Have you ever been the victim of slander for the sake of your faith? Have you ever had your reputation thrown through the mud? If you've experienced this pain like me, know that you are in the company of the very Son of God who was perfect. Jesus was wrongfully slandered throughout His ministry:

“We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father— even God” (calling Jesus a bastard - John 8:41) 

"Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’” (Matthew 11:18-19). 

“He casts out demons by the prince of demons” (Matthew 9:34).

“You are a Samaritan and have a demon” (John 8:48).

“He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” (John 10:20). 

"This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath” (John 9:16).

“This man is a sinner” (John 9:24).

“He is out of his mind” (Mark 3:21).

“He saved others; he cannot save himself” (Matthew 27:42).

“We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands” (Mark 14:58). 

The ultimate slander came while Jesus hung on the cross. “Let God deliver him now, if he desires him” (Matthew 27:43). If God desires Him? There is no question! “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). The Father made clear His supreme love and desire for His Son.

No matter what men said of Him, Jesus' identity was rooted in this declaration from the Father. And this same declaration from the Father is true now of all who are in Christ. Don't worry about your reputation or what men say of you because you are a beloved child of God with whom He is well pleased. And the only good name that matters in the end is not what men say about us, but what God says about us.

Stay faithful, 

Pastor Bryan