“The only person that really does like change is a baby in a wet diaper” — Mark Twain
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” — John F. Kennedy
“The only constant in life is change.” — Heraclitus
The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” — Socrates
The problem is not the problem. Your attitude about the problem is the problem.
“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”
Jesus experienced change:
Jesus is first seen in Matthew as a baby born in a manger.
His is later known in his hometown of Nazareth of being a “Carpenter’s son.”
He grew up and walked this planet for thirty years. He begins His ministry that lasted for 3 ½ years. So, how did that begin?
In Matthew 3, He is baptized in water and receives a public affirmation when…
And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3:17 NKJV
He also received an experiential affirmation by the Father of His True Identity.
In Matthew 4, Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Satan challenged Him about His identity.
Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” – Matthew 4:3 NKJV
Performance – Prove that you are the Son of God by what you do.
Challenging a myth that – ‘You are WHAT you do’
But Jesus changed the story of what people think,
“It’s not what I do, but it is who I am!”
“And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” – John 1:34 NKJV
Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ” – Matthew 4:5-6 NKJV
This was a temptation for…
Popularity – Challenging a myth that – ‘You are who you are by what others think about you.’
“It is a trap to live a pretend life out of an unhealthy concern for what other people think.” — Peter Scazzero
Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” – John 6:69 NKJV
Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” – Matthew 4:8-9 NKJV
Possessions – Challenging a myth that – “I am what I have.”
“If you have a lot—You are rich” and “If you have a little—You are poor”
Jesus was secure in His Father’s love and who He was in Himself.
And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. – John 20:30-31 NKJV
In changing times our Heavenly Father’s love is steadfast for us.
Jesus is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. – Hebrews 13:8 NKJV