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Humble Hero
lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in
the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Galatians
2:20
. As faith thus absorbs the principles of truth, they become a
part of the being and the ruling power of the life. The Word molds
the thoughts and enters into the development of character.
God will make precious revelations to His hungering, thirsting
people. As they feed on His Word, they find it is spirit and life. The
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Word destroys the natural, earthly nature and gives a new life in
Christ. The Holy Spirit comes as a Comforter. By God’s grace, the
disciple becomes a new creature. Love takes the place of hatred, and
the heart receives the divine likeness. This is eating the Bread that
comes down from heaven.
Christ knew the character of those who claimed to be His disci-
ples, and His words tested their faith. He declared that they were to
believe and act on His teaching and be molded in His character. This
involved relinquishing their cherished ambitions. It required com-
plete surrender to Jesus. They were called to become self-sacrificing,
meek and humble in heart, to walk in the narrow path traveled by
the Man of Calvary.
Christ’s Words Alienate Many
The test was too great. The enthusiasm of those who had wanted
to take Jesus by force and make Him King grew cold. This speech
had opened their eyes. No earthly rewards would come from con-
nection with Him. They had welcomed His miracle-working power
but would not come into agreement with His self-sacrificing life. If
He would not regain their freedom from the Romans, they would
have nothing to do with Him.
Jesus told them plainly, “There are some of you who do not
believe,” adding, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come
to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” If they were
not drawn to Him, it was because their hearts were not open to the
Holy Spirit.
By His public rebuke of their unbelief, these disciples were still
further alienated from Jesus. Wanting to wound the Savior and
gratify the hatred of the Pharisees, they turned their backs on Him