Jesus shattered the armor of his foes, and showed them the state of their hearts and their future fate. He pointed out their evil intents, the substance of their vile characters.
He had no need for the applause of the people or their baders, since he was convinced of his mission. That conviction did not rest on the apparent results of his ministry. If honored, he would pass on that honor to his Father. He taught to pray firstly to the Father, rather than to himself, teaching Christendom to utter, "Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Jesus denied himself of all intentions of seeking honor and glory. The glory of his Father was his motto. Zeal for God’s right consumed him.
God’s love is the incentive in creation, redemption, and perfection. It is the core of the essence in the Holy Trinity. The fulfillment of Law and the bonds of perfection characterize this love. He who possesses this, lives not for himself, nor does he honor himself, but honors others, serving them in self-denial. He gives all he has to the poor. Love never fails.
No man loves God of his own accord, but one who is pained by the filth of sin, repenting and believing in God’s love in Christ will confess that God’s love is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit given us, as Paul did. This love appears in sacrifice, humility and patience. Whoever opens his soul to God’s Spirit will love the Holy Trinity and all people. But he who boasts himself, thinking he is good is not a true penitent, but an opponent of God’s Spirit. He is at bottom selfish. He does not long for renewal, nor does he realize his need for a Savior, but hardens his heart. Christ did not come in the name of a strange unknown deity, but in the name of the Father, to reveal God’s love and mercy. All who reject Christ prove that their minds are shut to God’s love. They love darkness more than light, and so hate those born of light.
Christ informed his foes of the Anti-Christ’s appearance, who will gather all self seekers and egoists, to lead them in rebellion against God’s love. He will perform miracles and imitate Christ.
Many cannot believe, preferring mutual flattery rather than true repentance. They regard themselves good, strong and clever. They do not tremble before the Holy One, and do not realize that only He is good. Self-righteousness is the cause of unbelief, and pride is a sign of this false attitude.
He who knows God and his own soul, breaks down and confesses his sin, rejecting all glory and honor, but giving glory to the Father and the Son always. He magnifies saving grace. Believing that we are forgiven sinners frees us from conceit in our conduct. We know who we are, and who God is. Love tells the truth to a friend; the proud man will deceive himself and others, departing from God’s Spirit who makes us humble.