In some Bibles, you will notice that the things Jesus said are written in red. Sometimes, we have to focus on the things He said so that we can better understand the things that He did not say.
So what are the things Jesus did not say?
Go into the world and preach what makes a person happy.
Whoever wants to be my disciples must affirm themselves, avoid the cross and follow their own hearts.
Ask and it will be given to you because God is your sugar daddy.
Jesus never said these things. But in the beginning of this series, let us study how you can be truly happy.
John 8:2-8 says, “At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.”
In this scenario, Jesus was with His disciples when the teachers of the law came, together with the pharisees. These teachers of the law are experts with regards to the law. They brought with them a woman who was caught in the act of adultery. They wanted to now what they were supposed to do with her, since according to the law of Moses, she was to be stoned to death. During that time, to be accused of adultery, there must be a witness. But the act of adultery itself is a private matter; nobody could have seen it, unless, of course, they were framed. They said the woman was caught “in the act.” It is possible that she was set up so they can find something to accuse Jesus with. In this regard, Jesus was put on the spot. They thought He would not be able to get out of that “test.” But Jesus asked the one with no sin to throw the first stone. And all of them began to walk away one by one.
Jesus then asked the woman to go home. He did not judge her but told her to sin no more. Why does man easily fall into sin? Because it feels good and it seems good. And once you fall, it is difficult to get out.
A. Sin promises satisfaction at the cost of disobedience to God and eventual pain to you. When you get hooked into sin, you are satisfied but you disobey God and you get hurt in the process. Oftentimes, man relies on his own feelings. If it feels good, he goes for it. It is scary because that is not God’s standard. Many people think God does not want them to be happy. When they pursue happiness, it does not necessarily mean that your life will become miserable. God is a loving Father and He wants you to enjoy your life. Matthew 7:11 says, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” If man gives good things to their children, what do you think God will give you when you ask of Him? The things of this world alone cannot make you happy. True happiness can only be found in Jesus Christ.
B. Holiness is the true path to happiness and joy. If you truly want to be happy, be holy. They are not on two sides of the spectrum. It does not mean that when you are holy, you are not happy; and when you are happy, you are not holy. They are connected. Psalms 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
C. Every temptation is an invitation to depend on Him. If you are in the middle of temptation, this is the perfect time to go to God. Everybody has their own issues. Remember that God will not put you in a place where you cannot overcome. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endureit.”
There is always hope. God will never judge you. Admit that you cannot do it on your own and go to Him. He will give you what you need. Every temptation is an invitation to come to Jesus.