We often associate the word, “yes,” with a positive mood. That simple word is the entrance for opportunity, the fulfillment of service, and the optimists’ answer. It has been ingrained in our minds that we do good by saying “yes” in our life. We believe that any other alternative is to suggest and promote a substandard spirit. Saying “no” truly is an art that one has to master. It isn’t used often, nor should it be, but needs to be expressed in the right situation.
Despite our natural tendency to say “yes,” we see the Messiah offer an attitude of “no” on several occasions. Here are two quick points in which Jesus rejected the plan at hand to stay true to God’s plan. While there are many other scriptures to infer Jesus’ opposition of a situation, these two examples serve as overarching areas in our life in which we need to tell others “no.”
Jesus Said “No” To The Crowds (Mark 1:35) – Prior to this passage, Jesus is seen healing many people. One great example that our Lord offers us is the departure from good deeds in order to nurture His personal relationship with the Father. Our inability to tell others that we aren’t available or we can’t help can sometimes stand in the way of our communion with God. Once more, Jesus was one who was consistently active in good deeds; though that didn’t stop Him from refusing the crowds at times.
Jesus Said “No” To Worldly Temptation (Matthew 4:1-11) – There’s a lot to be said in James’ sage wisdom of “resisting the devil and having him flee from you” and this example of Jesus fits that exhortation perfectly (James 4:7). Jesus resisted Satan three times and he eventually fled. Unfortunately, we are too eager to say “yes” to temptation, and the Devil seldom needs a second chance to persuade us into our desires. We can be entrapped by the temptation of sin where we think our only option is to say “yes,” but we must be resilient in our remembrance that “no” is always an alternative.
I believe we can learn a lot from Jesus’ approach in how he handled His time. He was often seen with His disciples as they ministered to those in need, but He also made sure to take time for His connection to God. In addition to that, Jesus resisted the devil and by doing so, was able to offer a perfect sacrifice for humanity. Can our “yes” take us away from God or completely burn us out of performing good deeds? Can our “yes” not only entangle us in sin, but also lead others to the doorpost of Satan as well? We must be diligent in our responses to this life, and not agreeing to a situation just to have the mind of an optimist or an opportunist.
Tyler King