Listen

Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news about him spread throughout the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

Luke 4:14-15

Think

For some of us, it’s natural to find ourselves in the spotlight as leaders. We are the ones whom the youth pastor calls on first to pray. We are the ones leading others in worship at youth group. We often find ourselves in positions of being in charge.

But should we ever be cautious of the positions offered to us by others?

In the scripture we just read, Jesus was certainly in charge, but if we read back a couple verses in Luke, we realize the context. Jesus recently emerged from the desert. He was there for 40 days and 40 nights undergoing great temptations, a very difficult time.

Though we don’t know exactly what Jesus taught in Galilee, we can imagine that the messages he gave when he returned from the desert came from the moments of quiet reflection he’d just experienced.

Jesus had something to teach because he’d recently spent so much time listening to God and learning from God in the hard places.

We, too, must listen and quiet our hearts before we teach. For only in being a student of Jesus do we have any thing of value to offer others.

Elizabeth Evans Hagan

Pray

Lord, I don’t like the “desert” times in my life, but you teach me so much while I'm there. When I am asked to lead, remind me of all I have to share. Amen.

Go

God’s grace and peace offers us many opportunities to learn and serve.

As you go, be open to the Spirit!