I Seek My Own Honor

In a very interesting interchange between Jesus and the Jews in John 8, Jesus redirects their libel to the issue of glory and honor. Accusing Him of being demon-possessed, Jesus countered:

“I do not have a demon.” John 8:49.

His next several statements are telling. Jesus changed the topic from his not being demon-possessed to a deeper issue, that of honor and glory.

“But I honor My Father, and you dishonor me. And I do not seek my own glory. There is he who seeks and judges.” John 8:49-50.

The filth dripping from their lips against Jesus exhibited their true problem—they were self-honoring glory-seekers. They had never learned to honor their father and mother. They had not constrained their tongues to honor the third person in the room over themselves. Their mouths spewed bile on the Son of God, because they were filled with seeking their own glory and honor.

Then it struck me. They are me and I am them. I am constantly seeking my own honor. A better position. A bigger house. A larger paycheck. Yearning to be heard and honored. Establishing my own name and legacy. I am like the Jews speaking against Jesus.

Meanwhile, Jesus said, “I do not seek My own glory.” The very Person who had every right to seek His own glory was not seeking it! Jesus left the matter of giving and getting glory to God the Father. God would exalt Him in His own time and way. Jesus, Son of God and Son of Man, had put to death human glory-seeking. Is this not our need?

Our self-honoring reflex must be numbed at the cross of Christ. We cannot allow it to fester in our thoughts and intentions. Else we will scorn Christ and His word.

Jesus said, “I do not seek My own glory!”