Mark Tabata’s Weekday Devotionals:
Monday May 18 2026
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Proverbs 29:25 (GNB)-It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the LORD, you are safe.
It can be very tiring trying to live up to other people’s expectations. Over the years, I have worked in the Gospel with many friends who have allowed fear of disappointing others keep them from obeying God and finding contentment in His life.
Interestingly enough, Jesus understands this clearly.
Luke 23:8-12-Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. 9 Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. 11 Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. 12 That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other.
Look at those words “vehemently accused.”
Notice that the chief priests and scribes followed Jesus from Pilate’s palace to Herod’s residence. When Jesus performed no miracle for Herod, the scribes and elders, most of whom belonged to the sect of the Sadducees who didn’t believe in the supernatural, seized the moment to start screaming and yelling uncontrollably. The word “vehemently” is the Greek word eutonus, meaning at full pitch, at full volume, strenuously, or vigorously. In other words, these religious leaders weren’t just slightly raising their voices; they were what we might call “screaming their heads off”! Most likely they were screaming accusations right in Jesus’ face, saying things like, “Some miracle worker You are! You have no power! You’re a fraud! If You can work miracles, why don’t You work one right now! You’re nothing but a charlatan!” That day Herod was left with the impression that Jesus was nothing more than a spiritual fraud. Because Jesus didn’t perform on demand as Herod wished, this governor’s expectations were dashed, causing him to unleash his rage against Jesus. In the short time that followed, Jesus took the full brunt of this wicked ruler’s wrath. I’m sure you’ve been in situations when you’ve been railed at because you failed to meet someone’s demands. Can you think of a time when something like this happened to you? How did you respond? Did you yell and scream back at that person when he vented his anger at you, or were you able to remain quiet and controlled as Jesus did that day before Herod Antipas and the chief priests and elders? Life will occasionally take you through difficult places. One of those hard places is when you discover that people are disappointed with your performance. If you find yourself in this kind of predicament, remember that Jesus failed to meet the expectations of Herod Antipas (although that was probably the only person whose expectations Jesus ever failed to meet)! When you find yourself in such a place, go hide yourself away for a few minutes and call out to the Lord. He has been there; He understands; and He will help you know how you must respond! (Rick Renner, Sparkling Gems From The Greek Vol. 1: 365 Greek Word Studies For Every Day Of The Year To Sharpen Your Understanding Of God’s Word, 6693-6708 (Kindle Edition): Tulsa, OK: Published In Partnership: Teach All Nations; Harrison House Publishers)
Jesus refused to be held hostage to the whims of Herod, or to those of the chief priests and scribes. He was focused on doing God’s work in the world.
John 9:4-I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.
This didn’t mean that Jesus didn’t go around brashly offending people or not considering their spiritual weaknesses. He bore all of our sins and struggles on the cross to become the perfect High Priest (Hebrews 5:8-9). But it DOES mean that the main One whose expectations we need to try and meet is the Lord Himself.
I want to hear these words someday:
Matthew 25:21-Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
Keep your focus on Jesus.
Lord, help us as we strive to walk with You. We need You! Amen.