The LORD JESUS, who was One with GOD the Father, came down to the earth identifying Himself with mankind.
The GOD of all creation humbled Himself to such an extent to become man.
He even took on the form of a bond servant.
He identified Himself with tax collectors and sinners.
He was then numbered with the transgressors when He was taken for trial and crucified between two robbers - convicted criminals!
Our reputation is something that is not easy to let go of.
We tend to guard our reputation at great cost.
It is one of the last things man gives up.
Towards this, we rejoice in being identified with the highly reputed ones.
We resist being identified with the lowly and spend much time and energy avoiding the notorious ones in the community.
Everyone likes to be honoured before men and not ashamed.
We avoid being found with those who are looked down upon, ridiculed, treated with contempt, hated and persecuted.
We are quick to separate ourselves from such people because we fear ridicule and persecution.
Although Nicodemus recognised the Divinity of the LORD JESUS, He came to Him by night because he feared his colleagues.
Fear for his own life caused Peter to deny JESUS.
Judas had the privilege of being numbered with the twelve disciples of JESUS. His love for money made it easy for him to sell the 'Truth'. He took the opportunity to use his position to make money by betraying the LORD to the religious leaders who desired to kill Him.
Those who seem to be found with JESUS, but not with a loyal heart, can become a tool of the enemy.
Those who are not numbered with JESUS neither are against Him, JESUS said, are for Him.
They have the opportunity to turn to JESUS.
One is either for the LORD or against the LORD.
During the lifetime, each individual is confronted with the Truth - The LORD JESUS!
You have to make a decision as to whether you are for Him or against Him. You cannot stay neutral.
You have to say "Yes" to JESUS or say "No" to JESUS.
I and My Father are one."
John 10:30
but made Himself of no reputation,
taking the form of a bondservant,
and coming in the likeness of men.
And being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death,
even the death of the cross.
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say,
'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'
But wisdom is justified by her children."
Matthew 11:19
With Him they also crucified two robbers,
one on His right and the other on His left.
Mark 15:27
Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great,
And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,
Because He poured out His soul unto death,
And He was numbered with the transgressors,
And He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53:12
There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him,
"Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God;
for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."
John 3:1-2
Now as Peter was below in the courtyard,
one of the servant girls of the high priest came.
And when she saw Peter warming himself,
she looked at him and said,
"You also were with Jesus of Nazareth."
But he denied it, saying,
"I neither know nor understand what you are saying."
And he went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed.
And the servant girl saw him again,
and began to say to those who stood by,
"This is one of them."
But he denied it again.
And a little later those who stood by said to Peter again,
"Surely you are one of them;
for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it."
Then he began to curse and swear,
"I do not know this Man of whom you speak!"
Mark 14:66-71
Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot,
who was numbered among the twelve.
Luke 22:3
He who is not with Me is against Me,
and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
Matthew 12:30
"For he who is not against us is on our side.
Mark 9:40
People may see you in the Church and you may be often found hanging around with Christians. But what is the state of your heart? Have you said "Yes" to JESUS?
On the other hand, you may be hanging around in the world with non believers. You have never taken your spiritual life seriously. You have never given thought to life after death. Death can come to anyone any time. Now is the time for you to bow your knees to the LORD JESUS and to confess with your tongue that He is LORD of your life.
JESUS means Savior. Savior of the soul. Make Him your Savior today!!
