confirm it immediately. While showing Jesus’s humility.

“But [afterward], when His brothers had gone up to the feast, He went up too, not publicly [with a caravan], but quietly [because He did not want to be noticed]” (John 7: 10, AMP). Now some will say it was because he was hiding. To save His life. Let me put this here.

In God’s Time

“And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up, and thrust Him out of the city, and led Him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast Him down headlong. But He passing through the midst of them went His way” (Luke 4: 28-30, KJV). Showing that He is protected. There was no need for Him to fear or hide.

You see, the enemy does not want Jesus to be acknowledged. “Howbeit no man spake openly of Him for fear of the Jews” (John 7: 13, KJV). But if you deny Jesus, He will deny you before the Father.

So here I am going to give you the scriptures that lead to this blog. Because discernment is needed to distinguish between the doctrine of men and the true Word of God. Remember, many hold to a form of godliness.

Godly Wisdom is From Above

“Then the Jews were perplexed. They said, ‘How did this man become so learned [so versed in the Scriptures and theology] without formal training?’ Jesus answered them by saying, ‘My teaching is not My own, but His who sent Me'” (John 7: 15-16, AMP).

1) Here is the fruit of the world and of the Spirit: Now this is important. It reveals the true intent of those who attempt to belittle and make you feel less than.

“Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom.

“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant, and [as a result] be in defiance of the truth. This [superficial] wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly (secular), natural (unspiritual), even demonic. (Are you paying attention?)

Envy and Strife is Rooted in Confusion

“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder [unrest, rebellion] and every evil thing and morally degrading practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits.

“It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile]. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness (spiritual maturity) is sown in peace by those who make peace [by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals]” (James 3: 13-18, AMP).

The Power of The Holy Spirit

2) And finally, here is the power of the Holy Ghost: “As for you, the anointing [the special gift, the preparation] which you received from Him remains [permanently] in you, (Again, are you paying attention?) and you have no need for anyone to teach you.

“But just as His anointing teaches you [giving you insight through the presence of the Holy Spirit] about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as His anointing has taught you, you must remain in Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him]” (1 John 2: 27, AMP). This is Intimacy!!!

Always coming from a place of love and in truth!!!

Originally written on September 03, 2023.