Ever have those days where it feels like you just can’t make everyone happy?  No matter what you say or do, someone is mad, hurt, or offended?

Would it help you to know that Jesus – the Son of God – had plenty of those days, too?

The book of Luke holds a great example of this.  Luke recalls the story of a man who had been possessed by many demons.  Jesus set the man free – sending the demons into a herd of pigs nearby (that immediately ran themselves off a cliff and perished).

Eyewitnesses to this event sprinted into town to spread the word about what they’d just seen (which, to be fair, was probably pretty appalling to witness). 

The townsfolk made their way back to the place where the former demon-possessed man sat “…at Jesus’s feet, dressed and in his right mind.  And they were afraid.” (Luke 8:35)

“Meanwhile, the eyewitnesses reported to them how the demon-possessed man was delivered.  Then all the people of the Gerasene region asked Him to leave them, because they were gripped by great fear.” (vs. 36 & 37)

(Remember, a screaming herd of swine had recently thrown themselves off a cliff to their death.)

While the townsfolk were afraid and, as a result, looking to run Jesus out of town, the man whom Jesus had just delivered had quite a different reaction.

“…the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him earnestly to be with him…” (vs. 38)

How is it that within split seconds of each other some people wanted Jesus gone while another begged to stay with Him? 

Simply put, fear (the driving factor with the townsfolk) wreaks havoc on people’s ability to see clearly and understand what Jesus is doing or His motive for doing it.

But when Jesus touches people’s lives, delivering from sin, addiction, oppression, and darkness, the natural reaction is to want to stay as close to Him as possible!

In Luke’s account, both responses happened simultaneously to Jesus.  Is it possible for the same to happen to us at times?  Absolutely!  Ultimately, what keeps us grounded and focused is to remember Who we’re looking to please.

Like Jesus, our mission, call, and purpose is to love people and glorify God the Father.  Living in a broken world can make this challenging as feelings get hurt, actions can be misunderstood, and words can be twisted. 

You will not make everyone happy all the time.  If Jesus didn’t, you certainly won’t.  But, don’t let that stop you from doing good to all and letting your “light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!