Devotional
Christmas cards and nativity scenes paint a beautiful picture of baby Jesus – peaceful, gentle, and non-threatening. There’s something comforting about this image that draws us in year after year. But here’s the reality we often miss: the baby in the manger grew up to be a man who would challenge everything about how we live. The adult Jesus doesn’t fit neatly into our comfortable categories. He doesn’t simply offer warm feelings or inspirational quotes. Instead, He confronts our priorities, challenges our assumptions, and calls us to a life that looks radically different from what the world offers. Many of us prefer the baby Jesus because He feels safe. A baby can’t ask us to change our spending habits, forgive that person who hurt us, or surrender our dreams for His purposes. But a Jesus who can’t challenge us is also a Jesus who can’t transform us. The beautiful truth is that transformation is exactly what we need. We weren’t created to stay as we are – comfortable in our routines, settled in our selfishness, content with mediocrity. We were made for so much more. When we embrace the grown-up Jesus – the one who speaks truth, sets boundaries, and calls us higher – we discover that His challenges aren’t meant to restrict us but to free us. His confrontation isn’t condemnation; it’s an invitation to become who we were always meant to be. Today, consider whether you’ve been keeping Jesus at a safe distance. Are you drawn to a version of Him that never makes you uncomfortable? The Jesus of the Gospels offers something far better than comfort – He offers transformation.
Bible Verse
‘As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.’ – Mark 1:16-18
Reflection Question
In what areas of your life have you been keeping Jesus at a comfortable distance, and what would it look like to invite His transforming presence into those spaces?
Quote
“Everybody loves Baby Jesus. And here’s the other reason. Baby Jesus is no threat to you. Baby Jesus can’t confront you and can’t challenge you. But a Jesus that can’t confront you and can’t challenge you is also a Jesus who can’t transform you and change you into who he wants you to be.” – Pastor Jerry Madden
Prayer
Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I’ve preferred a safe, distant version of You over the real You who calls me to transformation. Give me courage to embrace Your challenges as invitations to become who You created me to be. Help me trust that Your confrontation comes from love, not condemnation. Amen.