Jesus Doesn’t Hold Back Helpful or Life-Changing Information

• In fact, throughout the Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - we see Jesus share information despite the fact that not everyone is going to understand - even the disciples.

• In some instances, He plants those seeds knowing that things will become clearer after His death and resurrection. 

• However, some people will never understand what they’ve heard since their hearts and minds are closed.

• Knowing this, did Jesus withhold information from certain people? 

• No. He spoke the same message to everyone who was currently present. 

• Did Jesus become selective or dismissive with His disciples? Not bothering to plant those seeds, thinking it was a waste of time because they wouldn’t yet understand? 

• No. He knew that information was life-changing - for them and for the millions of people who, throughout history moving forward, would give their lives to Christ.

• This is what a good friend does, right? Give us honest, wise, helpful information even if we’re not ready at that moment.

• Modern Example: You’re dating a guy who isn’t that great. A good friend tells you the truth - hopefully, in a loving way - even though you’re not ready to hear it yet. Later, when your eyes have opened, the wisdom that was planted in you by your friend comes to the surface and aids in your journey (i.e., breaking-up with the guy in question).

• You may not always completely understand what Jesus is saying or doing, or where He’s leading you, in the moment. But He’s always being a good friend.

Jesus Wants to Share Your Burdens and Help Lighten Your Load

• Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG): Jesus says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

• It’s important to note that:

• Jesus is extending this as a continuous invite (aka a way of life). He’s inviting you to be yoked to Him versus all the things that have been weighing you down.

• Jesus is extending this invitation to those who haven’t yet given their heart and life to Him. 

• Note how the MSG translation specifically calls out being “burned out on religion” and (to paraphrase) get away with Jesus to have a lighter, healthier, fuller life? 

• Note: “Religion” being the things we often talk about on the podcast that aren’t actually biblical - such as earning God’s love through perfectionism (which isn’t realistic or what God asks of us).

• Like a good friend, Jesus doesn’t want you to be caught up in, weighed down by, or chained to things that aren’t healthy. Or that are keeping you from becoming the woman God created you to be.

• Jesus also understands your unique load as a woman...

Jesus Sees You For Who You Really Are

• Firstly, Jesus understands - better than anyone else on earth - both the common and specific-to-you challenges of being a woman in this world.

• While He was on earth, Jesus treated women differently than the culture of that time. (Which was even worse for women than it is today in the U.S.)

• Note: I recommend listening to Episode #64 to dive deeper into this. 

• However, here are a few examples of how Jesus treated women differently (and more equally):

• Jesus did not adhere to the cultural belief that women could not, or should not, be educated.

• He had women in His circle. In fact, several women financially supported his ministry.

• A woman was the first person to see Jesus after the resurrection.

• On at least two occasions, Jesus told a woman something before He shared it with others - including His male disciples.

• The first time Jesus openly admitted that He was the Messiah was to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:25-26).

• Outside her brother’s tomb, Lazarus’s sister Martha was the first one to hear Jesus say that He was the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25-27). In response, Martha stated that she believed Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God.

• Secondly, Jesus sees you completely for who you are as a unique person.

• He sees your wiring, personality, desires, dreams, wounds, work challenges, and everything else that makes up yourself and your life.

• And Jesus only wants to see you heal, find peace, grow, and blossom into who God created you to be. 

Jesus Only Wants You to Change for the Better

• A good friend is going to only want positive progress in your life. 

• They're also only going to want to be an uplifting presence, even if they’re also being a good friend by giving you honest feedback and wisdom that might be hard to hear. 

• This is why I’ve mentioned on the podcast that God - including Jesus, too - will never make you feel guilty or shamed. That’s the work of fallen people and Satan and his evil forces. 

• Satan loves to use those as a tool to make you feel as if you need to hide or disconnect from God. 

• God never, ever wants you to remove yourself from Him. Because the way you continue to heal, and grow, and move forward is to remain close to God. 

• I can state emphatically from personal experience that I am a very different person today than I was when I first gave my life to Christ more than 20 years ago. 

• Jesus has dealt with wounds; helped me learn practical skills that are imperative to living a better life, and the life God has for me, such as establishing boundaries, building confidence, etc.; and has even helped me to forgive myself when I sinned or messed up.

• He’s also, along the way, taught me how to be more like Him. Such as exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit in very difficult situations.

• And all of that progress came without Jesus making me feel less than, or not good enough, or shamed, or anything negative.