Scripture

“His name will be the hope of the world.”

Observation

Jesus knows that the Pharisees are plotting to kill him, so he leaves that area. He heals all the sick people, but He tells them not to reveal that He is the Messiah.

The prophet Isaiah had said, “Look at my servant. He is my beloved. I will put my Spirit upon him. He will not fight or shout. His name will be the hope of the world.”

Application

The name of Jesus is the hope of the world.

We are living through a time of cultural upheavals. People in places of influence want to overturn the traditions and institutions that have shaped and served this country in order to bring in new ideas, new values, new ways. Above all, they want to do away with any sense of fidelity to God.

The nations are in chaos and falling further into deep darkness. There is only one name that can bring hope at a time such as this, the name of Jesus.

As christians, we need to put our own trust in Jesus. We can be very conflicted about this at times. The world offers very tempting distractions. So we need to make sure that our hope, our reason for living, is centred totally on Jesus.

We also need to let others know that there is hope to be found in Jesus. Even people who do not follow Jesus can be very disturbed by events that seemed meaningless.

Jesus is the hope of every nation, of every family and every individual who will receive Him.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I praise your Holy Name. Thank you for giving me living hope. Please help me to trust in you and to encourage my friends to trust you also. Amen.