CAN WE DO ANYTHING LESS?

I’m writing for Five Minute Friday and this week’s prompt word is APPROVE.

Jesus told them in the synagogue that He was fulfilling the messianic prophecies in Isaiah 61. The congregation leaders didn't approve. They tried to kill him.

Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well.    It was an encounter that changed her life, but the disciples didn’t approve. 

Jesus delivered the demoniac called Legion.   He was finally free and at peace, but the crowd didn't approve, especially when the demons drove the pigs over the cliff. 

Jesus forgave the sins of the man lying on his mat, lowered by his friends through the roof. The man was healed and set free to get on with life.   The religious people in the crowd didn't approve.

Jesus went to the house of the tax collector Zaccheus. The crowd didn't approve – that man had caused them harm.     

Jesus healed a woman on the Sabbath from a long-term malady that had oppressed her.   The religious leaders didn’t approve. 

Jesus healed a man born blind.   From then on, he could see and move and work.   The religious leaders didn't approve.

Jesus allowed Mary to wash His feet with very expensive perfume.    Judas didn't approve.   

Jesus didn’t go straight to Lazarus when he was dying.    The sisters didn’t approve.    And Jesus wept.  

Jesus went to Jerusalem even though He knew what awaited Him.    His disciples didn't approve.   They were frightened for Him, and for themselves.

Jesus flipped tables because His father's house was being turned into a place of worshipping money. The merchants didn't approve. They had a lot to lose. 

There are so many times when Jesus did and said things that His family, friends, followers, and the religious leaders didn't approve of.   He must have felt the pressure of their disapproval, their disappointment, their pain, their opinions and even their physical assaults.  

But He wasn't living for their approval.   I wonder how many of His quiet times with His Father were about shaking off the pressure of their disapproval.

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Jesus was about doing the Father's business and living for His approval.   Can we do anything less?   

If only we could be as secure in our identity and our calling as Jesus was, and not seek the approval of anyone but Him.  

Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.    For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.   John 5:19.20

It's just like Jesus

To give me strength when I need it
Hope when I cannot see it
When I'm falling to pieces,
It's just like Jesus
To put me back on my feet when
I was out past the deep end,

You wanted me when nobody wanted me
Now I just wanna be

Just like Jesus

Who is
A friend to all of the friendless
Fighting for the defenseless
Merciful in the messes?
And who can
Make a sinner feel worthy
Lift the head of the hurting
Walk with those who are searching?