Shedding the Messiah Complex: A Letter to West Franklin

Last updated on: January 15, 2022 at 9:48 am by Matt Pearson

Shedding the Messiah Complex: A Letter to West Franklin 2022-01-15T09:48:36-05:00 Matt Pearson

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West Franklin Family,

The first thing out of John the Baptist’s mouth when asked who he was by religious leaders was, “I am not the Messiah” (John 1:20). Incredibly wise. Remarkably freeing.

We would all do well to start responding in like manner.

It’s not just that John knew who he was and who he wasn’t. He did and was very comfortable in his own skin. (I mean, think about it: anyone who eats bugs and wears camel hair clothes is definitely okay with who they are.) It’s more than that, however. He wasn’t the Messiah. That was certain. The Messiah title was taken. The Messiah title had been taken from eternity past and is reserved for eternity future. John the Baptist was not the Messiah. Never tried to be. Never wanted to be. He let Jesus carry the burden that that title bore. He was okay with letting Jesus do those things that only Jesus could do.

What about you? Are you okay admitting that you aren’t the Messiah? Sure. You know you aren’t the one God sent to save the world from its sins. But do you try to steal the title from Jesus in other ways? Do you think you have to be in control? Do you think you have to fix everything? Do you think if you don’t do something it will not get done the right way? Do you think it’s your job to fix that messed up person in your life? Do you think it’s your job to fix you when you mess up? Do you think it’s your job to change your spouse? Do you think it’s up to you to have to change the world? Is it your job to make sure your children are saved? Is it up to you to make sure everyone around you stays healthy? When they do get sick, is it up to you to provide healing?

Are you guilty of taking the Messiah title from Jesus and trying it on for size?

Let’s say this together (along with John the Baptist): “I am not the Messiah.” Yes. I’m serious. Say it out loud with me: “I am not the Messiah.” Take a deep breath. Give yourself a break. You aren’t the Savior of the World. You aren’t responsible for changing the world. You don’t have the power to fix someone. Be real: you can’t even fix yourself. You are not the Messiah. That title is already taken. Let Him do what He does best. Let Him rule and save and rescue and love. Let Him work in hearts and minds and lives and relationships. Let Him be the Messiah He is designated by God to be.

Relax your shoulders. Breathe. It’s going to be okay. You don’t have to fix it. You can’t change the world. That is all the Messiah’s job and He’s really good at it.

Oh yeah. The Messiah is also really good at giving grace. As a matter of fact, John says He’s full of it (see here and here). Why don’t you let Him do that for you too? Be kind to yourself. Be gracious to yourself. The Messiah is. All those resolutions you set two weeks ago that are already broken? That’s okay. Remember? You aren’t the Messiah of God. Go have an Oreo. Heck, have two. I read about a lady who had one resolution for all of 2022: have her children learn to brush their teeth before school. I like that. Seems doable. It also feels like she’s shed her Messiah complex.

And while we’re at it, West Franklin – let’s give each other grace too. Remember: none of us are the Messiah.

May Jesus Increase While We Decrease,

Pastor Matt

Please be “weather aware” and follow us on our website and social media (here and here) for updates regarding services tomorrow. If the weather cooperates, we will have our 8 AM, 9 AM, and 10:30 AM services in person. If we have to cancel in person gatherings – we WILL have a worship service go on-line some time in the morning.

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