THINK TOGETHER.
Do you remember what partiality is?
READ TOGETHER
Proverbs 24:23-24. 23These also are sayings of the wise. Partiality in judging is not good. 24Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,” will be cursed…
Earlier in this devotional we learned that showing partiality towards the rich over the poor is wrong. Here Solomon is talking about showing partiality to the wicked. Notice what he says – 24Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,” will be cursed. But why would anyone ever call a wicked person right? Why would someone side with the bad person over the good person?
When Jesus was put on trial the people sided with the wicked man Barabbas over Jesus. Pilate, the judge said “I will release one prisoner to you, either Jesus or the wicked criminal Barabbas.” And the people cried out for Barabbas to be set free, and for Jesus to be crucified. They showed partiality didn’t they? But why did they do that? Why choose the wicked Barabbas over the righteous Jesus? The book of Matthew says that they did it because they were jealous.
Matthew 27:18. For Pilate knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered Jesus up [to be crucified].
When we become envious of others we quickly begin to show partiality. Sometimes we want to hurt others who are good just because we are jealous of them. Or sometimes we might favor those who are bad because we want what they have. In Jesus’ case the rulers were jealous of all the attention Jesus was getting so they said that Barabbas was “right,” and that Jesus was “wrong.” And then the worst thing ever happened – Jesus was crucified. But that was also the best thing ever. Why? Because Jesus died for our sins on that cross. Now we never have to be jealous or envious, and we never have to show partiality. Why not? Because we can have everything we need from Jesus.
Because of Jesus we never have to be jealous of the wicked.
With Jesus we can avoid showing partiality toward the wicked.
DO SOMETHING TOGETHER
One of the best cures for jealousy and partiality is to have gratitude for what you have. Have everyone share something they have from God that they are grateful for.
PRAY TOGETHER
Jesus, you took my place on the cross so that I never have to feel jealous of others. Keep my heart from showing partiality toward others especially the wicked. Amen.
TLICfamily 