"He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him"  (Colossians 2:15).

Jesus triumphed over the dominion of Satan.  Jesus gave gifts to men.  Jesus loves His people.  Jesus shows fruits of His victory.  (see, the article Roman Triumphal Procession).

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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"Someone told him (Jesus), 'Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.'  But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, 'Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?'  And pointing to his disciples, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers!  For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother'" (Matthew 12:47-50).

A proper relationship with Jesus is important; at least, it is important to Jesus.  First, He distinguishes between a physical heratige and spiritual heratige by stating that blood relationship is not what counts; rather, love, dedication, and an obedient faith to the heavenly Father (cf. Romans; Galatians; 1 John).

Second, the spiritual relationship with Jesus is not just based on a "blind" following and meaningless repitition.  (Jesus doesn't want a "blind faith").  He pointed to His disciples.  A disciple is a follower.  A learner in the true sense.  They are those who choose to follow by free will.  They continue to learn, grow, and produce fruit of righteousness.

A person of relationship with Jesus (and God) are those who "does the will of my (Jesus') Father in heaven" (Matthew 12:50).  Other passages in Scripture teach that this obedience is not one that attempts to earn their salvation (Romans; Galatians).  It is a faith that lives a life worthy of the gospel of Christ; i.e., because one desires to wholeheartedly live for Him because of His love that He has already given.

Are you in a relationship with God?

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.  But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.  He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:1-2).

At this time in history, when the apostle John wrote these words, Christians had truly been influenced by false and heretical teachings.  Some believed that Jesus did not exist in fleshly form.  From this incorrect presupposition many people were led astray and even believed that they could not sin regardless of their lifestyle.  Well, this false teaching had to be contended with. 

Jesus is the saviour from our sins.  Yet at the same time He is, also, our attorney before God.  Those who do not deny Him, through their understandings and actions, will be blessed by His skills as a defense attorney.  Those who follow false teachings about Jesus will not be able to have Him as their attorney.  This would be unfortunate.  Remember, we must have true and obedient faith in Jesus Christ.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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"Therefore, as  one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men" (Romans 5:18).

Justification by faith is a wonderful gift that God gives to all people if they choose it. But it is much more than just intellectual understanding.  It is a way of life.  Please read my in-depth article of "Justification by Faith".

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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