Impressing Jesus

The main variable for impressing or disappointing Jesus is our faith.

Jesus was amazed at the lack of faith in His hometown and with His disciples on many occasions. At other times He was impressed with people's faith and credited to them for righteousness and healing, such as the Centurion.

Jesus was never impressed by good behaviour or shocked at poor behaviour either (although self-righteousness and it's fruit obviously got right under His skin). Of course, Jesus made it very clear that sin is our problem. His teaching shows us that we could never perform well enough to pass any tests on that front. Our only hope is to believe in Him and His righteousness. Indeed sin is a fruit of our lack of faith. And our idea that we can perform well actually destroys our connection with Him perhaps more than anything else.

I have certainly failed when it comes to sin. I have also fallen short in the area of self-righteousness for that matter. Unfortunately I have also failed miserably when it comes to faith. But I thank Jesus that He is so willing to accept me as I believe in Him, that my mustard seed of faith in Him is grounds for my forgiveness and salvation.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

I'm so glad that faith is such a key to impressing our Lord Jesus. Our human efforts at achieving right behaviour will fall short; but righteousness itself is a fruit of faith. Believe right then be empowered to behave right.

Love to know your thoughts.