There is power in both “yes” and “no.” Jesus didn’t always say “yes” to everything that everyone wanted him to do. It was important for him, and it is important for us, to know when to say one or the other. He learned what to say and when to say it by listening to the Father and receiving His wisdom. We must do the same.

In the Gospel of Mark, starting in Mark 1:21-26, Jesus demonstrated his authority over demonic forces. A demon interrupted Jesus in the middle of His teaching. In the same way, the enemy wants to distract us. Jesus said “yes” to delivering the demoniac. He commanded it, and it happened. In verses 30-32, we see another power encounter when he healed Simon’s mother-in-law. After she was healed, she immediately began to serve (our New Life model). In verses 35-37, we see where Jesus received his strength–in his relationship with the Father through prayer. Sometimes we want the “cool stuff” of God but don’t want a relationship with Him.

Jesus, however, didn’t always say “yes” to the requests others made of him. In Mark 1:36-37, everyone in the town was looking for him because of the healings he had performed. Instead of staying in that town and continuing to do miracles there, Jesus said “no” to the request and went to other towns (vs. 38-39).

Like Jesus, we must also listen to God to understand when to say “yes” and “no.” Be free to say “no.” We are not bound to say yes to everything. Ask God. Everything isn’t an emergency. Failure happens when we try to please everybody. Saying “yes” to all equals chaos. In those instances, we are battling a fear of rejection and of not meeting others’ expectations. Pride occurs when we are relying on ourselves instead of God.

Remember these three truths? 1. Jesus had authority. 2. Jesus had come from God. 3. Jesus was returning to God. (review of last week)

In John 13 starting at verse 1, we see Jesus, near the end of his ministry, washing the disciples’ feet. Jesus says “yes” to God’s will, even though it was difficult. In verses 2-3, both Peter and Judas were doing Satan’s will. In verses 4-5, Peter says “no,” but Jesus says “yes.” In verse 10, Peter says “yes,” while Jesus says “no.” Jesus was confident in relationship with the father, and we need that too!

We can learn how to say “yes” and “no” as well. Once we understand who we are in Christ, we must get discernment from the Holy Spirit by spending time alone with God. Then we will be able to judge what the will of God is through prayer and the Word of God (Prov. 4:20, Heb. 4:12-13). Finally, we should seek godly counsel from mature believers.

Here’s the challenge: don’t believe the lies! Say “yes” to the Father. He is pleased with you! (Zeph. 3:17, Matt. 3:17, Matt. 25:21)