Hennie Symington

Jesus answered, “The Scripture says, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only. Luke 4:8

Sometimes the load is too heavy to bear and the price too high to pay in human terms. Sometimes we feel we’ve given so much, forgiven and put up with so much that we simply cannot bear it any longer. We feel drained and exhausted. “No” doesn’t seem to be an option while we realise that another “yes” will be the last straw.

How can I say “no” without feeling guilty? Do what Jesus did.

Did Jesus set limits to himself? The answer is a clear “Yes!” There are many instances in the Bible when he refused to do the impossible such as offering food to the world so that people would believe in him. His answer to the Pharisees is: The bread of life is the much more important to them than food (John 6:32). These are hard words which clearly say: He will not allow man to demand from him only what they think is good for them. He doesn’t spare his words when the Pharisees challenge him to perform a miracle to impress them (Mark 8:11-12). He also refuses to act as a referee between two brothers arguing over a legacy (Luke 12:13-18). Instead he chastises them for being greedy. From this we learn that we also are not called to solve everyone’s problems. People sometimes act in stupid and selfish ways then expect you to choose sides. Parents often complain about a disobedient or difficult teen but when you listen a bit deeper you soon realise that the parents’ inconsistent behaviour and lack of setting clear boundaries or teaching children values are to blame. Jesus even says no to those closest to him – his disciples, when he deliberately retreats from them to spend time with his Father. (Luke 7:12-13).

The question therefore is not: Did Jesus say no? The question is: How did he say now? Jesus was nobody’s lackey. He was at no-one’s beck and call. He did not allow himself to be painted into a corner or be manipulated. He did nothing to gain the favour of people. You can read all about that in Luke 4 at the outset of his ministry where he puts the evil one in his place with three short and sweet answers beginning with: “The Scripture says…” Luke 4:12

Prayer: Jesus, so often we see you as meek and mild and at everyone’s beck and call. Yet you are at times a roaring lamb teaching us to take a stand on what your mission for our lives is. Make me brave and smart to know where to draw the line. Amen