As a disciple I must learn what to do about honors. Jesus is my example. When Satan honored Him (in a left-handed sort of way) by saying, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread,” Jesus replied that it was more important to live by the bread of God’s Word (Matthew 4:3–4). Jesus ignored the honor by refusing its implication. He chose to remain true to His mission.
Simon Peter also honored Christ by declaring He was “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus thanked Peter for the honor, then immediately announced that the honored Son was headed for crucifixion (v. 21).
God the Father honored Jesus by putting “all things into His hands,” a token of highest exaltation (John 13:3). The Son’s response was to take a towel and washbasin and proceed to wash the disciples’ feet (v. 5).
Those three examples show me how to treat honors. I am never to seek them. Certainly I am never to glory in them, and I am never to allow honors to swerve me from doing what God has called me to do. In no way did Jesus refuse the honors given; yet in no way would He allow them to prevent Him from reaching His Calvary destination or from stooping and serving His disciples.
Jesus said, “It must needs be that offenses come” (Matthew 18:7, NSRB). It is also necessary that honors come. But in either case—offense or honor—I must never be diverted from doing the will of Him in whose hand lies my final honor. Like Jeremiah, I must not be “seeking great things” for myself (Jeremiah 45:5); and if they come unasked, I am to lay them lovingly at the feet of Him who walked the Calvary road for me.
“Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go’” (Isaiah 48:17).
Daily with the King 