Those Who Failed Christ

The word “fail” means to let down or to be unsuccessful in accomplishments. A student may fail a class; a dog may fail to heed its master; a hunter may fail to get a deer. Jesus Himself was failed by others. Consider two and the lessons they present.
HEROD failed Jesus. Herod sought the life of the infant. He failed Him because he thought Jesus was a threat to his own interests. Today, there are many who attempt to kill Jesus by attempting to kill the church—not literally, but intellectually or academically. Atheistic philosophers, evolutionistic scientists, movie script writers and lawmakers have moved a nation away from God and against the church. Why? God, and that which pertains to God is against their interests. The light is painful to the dark (John 3:19-21).
However, Christians can likewise regard Jesus as a threat to their own self interests. So, they spend money they ought to be giving; be elsewhere when there is an assembly; think upon things below instead of things above (Col. 3:1-3).
Yes, Herod failed Jesus because He was a threat to his own interests—and so have many others.
His OWN PEOPLE failed Him. In John 1:11 it is said, “He came unto his own and his own received him not.” They received Him not, and thus failed Him, because they thought He was too common place (Mat. 13:54-58). Today, many people fail Jesus because the life He asks of us is too low-keyed, humble and simple. Thus, they go for the ear tickling promoters of present day miracles, Armageddon and sensationalism.
Yet, Christians can likewise fail Jesus by viewing Him as common place. There are those who view the church which Jesus established as just another man-made denomination. Others view it as just another organization among the many in which they participate: Garden Club, athletic organizations, bowling league, etc. The church is just on a list of things “to do”. However, the church is not common place (Acts 20:28; Mat. 16:18; Eph. 5:23).
Yes, Jesus’ own people failed Him because they thought He was too common place—and so have many others.
Brethren, may we not be among those who fail Jesus today. Rather, let us exalt Him as Lord God and Savior in our minds and souls.
Gary Henson